I know many of you followed the amazing sights and reports from the Artemis ii mission last month. Yesterday I heard the interview with the crew on The Daily where they answered questions from kids. It was such a delight that I found myself smiling in my car, even sitting in traffic on I-75.
The astronauts started by answering what qualities would make a great astronaut. Their answers:
- Curiosity and the wonder of nature
- Persistence–there will be challenges on your path to a goal and you need to keep trying
- Being a good teammate
- Humility, hard work, supporting the people around you
I’m a camp director so naturally I am reflecting on how each of these qualities can be cultivated and strengthened by a childhood spent in part at summercamp.
- Stopping on a trail to wonder what animal made that print or at the creek to see how water chooses its path around the rocks
- Never giving up on your goal of hitting a bullseye at archery or conquering the top level at the Double Disco, even if it takes multiple years
- Cheering on your cabinmates in gaga or working together to defend your flag in Capture the Flag
- Pausing your own narrative to listen to someone else’s story and lift them up when they’re down
Future astronauts, future teachers, doctors, plumbers, neurosurgeons, senators, athletic trainers, CEOs, software engineers, biologists, therapists, white water rafting guides…anywhere your camper’s future takes them (and just adult life in general) will be enhanced by the skills and qualities nurtured at camp.
One month from today we start Week 1, 2026…and our campers make their next step on their life’s journey beyond the moon!
Ernstlove,
