Anticipation

My father, when describing his philosophy on life, had a little phrase: “Everything to look forward to and Nothing to dread”. That phrase encapsulates how camp feels now.

Every day is precious at this point of the summer. The pace of each class is determined by the fact that we only have a few “normal” days of camp left. As the big production EP’s approach, the intensity of the classes participating in that EP is palpable. Campers and counselors alike are on pins and needles as they prepare for their moment on stage. Campers and counselors alike delight in the afterglow of successful productions.

Last night the Junior Play overcame significant obstacles to knock the ball out of the park with their production of Aladdin. A big thunderstorm hit camp during rest hour yesterday, knocking out power for two hours. These were the critical 2 hours that the Play was going to use for dress rehersals (particularly important for sound balancing and cues). The girls had to do the show without the normal preparations… and they did a spectacular job. The costumes were better than we have ever done. The backdrops, perfect. Special effects were stunning. The choreography and stage blocking were well accomplished.

I was particularly impressed with the sound management. We could easily hear each actress, and that is quite an accomplishment. The campers not only did the acting, they also ran the sound board (with 16 headset mic’s, 4 choir mic’s, and CD music). I have done sound board work for productions and can assure you that this is very hard to get right.

You still have today to check it out on livestream. Very cute!

So today, the Junior Production classes are basking in that wonderful afterglow of a job well done. The Dance, Guitar, Singing, and other production classes are nervously putting the polishing touches on the acts they will put on tonight. Syncro classes are nervously preparing for tomorrows Watershow and Senior Play is working on their production (the gauntlet has been thrown down by the Jr. Play). The riders are preparing for Derby Day, artists preparing for Sunday’s Art Show, and the Honor Council is preparing their talks for Closing Vespers.

Meanwhile, classes like Dog Camp are taking the time to do fun things like “Dog Camp Water Park” (take the dogs down the waterslide). I love the energy that is evident all over camp. This energy will gradually turn to a warm glow of contentment in the next few days.

Everything to look forward to indeed!