LockWynn Weakly Reader: Summer 00

All the news that's fit to slant our way

First Overnight Camp Experience!

   Clea's departure for camp was typical. Fortified by the necessary large breakfast of comfort food at 1 p.m., we pulled out of the driveway just 15 minutes late.

    Tension built during the 50-mile trip, punctuated by wails of terror as the realization hit that various items hadn't been packed. We made three emergency stops: one for a bandana while still in Salem and another for postcard stamps about 10 miles from camp.

The third required a brief but very tense detour into town as Clea shrieked, "I don't want to look like a coyote!" when she discovered her hairbrush was not in her duffle bag.

   When we finally arrived (only half an hour late), Clea was promptly and smoothly assimilated by her group. With nary a kiss or hug and an ever-so-subtle toss of the head that clearly said, "Get lost!" Dad and I were immediately dismissed and she was off on adventure, fears vanquished.

Clea's group

   A week later, Joan went back to pick up the camper. And was happily greeted by Clea who thrust a squashed berry at her for eating. The berry sat on fingertips that were incredibly dirty. The hand was filthy. Actually, the whole child was very, very grimy.

   "We're all wearing dirty duds," Clea announced. And indeed all the girls and their duds were badly in need of soap and water.

   We took a shower on Day 5, explained Clea as she poured sand out of a shoe. Since the water was cold, it was a very quick shower. And so they lived in happy filth and seemed none the worse for wear. At least we know these kids have healthy immune systems.

Highlights

• The food varied from "ick" to really good, with blueberry pancakes being the best meal.

• Clea and her group slept on the beach one night.

• Evidence of two cougars has been found on the camp's island, Clea reported. "But not in the camp part."

• The hairbrush bought under extreme emergency conditions was used exactly twice during the seven-day stay. The stamps were lost. The bandana was never worn.

• Clea received her mail on the next-to-the last day of camp and she was happy to hear from Bampy, Aunt Sally and Cousin Deborah, and Mom and Dad. She is still receiving mail that arrived at camp and was returned to the sender. Thanks to all who forwarded to home!

• Clea managed to send only one postcard and that was to Mom and Dad. She had earnestly vowed to write to everyone she knew but of course that didn't happen.

   Do we recommend YWCA Camp Westwind! Absolutely yes!

   Did I eat the berry? Yes, I did.