Rhyming

My brother loves getting mail and whenever he orders something, he get so excited. He just ordered a trap-bar, which came in a 6 foot long box. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't home when it arrived. Instead of just bringing it inside and leaving it for him, I decided to hide it, write clues and make him find it.

The Tale of the Trap-Bar

He put in his order, then eagerly tracked,
Awaiting the trap bar, so he could get jacked.

Alas the arrival, was on a day,
When the D-Train would be, oh so far away.

And so he asked, his sis to watch for,
The package to arrive, at the front door.

“Suck my balls” she responded, for what else would she say?
Sisters are sometimes douche-y that way.

“Okay fine, I will help you,” she finally relented,
“But only if you play the game I’ve invented.”

“I’m hiding your package and making up rhymes…
You’ll entertain me, in exchange for my time.”

And so darling D-Train, here’s what you must do,
Go round the house, and follow the clues.

Once all have been solved, the trap bar you’ll find,
Use your bravery and strength and also your mind.

Lewis, Clark, Sacajawea, Magellan,
Joining that list, there’s really no telling,

The adventures ahead, surely you’re thrilled to start,
The wonders and such that you’re about to take part.

Good luck and god speed, time to begin your chase,
Clue number one, you’ll find in this place:

1-
This is a place with walls that are bright,
A tv, a hammock, a wii and some lights.
Look to each of these things, for they will give you,
Guidance for you to find the next clue.

2-
No phones are allowed, for they would distract,
It’s juiceheads who rule here, and that is a fact.
Soon this is the place the trap bar will be
Go there to find, clue number three.
3-
Clue number four, is what you seek,
Go to this place, where there is still a leak
This is a room, you use to poo,
There are two in this house, but only one with a clue.

4-
You’re getting so close, I’m sure you’re excited,
This is a place, you’re rarely sighted.
Up a staircase and down a narrow hall,
Pay attention to the pictures that hang on the wall.

5-
Patience dear friend, you’ll find what you seek,
Go to this place, where guests go to sleep.
Dig through the piles of socks, pants and such,
Finally you’re new trap bar, you’ll be able to touch.


Congratulations brave soul,
Despite being a pawn,
You’ve been a good sport,
Enjoy getting your swoll on!

Hiring

Yesterday I interviewed a young woman (AK) for a camp counselor position. She grew up as a camper, participated in the Leaders-in-Training and the Counselor-in-Training programs, as well as volunteered on the Work Crew; outside of camp, she has attended and volunteered at camp events regularly.

When I developed teen programming, this is exactly what I had in mind. Keep kids involved with camp through their teen years and eventually I would be able to grow my own staff of super committed, long time camper-turned counselors.

AK was part of my first batch of teens from summer 2008. She is the first to go on to apply for a staff position (sidenote- because teen programming was new in 2008, all ages were combined, meaning that the majority of those kids are a year younger than her and not yet old enough to apply. The program has been successful, even though with only one application, it would seem that it hasn't... I just wanted to clarify that fact.). I should be really happy and excited because this is the first fruit of my labor.

Unfortunately, this is a tough situation. Despite her dedication (see above list of camp involvement), for the past two and half years, she has spent a lot of time complaining, being distracted and overall making me question if she enjoys camp at all. I was actually sort of surprised to see her application as I can't really imagine her wanting to spend her whole summer at camp. I was hoping that her interview would blow me away and I would finally see passion or excitement or whatever it is that has kept her involved.

But I didn't. If she was just a random person I was interviewing, I wouldn't hire her- no hesitation. Her answers were okay, but the *spark* that I can't necessarily explain, but must be there for me to offer a position, just wasn't there. Camp staff don't have to have specific qualifications or skills. I can train them to teach activities, manage behavior, etc. But there has to be a *spark*. It's a combination of desire, passion, commitment, spirit, and energy. It has to be there naturally because it's not something I can teach and it absolutely necessary to keeping someone going through 10 long, exhausting weeks of what is sure to be the most intense experience of their lives.

This should be straightforward- she isn't hired. But it is difficult for me because I've worked with her for 2 years, I know her family, she's a product of my program and on a personal level, I am pulling for her to be successful. I know she was nervous and I know that this is something she wants. And I don't know how to tell her that despite those things, I don't think she has what it takes. But I don't.

I told her I would call her at the end of the hiring cycle and let her know. So I have a month to figure out what to say. I have a feeling that as more and more kids go through the teen programs, this is a problem I might have again. Yikes...

Blizzard

Last week, the East Coast got slammed with a blizzard. I flew right into the middle of it on Monday. I was pleasantly surprised that despite snow in my hometown and a blizzard in Baltimore, I wasn't delayed at all.

I've been in Baltimore all week, learning all about the Operation Purple program, making plans for the summer. Of 140 camps across the country that applied to be part of the program, only 68 were selected, so I feel very honored to be part of this wonderful opportunity.

On Tuesday night and all day yesterday, the snow began again. On the bus from the airport to the conference center on Monday, I had been sitting by a woman from Phoenix, a man from Hawaii and two guys from Louisiana, none of whom had ever seen snow. They were taking pictures and really excited. As a northerner, snow doesn't impress me, however, even I had to agree that in the last few days, the amount of snow has been impressive.

Everyone was supposed to leave today, but with the airport closed, nearly everyone is still here, flights rearranged. I am flying out tomorrow night, which was the absolute earliest option available. I'm trying not to complain as it could be much worse (ie, the snow could begin again, or I could be stranded at the airport instead of here), but I am ready to be home.

Smiles

Every year, I go to schools and churches and give presentations about camp. I show a DVD, talk about how cool it is and then answer questions. I have done about a million of these presentations and they are no big deal. I like public speaking, I love talking about camp and they are pretty much all the same.

This morning I had a presentation and I was dreading it. No reason in particular, I just didn't feel like going. But as I was standing in the auditorium, waiting for the kids to get seated, three of last summer's campers walked in, saw me and their faces lit up!

This happens all the time, and I'm always surprised by it. I'm just the boring old Camp Director. I don't expect the kids to think of me when they get excited about camp. The counselors are fun and silly, Olivia is incredibly popular, new friends and activities are what summer is all about. I'm just the person who makes all the rules... but apparently not.

There is nothing better than starting the day with kids reacting to seeing me in that way. I felt like a rock star or Santa Claus. This job has a lot of great aspects, but that is the best of all!