You all know the proper response to the chant, “Sail, Sail, Sail!” Right?
Okay, well, if you don’t, I’ll give you a hint: it’s the second best (says me) of the two boating activities at Camp Jeanne d’Arc. Let’s say it together now, “Sail, Sail, Sail!” … “Canoe, Canoe, Canoe!”
At mealtime, when the chants start, campers shout the activity they think is superior. Roughly half of the campers in the Hearth will shout: “Sail, Sail, Sail” while the other half will respond: “Canoe, Canoe, Canoe!” With each turn, the shouts get louder. Each group of campers emphatically believe that theirs is the better boating activity.
Sailors will attest that analyzing winds, learning sail positions, understanding when to heel, tacking and jibing, are difficult skills to master. Canoers will respond that reading the waters and determining proper strokes – draw stroke, J-stroke, sweep stroke – are high-level skills too. Not to mention canoes are more difficult to flip over if capsized. Yes, sailors might say, but the thrill of sailing in high winds! But, the canoers will retort, what about the peacefulness of an evening canoe ride!
Sail, Sail, Sail! Canoe, Canoe, Canoe!
Let me tell you a secret. While the sailors and canoers may believe they are on opposite sides of an argument … here’s the real deal: we are actually on the same side. We are all winners in the game of camp. That’s right. Because the real goal is that campers are learning lifelong skills, gaining confidence, overcoming fears, and having fun in the great outdoors.
So, sure, we will encourage the enthusiastic and spirited zeal (read: volume) of the sail vs canoe debate. We may even take a side — I mean, sailing is obviously the superior craft. But deep down, we are all in the same boat!
Sail, Sail, Sail! Canoe, Canoe, Canoe!