The Greatest Place on Earth :)

Every time I find myself back at camp I am convinced it will be my last.

I think that is why I appreciate being there more absolutely than nearly anything else in life. 

Today I had the most perfect day back in my favorite place on earth. Being back there always feels like transporting back into my favorite memory. Like staring at an old photograph and actually being able to be back and live it one more time. 

The people may come and go, new yurts may be built, old dining halls may be renovated but the spirit of camp never changes. Returners show wide-eyed new staff the ropes, accents mingle, bug bites are scratched, campfires burn.

 

Who knows if this summer will truly be my last but once again I am so lucky and thankful to be back at a place where "the real world" doesn't matter, people are welcoming and kind, and everyone is given a chance. And like every summer, I hope to blur the divide with "the real world" and bring the spirit of camp with me through the rest of the year. 

Today's The Day!!

Today's the day! I leave for camp in two hours! I am so nervous and excited! Even though I've been all packed for almost 2 weeks now it still doesn't feel real. I feel so lucky that I get this kind of rare experience to return to a memory. For the past 2 summers I have wished and wished I could go back and now its actually happening and I won't take one minute for granted. 

I won't be able to post very much... seeing as I'll be living in a Yurt in the middle of the woods for the next six weeks but please keep checking back!

NBC's "Camp" !

A TV show about sleep-away camp. Need I say anymore?

My only wish was that it was a Drama and not a Comedy... oh well, beggars can't be choosers!

Summer Camp Packing Necessities

As you've probably noticed from the fact that I literally find a way to mention it in EVERY single blog post--- I am packing for camp! Unfortunately, its been so long since I was last at camp that I kind of forget the things that I knew to always bring. Luckily I remember the 9 most important things so I thought I would share in case any of you guys are lucky enough to be going away this summer as well!

 

1. Duct Tape: Duct Tape is the absolute most useful thing in the world. Don't even try to argue with me. Duct Tape can be used to patch a hole in a screen window so bugs won't get in. It can make a sleeping bag stay rolled when you lose the little Velcro part that is supposed to secure it. It can be used as a make-shift band-aid. It can be used to secure your flip-flops to your feet during a rousing game of Douse the Fire. It can be used to tape your camp drawers shut when its time to move out (I tear up at the thought). The list goes on and on. Duct Tape is a MUST. 

2. Norts: See my Addictions post. Enough said. 

3. Croakies: Lilly is obviously preferable but really any kind is a requirement. Sunglasses are basically a permanent fixture on my face while at camp considering I am constantly outside. But with all the running, swimming, and boating I do they can easily fall off. Hence--croakies. 

4. Shark Freestyle Watch: LOVE THIS THING. First of all, how cool are those colors? These watches are sure to enhance any tan, plus they'll leave you with a sick watch tan at the end of the summer. The Shark watch tells time in 2 different time zones so you can not only know the Hyannis time but you can also help out your fellow foreign friends by letting them know what the time is across the pond. It also has a stopwatch AND an alarm clock. I realize that these are probably features that ALL digital watches have, but they seem especially cool to me.

5. Converse All Stars: You never know when you'll need a pair of closed toe sneakers for high ropes or land sports. I am obsessed with these neon ones. I think I am the only person in all of Syracuse that doesn't own a pair of these shoes but I think these are the ones that will finally tempt me.

6. Nalgene: Hydration is a must.

7. Rainbows: Don't own a pair of these yet either, but this might be the summer. They always look so comfortable once they finally get broken in and they probably won't fall apart as easily as the $5 ones at Old Navy.

8. A Good Old Fashioned Composition Notebook: I kept a journal last time I was at camp and I forced myself to write in it every single day. I saved literally everything and pasted it in. I absolutely love that book and its probably one of my most valued possessions. 

9. CRAFTING SUPPLIES: You're not camp cool unless you have friendship bracelets up to your elbows. 

Classic Camp TV Episodes/Movies

I definitely don't think its a coincidence that my all time favorite TV episodes and movies have something to do with camp. Lately, as part of my final exam procrastination routine and my Camp Hayward preperation, I have been catching up on my all time favorite camp-themed videos. Obviously my excitement for camp this summer has truly gone out of control. 

Here are my Top 4 Camp Must-Sees!:

1. As Told By Ginger - "Season of Caprice"

Judge me all you want, but As Told By Ginger still doesn't get old. For a cartoon, this show handled some pretty heavy stuff! Long distance romances, mean girls, smoking, depression, all in Nickelodeon show! In this episode, Ginger succumbs to something every camp girl hopes to find: the perfect camp crush.

 

2. It Takes Two with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

UGH. Don't even get me started on this movie. Too late--I'm started. I freaking love every second of this. Ugh the camp in it looks just like that Camp Fuller that we visited my JC summer. Absolutely adore. In it, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen switch places--one goes to summer camp for orphans and another lives with the sexy, rich, entrepreneur father in a lake-side mansion. Perfection.

