“[So and so] is such a natural,” and demanding perfection from the outset. Luckily, that summer’s Landsports department benefitted from Dana Chapin, a counselor I looked up to greatly.
In her easygoing way, Dana helped me turn down the volume on my unhelpful stories and stay focused. She had me set small goals like reaching another tree ahead of me and setting a pace I could sustain. Over time, these small adjustments made a big difference. I felt stronger and more confident in myself. With this support, I decided to set a big, scary goal for myself: running 100 miles during my Club Summer.
It flipped a switch in me for probably the first time in my life, I had to plan in advance to get enough miles in. I had to show up, rain or shine. I had to forgo free time and other things to knock off two more measly miles. But with consistency, they all added up.
In time, Lanakila caught on and whoever was sitting on the front porch cheered each time I ran by. My Club showed up over and over to run with me. And when I finally ran back to Aloha to complete my last mile, the whole camp was there cheering. It was incredible.
When Aloha is doing what it does best, the entire community lifts you up and celebrates you not so much for the achievement itself, but rather for the determination, grit and most importantly, for daring to make your dream a reality.
This experience helped me understand that dreaming big is brave, because in a way it is saying, “I am betting on myself.” It doesn’t always feel like self-confidence, but rather it’s the faith in knowing that you have done hard things before, and you can do them again.
I saw this in big and small ways throughout the summer of 2023: people going for ranks (first ranks all the way up to high ranks), trying out for Legally Blonde, putting a piece of work in the art show or auction, and performing at Aloha Entertains. I saw it when two Clubbers had a fun idea for an evening program that became an epic night (with plenty of tug-of-war hilarity). I saw it when people came to me with suggestions of how to make things feel even better at Aloha.
It’s what ultimately led to me applying to become your director. It is what I hope Aloha’s support can continue to unleash and nurture within each of you, inside and outside of camp.
So, what is your 100 Mile dream? Take a moment to imagine yourself accomplishing it how that feels and what possibilities it opens.
I encourage you to bet on yourself this year and remember that we, Aloha, are behind you, betting on you too.
I hope that I’ll get to see you at camp next summer, because now that I’m back I am hooked and feeling totally campsick!
Aloha,
CHOOSING CURIOSITY
This past summer we talked about choosing curiosity at camp. Are you still choosing curiosity at home? We asked some of you how you chose curiosity at Aloha this is what you had to say!
“I chose curiosity this summer by swimming the gravel pit. Although swimming was my favorite department last summer, I had never taken it seriously enough to do lake swims or ranks. I never knew I could do anything like that. By choosing curiosity I discovered a side of myself I didn’t know I had. I will definitely be doing more lake swims next summer!”
Livi Britt, Crossroads
“I was always very curious when new activities were announced. There was one activity called “Horseona” ...how can you not be curious about finding out what that is? So glad I did, it was so much fun, I will probably remember it forever. I was the only camper that turned up as it was a crazy hot day and everyone was on the waterfront, but a group of counselors turned up too, we laughed so much, so glad I was curious about it!”
Tiggy Malheiro, Pines
“I chose curiosity by trying out crew this summer; it is a new thing for me and it was very fun.”
Ada Lewis, Pines
“I decided to choose curiosity by taking on the role of department head this summer. While this came with its own challenges and learning experiences, I am so glad I did it. I learned so much about Aloha’s history and gained a deeper appreciation for what it means to be a counselor. Most importantly, I got to meet some truly exceptional campers who made my experience as a department head special. I’m so excited to use what I learned to make next summer in the Art Barn even better!”
Amanda Lancaster, Head of Arts & Crafts
“I chose curiosity by coming to Aloha because I was not sure I wanted to go but I did and now I love it here.”
Ella Ryan, Crossroads
“I chose curiosity at Aloha this summer by diving into every activity and event full throttle, even when I knew I was outside of my comfort zone. More broadly, I was curious and trusted my gut to come back for my second summer, and it was the best decision I ever made. I can’t wait for summer 2024!”
Rhys Donnelly, Landsports Counselor
Only Green Shorts in the Hale top-rated true crime podcast from the 05045, with hosts, Cher Missouri & Flye Squadron
Episode 1: The Case of the Lost Jibbit
A croc, no feet to be seen.
Color: Bone. Size: 8 and a half. Holes exposed, naked, vulnerable. Dirt covers every inch of the shoe besides a clean outline, at the space right overtop the big toe.
A shape reveals the remnants of something strangely shaped. Something irreplaceable.
Something unthinkable to lose: a Jibbit from her tentmate last year. A canoe paddle Jibbit with a grip that broke off after she tripped on her Crawford last year.
One must wonder who took this priceless heirloom? Where and when did this wrongdoing occur? What was the motive behind such a heinous crime?
And how would the accessories on Netta Boggs’ crocs ever be in balance again?
Stay tuned as we answer these questions and more on Only Green Shorts in The Hale…
You know the songs! Can you fill in the blanks with the correct lyric and then find it in the wordsearch? Answers are on the back cover if you need a hint!
Here on the water
Cara Latham
Here, on the water, surrounded by the , Here, on the water, I look around. The colors shimmer and change with every , And fills my with its sound,
Chorus:
And I can sing, and I can play.
I feel a that lasts throughout the day, And I choose joy, and I choose , And when I look inside of me, I am who I want to be And on this lake in the , surrounded by the trees, I am joy, I am rest, I am happy, I am , I am free as I can be, and surrounded by the beauty, I am to be me.
Here, on the water, surrounded by the , Here, on the water, I look around.
There’s time to , to think and to notice, Away from the cares of I can slow down.
Answers on page 8
1: The Case of the Lost Jibbit, Part 3
Welcome back to Only Green Shorts in the Hale
Last we spoke, Lexie’s name was cleared. The criminal was still on the loose.
Lexie, finally able to start announcements prepares the group for yet another rainstorm. Groans from the crowd, but then something else. Something sinister… deep coughs from the head of the waterfront.
John McFadden is choking on his hefty slice of delicious Shel bread.
A hush from the crowd. Many WFA trained counselors run to John’s aid. And just as they arrive, something flies out of his mouth and into the grass.
A small canoe paddle Jibbit, without a grip.
