I have been spending a lot of time alone, working from home and thinking about all of the things for which I am grateful. Feeling grateful for what I have instead of focusing on what has changed and caused disruption and inconvenience takes a lot of energy. I can so easily start thinking about the losses and get weighed down in the uncertainty and overwhelming sadness about life as we know it right now.
And then, this week was the week. As a member of the Mechuwana Site Committee and the person who manages Mechuwana’s website and social media, including email blasts, I knew this week would be hard. This is the week we contacted Mechuwana campers, parents, volunteers, and supporters to say that with very heavy hearts, we were announcing the closing of camp for the summer season. Thinking about a summer with no Mechuwana was like a punch in the gut. Even though I knew it was coming and I could brace for it and prepare myself, it hurt nonetheless.
What brings me hope and some moments of peace during this pandemic is thinking about camp and looking at camp photos. I think about sitting on the boat dock or waking up in my room on the Lodge porch to the call of the loons. I think of uncontrollable laughter and singing showtunes late at night with Lisa Swett the summers we roomed together…some of the biggest laughter was when we were tormenting her brother, Peter, who was on staff with us.
And know that as much as you are going to miss camp this summer…camp is going to miss you even more. We look forward to seeing you at camp each time you drive down Mechuwana Lane. We love seeing you in the registration line for your week of camp. We love seeing you at meals, swimming at the waterfront, walking on the Owl Trail, and singing around the campfire. We know that we won’t have those moments this summer, for your health and safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers. But know that we are here, rooting for you, praying for you, and hoping that you will be back on our 200 wooded acres on the shore of Lower Narrows…or as we call it, Mechuwana Pond, as soon as possible.