On the morning of closing day, coach and I were getting coffee in our kitchen. Our home is connected to the Griffin Dorm and our kitchen specifically is adjacent. Saturday morning we heard the counselors traveling up and down the hallway to wake the campers. It was their last morning to be awakened by their counselor at 7:30am. As they did this loud cheers came from the rooms. It certainly gave us our morning chuckle. After breakfast and morning meeting, the campers were eager to race down the hill to greet their family members and play their last game.
At times it seems like ages ago, but it's still hard to believe it's been three weeks since camp started. As coach said during the closing ceremonies, we've done so much when you look back over the three weeks. The hike, the first campfire, Water Country, Independence Day, The Draft, King's Dominion and the tournaments. Wow, I'm exhausted again just thinking about it all.
Yesterday was bittersweet. Watching the campers and counselors saying goodbye to each other was precious. Some have made new friends during the course of the camp. Some will see each other next year. We hope all have good memories. I know we do. Campus was so quiet once everyone departed. It's a calm we'll enjoy, but only for a while. Reality sets in today that another sports camp has already passed. It was a wonderful three weeks!
This year's coaches did such a great job speaking about their teams yesterday. I hope you were able to get a sense of what your son's team goals were during the camp. If you get a chance, ask them about their "values meetings". The meetings were a big part of the program this year and we hope that each of them embrace what was discussed.
During the closing ceremonies, several awards were presented. Below is an overview of what the awards entail. The Tiger Award and the Honor Camper Award were actually given during the last campfire.
The Honor Camper Awards
It is presented to the member of each team, who has made the most significant contribution to the team in the areas of athletics, sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership. The Honor Camper is the most dependable and reliable member of the team, not only on the playing field, but in all areas of camp life. It is the highest honor bestowed by the teams coaching staff to a member of their team.
The Tiger Awards
It is presented to the team member who displays considerable athletic talent and a strong desire to win. The winner of the team's Tiger Award is usually the boy who hustles in every sport, leads the team in spirit and sportsmanship, and encourages all members of the team to do their best in all activities.
The Tom Baumann Memorial Spirit Award is given annually to the camper who during his years here has contributed positively to the atmosphere of the camp with his pleasant nature, willingness to participate, and unselfish spirit. The winner of this award is admired by all members of the camp for his zest for life and warm, congenial personality. The award is given in the memory of Tom Baumann, a 1972 Woodberry Forest School graduate and former counselor who possessed these same qualities.
The Sportsmanship Award is given annually to the camper who possesses the qualities which the staff of Woodberry Forest Sports Camp tries so hard to instill in each of our campers. The winner of this award is fair, generous, a respectful loser, and a gracious winner. He encourages his teammates, cheers for his team, and never argues with officials. He maintains a positive attitude at all times and in all situations.
The Team Sportsmanship Award - Woodberry Forest Sports Camp has always taken pride in the fact that good sportsmanship is emphasized just as much as athletic skills during the boys' time here. The Team Sportsmanship Award will be given to the team with the most outstanding record of sportsmanship during the entire camp.
The Moubray Conference Award is given to the conference that finished sports camp with the best overall record in team sports – basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer and softball. The recipient conference will have demonstrated superiority in a variety of team sports as well as balanced athleticism.
The Best Athlete Awards are given to the best all-around athletes in the camp's four age divisions. The recipients of this award are talented in all sports, put forth consistent effort in every game, and continually show supreme effort, determination, and a drive to succeed. A camper's ability to handle adversity and lead his team in a variety of situations is also considered in determining the Best Athlete Award winners.
The Staff Award is given to the camper who, in the eyes of the counselors, has distinguished himself with his helpfulness and positive attitude. The recipient of this award is dependable and willing to give of himself for the benefit of others.
The Richard Glover Leadership Award –It is named in honor of Richard Glover for his many years of leadership and guidance given to the boys of Woodberry Forest Sports Camp and School. He was a Woodberry graduate and a US Marine. He taught history and coached wrestling at Woodberry for many years. He lives and works by the creed: “Fear None, Respect All”.
The Red and Cathy Caughron Award is named for the founders of the camp. Red and Cathy started the camp in 1967 and directed it for the first 25 years. Their tireless dedication and infectious charm made the camp the overwhelming success it is today. We all owe Red and Cathy an immense amount of gratitude for all they have done for the camp. This award is given to the camper who through his dedication to the camp and his team over the years has distinguished him from his fellow campers.
The Outstanding Camper Award is the most prestigious award a camper can earn and it is given to the boy who displays the highest qualities of athleticism, leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility, and fair play. The Outstanding Camper possesses a sense of integrity, character, and maturity that distinguish him from other campers. The recipient of this award has a positive impact on the camp in many areas and his presence makes everyday camp life more pleasant for counselors and campers alike. He serves as a role model for younger campers.
We're so thankful and truly blessed to be a part of this program. We are thankful to all at WFS who help to make this possible. Without the support of this community, it could not happen. Also thank you to all of the parents for trusting Woodberry Forest Sports Camp with your children. They are all special and we have seen that in each in every one of them. It's been a pleasure and a joy. We look forward to having many of you back next year. Additionally, we'll miss those we've gotten to know over the past few years. Putting together the closing slideshow this morning was pretty tough. What a great group of kids and counselors. I hope you enjoy watching it. God bless and have a safe and happy summer.
