Transformational Relationships

 

When writing a book with the amount of content that is afforded me for “A Hero’s Journey: From Little Norway to Olympia Sports Camp” it sometimes takes some thought as to what chapter a story would fit best in… Case in point this personal story submitted by Jeff Morgan… The Songs? This story captures the essence and energy of the opening and closing ceremonies…The Soul Of Olympia? Stories like Jeff’s bring out the soul of the camp… A Week at Olympia? Each week has its own culture and traditions and Jeff shows how important they are for community spirit within a week… It’s awesome that Jeff called it transformational relationships because that’s what many Olympians say is their favourite part of the camp experience… Thanks so much Jeff!


                                          Week 7 Sing-A-Long crew Jeff Morgan, Steve Recendes

                                           Roger Richard and Derek Morgan


2019. A small crowd is milling about the kitchen of an east Hamilton home. Guests are sipping from wine glasses and picking at the assorted appetizers provided. Some are glancing at the microwave clock to check the time. There is energy and excitement just below the surface. The doorbell rings, and the evening is about to begin. Roger Richard—the music maestro—has arrived! The next three hours will be filled with song, smiles, laughter, joy and companionship. James Taylor, Neil Diamond, Blue Rodeo, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and U2 have never sounded so good.

 

2004. It all starts with a look. Having donned our peachy-orange golf shirts with the Olympia logo, Roger and I take our places in the ‘Coaches’ Line’ for the Opening Ceremonies. As first-timers, we’ve been greeted by the incomparable Dave Grace, and he mentally notes our hometowns and current workplace. The music is blaring, and the dancing begins. The choreographed moves are sharp, there is passion in the air, there is an energy that is difficult to describe, there is a group fervor that forces us to glance warily at each other--we’ve unwittingly joined a CULT! We’re left with only two choices: dance or earn Dave’s steely glare. And so, we DANCE!

 

            We soon discover that ritual, tradition, and ceremony are at the heart of the Olympia experience.  Dave and his camp will endeavor to make us uncomfortable, unsure of ourselves and open to change. He’ll look to re-form us into a better version of ourselves. And he will succeed. That first week is a transformational experience. As summers pass, we connect with ‘Doc’, Rod, EJ, Jeff, Bill, Dave, Andy, Nora, Marnie, Kristen, Ed, Scott, Per, Steve, Colleen, Kylie, and so many others. And we create a line-up of events to fill the evenings of Week 7. Monday—Wine and Cheese; Tuesday—Trivia; Wednesday—Sing-A-Long; Thursday—Tribal Council; Friday—Skit Night and Recovery. They are all wonderful events, but the Sing-A-Long is dearest to our hearts.

            

            And so, every spring, Roger Richard dutifully gets in his car. He heads west on the Queen Elizabeth Way, south on the Red Hill Parkway and carefully parks his car. He steps out, guitar in hand, and rings the doorbell. He is greeted with smiles, handshakes, and hugs. He’s bringing something special to the party—the spirit, fellowship, joy, and humanity of the Olympia experience. Let the singing—and dancing—join us as one.

 

Jeff Morgan

Hamilton, ON

Week 7, NBA Boys’ Basketball


 

The link to the blog is TuesdayswithDave.blogspot.com

This blog is about the journey of the writing of the book A Hero's Journey: From Little Norway to Olympia Sports Camp. The blog will contain excerpts from the book and my personal thoughts on what the place and the people that make up Olympia's journey is all about. The title comes from the great book Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom. The blog's title is recognizing Dave Grace as Camp Director, but all content is my own.

 

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