Besides a few years of Catholic school choir where I would more often than not perform the rookie mistake of locking my knees while trying to stand on the side of the church altar for an hour, eventually half tumbling to the ground in the middle of a service, I do not sing in public. Shower singing, singing to my pet parrot (in order to make him squawk in annoyance), and singing wildly out of tune at great volume in the car are all in my repertoire, but producing music for a crowd isn't on the menu. I spent four wonderful summers at a boys' camp chanting, whooping, and bellowing battle cries, but singing was considered below the acceptable duties of manliness. (Even though I'm not actually a man.)
And then I came to CFA.
A few hours into my first retreat as a professional staff member, I was asked to perform in a skit— the ever-classic "Invisible Bench." That was acceptable enough, as I had a full two weeks of drama training in middle school and had even blessed the 8th grade stage with my presence as The Head Elf of the Christmas play. And then all of a sudden I was supposed to be co-leading a song. A song I didn't know, for one, and a song that, upon explanation, sounded like a lot of gibberish. I couldn't understand why we thought the strangers in the audience would enjoy gobbledy-gook entertainment, and why I needed to participate. And then there were hand gestures. Hand gestures.
However, wanting to remain well-liked, or at the very least, well-employed, I went along with it, alongside a couple of summer staff members. And it was.. fun. And it didn't matter that I messed up seventy-five percent of the nonsense words, or that my hand gestures were wildly out of sync. And weirdest of all, the small crowd of dads and daughters and sons loved it. And sang along.. Repeat-after-me-style, of course.
Why do we sing at camp? Why is it beyond acceptable and actually fun to look so silly, often in front of such a large crowd, and often entirely out of tune?
I don't think there are any concrete answers, but trust me— if you've given it a try, no matter how reserved you think you might be, it's fun. And beyond fun, it's a true collective experience, which is at the heart and soul of what camp is. "Camp" is never actually a singular noun; "camp" implies a group of people with possibly nothing else in common except a mutual appreciation for being outside and living communally, even if only for a short time. And therefore, communal singing becomes okay and enjoyable. It isn't rare to have campers and counselors cite campfire songs as their favorite camp activity, over horseback riding or high ropes or sports or swimming or cook-out. It's a shared moment, generally wacky and outside of societal norms. It is especially poignant to see a teenager who came to camp sullen, aloof, and disinterested, one evening standing beside an excitable eight year old, both of them belting out "Three Shortnecked Buzzards" while flapping their pretend wings and skipping in the air. It is incredible important as a young person to have moments where one can set aside the cool factor and be a little silly, in a group setting.
And so, I leave you with one of my favorite camp songs, performed in the summer of 2009. "The CFA Song." Take a good look at the audience members, and how different they are. But yet they can all pretend to milk a cow or flush a toilet, and laugh, and sing. It's not technically cool, but at camp, it suddenly is.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
125th Y-Celebration
Bill and I went to the 125th Celebration of YMCA Camping a few weeks ago and I came back with a new appreciation of really how camping got to where it is now. So many times we only look to the future when the past is not only a place where we can learn from but also a place that we need to hold in high regard.
Below is the history of YMCA camping. They gave this to us at the celebration. I will have some thoughts below:
-Notice the quotes that the narrator says or the ones they flash on the screen. My favorite: "The joy and success of a camp depend not on the new pool, the pleasant lodging or the other facilities but on the leadership." Richard T. Schwartz, camper then counselor at YMCA Camp Kern.
-It is really cool seeing the old pictures and history of different camps. CFA actually has 4 pictures in this.
-As it said in the video, the counselor/camper relationship is one of the most important things in summer camps. I remember my first counselors Paul Laudermilk and Brian Sheridan. They took care of me and loved me. Some of their morals rubbed off on me and I have them now. I hope I have made an impact on the campers I worked with as those two did with me.
-This video sums up why I do what I do. Not with what the narrator says, but with all the smiles that are in the pictures.
Below is the history of YMCA camping. They gave this to us at the celebration. I will have some thoughts below:
-Notice the quotes that the narrator says or the ones they flash on the screen. My favorite: "The joy and success of a camp depend not on the new pool, the pleasant lodging or the other facilities but on the leadership." Richard T. Schwartz, camper then counselor at YMCA Camp Kern.
-It is really cool seeing the old pictures and history of different camps. CFA actually has 4 pictures in this.
-As it said in the video, the counselor/camper relationship is one of the most important things in summer camps. I remember my first counselors Paul Laudermilk and Brian Sheridan. They took care of me and loved me. Some of their morals rubbed off on me and I have them now. I hope I have made an impact on the campers I worked with as those two did with me.
