Summer Magic

The roaring sounds of the music of marching bands waft through the air on the warm summer morning. Billowy white clouds glide across the magnificent blue sky. Cars begin lining up, as the children inside clamor over each other in eager anticipation of the fun that awaits them. They pile out of cars, backpacks in tow with smiles from ear to ear. The smell of freshly applied sunscreen drifts through the air as the children scamper about; renewing old friendships and making new ones.

As morning assembly begins, the campers rise, hands over their hearts and hats off to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Announcements are made and the infamous phrase, “Blast off and have a great safe day!” sends us forth into a world of camp fun.

The morning brings the crack of the bat, a complicated obstacle course and new strokes in the pool. Afterwards, ravenous campers root through the worn in canvas lunch bag in search of their own paper sack. Gathered under the cool shade of low hanging trees, the children gobble up sandwiches, chips and fresh fruit. Energized for the rest of the day, campers move excitedly to their afternoon activities. The blazing sun, high in the sky beats down as youngsters race to get in line to try their hand at archery. The “thwack” of the arrow hitting the target produces squeals of delight, as campers search through the white plastic bucket for that coveted prize.

A large, red playground ball whizzes by the head of an unsuspecting camper, as a competitive game of doctor dodge ball commences. “Below the waist, below the waist!” I bellow. One by one, campers drop to the floor, sighing with despair, only to be brought back to life by the “doctor” in the house.

Tired, thirsty and ready for snack, the children eagerly fill their plastic cups with petal pink colored lemonade from large athletic coolers. Crinkling papers can be heard as campers hastily unwrap their afternoon snacks. In anticipation of the afternoon’s free swim, the girls scramble to pick swim buddies. The ever-present squabbling ensues, as shouts of, “But we were buddies, YESTERDAY!” Finally, grabbing swim bags, the girls scamper off hand in hand towards the locker room.

The industrial size fans whirr as custodians valiantly attempt to lower the humidity in the locker room. Showers appear to run endlessly as the girls scoot through to rinse off the hard-earned grime of a great camp day. Towels slung over their shoulders and flip flops securely on, the girls bound up the steps towards the pool. Campers with their clasped hands raised high, anxiously await the whistle granting permission to enter the pool area.

Late afternoon clouds reveal themselves, casting shadows over the crystal clear blue pool water. Rumbling thunder is heard in the distance, a looming threat to what continues to be a perfect day. Squeals of laughter and shrieks of joy reverberate off of the big stone building. Lifeguards saunter around the pool, swinging their whistles, keeping a watching eye on the playful campers. The final whistle blows and the campers plod through the deep water towards the ladders.

A cacophony of voices echoes in the locker room, awhile the girls scramble to get dressed. Cries for help can be heard as dry clothes meet the wet bodies of the tired swimmers.

The sun wanes as the gentle afternoon breezes blow the evergreen branches to and fro. The clanging of the afternoon bell calls all campers to closing assembly. Strains of the “Cotton Eyed Joe” can be heard as the campers dance along to the music in the assembly area.

The first day of camp has come to a close. The sun-kissed faces of weary campers speak volumes as to the fun that was shared by all on this particular day. Campers and counselors alike join in a rousing rendition of “Camp is done.”

Tired campers crawl into cars as parents eagerly the stories of the day. I gather my belongings and head slowly to my car. In my world, there is no happier place to spend a summer day, than at camp. Tomorrow cannot come soon enough!