“What tribe are you?”
Maybe this question makes little sense to you. “Tribe? What
tribe? Does this have to do with a Garth Brooks song?” However, for thousands
of kids and college students every summer, there is no more important question
than this. Tribal loyalty is one of the deep, rich traditions that knit
campers, counselors and other staff into the long lasting friendship tapestry
of Camp War Eagle. Even though the summer camp experience is a short few weeks
for most, the traditions campers fall in love with on that beloved camp ground
echo in their minds for months and months to follow.
Our love of camp traditions is what drove us to once again
plan Camp at Club for Bentonville Ozone’s Primetime and Summit students this
fall. Camp at Club is a full and exciting camp day, crushed into a neat hour
and a half package. Campers (and former counselors who join us weekly as
leaders) live out much missed camp moments. Wearing camp uniforms, shirts and
headbands emblazoned with camp crests and tribal logos, students arrived
bursting with enthusiasm for what the night could hold.
Several regular Primetime students used Camp at Club as an
opportunity to introduce school friends to their cherished camp traditions.
Others in attendance were campers who hadn’t gotten the chance to attend Ozone
yet and saw Camp at Club as the perfect start.
The evening started the same way all perfect camp days do:
an energetic Morning Show at the amphitheater, complete with mimicked cheers,
traditional chants and a thrilling look forward at what the day (or night)
would hold. From there, the deep bass echo from a drum signaled CWE faithful
that it was time for Tribal Initiation, a sacred ceremony sorting all into
their respective teams, the Caddo and the Osage. After a retelling of the
classically thrilling tribal tale of White Dove, Running Bear and their
ferocious families, tribal competition began. In CWE tradition, campers spent
each moment cheering on their teammates, encouraging one another relentlessly. From
the Caddo victory at tribal competition, campers transitioned to Instructionals,
a time of learning something fresh and new! An inspirational video and
challenge was the vehicle for knowledge before campers were ushered into daily
“Rest Period.” However, only a few moments of heads on pillows were permitted,
because it was time for everyone’s favorite time of the day, Mish Mash! Every
day at 3pm in the summer, camp is filled with the sounds of one glorious song.
The song signals a time of freedom and fun for each camper. When the music
played during our rest period, everyone knew exactly what would come next… or
did they? What they didn’t expect was a surprise game of Mission Impossible, a
favorite event that pops up surprisingly at some point during each session. A
frenzy of excitement and surprise built as campers were split into cabins to
complete impossible missions. Each student donned glow bracelets as they
entered a dark room, altered to make for the perfect mission impossible
battleground. In creatively named teams, they sought out flag pieces specific
to their group. Celebration resumed as teams claimed prizes for their
victorious completion of the quest!
The night had been packed full of fun tradition and
excitement. It was time for Lifeline, the part of the day where everyone at
camp focuses on learning about who God is and his love for us. A classic camp
tune, “Pharoah Pharaoh,” ushered campers into Lifeline, where a shortened
version of skits and Eagle Tales brought back fabulous memories to campers and
taught important lessons.
At the close of Lifeline, campers knew exactly what was
coming next. Every day of every session’s big program closes similarly.
It was time for a special event. Music pumped through speakers
and campers rose from their feet, joyful beats pulsing as arms wiggled, heads
bobbed and dancing reigned supreme.
This year, Fayetteville Ozone decided to begin the grand tradition of traditions as well, with their own week of Camp at Club. The night began with the Morning Show, Tribal Initiation, and Tribal Competition. Everyone huddled up afterwards and listened to their chief give his closing speech. Students enjoyed a 2 minute rest period, followed by canteen. During canteen, students met with their “cabins” or small groups for items from the store and relationship building time. They then traveled to Lifeline, where they sang camp songs and watched a well-known camp skit called Sin Box. The night ended with Planet Eagle, a huge dance party! The students enjoyed reliving many of their camp experiences and sharing those with their Ozone family.
“This was the best thing ever! I’m coming back next week for sure!” Said one Bentonville Primetime student, who had never attended club before, as he left the building, still a little sweaty from dancing. We agree. It really was the best thing ever.
This year, Fayetteville Ozone decided to begin the grand tradition of traditions as well, with their own week of Camp at Club. The night began with the Morning Show, Tribal Initiation, and Tribal Competition. Everyone huddled up afterwards and listened to their chief give his closing speech. Students enjoyed a 2 minute rest period, followed by canteen. During canteen, students met with their “cabins” or small groups for items from the store and relationship building time. They then traveled to Lifeline, where they sang camp songs and watched a well-known camp skit called Sin Box. The night ended with Planet Eagle, a huge dance party! The students enjoyed reliving many of their camp experiences and sharing those with their Ozone family.
“This was the best thing ever! I’m coming back next week for sure!” Said one Bentonville Primetime student, who had never attended club before, as he left the building, still a little sweaty from dancing. We agree. It really was the best thing ever.
