Whether or not the Weather is Hot...

Hello all,

Second session is off to an impressive start. The girls are loving life and we are working round the clock, so things must be going beautifully! I feel like I talk way too much about the weather, but it works as a conversation starter, so why not use it as a bloggersation starter… Yes- I am coining that nonsensical word.

For the last (almost) week the air has been like a gooey, sticky, hot mess of misery. You were sweaty wet even when you were dry, and sun dried instantly after being in the lake. There was little relief from the merciless smoldering heat. The almost 100% humidity made it so that you actually felt like you were walking through a wall of soupy hot water. Clothing stuck to you like a body suit. Comedian John Oliver joked the other day that on his way to work he saw a squirrel stab a pigeon over a piece of ice. Bottom line- it was hot! So what did we do about it? We swam, and swam and did I mention that we tubed, sailed, waterskied, slipped-and-slid and swam some more? One day we even went to the bowling alley for a welcomed afternoon of indoor coolness. The girls had a blast! It was us staff that were left feeling like freshly cooked rotisserie chickens… minus the irresistible grocery store fragrance.

Then yesterday came and everything changed. I am smiling right now in reflection.

The first raindrop that hit the tennis court sizzled and evaporated against the hot surface like an onion hitting a burning omelet pan. Then another drop, and another. Steam rose from the fiery court in a fury of confusion. Then for about five minutes water came pouring from the sky like a gift from the heavens. The cheering campers didn’t know whether to run inside or stand there to willingly accept the drenching. There was genuine bewilderment over this predicament. I personally opted to step outside into the rain! Following the downpour was a beautiful crisp chill that made you feel like you were standing in the middle of our commercial walk-in refrigerator (which I may have secretly done a couple times during those desperately hot days). You wouldn’t believe the startling contrast after that rain; it was fire to ice within fifteen minutes. So, how is the weather now? Perfect.

Tomorrow is cabin day and it always starts with one of my favorite weekly tasks. Lisa, Sari, Ruth and I will make breakfast for the entire camp community (including staff we will feed about 300 peeps). Sari is on scrambles, Ruth handles the over this and sunny side that, I rock out the omelets and Lisa feverishly delivers hundreds of pancakes. She often jokes that we all stand around and casually shell out our egg dishes while she has to produce her cakes like a machine (she is right… the chocolate chip pancakes are clearly the most popular menu item on Sundays). That’s ok though… it only makes her stronger (tell her I said that and your child will be down one camp director.) Following breakfast we will all hop onto a fleet of yellow busses and enjoy an afternoon in the charming little town of Minocqua. From the fudge shoppes to the cute little storefronts, this trip is… well… a trip. I kind of like to see our campers experiencing commerce in a way that has nothing to do with status, style or wealth. On this day the purchases are things like old-fashioned maple fudge, blue moon ice cream and hand crafted worry dolls (well… maybe not those). Campers and counselors will share the experience together and then head back to camp for more bonding and fun! The day will end with Big & Little Sister Night!

Tonight we will host a social with Camp Horseshoe. Ruth, Sari and I will stand along the sidelines frying Oreos for 90 minutes. This is definitely our social signature this summer! Both the boys and girls LOVE those tasty nuggets of goodness.

Lots more fun to be had! Stay tuned and we will keep you posted.
All best,
Cliff