Just 2 hours after our departure, we arrived safely at the beautiful camp grounds.
We quickly checked in and settled Madison into her air-conditioned cabin (so goes roughing it). While she was disappointed to not be sharing bunks with her friend Heather, as always Trooper Madison was able to find the good of the experience and happily began making new friends.
During registration Madison met Mr. Rich (the executive director of the camp). Madison is one of 2 second generation campers this summer. I attended camp and weekend retreats at PYOCA all through elementary school and junior high and even helped to build the lodge where Madison shared her meals. It is a place of many happy memories and I am glad that Madison was able to experience it too.
Friday morning seemed to come all too quickly and it was time to say good-bye to the new friends Madi had made.
A final trip the canteen to purchase any last minute snacks (a bag of Skittles and a pop) and a T-shirt and then they would be on the way home.
Madison's counselor Sarah was very loving and great with the kids. She made them all feel so comfortable and at home. Madison said she was AWESOME.
At the end of every camp the campers make a banner to stay in the lodge as a memory of the week they had and a welcome for the new campers. She also made a stepping stone for the backyard.
Both Heather and Madison had a great time and are eager to return next year for a full week (we will see how they feel in a years time).
A few side smiles for you:
My ever time conscious child (the one that has no idea how long 5 minutes really is) decided that since they would only give each camper 5-10 minutes to shower (which was just not enough time) that it was better to just get "clean" at the sink with a cup and shampoo and have unlimited time. Can you imagine what 3 days without a bath was like?
Second, she informed me that clean clothes are overrated and therefore decided to re-wear a few items for her bag instead of clean ones. Of course her reminder from Mommy to not come home with clean clothes (there were exactly enough clothes for the days) seemed to go in one ear and out the other. We have since talked about the importance of daily clean clothes and the fact that if she is to return to camp she must change them every day.
She may not have come home the cleanest camper but she sure had a great time. Two days later she is still talking about how great it was at Camp.
