Written by Liza (camper)
Today marks the first full day of camp and that is just wonderful. This day is usually largely dedicated to a whole bunch of meetings where all the logistics, guidelines, and agreements are discussed. My day started with a conversation over breakfast with all the new folks at camp, led by my fellow culminators and me, where we chatted about what one might expect and experience at their first session at NBTSC. I had a good time munching away on the breakfast potatoes while we talked.
After breakfast and check-in, we had our first official morning meeting. Then we split into our advisee groups to go on a quick tour of Camp Myrtlewood. My advisee group played Hot Seat today, which helped me get to know some folks in my group a little better. I really enjoyed talking to each of them. One of my advisee members was accidentally adopted into one of the other groups during the tour, which entailed a bit of a search party by my advisee group to find them. It was a funny mix up that made me laugh.
After advisee we met in the field and broke up into our superhero chore groups, then had lunch together while our group leaders explained what each of our jobs will entail.
During Siesta, our quiet time on the schedule, I practiced some acro-yoga with one of our great staffers, Blake, in anticipation of the acro-yoga project he is offering this session. I felt fortunate to assist him and had a lot of fun even though the sun was hot in the middle of the field.
Then I had a sweet, quiet moment with a friend at the top of the tree while many others gathered below for Introduction Circle. The circle is an optional opportunity to get to know some of the other folks at camp a little better.
Before dinner we had workshop previews, where an enthusiastic plethora of campers and staff presented overviews of all their fabulous workshops for the first week. Later after check-in and our nightly community meeting, staff did previews for projects, which are staff-led experiences that are much longer than workshops. Blake and I demonstrated the acro-yoga moves we had practiced earlier and we nailed it.
The last event of the night was the staff talent show. There was plenty of dancing, singing, juggling, and visual and verbal art.
I’m writing this while curled up on one of the couches in a quiet corner of the lodge. I have a cup of lavender “Love Yourself” tea and honey in hand as I listen to the sweet tinkling trill of the piano, paired with the laughter and good conversations all around me. I’m so happy to be in this space, surrounded by this unique NBTSC energy.