Ducks in a Row

Yesterday at training I gave all of the counselors small rubber ducks. They are expected to have their duck with them at all times throughout training. Periodically, anyone can shout "duck check" and everyone has to hold their ducks up. If you don't have your duck, you have to sing and dance and then run and get it. It's not exactly punishment for a group who spends all day singing and dancing, but it is a good reminder. The idea behind the ducks is that if you can't keep track of one little duck, how will you keep track of 10 kids? It's a good exercise in remembering to be constantly vigilant.

Additionally, counselors can steal each other's ducks (another reminder to be really conscious of where your duck is). Last night, our Art Director's duck was stolen and she was LIVID. She's an outspoken girl to begin with, but hours of "seriously guys, where is my duck" made her even louder than usual.

I didn't steal her duck, but I did leave dinner early to make a ransom note (see picture above). I took a photo of my duck, put her duck's name on it, and wrote at the bottom, "If you ever want to see your duck alive again, drop one bag of chocolate on the field at midnight. Don't be late or the duck gets it. Come alone."

I put the note in an envelope and slipped it to another counselor to give to her. She (and all of the other counselors) couldn't believe it, but were also laughing so hard. It was fabulous.

Eventually about 8 counselors admitted that they were all part of the plot to steal the duck and the counselor that had it returned it.

Yep, this is all part of my average day at my job. Yep, my life is awesome.