Shuffling to the boys waterfront, campers and counselors from boys side prepare for one of the greatest traditions at Camp Starlight: the opening boys campfire. The water of the lake slows down steady and the tee pee pile of logs rest next to the beach. All the boys sit huddled around the logs of wood, looking up to see if the night stars have peaked through the clouds resting on the navy and royal blue sky. Listening to the Head Counselor Jason lead cheers and songs, none of the campers have yet to notice the missing Upper Senior boys who have sneaked out to the other side of the Lake while the rest of the camp headed to the waterfront. The Upper Senior boys have secretly descended upon multiple war canoes as coordinated by the director of the camp, David. Silently wading through the still lake water, the canoes carry the Upper Senior boys from one side of the lake to the other, their shadows encroaching further and further to the rest of boys side. The only hint that anyone was moving along the lake was the single lit torch held by camp director David in the front, leading the Upper Seniors across the water.
Once the Upper Seniors land ashore, David begins to light the fire; passing off the lit torch to every Upper Senior as well to take part in lighting the enormous campfire. The campfire requires the spirit of the campers that have spent the most summers here at Starlight, they are the individuals that understand the values of the camp best and have the strength to carry these traditions forward. The fire rages and the flames shoot upward, igniting an electric mood across the waterfront. What makes this fire so powerful is that when every Upper Senior boy reaches the torch into the wood, they announce why they are spending one last summer at camp and what has been their favorite memories at this special place. Many Upper Seniors recount how they wanted one last summer with their brothers behind them or to experience the traditions they have grown to love and cherish Their memories and emotions fuel a powerful fire and inspire all the younger campers, especially the groups from lower camp, to get ready for the summer of a lifetime. The Upper Senior’s tradition enables the younger campers to look forward to experiencing the same amazing time at summer and to create similar memories with their friends. Most importantly of all, this allows for them to eagerly anticipate the day they get to light their own campfire and to feel that same power within them.
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