Then and Now: Sailing Away!

Over the past 90 years, one of the most consistent elements of the WeHaKee Camp for Girls experience has been the offering of a wide variety of activities. The thinking has always been, provide girls with a vast array of activities to choose from to allow them the range to discover their talents, gifts, and interests. Some of those activities have come and gone over the years, but one that has remained constantly popular throughout the decades has been sailing.

The beauty of sailing, particularly at WeHaKee, is that it is an activity that requires one to not only learn individual skills and techniques but also learn to work well with others as a team. Whenever we ask girls how their sailing activity was, they almost always begin their sharing with ‘We’. It is clearly a team-building activity, but more importantly, it becomes about bonding with those with whom you spend time on the water.

Even in the event of a mishap, the sailors return with smiles on their faces showing they can’t wait to get out there again and give it another go! When a lanyard breaks or the wind causes a tip, the girls need to problem-solve together to resolve the issue and return safely to shore. It’s always a thrill to see the joy in their faces when they return from a challenge on the water ~ it’s almost a place of honor to come to lunch late because your sailing group was put to the test on the lake, yet you made it back safe and sound!

Sailing is an excellent metaphor for the WeHaKee experience. You begin with some apprehension, yet excitement, not sure what the results of your first try will be. You gain confidence as you begin to succeed in the water. With the help and support of others, you deal with the challenges that may come your way. And you develop a deeper sense of self-confidence and independence when you return to the confines of land. It’s a perfect fit for WeHaKee and has been for 90 years!

Thank you again for reading. God Bless and have a wonderful day!