-This video sums up why I do what I do. Not with what the narrator says, but with all the smiles that are in the pictures.
I Would be Giving. . .
The sixth line of the Ragger's Creed is "I would be giving and forget the gift."I think this line is pretty self explanatory - you should be willing to give without getting anything back. Gifts are not just things you purchase, but can also be the gift of time helping someone out, a nice note or email, encouraging words and just being a friend. Learning to be giving is a constant life challenge.
Giving can also be defined as being generous. On Wikipedia, I found this: Generosity is the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return. It can involve offering time, assets or talents to aid someone in need. Often equated with charity and virtue, generosity is widely accepted in society as a desirable trait.
Have you given of time or talent recently? If not, what can you do today to give?
Remember-Youth Empowerment Retreat (click and look for tan box) is coming up December 10, 2010! Sign up today and take this time to renew your Rag goals at camp. Hey Hey CFA-stay pure, stay true, stay strong, stay brave, be a friend, give each day and stay CFA.
I would be true, for there are those that trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be a friend to all, the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving and forget the gift...
Allison
Thursday, October 21, 2010
What makes a great camp horse. [The CFA Definitive Guide]
In my office, I have a piece of paper that's been photocopied a few times. At the top it reads "New Horse Evaluation" and the Times New Roman print carries on with phrases like reaction to injection simulation and ground manners and demeanor while saddling and hoof condition, and so forth. It is a solid document I cannot take credit for, full of equestrian jargon that means a lot to us weird horse people and probably not a whole lot to the average kid who just wants a chance to ride. I take a copy of that paper with me and make sparse notes whenever somebody calls me out to see if their horse would be a good fit for CFA.
The truth is, really, that there is no black-and-white criteria by which a true Camp Horse can be judged. They are each unique and their own "person," if I can borrow that particular species' term. A few common threads appear when you take a look at those in our herd who have given some of the greatest years of service to children in camping— for one, rarely is the truly Great Camp Horse beautiful by the textbook standards of equine confirmation. There is often a long back, sagging with age (see "Charlie) or particularly creaky hocks long tired from years as a competitor in a more taxing equestrian sport (like "Dixie" in her roping days.) We possess a short little fellow who looks more like a grouchy, stubby-legged white rhinoceros than a glittering grey Welsh pony. His name is "Salty," or "Salty Dog," and the grizzly personality matches the name. Luckily, his signature whitish coloration makes him an immediate favorite of almost every little girl who sets her eyes on him, assuaging their dismay when, upon mounting, they realize he's a hard mouthed, cranky pony with a strong desire to eat instead of walk. He would still never dump a child or leave them stranded; he just takes the long way around on his own accord.
That said, onto Common Trait #2.. and I have to contradict myself here. Should you wander through our pasture and take a look at our 27-horse-strong herd, you would see quite a few handsome stock horses, stately Thoroughbreds, flashy paints, and even an Arabian or draft or two. But no great camp horse goes without some personality quirk or flaw that relinquishes them to a life best spent allowing children to climb over their backs and play cowgirl or cowboy. "Hannah," for example, hasn't spent many months with us here at CFA, and you wouldn't peg her as a camp pony very quickly. She has the lovely, stout, functional confirmation of a foundation Quarter Horse and an overwhelming desire to "crib" or "windsuck," meaning she takes about any straight, hard surface in her mouth (think fencing, mainly) and bites down on it and sucks air in through her lungs. The action releases endorphins in her head, which ease some of her lingering social anxiety— Hannah tends to prefer the company of people, especially girls, to most other horses. Yet despite her good looks and being young by camp standards, she carries her charges with grace and care and almost a delicateness in knowing that she has been given something important to watch over. Tall, thoroughbred, elegant "Marquee" was purchased off of the racetrack to join the ranks of competitive eventing horses— the kind most often associated with Olympic horsemanship. An injury in his joint and consequent issues thereafter meant he had to find work elsewhere. Normally, an enormous beast of a very young Thoroughbred horse would be a terrible addition to any traditional camp setting, but Marquee's overwhelming curiosity and desire to be a part of activity and adventure means he excels in the camp environment, normally carrying more advanced riders but nearly always behaving gently for the greenhorns as well.
