The 2020 Core Four Bonus Awards

Each week of the summer at camp, our community gathers together at Camp Meeting to hear stories, enjoy the campfire music, and recognize the campers and staff that have exemplified the Manitou Core Values through their actions that week. It’s known as the Core 4.

As we reflect on the tumultuous year we just experienced, we thought it would be a good time to acknowledge those who lived our values in big ways over the last year, allowed us to thrive as a community and supported us through a lot of difficult decisions and operations throughout the spring and summer.

We present to you the 2020 Core 4 Bonus Edition…

Play for the Game

The counselors and leadership team – The backbone of everything we do. Two weeks of pre-camp quarantine followed by living for seven weeks inside our bubble was a major commitment. Within that bubble, they created something magical that our children so desperately needed. We can’t wait to see so many of them back in 2021, hopefully along with our international friends, whose cultures and diverse perspectives add so much to our community.

Our College League Deans, Color War Generals, and team leaders – Play for the game has never been more important. They recognized this and put the needs of the League and camp over their own. A true sign of the high character young people that they are, and why we are so proud to have them leading the way on such an important aspect of our camp experience.

Give Back

The State of Maine – for leading the way in helping many businesses, and especially camps, get open last summer. Their detailed guidelines provided us with the blueprint and encouragement to safely operate, allowing Manitou and many of our friends in Maine camping to blaze a trail for the rest of the nation.

Do the Right Thing

Our camp doctors, nurses, and trainers – The unsung heroes of every summer. While we, fortunately, had a safe, successful, and COVID-free summer, they nonetheless signed up to be on the front lines of any medical uncertainty. Like all the other medical personnel working tirelessly right now across our country, they’re our heroes.

Our Operations Team, including Chef Kim, Pete, Lauren and their crews – Who worked far longer hours than usual to carry the smallest crews possible with new and complex safety protocols, always hustling and taking great pride in everything they do in the kitchen, grounds and office.

Make Every Day Count

Our campers and families – who endured so much this spring and continue to do so to this day. Through months of pre-camp uncertainty, you asked all the right questions, embraced countless protocols and restrictions, and ultimately put your trust in us to deliver a safe and meaningful experience to your children. Our campers truly made every day count, never forgoing the spirit, camaraderie, friendship, and encouragement that makes Manitou so special.

Thank you for showing up for us and one another in 2020. We hope everyone had a safe, happy, holiday season, and step into 2021 with optimism and excitement for what this 2021 will be.

Happy Holidays! 175 Days…

JD