The use of the word ‘Camp’ has taken some strange twists and turns over the past few decades. For most of us traditionalists, when we say ‘Camp’, we think of organizations such as William Lawrence where we ‘sleepaway’, live independently of our parents, learn and play in the outdoors, sleep in cabins, chant and sing songs, develop lifelong friends, learn helpful skills and truly grow as a person.
Nowadays, ‘Camp’ means a whole myriad of things, strangely dissimilar to what history has called ‘Camp. ‘ There are lacrosse and hockey camps, skateboard and computer camps; you name it, the word ‘Camp’ is used. These specialty camps are short-term residential or day camps. Nowadays, most of those using the term ‘Camp’ have nothing in common with nor offer anywhere near the value of the traditional New England Camp.
Proudly we stand to say: William Lawrence is CAMP. We know the value of such an experience and we know that society would be best served if all children went away to CAMP. A week of lacrosse camp is not a substitute for the awesome value of real CAMP. I would think that we would want a society of well-rounded, naturally intelligent citizens versus a really good lacrosse player. So make sure when you are talking with families that have boys that you share your passion for real CAMP. It will benefit all of us.
Nat
Read the entire Spring 2014 Knoll News by clicking here!