There are other tests a camp horse must pass beyond having good hooves and a generally quiet disposition. A great camp horse doesn't flinch when a learning challenged child attempts to scuttle from their back in a great wave of panic on a mountainous trail ride. A great camp horse may never have seen a barrel in their life, but performs admirably around three of them while carrying a little girl with the hopes of someday being a champion barrel racer in the National Finals Rodeo. A great camp horse not only stops for particularly tasty grass, but for the stray barn cat who finds themselves a hair's breadth away from getting stepped on. A great camp horse doesn't kick when presented with an errant seven-year-old who attempts to hug their "horsey" via their back legs. A great camp horse protests only very modestly when a Saddle Club student attempts to put a bit in their mouth and misses altogether, clashing with the poor horse's forehead. A great camp horse puts 25 years of hard work and tired bones behind them, and canters home on the last leg of a speed event for a kid who just wants to win something, "for once." A great camp horse enjoys the long hug at the end of a lesson, tolerates kisses on their sensitive velvet nose, and accepts a treat as politely as they can muster.
Lucky for us, we have many great camp horses. They are far from faultless but good-natured creatures. We could learn from their honesty and the faith they put into their often unskilled riders.
The truth is, really, that there is no black-and-white criteria by which a true Camp Horse can be judged. They are each unique and their own "person," if I can borrow that particular species' term. A few common threads appear when you take a look at those in our herd who have given some of the greatest years of service to children in camping— for one, rarely is the truly Great Camp Horse beautiful by the textbook standards of equine confirmation. There is often a long back, sagging with age (see "Charlie) or particularly creaky hocks long tired from years as a competitor in a more taxing equestrian sport (like "Dixie" in her roping days.) We possess a short little fellow who looks more like a grouchy, stubby-legged white rhinoceros than a glittering grey Welsh pony. His name is "Salty," or "Salty Dog," and the grizzly personality matches the name. Luckily, his signature whitish coloration makes him an immediate favorite of almost every little girl who sets her eyes on him, assuaging their dismay when, upon mounting, they realize he's a hard mouthed, cranky pony with a strong desire to eat instead of walk. He would still never dump a child or leave them stranded; he just takes the long way around on his own accord.
That said, onto Common Trait #2.. and I have to contradict myself here. Should you wander through our pasture and take a look at our 27-horse-strong herd, you would see quite a few handsome stock horses, stately Thoroughbreds, flashy paints, and even an Arabian or draft or two. But no great camp horse goes without some personality quirk or flaw that relinquishes them to a life best spent allowing children to climb over their backs and play cowgirl or cowboy. "Hannah," for example, hasn't spent many months with us here at CFA, and you wouldn't peg her as a camp pony very quickly. She has the lovely, stout, functional confirmation of a foundation Quarter Horse and an overwhelming desire to "crib" or "windsuck," meaning she takes about any straight, hard surface in her mouth (think fencing, mainly) and bites down on it and sucks air in through her lungs. The action releases endorphins in her head, which ease some of her lingering social anxiety— Hannah tends to prefer the company of people, especially girls, to most other horses. Yet despite her good looks and being young by camp standards, she carries her charges with grace and care and almost a delicateness in knowing that she has been given something important to watch over. Tall, thoroughbred, elegant "Marquee" was purchased off of the racetrack to join the ranks of competitive eventing horses— the kind most often associated with Olympic horsemanship. An injury in his joint and consequent issues thereafter meant he had to find work elsewhere. Normally, an enormous beast of a very young Thoroughbred horse would be a terrible addition to any traditional camp setting, but Marquee's overwhelming curiosity and desire to be a part of activity and adventure means he excels in the camp environment, normally carrying more advanced riders but nearly always behaving gently for the greenhorns as well.
There are other tests a camp horse must pass beyond having good hooves and a generally quiet disposition. A great camp horse doesn't flinch when a learning challenged child attempts to scuttle from their back in a great wave of panic on a mountainous trail ride. A great camp horse may never have seen a barrel in their life, but performs admirably around three of them while carrying a little girl with the hopes of someday being a champion barrel racer in the National Finals Rodeo. A great camp horse not only stops for particularly tasty grass, but for the stray barn cat who finds themselves a hair's breadth away from getting stepped on. A great camp horse doesn't kick when presented with an errant seven-year-old who attempts to hug their "horsey" via their back legs. A great camp horse protests only very modestly when a Saddle Club student attempts to put a bit in their mouth and misses altogether, clashing with the poor horse's forehead. A great camp horse puts 25 years of hard work and tired bones behind them, and canters home on the last leg of a speed event for a kid who just wants to win something, "for once." A great camp horse enjoys the long hug at the end of a lesson, tolerates kisses on their sensitive velvet nose, and accepts a treat as politely as they can muster.
