 Alumni End is the center of many camp activities |
A TYPICAL DAY
The daily routine of Choconut is regular enough to provide a sense of stability
and security, but flexible enough to allow for events such as all day games
and camping trips. The boys are up at 7:30, have breakfast at eight and do
chores afterward. Mornings are divided into two period for assigned activities.
After lunch, there is Rest Hour and free time in the afternoon. There are
games or other activities in the evening. Through the years, this mix of assigned
periods, free times, and special activities has proven an ideal balance in
the Choconut day.
Lunch is preceded by jury, a meeting of all campers and the director, but
no counselors or other guests. At Jury, the boys discuss any topic they wish,
and have a chance to express themselves on the camp and activities. They make
suggestions for things they'd like to do, help plan the activities, and work
out problems among themselves.
Since Jury is held every day, the director has a chance to hear ideas and
suggestions while they are fresh, and the boys get to know everything that
is happening so they don't miss a favorite event. Perhaps unique in camping,
Jury is a means of developing a strong sense of participation and gives boys
the feeling that Choconut belongs to them.
The cool, clear waters of the natural, glacier-created lake are used exclusively
by the camp, and no motorboats of any kind are permitted. Campers have swimming
and boating periods every day. The activities are closely supervised. Campers
are not permitted at the lake unless the "lake flag" is flying and the waterfront
staff is present. Swimming counselors qualify as Red Cross instructors, and
all campers, no matter how skilled, ar given instruction on swimming and water
safety. In addition to swimming, sailing, and canoeing, there is good fishing
at the lake. One summer, two campers caught enough large-mouth bass to feed
the entire camp.
On a daily basis, Camp Choconut offers an unusual opportunity for a boy to
enjoy doing the things he likes to do while learning much about himself and
the world around him. In finding out, he learns to succeed, to be useful,
and to gain strength as an individual while participating as a member of a
group.
