Today was a busy day of packing and then we crammed it all in afterwards! We had our counselor campfire and banquet where campers were recognized for gaining skills in various activities and campers and staff were highlighted for their contributions to camp this summer in our overall campers and counselors. During banquet, our Overall Captains gave speeches and we announced that the Reds won Red VS White 2024 and revealed this year’s plaque. Afterward, campers watched our 2024 highlight video (we are currently in the process of uploading it so you can watch it too)! We then concluded our night gazing at the incredible stars and with one final song on the guitar and the goodnight song sung as a whole camp.

Included below are some excerpts from Nick and my final speech to the girls;

It is hard to believe that tonight marks the last night of the summer of 2024. What an absolutely incredible summer it has been. We had unbelievable activities like Metapalooza, MTV, The Sing, Chaos VS Control, and our day to day activities. This summer we welcomed new campers and reunited with old friends. We celebrated our campers and staff who continue to return to camp year after year. We persevered through lots and lots of rain, all while having the best time, 

Often movies and TV depict camp as just fun; the late nights, the crazy color war events. And while camp is about this and that makes it incredible, it’s also about each of you growing and becoming the best versions of yourself. You are all changed from who you arrived as at camp on your first day. You’ve learned new skills-maybe how to rig and de rig a sailboat, hit a killer tennis serve, or how to ski around lake Meta. You’ve also learned how to perserve through hard things, how to advocate for yourself, and how to communicate your feelings. 

Every summer when we sit down to write this speech we think about how grateful we are to have had this summer with all of you. Each and every one of you sitting here have contributed to making this summer so special…

At camp, we talk a lot about our Marimeta Morals. We talk to you about taking care of the earth, standing up for what you believe in, taking care of one another. We ask you to do the right thing, even when it is hard. And, what we always hope is that when you leave here tomorrow, you will bring those things with you. Please take what you have learned here and teach your friends at home to do the same. Stand up for someone on the playground when they are getting mistreated. Pick up a piece of trash you see in the hallway at school. Thank your family for all they do for you. You can carry the things we practice here with you everywhere you go. Marimeta is a part of you. 

To end, we wanted to read a story we love, that represents very much the impact that you can make when you go back home to a world outside of camp. 

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young woman, and that what she was doing was not dancing at all. The young woman was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young woman paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young woman replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young woman, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

At this, the young woman bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, she said, “It made a difference for that one.”

In one action, you can make a difference on the world and if you add up all of those actions, they can create big change. When those busses pull out of camp tomorrow morning, know that it is not the end. The best part about camp? There’s always next summer. You are a part of Marimeta and we love you more than you know!

Yesterday and today we had normal days of activities and camp was bustling with excitement for our last game of Capture the Flag for the summer and for the Sing tonight! We have been cramming in special activities during rest hours such as tubing, pontoon boat rides, and more!

Tonight was one of the most anticipated nights of the session, The Sing. Some days ago, some of our Rec Hall floor became damaged during gymnastics class and as a result, it was unsafe for us to use the Rec Hall for tonight’s performance. While it was hard to picture at first as The Sing is always in the Rec Hall, as a camp we learned and practiced flexibility and creativity, shifting the performance to be below the new Arts and Crafts pavilion. The acoustics were fantastic in there and some girls afterwards were remarking on how they enjoyed the space even more than in the Rec Hall! While it was crazy to imagine at first, it was wonderful to see the girls make a quick adjustment, learn to think on their feet and go with the flow.

For those who don’t know, The Sing is an event that is fully planned and executed by our senior cabin campers. They write and perform a song that is aligned with a theme! This year the Red Team’s Theme was Monopoly and the White Team’s Theme was Sports Network! Each camper has a costume and learns multiple camp songs, as well as a new song written by Senior Cabin. Campers rehearse and tonight was the big performance. It is an example of how our Red and White events are mostly camper-led and created. This allows for creativity and leadership and is something our young campers look forward to leading in their later years at camp. It was close; with a final score of 823 to 750, the Red Team won the sing!

