Camp Magic

Camp magic is the special something that sets camp apart from any other place in the world. I can think of dozens of memories where I forgot I was in charge of everything and got swept into the excitement and fun with equal enthusiasm to the kids- THAT is camp magic.

Yesterday was HOT. All day long, it was just hot and sticky everywhere. By the time we got to the campfire, I was drained and sick of being hot. We sang some songs, made s'mores and watched some counselor skits. But I was OVER it.

"Hey, I have an idea!" Both the kids and the counselors weren't sure what I was going to say. "Who wants to do a spontaneous, fully clothed, nighttime polar bear plunge with me?!" (Polar bear plunge is usually at 7:15am and the kids LOVE it!) All of the kids and most of the counselors started cheering.

One of the kids said, "but we don't have our towels". I told him it was still hot outside so he would dry. Plus, we were going to showers in a little while anyway, so it didn't really matter if their clothes got wet. We all ran down to the beach and jumped in the water in our clothes. It was still light out and there are MANY lifeguards on staff, so we were safe. And even though it was the evening, the water was warm. Anything that is different than the schedule feels a little exciting to the kids and I know the counselors (and I!) appreciated cooling down.

Tonight was the dance party. I used to LOVE the dance party, but I skipped most of them last year. I was planning on skipping this one too, but I started talking with a few of the kids sitting off to the side and pretty soon we were all dancing and I got swept into the party.

I was so dreading camp before I arrived for the summer, but I've been overcome by camp magic and find myself swept into the fun more often than not. There will always be emails and paperwork, but this summer, I can't tear myself away from playing, kayaking, hanging out, and general camp life. It is wonderful.