Weekend Getaway

The party began at 1:30 Friday afternoon. The air-conditioning was broken in the backseat of our car. We tried to entertain ourselves with the Exponent but it lasted only a few minutes. I think we all had a touch of ADD. Jody, Travis, Grant and I were on our way to Fall Fest, a retreat for jr. high church kids. On the way, we passed a “point of interest.” It was a natural spring in the middle of nowhere. Not really interesting if you ask me. Finally we arrived after a two-hour drive. The party had only just begun.

Our first task was setting up 70 chairs for 63 people in a room that should only fit around 55. As the jr. high kids began to show up, we engaged in a ferocious tournament of dodge ball. Unfortunately for us, jr. high kids are notorious for cheating. After an hour of intense battle, we regrouped to begin playing various forms of tag. They became bored after about 15 minutes. We need to keep them busy for about 3 hours. Soon, darkness set in and glow in the dark games were made up on the spot.

The campers went to bed shortly after 11. As staff we had the privilege of staying up as late as we felt. We sat around in the dining hall and talked for a bit. A few people ate some cereal and we went to bed. We didn’t last long.

Around 8 the next we stumbled out of bed for breakfast. The party was just warming up. The kids were crazy and energetic, while we were drained. The kids had two rotations for the morning. I was working high ropes with the rest of staff. 38 campers showed up to go through the ropes course. Most of them had never experienced such a thrill. A 45 foot rock wall with a huge zipline. Headed up by the coolest people ever.

Travis is a scruffy man. O’er the summer he ruled the kitchen with an iron spatula. The thing that makes him cool is the fact that he can really step up the plate when necessary. Our head cook was fired in the first week of camp this summer and Travis stepped up without hesitation. He took leadership of the kitchen like George Washington lead America in the weaning years of our nation. This man is all about dancing even though he has no rhythm. He is all about shaking his stuff.

Grant is one of the best people I know. That is all. But seriously, I grew up with this kid. He is like the labor force in America. Not everybody knows his name but everybody knows he’s around and working hard. He always has a smile on his face and is trying to make someone laugh.

Sheridan is a mysterious individual. Dark and quiet she lurks in corners, quietly listening to conversations and constantly plotting to overthrow the administration, ie “the man.” She is definelty gunning for head honcho at camp. Nothing gets past this girl, she has eyes in the back of her head.

Jared is the mature one in the group. Working at camp for five years has taught him a lot of restraint. Just kidding. He is the worst. The only time I have ever seen him doing something serious is when someone could get hurt. He loves what he does and this South African chick he’s been dating for almost an entire year.


Basically, these guys are the backbone of camp. They keep the place running and always make sure the kids are having fun and learning about good stuff. This post might seem a little odd but I really love these guys. The time I spend with them is always unforgettable. This weekend I had a blast working with them and helping kids have fun. This weekend was a weekend "Well Spent.”