Tomorrow we will have our last sleep-in and lazy breakfast of the summer. We will then have Sunday Clubs followed by the All Camp (AC) Relay in the afternoon! It is going to be a packed last couple of days!

One last note! You may have already, or will, in the next few days receive a phone call from us. Our age group directors are making as many positive phone calls home as possible! Don’t be alarmed! We want to share some amazing things about your girls this summer with you!

On Tuesday, we had a normal day of activities, culminating in an exhilarating Team Comp for our evening program. Our Red and White little teams competed in various games, earning points for their respective teams as we approach the thrilling conclusion of Red VS White!

Wednesday brought a hot day, perfect for our water relays! Campers eagerly participated in water balloon tosses, races to fill a bucket with a cup of water, and the infamous greasy watermelon event, where they attempted to capture a watermelon covered in Crisco in the lake. It was a fantastic way to cool off and enjoy the warm weather. In the evening, we headed to Camp Menominee, where our campers socialized with friends, siblings, and new acquaintances, engaging in various fun activities set up at stations!

Today, some of our campers headed off to the Kawaga Ski Tournament! Back at camp, we continued with our usual activities, including some sing practice and, of course, canteen! For our evening program, we hosted World Records Night, where campers attempted to break world records at different stations around camp. The girls loved it and had an absolute blast!

Afterward, we gathered as a camp to celebrate a very special milestone—Omar’s Big 10! Omar, our beloved head chef, has been with us for ten wonderful summers. We honored him at the campfire down by the lake with heartfelt speeches, special gifts including a ten-year ring and scrapbook, and a celebration with amazing cake. The ten-year ring is shaped like a nail, inspired by a campfire song we cherish: “I’ve got rings for sale, and they’re all made out of nails, that I polished on the bottom of my shoe. You can give one to a friend, or you can bend it back again, and pretend I sold a shiny nail to you.”

Omar’s commitment to Camp Marimeta is unwavering and we were thrilled to celebrate his dedication to us. His incredible cooking, warm personality, and the way that he runs his team has made a lasting impact on our camp community.  Marimeta is known for having great food—we often hear from parents about how campers prefer Omar’s cooking when they return home! It is a huge accomplishment to make it to ten years at camp, especially traveling every year from out of the country! We are immensely grateful for everything Omar brings to Marimeta, making it a special place for all of us and hope to see your girls sitting up there at their big 10 soon!

Looking ahead, we have a busy and exciting weekend planned. We can’t wait to enjoy all the remaining moments and create even more unforgettable memories at camp.

Love the happy times,

Jami

Yesterday, we enjoyed another lovely Sunday at camp. Our day began with a much-appreciated sleep-in, with lazy breakfast served for those who were awake. We also had our second session photo day! Eric, fondly known by the girls as EJDubs, came to camp decked out in his signature neon yellow and cowboy hat. He captured our all-camp photo, cabin photos, and individual portraits for second-session campers. These photos will be featured in the memory books that the girls will receive this winter, creating lasting memories of their time here.

Lunch featured a delicious spread of lox and bagels, which was a hit! Afterward, campers had the chance to sign up for AL Lewis activities, while cabins got to enjoy tubing and Cabin 10 took a trip to the beach. For dinner, we had a cookout with hamburgers, followed by ice cream, which was the perfect end to a great day.

At our campfire, Cabins 12 and 13 gave incredible speeches about the importance of finishing what you start and always trying your best. We sang campfire songs, and our Dudes and Pioneers had the chance to participate in the keylog ceremony, where you can throw a keylog into the fire to express gratitude to someone at camp. This tradition, inspired by lumberjacks who showed appreciation for those who helped them, beautifully reflects our Marimeta moral of thanking those who have supported us. It’s always heartwarming to hear the girls express their gratitude and share the kindness they’ve experienced.

Today marked the beginning of our new scheduled activities, and the girls were excited to dive into their new experiences. Although we had some rain in the afternoon, we quickly adapted with a fun jacks tournament indoors.

