Pine Cove 2021

This past Sunday afternoon we made our way to Columbus to drop Camden off at Pine Cove. He had been looking forward to this day for months. I was so excited for him remembering how much fun I had at church camp when I was his age. We had spent several weeks gathering all the things he needed to make his first time at camp a success.

Everything Camden could possibly need was packed into his trunk with all of his bedding supplies nicely placed into his laundry bag. Unbenounced to him, I made a special care package with all sorts of snacks in it as well as 3 different letter for him to open and read through out the week.

A lot of the camp staff were lining the
entrance dancing, chanting and welcoming in the campers.

Wagga Wagga -
Camden's home for the next week.

Camden, Cole and Thanos (his counselor)

Once we arrived to his cabin, we met Camden's counselor, Thanos (his real name would not be revealed until the day before the boys came home). We found out that he was from Alabama and attended Auburn.  Once we got Camden situated in his room, we were pleased to find out that not only was his best friend Cole in his room, but so were three of his buddies from school. So, 5 out of the 8 boys in his cabin were from his school.  Camden then he got into his bathing suit to head to the pool One of the first things the campers had to do was pass a swimming test. After the test, we made our way to the camp store to buy a shirt. We then said our good byes and Camden and Cole headed back towards their cabin and never looked back. 

Luckily every morning, Pine Cove posted pictures from the day prior. I would daily scour the app looking for a glimpse of Camden. From the following pictures, you can tell he was all smiles and living his best life.

Can you guess what the theme
was for the first night?

Pickle ball fun

I was super proud of Camden for doing the rock
climbing wall. He was not so sure he wanted to
because he is not fond of heights, but he assured me
before I left that he was going to try all sorts of new things,
including the rock climbing wall. 

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday Camde read his hand written letters from us, while on Tuesday and Thursday I was able to send him a message through the Pine Cove App. He was able to write two letters to us through the app and we received them on Wednesday and Friday. 

Disney night was his favorite night!

I put money on his account for the store, and he had 
no problem spending it. :) He did think of his 
brother and bought Casen the ball he is holding
in this picture. 

Another treasured letter!

The last night they all dressed 'nice'. 

Trennan, Cooper, Camden, Tyce and Cole

I was so excited to see Camden on Saturday and couldn't wait to hear all about camp. At the end of the week, each counselor writes a few sentences for each of their campers affirming the character qualities (or CQs) seen in them that week. When we arrived Thanos read Camden's CQs aloud for us all to hear. It really was a special moment and I love that others can see some of the same amazing qualities I see in my children.

Zane (Thanos) and Camden

While  Camden was away at camp, Pine Cove's 'Camp in the City' came to town. Casen had a great time going to camp all day from 8:00 - 4:00. The rain kept them from doing a few activities outdoors that they previously had planned, but that didn't stop the fun or learning. They did not post near as many pictures of Casen, but he had an amazing time. 

Casen's counselor was Sharp Shooter and on the last day he was given character qualities as well. When Sharp Shooter presented Casen with his CQs he said "Casen is polite, showing high regards for others feelings. He is hopeful, desiring the best in challenging situations and he is cooperative, showing real interest in the needs of his peers." Such a special time for both the counselor, camper and the parents. 

This week has been a great week for both boys. Casen is looking forward to when he can go away to camp and Camden is already counting down the days to go next year.