Dear Boundless Families:
Everyone arrived safely. About three quarters of the heebee geebees are already gone. A nice feeling permeates the property right now.
One quarter are still finding their resolve – and they will. But not quite out of the woods just yet, if you can forgive the pun.
So many have walked into the unknown today. And so much is thrown at them. A new tribe, a new bed, new identities, river, heights, bugs, routine, group demands, chores, waiting, rushing, scary adventures – the whole gamut.
Given its day one, I don’t have lots of gossip for you just yet. In a few days I’ll be able to relate what themes and identities the groups have chosen, But for now, I’ll give you what little I know in order of youngest to oldest cohorts:
The Freshman – Perhaps its just the karma of this summer, but it seems that all the youngest cohorts are gelling the quickest. This latest arrival of the tall, the tiny, the nerdy, the jocks and the oh-so-cool already has inspired delightful murmurs among the teachers. Who are these quirky and lovely kids? Within 15 minutes of arrival, 3 were diligently in their chore group doing dishes, while the other 9 huddled around a picnic table enmeshed in some game. Effortless bonding and unanimity. They are led by a dude named Sterling. He borders on pure lunacy, for Sterling actually adores hanging out with grade 8 and 9 kids. They are suckers for his quiet charm. Nothing seems to faze Sterling. Already, the kids are learning that nothing need faze them either. They are all boys in this cohort, and the strange and twisted emergence of their testosterone shall surely yield gut-splitting stories of joy and laughter.
The Sophomores – Led by Tony, a blend of Huck Finn and pasta and irreverence, makes kids feel like they are in Tony Town. What happens in Tony Town? Lots of soccer. Lots of loud debate worthy of his Italian heritage. Pranks. political incorrectness. Wet willies to the weary. And total and complete buy-in from the kids. Tony’s trips tend to be very loud. I happened upon his group as they were about to devour dinner after a long day. Like well trained show dogs, your kids actually had to delay gratification for a mere millisecond in order to have consideration for others. I could tell so many were biting their lips. This group will learn so much about becoming thoughtful human beings. They are spirited, and need much movement. This, I assure you, will happen in spades.
The Juniors. Owen Caspell is at the helm, who twins as our guidance counsellor during our boarding school. Owen radiates a sense of calm amidst a tornado of hormones. If someone has a hissy, or is out of sorts, Owen’s serenity can be infectious. He can sound like an old feller from Nebraska who decries “get along little doge”, or, “oh ya, that young lad will figure it out, just needing a little lovin, thats all”. His group of scoundrels took off upon arrival, and haven’t been back yet as I write (7:17pm). I hear snippets from little birds that his group is just rocking and hollering. It bodes well.
The Seniors – In the cockpit is none other than Jeff McGarry, a Sudbury boy turned teacher. Entrenched in a pathetically positive marriage forged when he was way too young, Jeff returned to Boundless after a two year hiatus acting like a grown-up, and agreed to give us one month of work this summer after I begged him to return. Why begging? Because Jeff’s trips have an exquisite closeness about them. There is this laid back aura. Kids feel respected and loved. Like the Juniors, the Seniors took off for the day as well. Many are returning students, well honed in the Boundless art of extending kindness to strangers.
It’s been a wonderful day one. The weather is great if the calendar read October 4th, but at least the bugs – the worst in our history, have been kept at bay.
Thanks for sending us your kids. I’ll write again in three days.
Warmly,
Steven
