The Joys of a Timanous Sunday

It’s a beautiful Wednesday afternoon here at camp as I write. We are so fortunate to have wonderful weather and happy campers- a perfect mix for summer fun! Camp is full of activity right now. We have a guest instructor here to introduce us to Pickleball. Panther Pond is warming up perfectly for swims, and tonight is our traditional “Jimmy” buffet dinner. The Aides are about to return from their trip to Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin, with the Crows and Ravens out on their camping trips. The Falcons leave on Thursday while the Crows return. 

We hope you enjoy the following “guest blog” from counselor Kevin Seiter as he shares his appreciation for our Sunday traditions. 

    Sundays at Timanous are unique from any other day of the week at camp.  They are a day in which the entire camp takes a break from the daily routine of fun activities to reflect on the past week.  The main difference in the program from a normal day is the addition of Chapel in the morning  and Council Fire that evening, two weekly events that are integral to the Timanous experience.  
    Chapels at Timanous are non-religious and consist of a head counselor addressing the whole camp with a predesigned speech that touches on that counselor’s topic of choice.  These topics can range from stories of that counselor’s own camper experience, to broader ideas such as the importance of family and living in the moment.  The older that I get, the more I learn to appreciate Chapel.  Nowhere else in the world can you absorb life lessons from people with such a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, and experiences.  Listening to the lessons of a Chapel while staring up at the swaying pine trees is a truly sensational experience. 
 Council Fire brings up many of the same feelings of nostalgia and spirituality that Chapel invokes.  Standing in the same circle where generations of campers have stood before you gives context to why so many people return year after year. The glow of the fire and the thoughtful commendations from counselors recognizing camper acts of kindness and perseverance create a powerful setting for reflection on the past week and the weeks ahead. 
 Sundays at Timanous can be perfectly summed up by the message of the Timanous Prayer - a day in which we reflect and give thanks for the opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t have been possible without Timanous. 
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       - Kevin Seiter