Four Trails Manager Regan Gibson Wiesler recaps the first week of summer 2024 at Miniwanca.
The first week of camp has been an incredible journey filled with excitement, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. As we wrap up this week, we look back on the highlights that made it so special.
The camp buzzed with energy as campers arrived, greeted by enthusiastic leaders. After getting settled into cabins, we dove right into camp life with swim assessment and choosing interest groups for the week. Campers got to choose between many options including soccer, sailing, paddle sports, crafts, hiking, and Wanca Band!
The sand dunes of Miniwanca provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Four Trails campers embarked on practice trips called shakedowns and learned the skills they will need on trail like water purification, canoe training, and how to pack a backpack. The day ended with a campfire under the stars, where stories, s’mores, and songs created a sense of camaraderie.
All campers have been assigned a Quad for their session. The Boys Camp Quads are Beaches, Sands, Creeks, and Breakers, and the Girls Camp Quads are Ridges, Dunes, Draws, and Trails. Quads play a key role in day-to-day life at Miniwanca. They are used to divide up the daily responsibilities in the Eating Lodge – setting the tables, cleaning up the eating area, and doing dishes – as well as adding some friendly competition to camp. Quads compete for quad points, which determine the winner of the Quad Cup at the end of the session. Campers can earn points come from activities like Night’s Doings games in the evening or from smaller tasks like cabin inspections.
One of the highlights for some campers was spending time on Stony Lake and Lake Michigan. Campers enjoyed swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach time with lifeguards ensuring everyone’s safety. The thrill of water activities was matched by the joy of simply relaxing by the shore, soaking in the sun and building sandcastles.
As we look forward to the coming weeks, the excitement only grows. With more adventures, learning opportunities, and fun ahead, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds.
Thank you to all the campers, families, and staff for making the first week unforgettable. Here’s to a fantastic summer at Miniwanca!
Regan Gibson Wiesler
Four Trails Manager