Our meals today were delicious as always, starting with eggs, English muffins, and sausage for breakfast, sub sandwiches for lunch, and steak fajitas for dinner. For evening program, we had Lodgies Last Laugh. During this activity, cabins put on skits, dances, and roasts to try to make the members of the Lodge laugh and spit out water. It was a hilarious night, and Cabin 10 emerged victorious with the most laughter from the Lodge!

Tomorrow, we have a normal day of activities planned, with Team Comp for the evening program. We’re soaking up all the fun moments and making the most of our remaining time here at Marimeta!

Love the happy times.

Jami

For the past two days, our campers have been enjoying their regular activities. They’ve been making the most of their final days in their schedules from the first two weeks. This week, they re-signed up for activities, and we’ll be switching to new schedules on Monday.

Last night, we had an exhilarating game of Capture the Flag. The spirit on the field was incredible, with girls not only competing fiercely but also showing outstanding sportsmanship by supporting the other team. It is always heartwarming to see them incorporating a hint of the other team’s color into their outfits, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Today was a hot day on Meta Lake, and our campers were eager to cool off in the water. Whether it was swimming, paddleboarding, or just splashing around, everyone had a blast. For our evening program, we had the exciting Chaos VS Control event, which kept everyone on their toes and having fun.

Throughout the day, we welcomed our “Mini Metas” for a visit. These prospective campers got a taste of Marimeta life through a tour and various activities. Our Senior Cabin campers did a fantastic job assisting in a kickball game, teaching the girls how to play jacks, and showing them around camp. It was the perfect way to showcase the Marimeta spirit, where campers take care of each other and show newcomers the ropes. One of the highlights of having visitors is witnessing the warmth our campers naturally extend. It’s part of our culture here to greet people, introduce ourselves, and make everyone feel welcome. This welcoming attitude is always noticed and appreciated, and we’re so proud of our girls for embodying these values.

Meals over the last few days have included pasta bar, chicken fingers, french toast, grilled cheese and tomato soup and more!

Looking ahead, tomorrow will be another exciting day with photo day, a sleep-in, Sunday Clubs, and Al Lewis activities in the afternoon. We’ll wrap up the day with a campfire after dinner!

We’re having an amazing time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you, as always, for trusting us with your girls.

Love the happy times,

Jami

Wednesday was a fantastic day, filled with a variety of regular activities. Despite some cold weather, the campers were engaged and enthusiastic as they participated in their favorites. In the evening, we had the  Red and White Hunt. The camp was buzzing—literally—with girls running around looking for chips (red and white foam tokens) on the ground. When campers find a chip, they make their team’s animal noise to alert their captain to come and collect it. This is the only way they can get the attention of a captain and communicate that they found one of the pieces! The goal is for each team to collect the most possible pieces! The camp was filled with the delightful sounds of buzzing and clucking all night!

Today was a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly and everyone in high spirits. For our evening program, we held team competitions where little teams played against each other in various games like steal the bacon, sideline basketball, blind Newcomb, and kickball. The energy was incredible, and it was wonderful to see the campers showcasing their teamwork and sportsmanship. After the evening program, our oldest campers had a special campfire with Ojibwa, complete with s’mores.

We’ve also been enjoying some delicious meals prepared by our incredible kitchen staff. Recent highlights have included a soup bar, chicken patties, fettuccini bolognese, BBQ chicken, and more. These meals provide the perfect fuel for our busy days and keep everyone happy and energized.

We’re having an amazing time and creating wonderful memories here at camp, savoring every moment we have together!

Love the happy times,

Jami

Today was our first Sunday of the session, which is equivalent to our camp “weekend”. Campers have the opportunity to sleep in until 10 AM if they choose. For our early risers, we offer a lazy breakfast with donuts, eggs, hot chocolate, cereal, and more. They then have time to hang out, write letters, play jacks, enjoy our games on Lawn Game Lane (gaga, tetherball, giant Connect Four, giant Jenga), or read. While camp is usually go, go, go, Sunday mornings are our time to relax and recharge.

