Ahoy: Continued from page 29
hometownsource. com / heartland / Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, September 20, 2026 Page 45
Ahoy: Continued from page 29
“ Swimming and hanging out with friends was my favorite,” said Joseph Udermann, a fifth grader from Foley.“ The counselors were a lot of fun, and I really looked up to them.”
Throughout camp, small groups rotated through five different educational sessions. Campers cast fishing lines from the dock, searched camp during scavenger hunts, created crafts to remember the week, gathered around campfires for outdoor skills, and participated in water activities that kept everyone laughing. Every rotation was designed and led by the teen counselors, giving them the opportunity to practice leadership while creating fun experiences for younger campers.
As the sun began to set each evening, the adventure continued. Color groups proudly designed their own pirate flags before exploring the camp grounds in search of clues and hidden treasures. Campfires, evening snacks, free time, and the ever-popular Hug Line quickly became favorite traditions that campers looked forward to every night.
One of the week’ s biggest highlights was The Great Pirate Chase: Rescue the Lost Crew. As darkness settled over camp, counselors disappeared into the woods, secretly becoming pirate raiders while campers worked together to rescue their crew members and collect signatures on their name tags. Excitement, laughter, and a little friendly suspense filled the evening before everyone celebrated together at the camp dance, complete with glow sticks, music, games, and plenty of dancing.
Dru Messerli, a fourth grader from Becker, said one of her favorite memories was boating to the island, where campers searched for hidden treasure and were rewarded with candy. She also loved getting to know her cabinmates.“ My roommates are my friends now,” she said.“ Dancing with my new friends was really fun, and foosball was my favorite game in the game room.”
Friday brought another unforgettable adventure as Camp 2 traveled by canoe, kayak, and pontoon to a nearby island. There they enjoyed lunch together, played Ahoy / See page 46
Photo provided
Camp Benton cousins pause for a photo during lunch at Camp Koronis while both Camp 1 and Camp 2 were together. Pictured left to right are Camp Counselor Alivia Arnold, Camper Maura Gilyard( 3rd grade), Camper Emmett Gilyard( 5th grade), Camper Brennen Gilyard( 7th grade), Camp Counselor Drew Arnold, and Camp Counselor Mason Arnold before returning to another afternoon of pirate-themed adventures.
POWER THROUGH THE SEASON
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