Sunday Snippet: The Freedom of WeHaKee!
It’s that time again– take a few minutes this sunny Sunday afternoon to hear what camp’s Directors have to say about the great camp community already forming this session!
Session 3 has settled in nicely and the girls are flowing through camp enjoying Day 2 of their activities. It is always amazing to see how quickly the WeHaKee community comes together at the beginning of each session. And it’s heartening to see the returning girls live the concept of ‘All Are Welcome’ by helping the new campers adjust and feel a strong sense of belonging right away. This welcoming nature is truly the core of WeHaKee’s culture!
Another element of the WeHaKee experience is a sense of freedom. Yes, we have a few rules that one could argue may restrict one’s definition of freedom – can’t wander around camp alone, have to go to the bathroom with a buddy, only allowed in your cabin and not others, please walk to the dessert table and so on – but these are in place to assure we return each camper to their families safe and undamaged. The true freedom lies in providing a community, an environment where girls can be and feel free to let their true selves blossom. What might be considered beyond the narrow social norms in some communities (such as school, neighborhood, etc.) is openly embraced and celebrated at WeHaKee. It’s always fascinating to see how quickly make-up, clothing with the ‘right’ labels and other superficial adornments are set aside once the campers settle into their camp family (cabin group) and community! The pressures to conform to narrow expectations crumble under endless opportunities to meet new friends, try new things and learn new skills!
The freedom to be is essential for girls to successfully build their independence and individuality. And with a deeper sense of independence and Self-acceptance, it provides the strength and tenacity to continue these feelings of self-worth beyond the camp experience and overcome the restrictive norms faced elsewhere. And that is the essence of why the Camp WeHaKee experience is so powerful and critically important for girls
People will often ask us or other camper parents “Why in the world would you send your daughter away for two or four weeks?” At WeHaKee, by providing a safe place to be one’s true self, we have created a place where people now ask “Why in the world would you NOT send your daughter to WeHaKee?”!
Visit again next Sunday to hear more from our Directors!
