Twelve weeks can be a phenomenally LONG time. Our camp began on June 2nd, we finish August 26th, and in between that is nearly three months full of campers, counselors and countryside. ANYONE who signs up to abandon their friends, family and home is automatically pretty cool in my books for wanting adventure.
And what an adventure it's been so far. For me, I'm teaching 9am-6pm and still sleeping in a bunk with kids at night. My co-counselors also teach, but get an hour off during the day and spend evening activity with the kids. Tonight, evening activity was going to see the new Harry Potter movie! There's also been activities like a Cinderella Night, where all the younger campers' shoes were tied together, thrown from a vehicle across a field and the kids had to race to find theirs. When that'd happened, candy was thrown from the vehicle all over the field and each piece was worth different points. Campers raced to collect it, got to keep it AND add up the points for their bunks. They then used the points to auction for 'prizes', such as breakfast in bed, a trip to an ice cream parlour, being driven to classes for a whole day, or getting on the loudspeaker to do wake up. Crazy stuff!
Some of the best activities are the ones campers are directly involved in, such as shows. City of Angels, The Tempest and All My Sons all opened tonight and campers were a part of all aspects - acting, assistant directing, costuming, stagecraft, lighting, even silkscreening posters to promote the event! It's so cool to know the kids in your bunk are controlling the soundboard, or running around backstage with set pieces. Although this is a performing arts camp, there's so many other classes offerred. Visual arts, sports, horseback, magic, circus, dance, waterfront, the list is endless! I kidd you not, I saw Harry Potter Discussion Group listed as a minor class! I believe there's a Pink Floyd Philosophy class too... this camp is truly one of a kind.
As far as my summer goes, yeah, I'm working my ass off. It's two days into the next three week session and a few homesick kids are about the place. I invested in some Miracle Bubbles from Dollar Tree, and my god, pineapple scent rocks! The few kids who are looking a bit teary eyed, I get them to run about the art department and blow some bubbles. Simple, yet surprisingly effective for all ages. Take note potential counselors! Works on staff too ;-) My speciality area is also getting hectic as we start producing staff shirts for every department. That's at least 300 shirts to be printed, let alone the designing, shirt ordering and logistics that needs to be done! It makes a nice souveneir for everyone to take home though, and they can be worn again next year for returnee staff...
On a personal level, this camp becomes more like home everyday. I haven't called my folks since leaving in May, and pretty sure I spend more time on this blog than I do keeping in touch with them (which isn't that much). I'm really excited about blowing my entire paycheck on an African safari in September, but camp is so "bubble like", it'll probably feel like an extension of that. Incredibly surreal, that's for sure. In the past four years, I've spent a total of twelve full months at this place and you really leave with a brand new set of friends and family. You're a mum and a dad to your campers, you'll find a big brother or sister to cry on, and be surrounded by new friends who like yourself, are going through a summer that'll change your life.
In the whole wide world, everyone has a story to tell and it's up to you whether you hear it or not. And summer camp is a bloody good place start!
