On most mornings, as the sun rises over Camp Starlight, all is quiet and almost everyone is still sleeping. There is one annual event that brings the campus alive bright and early, however, and everyone is there to celebrate the one thing that spells DELISH! (as in delicious) in the minds of every Starlighter. That’s right. We’re speaking of Camp Starlight’s favorite (Dare we say official?) melon: cantaloupe. Cantaloupe is more than just the tasty conclusion to Friday evening meals at Camp Starlight. It’s also the theme of the annual Slope for Lope, a (roughly) 2K walk/run to celebrate cantaloupe.
The Slope for Lope is no small affair. This year, in fact, 462 staff members and campers made their way to the Main Office on the morning of July 31st to pick up their numbers before being escorted to the starting line at the end of the camp road. Upon being given the queue to start, participants make their way back up the road, and traverse a specially designed course that takes them around campus before they arrive at the finish line which is, naturally, in front of the Dining Hall. And what’s the reward for their efforts? Cantaloupe, of course, and a bracelet marking their accomplishment in finishing the “race.” As an exclusive souvenir that can only be obtained by participating in the Camp Starlight Slope for Lope, the bracelet is a much coveted item.
As much as it is a fun activity, the Slope for Lope is also a way to promote healthy fitness habits to campers. Possibly the most impressive aspect of the efforts of the campers and staff who participate in the Slope for Lope is that “slope” is the operative word when it comes to this particular run/walk. The first half of the race is uphill and, once on campus, participants make their away over a course that slopes downward and upward all the way to the finish line. Even those who are unable to run the race enjoy walking it with their friends and counselors and crossing the finish line together. What better way to begin your morning than a refreshing walk/run with friends and a yummy piece of L-O-P-E!
