Hi Juniors Families,
While I’m happy to be sharing the excitement of the past week with you, I’m also hit with waves of sadness at the bittersweet reality of this being my last blog, meaning only one thing - Departure Day is just around the corner. In just seven short days, your girls will be heading back to you with full hearts, new friendships, and sweet memories that will last a lifetime. Before we say goodbye, we’ve been busy making the most of every last moment together.
One of the highlights of our week was the Juniors Camp Out by the waterfront. It was such a hit with your girls! We roasted gooey s’mores, shared flashlight stories, counted stars and enjoyed an open air movie. The excitement really bubbled over when the girls moved into their tents - all the bunks mixed together for the night, filling the air with giggles, happy chatter, and high energy. Whispers were shared late into the night, stuffies enjoyed their own sleepovers, and friendships blossomed in the most sweet and playful ways.
The most magical moment for me came as the counselors prepared the fire and s’mores. The girls arrived hand in hand, joyfully chanting the campfire entry song traditionally led by our Romrec girls each week. Completely unprompted, our Juniors mimicked the Romrecers, changing the lyrics to “Hey Juniors, somebody’s calling your name, hey Juniors, I think I hear it again,” before circling the fire and pairing up to share their names, their favorite camp memories, and the campfire song they would be singing. Cue one of those heart explosions I mention so frequently! That moment perfectly captured the heart of camp - the deep sense of belonging, the joy of tradition, and the beautiful way our youngest campers have become part of this wonderful camp family.
This week we are also experiencing the excitement of Olympics - a three day event filled with singing, spirit and friendly competition. Campers of all ages are mixed into country teams, and decked out in their team colours, working together to compete, cheer, and celebrate each other’s victories. None of which can begin until Olympics officially ‘breaks out’. Of course, before the real breakout happened, we were tricked by a few ‘fake outs’. The Group Heads staged one of their own, and let’s just say… our girls shared a mix of surprise and playful grumbling when they realised it wasn’t the real thing. How could I trick them like that?! Hehe.
Olympics also brings our quirky Silent Lunch to life, a hilarious mealtime where everyone communicates without speaking and the Trainees do their best to help us slip up. There was a lot of exaggerated miming, plenty of giggles, and a few very creative hand gestures to ask for seconds and sweets.
While Romacan traditions are loved and adored, we’ve had fun creating some exciting new experiences for our Juniors recently. We have introduced Mix Up Mondays where the girls have the chance to sit with anyone in the division at meal times instead of only their own bunkmates. It’s been such a fun way to see new friendships forming and something different brought to the table - literally.
I’ve also introduced the ‘Group Head’s Greatest Helper’, where each morning I select one Junior who has been especially kind and wonderful, to be ‘me’ for the day. These lucky girls get to wear a staff shirt, carry my radio, and take on my Group Head duties - from making announcements to scoring bunk tidiness, and even being allowed to radio one staff member of their choice for a VIP chat. The girls have absolutely loved this special opportunity to be leaders for the day, and having all the staff say “Hello Group Head” around camp brings smiles from ear to ear. It’s been a joy to see them glow with pride as they take on these grown up tasks and bask in the reward and appreciation of being their wonderful selves.
As we head into our last days, we’ve also started some of our treasured end of summer traditions. One of these is writing Bus Notes - where each camper writes a note to another to say thank you, share a favorite memory, or offer a sweet goodbye. They’ll open them on the ride home, and I can already tell there will be many happy smiles and maybe even some happy tears for the friendships and memories they made.
As I look back on this summer, I feel so grateful for each and every one of these wonderful girls and all that they’ve taught me. They have brought endless laughter, kindness, and joy and have reminded us all what truly matters - to have fun, cherish every moment, and treasure the friendships we build. Friendship and connection are always special, until you see them through a Junior’s eyes, then they become magic.
From the biggest all camp events to the quiet and special little moments in between - I will never forget the impact your girls have made on my life. They are leaving us all more hopeful, inspired and grateful. What a special group, and what an unforgettable summer! Here’s to the moments and memories your girls will hold for a lifetime as they remember their Junior summer at Camp Romaca!
Warmest,
Amber xo