Lucky for us, we have many great camp horses. They are far from faultless but good-natured creatures. We could learn from their honesty and the faith they put into their often unskilled riders.
I Would be a Friend to All
The fifth line of the Ragger's Creed is "I would be friend to all, the foe, the friendless"What does this mean? Does it mean you are friends with everyone and spread yourself thin? Or do you have a handful of REAL friends that know your heart's song and can play it back to you when you have forgotten it?
I think the line means both. One, that you do not shun people for differences such as skin color, disabilities, etc, but that you try your best to include everyone in your life on some level. For me, I often think of it in a group setting where everyone doesn't know each other - like the first day of camp. Do you stick to the people you know OR do you stick your hand out and introduce yourself to new people? This is what the fifth line is speaking too-reaching out to others and helping them feel welcome and apart of something greater.
On the other hand, I think true friendships are those people who know you inside and out. A song I love is in the song "Find Out Who Your Friends" are by Tracy Lawrence & friends. The chorus "somebody's gonna drop everything; run out and crank up their car; hit the gas, get there fast, never stop to think what's in it for me; or that it's way too far; they just show on up with their big ole hearts; you find out who your friends are . . ." For my closest friends, this is how I treat them and pray they will treat me - drop everything to help, comfort, push forward and embrace. It is said, if, at the end of your life, there are at least five people you can call your true friends, then you have been truly blessed. I think this is awesome and pray I have formed and keep forming these relationships. My work at camp has allowed me to create such awesome relationships. I am truly blessed.
While there will naturally be those that are closer to you and you love dearly, there will be those friends that you know socially or casually that you speak to but don't share your deepest thoughts. It is imperative in your life you work to stick your neck out to help everyone feel included and not segregate or form "cliques" with just your closest friends. Be a friend to all, the foe, the friendless but remember to form the deep, meaningful relationship as you go.
Remember-Youth Empowerment Retreat (click and look for tan box) is coming up December 10, 2010! Sign up today and take this time to renew your Rag goals at camp. Hey Hey CFA-stay pure, stay true, stay strong, stay brave, be a friend and stay CFA.
I would be true, for there are those that trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
Be a friend to all, the foe, the friendless.
Allison
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Outside
In honor of the book "The Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv. I am going to list off some of my favorite activities to do outside.
1. Running
2. Hiking (Did a lot of at summer camp when I was a camper)
3. Canoeing (learned at summer camp)
4. Archery (learned at summer camp)
5. Sleeping (found my love for it at summer camp)
6. Playing Sports
7. Fishing
8. Reading
I challenge you to go outside and play today or tomorrow or everyday. Why don't you tell me some of your favorite things to do outside?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I Would Be Brave
The fourth line of the Ragger’s Creed is “I would be brave, for there is much to dare.”Brave is defined: "the brave have always defined what the rest of us wish to be. but bravery is misunderstood. it is not the absence of fear, but the will to over come it."
When I think of brave in regards to the Ragger’s Creed I think of several things. First, I think that it is brave of each person that challenges him or her self with a Rag and setting goals. It is brave to step out of you comfort zone and try new things. For me, I feel I have learned to push myself in life through my work with Raggers. For example, right now I am campaigning for election to my local School Board. This is a large step for me and something that really puts me out there publicly as I would be an elected public official – SCARY! For students, you might choose to run for School counsel, try out for a team, learn a new craft / hobby or just reach out to someone as a potential new friend. Being brave is just pushing yourself to reach for more and outside your self. I don’t think that it pertains to being “brave” as in “cool” or doing things that are not healthy or wise. Like doing drugs, driving recklessly or doing something that goes against your values.
One camp dad, Stuart, described an awesome tool for being brave. He said to use a 1 - 10 scale to determine how much fear you have for doing something, 10 being VERY fearful. Then you challenge yourself to be brave and "do you 10" meaning pushing yourself to do things that you are afraid of. So for me, high ropes is a major 10! I am not a fan of heights. So for me to climb to the top of the cat walk or zip down the zip line, that is me doing my 10". What can you challenge yourself with today? Remember, you may not always succeed, but just pushing through and being brave is AWESOME!
Remember-Youth Empowerment Retreat (click and look for tan box) is coming up December 10, 2010! Sign up today and take this time to renew your Rag goals at camp. Hey Hey CFA-stay pure, stay true, stay strong, stay brave and stay CFA.
I would be true, for there are those that trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison
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