Monday, July 8, 2013

Wesley Woods Week Thursday June 27th

The last full day of camp. My oh my it just flies by. Well today was a busy day so I'll try to hit everything without dragging on for too long. Hmm, this is going to be tricky.

Remember how we didn't have horseback riding yesterday? I know a tearful moment for the Junior High though the pizza was bitchin'. Well today we mercifully didn't have any rain the same as last night. Apparently some of the trails (muddy as hell) were safe enough for the horses. We went horseback riding.

Jason and I drove up separately since we were going to stay for both hours. We arrived with half of the Junior High and all seemed ok. Katie forget the safety waivers. Poor Katie. She hurried to the camp and back and a short fifteen minutes later she ran up with all the documents. Good thing was in that time all the kids found and put on their helmets, usually we're rushing them. As a counselor I did not wear a helmet for two reasons; first off they hurt since they are meant for kids and second if I fall off the horse it's my own damn fault. I didn't, Drifter and I seemed to be on the same level most of the time.

One by one the kids were picked from the group and pulled onto a saddle. I was last and given a grey horse with a few spots named Drifter. It was strange but we seemed to think similarly. Both of us are guided by our stomachs.

Now for those of you who ride horses or rode in the past fear not, I did not allow Drifter to stuff her face with grass and greens on the trails. In fact she was very good and listened to all of my commands. Rather when we returned for the second batch of children she wanted some hay. See I might be strong but when a horse wants to eat well there is no stopping it. Fortunately I yelled to one of the stable girls and she ran over with a handful of hay. Drifter you can pig out in the stables once I'm off your back and not at risk to be kicked or bitten by the horse you shove out of the way. In any case I held onto a little "road snack" of hay for Drifter.

The kids seemed to enjoy themselves atop the horses even the few who had never ridden before. Maybe one summer I'll work for a month or so in Iowa on a ranch, just so I can become more familiar with it. Heh, let's see that actually happen MareBear. Moving on to the rest of the tricky busy day.

So being the last night we had our talent show. The acts were scattered from all ages and included song numbers to simple skits. Jalyn one of my campers was set to read some of her poetry. Throughout the week I helped her practice by first reading in front of me, then the cabin, then a few more counselors. She was immensely shy about it however with that practice she was able to read aloud in front of the entire camp. I was her mic-stand, didn't want her to be entirely alone. She read a sad poem first about being alone or "the girl in the corner" then an uplifting poem about a guardian angel. Amazing but sometimes in strangers you see someone whom you used to be. Jalyn I'm so proud of you for overcoming your public speaking fear.

Afterwards was the slideshow which included some pictures from my very own camera. Of course everyone could tell the difference from Jade's pics compared to all the others; she has a kick-ass camera. Unfortunately there were three pictures of me included with bacon tape on my face. You'd think one would have sufficed. A few "it's bacon face!" were shouted  among the Junior High. Oh Will and Tommy, you're lucky you are young and adorable. (If Jade posts photos on Facebook I'll be sure to bedazzle these posts with them).

It's time for the grand finale! My favorite part in fact, t-shirt signing. I try to leave a meaning note for each of my campers and a happy note for the random campers I don't know who ask me to sign their shirts. Esther wrote how happy she was that I was her counselor and that she can't wait until next year. Jalyn wrote that I inspired her and ended with how much she loved me. Jade (a good friend and fellow counselor) wrote across the chest of my shirt that I was hers. Haha I love this night. When I'm home I'll hang the shirt on my closet wall sort of as a poster.

The night ended with everyone hyper yet incredibly tired. We had some pizza in the cabins and Maddie even did some henna for the counselors. I had an owl design done. Hoot. Time for bed, it's been a long few days.


No comments:

Post a Comment