 

3. The Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan

Well, if you haven't seen this movie before then just get off my blog right now because we can't be friends. No explanation necessary. Chose to watch this movie over going to Phi Sig's last theme party this weekend--no regrets. Love.

 

4. Full House - "It Was a Dark and Stormy Night"

This episode is kind of sad. Michelle misses camp so much that she steals a bunny to take home as a souvineir and then she and Stephanie and DJ have to go back to Camp Lakota during the off-season. Everyone knows that there is nothing more depressing than being at camp during off-season! I mean come on! Duh! And its a little scary which is definitely a plus. 

 

I Got the Job!!!

I am absolutely thrilled that I am lucky enough to be going back to Hayward for 6 weeks this summer. I will be going to resource staff training, staff training, session one and session two, and Vicky will be going session three and session four. Literally this couldn't possibly be more perfect and I am still in shock that one of my life dreams has actually been realized.  Never in a million years did I think that I would be lucky enough to be able to go back to the most influential, important, and AMAZING places from my childhood. On that note, here are the things that are keeping me up at night because I am TOO EXCITED about being able to do them again!:

JCs 2010 !!! So happy that so many of them will be back as well!

• Not showering for days
• Making string bracelets up to my elbows
• Breaking out my shark watch
• And my 5 year watch
• Pontoon jump!
• Blasting music from my cabin
• Making a happy list
• Seeing the stars
• Going to opening and closing campfires
• Trying the new water trampoline
• Taking about 5,000 LITP pictures with Allie
• Living in a bathing suit for the most part of 6 weeks
• Blasting music off the Pontoon

The Haywatch Waterfront

• Eating Lois's camp cookies and camp pizza
• Receiving care packages and camp e-mails
• Sorting mail
• Roasting Marshmallows
• Seeing all the new camp animals
• Eating staff snacks
• Playing douse the fire
• Going on fun time-offs
• Making European friends
• Laughing until my stomach hurts with my friends
• Taking a million pictures
• HAVING MY OWN RESOURCE STAFF SONG OMG
• Going crazy singing the JC and CIT song even though I won't be one anymore
• Buying the new camp sweatpants and sweatshirt
• Eating yogurt pretzels

And again

• Filling out a camp journal
• Riding the speedboat
• DRIVING the speedboat
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Windsurfing
• Swimming
• Search and rescue
• Doing staff of steel

• 

  Pontoon Dock

Hayward Summer

I don't think there will ever be a time time when I won't get goose-bumps when looking at pictures or videos like this from camp. Three years later I still think about it everyday and wish so much that I could relive just one day from my JC summer. Especially now that one of my best friends is going to be the assistant director! So happy for all of the positive changes that are coming to camp and I wish I could be there to partake in them!

Graduation Memories

On the last day of camp, the winners of the long-awaited color war, Mariners & Pioneers, are announced. For the past five years, I have cried on this day. The amount of work, stress, tears, lack of sleep, screaming, and joy that went into that game is gigantic, and it all comes down to one final moment-will we win, or will we lose? On that day, three hundred sets of ears listen intently. Three hundred people hold their breath. Waiting for the words. The final decision. The words that will end the summer for us all. The words we’ve all waited for since last year. The words that we yearn for and dread simultaneously. 

“And the winner is…” she announces. And just like that, one chapter in our lives has ended, only this time, allowing another to begin…

Brandy Melville

This weekend my friend Carolyn came to Syracuse for a visit, we had a ton of fun going out with our other camp friends and I loved hearing about her life in the big city! 

Carolyn introduced me to my latest obsession -- Brandy Melville. I am literally ready to get on the next train to NYC for a visit to this store alone. I love love love love EVERYTHING on their website but unfortunately they only have stores in New York, LA, and Hawaii and no online ordering :(.

Anyways, it looks like a summery LA mix of LF, Urban, and the cool stuff that all the girls on Tumblr wear. LOVE.

Camp Tyler

Camp Tyler! Practically as good as the real thing! <3

I got an email this morning from one of Hayward and Burgess's creative geniuses. It was sent to all of us diehards that couldn't be there this summer basically letting us know about a plan he had to create a video of us all giving advice to the new staff this year and letting them know how much they need to appreciate the precious time they have there. It's so nice to know that I am not alone in how much I regret not being there. Here is the letter:

Dearest Burgess and Hayward family.

Summer has landed on spectacle pond and for some of you it’s good to be home, whilst for others this is all still very daunting. But we can assure you this summer will change you for the better.
This hidden treasure you’ve stumbled upon will be home to you soon enough and in an instant you’ll be fighting the tears as you come to say goodbye to some of the closest, funniest and let’s be honest - strangest friends that you will hold onto for life.

There's people sat among you right now that hated their staff over night and were scared of all the cult- like singing, that are still here 5 years on. So whether it's instant or a slow process, you WILL leave calling this place home!

Ultimately it takes courage to accept this position and to do your best. We ask only that you have faith in yourself and in the others around you. You are here to develop as a person.

