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 25, 2012 Welcome!Welcome to the first Camp Kesem UCLA blog! My name is Quinkidinc and I will be writing the blogs and taking photos throughout this week. I’ve been to Kesem 9 years now since its start at UCLA, and I have seen it grow in size to where it is this year, the largest it has ever been. This blog is for you parents to be able to check and see what your kids are up to this week. I’ve already warned them that “What happens at Kesem now does NOT stay at Kesem.”
After meeting everyone’s unit counselors and saying farewells to family, we were off to camp! A two-hour drive to the Idyllwild area brought us to our campsite, a new place for everyone (and a bit of an upgrade from the last).
Once everyone was gathered in their units, and counselors and Counselors in Training were through emptying the buses, all went to their respective cabins to get settled in and make their cabin rules. This is a sort of Constitution made by the input of both campers and counselors, and includes rules and consequences that are to be maintained all week, but they are unique to every cabin. For example, a rule could be that “real names are not allowed,” and the consequence of using a real name is to kiss a tree, or drink five glasses of water at the next meal, or anything the kids come up with and all agree on.
After getting situated, every unit went on a photo scavenger hunt, partially to get acquainted with one another and also to familiarize themselves with the new camp. Once human caterpillars and unit-wide piggy back rides were photographed, and UCLA 8-claps filmed (gotta’ start ‘em young), we all gathered at the fire pit to meet the admin and be dismissed to dinner.
Dining hall rules were explained to a fairly squirmy audience, but the food came soon enough and everyone ate their chicken, rice, broccoli and salads gratefully. And as always, we drank lots of water. Once everyone was finished eating and cleaning their areas we returned to the fire pit to watch some skits put on by the counselors. At the end of this we had closing circle; a tradition at Camp Kesem, done at the end of every day. The entire camp gathers in a circle, some last announcements are made, and we softly sing the Closing Circle song: Hey oh, oh ay 2x Don’t walk in front of me I may not follow, Don’t walk behind me I may not lead Just walk beside me and be my friend, and together we are here at Camp Kesem Hey oh, oh ay 2x
Lastly, all units had their first cabin chats, then went to bed.
Comments |
Great first post! We get a good feel for the first day from your description, and the photos show about 100 campers identifiably, plus all those crazy counselors! This is a gift for all the parents. Thank you, Quinkidinc.
Charles Andrews | Jun 25, 2012 | Reply
I LOVE this!! This is my daughters first year, she is 8. She is so super excited about camp and of course I’m a basket case. I love that I can chcek in and see what they are doing for the day. Please blog as much as you want
I can stay here all day……..
Rachael Keipp | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply
Quinkidinc, Thank you so much for your blog post about the 1st day of camp. It is great to hear about the day. I especially enjoyed seeing a picture of my son at camp. Thank you very much. I look forward to your next post!
Margaret | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply
Thank you, Quinkidinc! So fun to see the kids in your photos! Here’s a shout-out to young first-timer “Tom Riddle” who I was glad to see having a good time! (I’m an art friend of your mom, Quinkidinc, and a friend of Tom Riddle’s mom.)
CutieCumber's Mama (Corinne) | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply
Everyone looks happy….so how’s the weather? I noticed not many of the children wore jackets at the bonfire….have FUN!!!!
April Marcelin | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply
Thank you so much for putting this site together. I will enjoy reading all about their day and feeling that I’m part of their experience. Thank you!
Maria | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply
New camp site is wonderful. We love to peek-in! Looking forward to tomorrows adventures.
Thanks for sharing.
Sunny and Violets Family | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply
Love the pics, only see one of my daughters, Rachel can’t wait to see pics of my other one, Helen!
Julie | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply
This is so great — thank you for putting it together. It’s really wonderful to know what they’re doing and see them having fun. (Mom of Bonez, Bear, and Bubblegum).
Heidi | Jun 26, 2012 | Reply