In many ways, camp mirrors society. We uphold a set of core principles that put a premium on character, compassion, leadership and grit. Yet in the end, camp is thankfully just camp. It is a place where kids can have tons of fun, discover themselves without judgment, and seek the joy of being alive.

As the true impact of the vote reverberated across the call, the disappointment was immense. At the same time, we took comfort in knowing that we had made the correct decision.

Each set of bustles requires between 35 and 40 hours of labor. Many are dedicated to our distinguished traditions and alumni, and all are reserved for Kooch-i-ching’s most deserving dancers.

He made it about three-fourths of the way across the field before he got stuck. By the time I caught up to him, all that was left was his prosthetic leg, standing at attention, peeking out of the snowpack.

“At one point, James’ boots, socks and pants were completely frozen.” Axel recalls. “I still remember him saying, ‘Everything is frozen. I am not having fun anymore!’ I could not stop laughing.”

To stay relevant, we must strive to be best-in-class, to be year-round, and to reach as many young people as possible.

First and foremost, we built Ogichi’s entire campus: over 30 buildings and a tapestry of docks, pathways and landscaping to tie them all together.

This May, I will once again pack my three outfits—work Carhartts, evening Carhartts, and going-to-town Levi’s—and, with the faithful Jasper, head north.