So us voices of the past want to say to you, do not waste a moment, it’ll be over before you know it! Some of you will know us as friends and colleagues, maybe we were even your counsellors in the past, but all of us get the camp blues by not being able to be with you in one of the most magical places you’ll ever have the honour of living.

So here are some words of advice...
-         Laugh with your cabin as often as you can. This is summer camp not school.
-        Challenge yourself. If you’re terrified of heights, water or insects, embrace the chance to conquer your fears with your kids – they’ll help you through it and respect you more for trying!
-        Sing loudly, if you don’t lose your voice during co-ed days, sing louder!
-        Dress like you’ve never dressed before! And don’t be scared by the power of paint!
-        Don’t let it get you down when your squirty chicken fails to squirt.
-        Surprise your kids. Do something they’ll never expect and they will never forget you.
-        Expect tears. You’re all so close at camp that emotions are heightened, sometimes for good, sometimes for the not so good, but take a step back and take a deep breath.
-        Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable in front of your campers, the advice and comfort of an 8 year old can be the most comforting of all.
-        ‘Hey Andy....Hey what... Can you do it?!’ never gets boring!
-        Never underestimate the power of no hands dinner, it’s the simplest way of making your cabin laugh and bond, and they’ll soon forget that they miss home.
-        Remember each session is the 2 weeks your campers have been waiting for all year.
-        Don’t be afraid to act silly - the kids will love you for it and after all, it’s camp!
-        No matter what anyone tells you, after all the energy it will zap from you, starting Rise and Shine "from the top" will ALWAYS be funny.
-        Never let late nights, early mornings and rushing to CAPs let you stop and look around you. This place is good for your soul so drink it in at every opportunity.
-        Allow others to know you and see your light, your weakness... expose the strengths of others. Yin and yang.
-        Learn which days are ‘C-is-for-cookie’ days- it’s such a shame to waste a pop-stop!
-        Collect keep-sakes…when it gets to winter and you’re pining to be back on the dock, that bracelet someone made you will be the inspiration for you to arrange a get-together
-        Enjoy Hyannis Mall – Vampire Weekend are right – it IS a ghetto, but it’s your ghetto for the next 3 months and we still miss the frozen yoghurt from the food court
-        Get to know everyone – and we don’t just mean the loudest or the coolest – we mean everyone! Some of the quietest people are just waiting to be discovered
-        Camp is the most accepting place you’ll ever find. So shake off the pressure of being cool and looking good- here no one cares so embrace it and be yourself!
-        Be a ‘yes man’ – if someone gives you the chance to try something…try it! Even if it doesn’t work out, at the very least you’ll have a story to tell
-        Observe others, make a note of the good things you see every day in your campers and colleagues, make it a target it tell each of them just ONE good thing that you saw them do today, it helps us to make a meaningful connection.
-        Who knows when you’ll be back here? Do anything and everything you can to make sure that even if you’re only here once, that one time is enough!
-        And remember, you’ve got a summer ahead of you when you’ll have the sun on your back and time on your side – these really are the best days of our lives


So there you have it…advice from people who’ve been there, done that, and who’ve got 6 of the t-shirts! Take our advice, ignore it or laugh at it- it doesn’t really matter seeing as you’re gonna see it all for yourself as you have the time of your life

You’re about to make some precious memories. Be excited! It’s hard to put into words just what camp does to you - you’ll discover things about yourself that you never knew before, you’ll find yourself acting in a way you’ve never been comfortable acting before.

You’ll soon be responsible for putting so many smiles on so many kid’s faces- and that’s something you’ll forever be proud of. Don’t underestimate the influence you will have this summer, not only on the kids, but on each other. Never underrate the potential you have as a positive role model. Embrace it.

We’d like to wish you all the best of luck and ask you to make the most of every moment over the next few weeks- we’ll all be thinking of you wishing we were there!
Have faith and confidence in yourself and trust your judgement.  Inspire
And lastly, open your mind, open your eyes and open your heart to the incredible experience that will be Camp Burgess and Hayward Summer 2011.

new hobbies

Since I am not at camp this summer I am finding myself trying to stay as "busy" as possible so I won't let my mind wander towards all the fun I am inevitably missing out on at Hayward. Besides the lists of ridiculous errands I've sent myself on, I have taken up a hobby I had long abandoned: reading. I didn't realize quite how much I missed it until I got back into it; However, that's not to say that I've been reading anything particularly substantial, but it's been enjoyable nonetheless.

So far, I have read pretty much everything Ann Brashares has to offer... except I had to skip a good part of the second half of The Last Summer because it was too depressing. My Name is Memory was pretty interesting although it definitely needs a sequel because the ending was just not that satisfying. And I haven't been able to put down the final installment of The Travelling Pants.

I also think I have finally learned to appreciate the library. (Despite the fact that the books don't have the good new smell and I hate how you can't bring food in and you have to be quiet.) Next on my list is Kathryn Stockett's The Help and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake.