When it Rains…
Alford Lake Campers know the sound of raindrops on canvas tents. They know the comforting feeling of being dry and warm when it is raining outside. But camp life doesn’t stop when it is raining out. ALCers grab their raincoats or ponchos, slip their feet into sturdy rain boots and head out of their tents to live, learn and explore camp activities in the rain. The fun of camp life continues and the entire camp community adapts to nature’s unpredictable whims.
It is interesting to ponder how dealing with rain at Alford Lake Camp teaches our campers how to weather the storms, both big and small, that may occur in their lives. Skills and experiences that they share with their fellow campers can lead to strengths that last a lifetime. We all hope for sunny days but we can still progress and learn when life is not as we hope. ALCers have learned the importance of having the right gear along with the right attitude to be flexible and to know that, yes, in most cases, every cloud has a silver lining.
When it rains in Hope, Maine our camp stays true to our camp life — no rainy day movies or strange departures from camp values. We adapt and enjoy a different pace of camp life. We hear, over and over again, from ALC alums that the ability to be flexible, to look at a problem as an opportunity rather than a roadblock, and to still look forward to the day – even a rainy day – are lessons they have learned through camp life.
We love the sound of rain on the tents, we love to watch the raindrops fall on the lake, and we love a good puddle to stomp in. We love sunny days, but we love to embrace the fun an occasional rainy day brings to ALC. How many camps can say that?
Warmly,
Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director
