Camp Traditions
Since the camp started in 1952, many traditions have become part of our camp life. Some of the traditions have endured since the beginning, others have faded away, and newer ones have begun. It is these traditions that add to the wonderful experience of MDSC, and are often fondly remembered by campers and staff from the past. Below are some of our time-honored traditions:
Daily Prayers
Every morning before breakfast, and every evening before dinner, our camp gathers near the flagpole to pray together.  The Daily Flagpole Prayers can be found be clicking here.
Evening Worship
At the end of the camp day, before the campers are dismissed for bed, everyone gathers in the lodge to sing the petitions known as âCome my Brothersâ, hear the gospel reading for the day and a short sermon from our clergy. The Evening_Worship, used at camp each night, can be downloaded by clicking here.
Favorite Activities
Capture the Flag, Color Wars, Dodgeball, Greek Night, Trust Walk, Staff vs Seniors Basketball Game, Loon Lake, Themed Dances, etc.
Camp Skits
During an evening activity, each camper group and the staff create skits and perform them in front of the entire camp. Some of the best skits have never been forgotten over the years!
Chief Hug-a-Bug
The beloved Chief of Echo Lake, who occasionally visits the campers and staff during the summer.
The âKakaâ Fairy & âKakaâ Land
Occasionally, campers are visited during the night by the âKaka Fairyâ who leaves a mysterious dab of brown paint on their nose, forehead or cheek. Of course, the Kaka Fairy is never seen, but we know she lives in the famous âKaka Landâ area of Echo Lake.
Farewell at the Beach
On the Friday night of each week, everyone gathers on the beach to sing favorite camp songs including ones that take advantage of the âechoâ on our beloved âEcho Lakeâ. The counselors then receive candles, light them and form two lines from the firepit to the edge of the water. While the staff sings the Farewell Song, the individual campers walk through the two lines of staff, lighting their candle and placing it in the water. Everyone then gathers in the Friendship Circle, and symbolically says âfarewellâ while holding hands and shaking the personâs hand next to them, until the handshake travels around the full circle. The MDSC_Farewell_Song can be downloaded by clicking here.
This is only an initial list, and we hope to add many more of our camp traditions over time. If weâve forgotten any of the camp traditions, please e-mail us at gomdsc@gmail.com and put âCamp Traditionsâ in the e-mail subject. Feel free to share the tradition and an explanation, particularly for those from years past.