Camps ~

clean ~

dusty, filthy, dirty, happy ~ riding the slowest horse at camp
just her speed

First time away from home was a challenge for the youngest. We did receive a call from camp because she was homesick, had a stomach ache, shaking all over, not eating. This was hard to hear because I had never experienced that with any of the other children. I realized that the older children had always gone to do things together or in pairs, they were a little unit of five that did everything together. This was her defining moment and she made it through. I believe that going through hard things makes you strong and I hope this experience has added to her self-esteem. I have always been impressed with the YMCA camps. The counselors are great, the kids like the food and the values they learn away from home.

As we checked into the camp pictures everyday, we noticed that her name tag looked funny. As it so happened there was another camper with the same first name and same last name initial. Our last name does not look as it is sounds and we correct when necessary. Some pronounce it in funny ways. So our darling daughter decided to go by her second middle name, my maiden name, much to her daddy's disappointment. Everyone called her "Bennett" all week long. 

Art Camp

dirt as paint

Graeme Base-esk

camp fire

Darling daughter #2 was privileged to attend art camp on a scholarship awarded to her by her art teacher and the school district. She was apprehensive at first because the students who were selected came from all over the district and she was by herself....also for the first time. When she came home we were treated to a performance from all the groups who attended the camp. There was Baile Forklorico and jazz dancing,  Jazz, concert and Mariachi, string bands, choir and barber shop quartet and the silent art of the visual arts. She came home so energized, happy and inspired. And I am beaming with pride!

One more camp to go. The last daughter to go to camp will be missing a week of school to learn to argue. Debate camp is on the horizon and should teenagers learn to argue? Don't they know how to do that naturally? I am just kidding because it requires research, thought and the ability to speak well and clearly. I have gone to three debate tournaments and was able to sit in on one of my daughter's debate rounds. I saw a side of her I had never seen, a forceful, deliberate, well spoken, strong, etc. I could continue, but suffice it to say, I am impressed. And not only with my daughter but with all those students who prepare for all forms of debate. There is a whole group of young people, who are intelligent, thoughtful and well spoken, that has given me confidence for the future.

After this summer and as I have been dropping off and picking campers up from this event and that, I want to go to camp! I have found a camp for people such as myself. It is called the Makerie located in Colorado and crafters, sewists and creative types congregate there once a year for an extended weekend. I will have to save my pennies. And on the East coast there is Squam Art Workshops. From looking at their website they have weekend retreats 3-4 times a year. Road Trip!

With Summer coming to a close for us, the kids go back to school tomorrow, I am appreciating all the adventures we have had together and apart, that we come together either at the end of the day or at the end of the adventures to tell the tales, to share the laughter, triumphs and dreams.