The remainder of the morning was spent in Sunday clubs. Some cabins went tubing while others engaged in bracelet making, karaoke, or cheered on staff participating in a tennis tournament hosted by none other than Manny and Pan! After a delicious potato bar lunch, we headed to Minocqua for town day. Campers explored the local shops, enjoyed snacks, shaved ice, or ice cream, and took in the charm of a Northwoods town.

Our Ranchers and Dudes returned to camp while our Pioneers stayed in Minocqua for pizza and the Min-Aqua-Bats water ski show—a local favorite. Meanwhile, Ranchers and Dudes enjoyed burgers for dinner back at camp and then gathered for our traditional Sunday night campfire.

At the campfire, cabins 5 and 8 delivered inspiring speeches about standing up for what is right, even when you are standing alone. They shared ways to practice this at camp, fostering a supportive and courageous environment. We sang Marimeta campfire songs, and I enjoyed performing “The General” and “One Tin Soldier” for the girls while playing the guitar. These moments are precious, reinforcing the values of community, bravery, and living into one’s values.

Tomorrow is another exciting day at camp: Manny and Pan’s treasure hunt! It’s an event our returning campers eagerly anticipate all year, and we can’t wait to share all about it!

Love the happy times,

Jami

For evening program, the past couple of nights have been packed with excitement and fun. We kicked things off with MetaPalooza, where Vibe Entertainment joined us for an incredible night planned by our Counselors in Training. Campers danced the night away with music and dancers, and enjoyed other activities like a photo booth, limbo, pie-a-lodgie, and a pin-the-rings-on-Lucas-and-Alexis game!

Last night, our youngest campers saddled up for Horse Races, where they “rode” counselors and senior cabin members! Campers not jockeying the “horses” placed bets, cheered, and enjoyed popcorn during the show. It was a hilarious, silly, and fun event that truly captured the spirit of camp.

Tonight, we had our first games of Capture the Flag for the session. Campers cheered on their teammates as they ran their hardest and fastest, attempting to capture the other team’s flag! We also had our t-shirt relay, which you can see on Instagram and Facebook. During the relay, campers silently pass around t-shirts until everyone has the one with their name on it—a fun way to reveal this session’s t-shirts!

The next few days at camp will be very busy as we continue to soak up and enjoy every moment here. The laughter, teamwork, and creativity we see each day are not only fun but also contribute to your child’s growth and learning while away from home. These experiences teach them valuable life skills such as leadership, resilience, and the importance of supporting one another. One way we see this is in Red vs White. At every event, when campers dress up, they incorporate some of the other team’s color into their outfit. For example, a camper may wear white face-paint if they are a red! This aligns with our Marimeta Moral of cheering on your friends!

Meals over the past few days have included avocado toast, quesadillas, Greek Chicken, donuts, pita sandwiches, spaghetti & meatballs, and more! Campers have enjoyed canteen, too, today was a savory day!

The next few days will bring even more fun! We can’t wait to share all of the exciting times with you!

Love the happy times,

Jami

Yesterday was Tasty Day. Campers rotated through a variety of activities, including swim tests (or swim games for our 8-weekers), trail walks, bracelet making, health checks, and more. These activities not only ensure our campers are set for a safe and fun session but also provide wonderful opportunities for bonding.

For our evening program, we had Staffingo due to rain on the first night of camp! The first night, we pivoted to commercial skits. During commercial skits, cabins invented and performed commercials for everyday items, but with a twist: the item couldn’t be used for its intended purpose. This activity fosters teamwork, creativity, and bonding within the cabins as they come together to brainstorm and perform their skits.

Today was our first full day of activities, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun was shining, and the camp was buzzing with energy. Our campers were on the water, playing sports, and engaging in various activities. We enjoyed our first canteen of the session, followed by general time and a delightful dinner.

At the end of the fifth period, we had our exciting Red and White announcement. During senior cabin’s tennis period, we began launching personalized red and white tennis balls, signaling the whole camp to rush to the courts. Each camper found out their team color in this thrilling announcement. We also announced our captains, who were recognized for their exceptional contributions to our camp community by consistently embodying our Marimeta Morals. These values – teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and kindness – are the heart of our camp, and our captains are examples of living these principles every day.

For evening program, we kicked off our first Red and White event with Vicious Villains. In this lively activity, counselors, each worth a different number of points, run, walk, or jog around camp. Depending on their point value, a certain number of campers had to “capture” them by circling them and bringing them to a staff member to collect points. It’s an active, fun-filled event that encourages teamwork and strategy among the campers.

Meals have been a hit, including pizza, chicken fingers, blueberry muffins, eggs, and ribs! Our session is off to a fantastic start, and we couldn’t be more excited for the adventures and memories to come.

Last but not least, we wanted to share a photo album from First Session. Our website has been giving us quite the challenge getting all of our amazing photos and content posted so we have decided to compile all of the photos captured from first session into a Google Photos album. As you can imagine, they are taking quite some time to upload (we have been uploading them since this morning and it still has hours to go). That said, there are plenty of amazing photos for you to look through here.

Love the happy times,

Jami

Campfire Speech:

As we stand here tonight, under the starlit sky, surrounded by the warmth of our final campfire, I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude and pride. It’s hard to believe that another magical session at Marimeta is coming to an end. It feels like just yesterday that you all stepped off the buses, filled with excitement and perhaps a bit of nervousness about what the summer would bring. Now, as we prepare to say our goodbyes to our four-weekers, I want to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared.

This summer has been a testament to the strength, resilience, and spirit of our Marimeta family. Each of you has contributed to our camp life, and it’s been a joy to watch you grow, support each other, and create memories that will last you a lifetime.

To our campers, you are the heart and soul of Marimeta. Each one of you brings something unique and special to our community. Some of you are the life of the party, always making us laugh. Others are the quiet, caring souls who are always there with a kind word or a helping hand. And then there are those of you who are deeply curious and driven, always asking questions and seeking to learn more. We see you, we believe in you, and we are so proud of the amazing young people you are becoming.

This summer, you’ve learned new skills—perhaps you perfected your tennis serve with Manny and Pan, navigated a sailboat, or performed for the first time on stage during MTV. But more importantly, you’ve learned about perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. You’ve discovered how to advocate for yourselves, support your friends, and communicate your feelings. These lessons are just as valuable, if not more so, than any physical skill you’ve gained.

At Marimeta, we hold our values close to our hearts. We believe in the power of community, the importance of honesty, and the strength found in perseverance. We strive to create an environment where each of you can grow and learn, where you can feel supported and encouraged to be your best selves. As you return home, remember to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. Cheer on your friends, take care of this beautiful earth, be honest, and love one another. Put your community at the forefront of your actions. We believe in you and will always be here to support you.

To our amazing counselors and staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work. You are the backbone of Marimeta, and your efforts have made this summer truly unforgettable. You’ve created a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for our campers, and we are eternally grateful for your commitment. Your hard work, love, care, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for living according to your values and for being such wonderful role models for our campers.

As we celebrate the conclusion of another amazing session, let’s take this moment in. Let’s look around you, to either side, and look up to the sky. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the grass around you. Appreciate all you have been given with this session at camp.

Girls, as you prepare to return home or head into second session, remember the lessons you’ve learned here. Carry the spirit of Marimeta with you wherever you go. Remember your Marimeta Morals. You are all capable of achieving great things, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of you.

Remember, just because the session is ending doesn’t mean that camp is over. Marimeta will always be a part of you, and you will always be a part of Marimeta. You now have new friends, new memories, and another place to call home. Instead of focusing on the sadness of leaving, remember how fortunate you are to have this place that you love so dearly.

Please always remember, you are Marimeta and Marimeta is a part of you. We love you all. MWAH!