Old Value #1: Camp Is A Paradise And Should Be Kept That Way - By Joe Menter
For those of us that have had the pleasure of reading Buck’s “autobiography” of Chikopi and Ak-O-Mak, or those of us fortunate enough to own a copy, you will have read the introduction by former camper and counselor Mike Mullins, who attended Chikopi in the 1970’s. Mike talked about the five “Old Values” that guide camp. Over the next few newsletters I’d like to share those “Old Values” with everyone as I think they really express what camp is all about.
Chikopi is a paradise, but probably not in the way that most people think, with palm trees, warm turquoise water, and white sandy beaches. It is a paradise of its own kind. It is the kind of place where you can get out of it what you put into it, and then some. It is the kind of place, where the blood, sweat, and tears of summer teach us the lessons that develop us into mature men. One thing that Chikopi does have in common with the paradise of which most people think is, that it is hard to leave. Come Wednesday morning after banquet, it is bittersweet to get on that bus to the airport or in the car for the ride home. Yes, it will be nice to get home to your own bed, family and friends, but we will miss the traditions, the goals accomplished, the lessons learned, the friends made and the plain old fun that Chikopi has given us over the summer. Our paradise is one that even when you leave you can still take advantage of the benefits and lessons learned over the summer. Hopefully while you are at home over the winter you are working hard in school and athletics, you are putting to use the lessons you learned at Chikopi.
