meet week

This is one of the most looked forward to times at Camp. As the last week of camp is upon us, my favorite meet, canoeing, begins week 8 of camp. It's when all your hard work, practice, team spirit, determination, will to win, and high level of performance get put on display for about 90 minutes. The pee wees get a chance to race doubles and jump outs. The juniors race singles, doubles, and crew. And the seniors race singles, doubles, crew & rescue at sea. Where is relay? I ask myself that.

I had fun being a neutral spectator with a camera and my Flip video that I could truly watch with eyes of excitement that the girls' tradition of canoeing and being skilled remained constant. I loved watching from the dam how the teams approached the staff that would be holding them. They encouraged each other and got together on their plan of winning. Once they got in place, they'd look to their competitor and wish them a genuine "Good luck". This is what sportsmanship at Camp Monterey is all about--the friendly competition. And truly it is.

I loved hearing the familiar start, "Canoers, on your mark. Get set. Go!" The whistle would blow. And instantly the Nolichuckies and Wataugas yelled their hearts out yelling for their team mates. And of course, no matter who won or lost, the familiar cheer followed with everyone cheering simultaneously. "They're our peaches, they're our cream. They're the pee wees (juniors or seniors) of our team!" The teams would then get in one row, facing each other, hands up and clasped, and the racers would run under the archway.

Today, the Nolichuckies won all the races except for senior crew. But of course, every race was close and competitive. I think back to all the races I participated in, got excited for, worked hard for, and I just wanted to be out there again this morning. Well, I have to opt for being a canoe judge tonight in form (with my mother).

The teams have been shown an example of form by the canoe staff and given hints on what the judges will be looking for. Canoe meet, part 2, here we come.

Shortly after dinner, it was time for the canoeing form. My mom came from Cookeville to be one of the judges. Since I am senior staff, I was allowed to accompany her. We judged singles and doubles and were quite pleased with the campers. A handful of girls really stood out, many had mastered the basic skills, and just a few doubles were new and had much to aspire to in the more experienced girls.

The girls all remained in their blues and whites. Many had their hair in nice braids and had a nice appearance. And it was a joy to be in the midst of all the canoers and know that years ago (25 to be exact), I was in that same spot.