Hello, my name is Elijah. This is my third session, first time in Vermont. The night before this, I stay up late and I look at the stars. I listen to the songs that resonate with me and my camp experiences the most and I wait. I fall victim to sleep on the lodge porch at 4am and wake up this morning with Ozzie, Phaedrus and Saskia all within arms reach. I start my morning with my worktrade and a fantastic breakfast. Eggs, tofu scramble, potatoes and a yogurt bowl. I finish my worktrade after breakfast with the help of Scarlett and Vinny, they stayed longer than they needed to. I feel looked after, cared for, an equal.
Morning meeting is run by Brenna, it goes by like a breeze. I sit next to Graham and Perry, we play a game called the cats cradle with all those in proximity to us in meeting. I learned this game for the first time yesterday and its become one of my favorites at an alarming rate. It’s time for advisee, we get our covid tests, stuffed animals and head to the lodge porch where my advisee meets up. (Christian is my advisor and I couldn’t be happier.) we all tested negative! Then decided to play contact after our check-in. My word was rollercoaster and they guessed it! Advisee ends after endless fun and it’s time for a big group of folks to play Gaga ball! I definitely get scraped up, it felt pretty equal amongst all the players, such an inviting feeling. I actaully win one of the games and Julien bet on me winning! (You’re welcome J) I finish up and roll into the shower, then it’s time for lunch!! It’s a taco bar and I am ecstatic. I ate with Phaedrus in the hammock, learning about his upbringing. One of my friends told me learning about people is like opening flowers, I’ve never been able to forget that.
I get my camp shirt during siesta and have so many camp folk sign my shirt immediately, I am often bad about this and am so happy I have been on top of it this year. I go to light stretching and workout, I feel like A STAR! afterwards. I spend a little over an hour in the swining bench on my beloved porch lodge, Phaedrus and Christian swinging me periodically. This is one of the most magical moments I have had at this session so far. I get swept up by the start of dinner, it’s mac n cheese and greenbean casserole! It’s so delicious, I want to cook for myself for the rest of my life. Evening meeting was smooth, I am eager to get my fairygodchild tomorrow from the bowl of names. I am eager to give to someone I do not know. Inbetween evening meeting and the talent show, I am smooshed in a pile of cuddles between ZoeJDP, Beatrice, Saskia, Rowen, Jane, and Phaedrus.
The talent show is happening and I am nervous for my act, but getting elated by the silliness of everyone else’s talents. It’s my turn and I feel the pit in my stomach ruminate. I look into all the faces in the crowd and remind myself this is home. You can be yourself at home. I ask people to come dance with me, I start singing and every thing that has ever been wrong stops. In this moment everything is okay, everything is what I would consider perfect. I sing one of my camp association songs, Camp Algonquin by Heccra. For the first time in forever, I can’t wait to see the recording of myself. I finally get to relax for the rest of the show, laughing in hysterics at all the beautiful silly talents.
I got recordings of all the acts which has me pleased. I am sitting now writing this, thankful for all those who read it. I write this all for you, you, you and you. This camp has become my biggest comfort memories, a fall back to when I find myself giving up in my personal life. This place has made me realize in so many ways that life is worth to continue living.
I love you. I miss you. All I ask of you is to remember me as loving you.
Elijah K, Camper