Arrival day is a pretty special day for everyone at Camp Starlight. For the counselors it’s the day we’ve all been waiting for – without the campers it feels like something is missing. Right after lunch everyone met on the soccer field to prepare for arrivals. Greeting posters ready, the music playing, and cheers and chants ringing out across camp, it seemed like ages before the first bus arrived from Baltimore.
Evan from Boys Bunk 9 was one of the first off the bus and set the tone for the afternoon by sprinting the full length of the soccer field to meet his new counselors. Arrival celebrations then ranged from hugs and high fives to kissing the floor and cartwheels. No matter how a camper chose to mark the occasion, they were all greeted with the infectious enthusiasm of our counselor staff and made to feel welcome whether new or a returner. David and Allison personally greet each bus and were there with hugs and handholding for our youngest campers.
The buses from other locations followed in quick succession and before we knew it camp was buzzing with the sound of summer. Some campers chose to play soccer and lacrosse while others simply sat, played games and chatted. It was just like being at a family reunion and that’s what Camp Starlight is all about – we are one big family for the summer.
Later in the day all campers headed off to see their bunks with their counselors, excited about the prospect of what the summer will bring and looking forward to the opening night show. Thank you campers – you’ve brought that something special with you which makes camp great and we are so excited about spending the summer with you all.
Tags: first day of summer camp, greeting summer campers, meeting camp counselors for first time, opening day summer camp, summer camp arrival day
