UCLA Camp
Counselor Retreat Coming off of the high that was Make The Magic, I thought it might be hard to top but once again, the Kesem love outdid itself and went above and beyond at retreat. Everyone jokes about how “awkward” they feel at the first few meetings each spring: newbies are afraid to talk to anyone, returners [...] 
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June 27, 2012 E is for ExpressionAdmin did not have the same problem as last morning, because campers were steadfastly asleep when they made their wake up call rounds.
After units were dismissed individually to breakfast (based on who had the best knock knock joke and who could stack cups the fastest), we began rotations.
Adventure Nature prepared campers to hunt for the ever elusive Sasquatch (counselor Buzz dressed in a furry costume running around maniacally). Not only were their bodies trained by playing a fun game called ninja (ask your kids for rules), but their minds were sharpened by playing rock, paper, scissors. It was then that the Sasquatch appeared out of the foliage and kids chased him until he was defeated.
Older units went on a nature walk by the pond, and even saw a blue heron take flight across the water. “Thank you, nature!” The kids chorused. They also learned how to make a fire, collecting kindling and bigger sticks.
During Dance & Drama, counselors and kids did a meditation warm-up, watched some outrageous skits put on by both counselors and campers, and, of course, dressed up and practiced their dance for the talent show.
A new basketball court was completed this day, so after dodgeball, units got to play with the fresh new hoops. This was just around snack time, so some were quite torn between which activity to choose, although snack time eventually prevailed.
In Arts & Crafts kids continued to decorate their notebooks and started filling them up with great drawings. Some campers made wind mobiles out of sticks, and stick-people using yarn, markers and glitter on a popsicle stick.
The CITs and teens returned during lunch, and got a warm welcome, though they were visibly beat by their backpacking trips. Many didn’t speak much until after chowing down and showering. Afterwards CITs joined their respective units.
Water Activities was a time of great relief from the heat, and kids and counselors alike greatly appreciated the sprinklers, water hoses, slip n slides, and water guns. And if that wasn’t enough water, some units went to their swimming rotation right after. It’s a wonder we didn’t see more prunes walking about!
Campers were happy to be with their CITs again, and the counselors were happy for their company and an extra hand (spirits are still high among all counselors, we’ll see how they are mid-week and beyond).
After dinner each group had an initiation ceremony, unique to their unit, to officially accept campers and CITs into their units. Although some kids were wary of being blindfolded and led on a trust walk, they seemed relieved once they were sure they were now truly a team.
Closing Circle followed this activity, then cabin chat and lights out.
Comments |
Yet another fulfilled day at camp, I can see that everyone is having a great time! Thanks again for the update!
Julie (Rachel and Helen's mom) | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
thanks for the update and the pics…where are the older kids? Go Team Red…hi to feather…i would like to see you…where are you hiding? have fun and all my prayers…be safe everyone!!!
SLEEP TIGHT, Y’ALL!!! don’t let the bedbugs bite…
love you, feather…mommy
Samantha | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
Thank you so much for your daily blogs. It is great to get a snap shot of how their day went. It is the highlight of my day to read them. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Margaret | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
Awesome job Quinkydink!
Keep up the great work and thank you for keeping us up to date. I can’t wait to find out what “S” stands for.
)
Rhonda (Sprite & Sprinkle's Mom) | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
Great pics and it has been reassuring to see our youngest (Sprinkle) in several frames. But, yes, what happened to the Red group. It is reassuring to hear that someone else in that group has not seen their child…I was starting to wonder if Sprite actually got on the bus.
Rod aka Sprite & Sprinkle's Dad | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
You tell ‘em, Perry! (Jimmy). Dad is watching! Have fun, fun, fun!
Chris Monte (Perry's Dad) | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
I think you are my favorite person right now Quinkydink!!!
it really gives us a nice snapshot of their day and helps with those of us who are having some separation anxiety!! hahaha 
Party on Hello Kitty Gillian)!!
I look forward to the blog all day! I look at it multiple times a day
Rachael Keipp | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
Thanks So So So Much for the blogs. I hope all of you are having a great time!!! Come out Come out wherever you are CHEETAH GIRL!!!! Be sure she does the talent show,she’s been talking about it all year….Miss you guys and Love you guys…..
April Marcelin( Cheetah Girl & Lil Bit's Mom | Jun 27, 2012 | Reply
Hi Guys!!!! Thank you so so so much for your blogs.Its much appreciated. Tell CHEETAH GIRL to come out from hiding and make sure she does the talent show. She’s been talking about it all year. This new edition to Camp Kesem (the Blogs) that is ,IS A GREAT IDEA!!!! …..CAMP KESEM ROCKS,LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!
April Marcelin( Cheetah Girl & Lil Bit's Mom | Jun 28, 2012 | Reply
Looks like so much fun for all! Thank you for allowing us to share in their day! I miss my little “Butterfly” girl.
Maria | Jun 28, 2012 | Reply
Thanks Quinkydink — you are my favorite person, too. I love to look through the photos and read about what everyone is doing. And there is finally a photo of Annie Rose (Bubblegum) smiling!!!
Heidi | Jun 28, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for such great photos! We’re so happy to see everyone having so much fun. big hug to Buggy, Kiwi, Obi Wan and the rest of the group!
Liza & Joe (Buggy's aunt & uncle) | Jun 28, 2012 | Reply