Camp Kittimaquundi, a unique summer experience for girls entering 4th-8th grade, was back in action this summer from August 8th through the 13th. The picturesque West River Center, a magnificent site of woodlands, natural wildlife areas and one mile of waterfront on the West River, was the setting for the week-long adventure. With the 2021 camp theme: MOVING AHEAD! – Camp Kitti aimed to encourage campers and help them develop the Christian and human virtues necessary for becoming a positive influence on family, friends and society. Stonecrest Correspondent, Cecilia Smith, caught up with staff and campers for this special report:
2021 Director: Ginny Boles (GB, former camper and counselor at Camp Kittimaquundi)
The Spark: What are the main benefits to campers here?
GB: Hopefully, the same benefits that I myself got as a former camper and counselor. You realize that God can be part of every moment of every single day, and not just Sunday Mass, since there is a chapel on site. I remember when I was a camper, we were playing an intense soccer game in 90 degree heat. Our counselor brought us on a water break and we then stopped by the chapel to say “hi” to Jesus. The virtue talks were also very helpful because they were practical. The girls can take the lessons they learn here and apply them to everyday life. The “Camp Code” also translates to everyday life. I still say to myself even now: be punctual, be friends with everyone, be strong, don’t complain, encourage others. Once you’ve lived the code for a week here at camp, you really do live it for the rest of your life.
The Spark: What is the impact of returning in person after 2020?
GB: It has been awesome! For some of the campers, this is their first time being around other girls their age in a year-and-a–half. West River Center has been key in helping us to make camp feel as normal as possible. We are doing most activities outside, including Mass and meals. I think the girls feel more free and we can provide them with a normal camp experience. We don’t have any returning counselors this year. This year’s staff are really rising to the challenge and it is impressive. Yesterday, we had a thunderstorm and had to cancel activities during the storm. The counselors took the girls back to the cabins and organized games for nearly two hours and kept the girls happy and entertained. That shows how generous and fun they are.
The Spark: Are there any goals this year for staff at camp?
GB: We have really worked on living the code individually as staff and counselors. So, during counselor training we went through the code to determine how we can personally apply it to our everyday lives. Camp is not a bubble – the girls gain experience for life. The counselors try to live it at home throughout the year so they bring it to camp. We do an examination of conscience every night and reflect on how we’ve lived up to the code each day.
The Camp Code
1. Be punctual.
2. Be everyone’s friend and think of others.
3. Be orderly. A place for everything and everything in it’s place.
4. Play to win and learn to lose.
5. Have a continuous spirit of service.
6. Be cheerful, be strong, don’t complain, encourage others.
7. Always be feminine.
8. Be sincere, tell the truth no matter how hard it may be.
9. Be responsible and fulfill your tasks.
10. Respect all authority and be prompt to obey.
The Spark: You’re involved both with Stonecrest Center and Camp Kitti – what are some similarities between the two in terms of virtues or themes you emphasize?
GB: They both have the same mission. Each day is an opportunity for excellence. Camp is such a great time for counselors to practice this idea. They learn to offer their day to God. Intensity of training for the counselors really bonds them, and they rely on each other to stay on track. They can practice these things during the year at Stonecrest through activities there.
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