It's that time of year again!
Time to start our countdown to Summer Camp by getting introduced to the thing that is going to make the Summer of 2016 completely unique to itself and different from all the summers that have come before it. And what amazing, rare, magical thing is that?
Why, the STAFF of course! A summer at Camp is always defined by the people who are here, and we couldn't be happier for you to meet the exciting batch of folks who are going to be creating Camp for the 2016 season.
So let's kick it off as...
Bridget: First question - how long have you been coming to camp? And in what roles?
Jaclyn:
This
will be my 6th summer! I was an EE/Cabin 11 counselor my first summer, the
Counselor in Training (CIT) coordinator for 3 summers, and this summer will my
second as the Assistant Program Director.
Bridget: Lots of time in the woods!
To tie into your Cabin 11 summer, who was your favorite camper?! ;)
Jaclyn : Considering a few of them
are on staff this summer (including my interviewer), I think I have to plea the
5th on that one.
Bridget:
Good
answer! So next question, what is your favorite meal at camp?
Jaclyn:
That's
an even harder question! All of the food is so, so good. Since I'm gluten-free,
the kitchen staff go to a lot of trouble to make sure that everyone with
dietary restrictions eats really well. I especially love Carl's gluten-free
buffalo chicken pizza -- I look forward to it every week. (I'm hungry just
thinking about it!)
Bridget:
Before
meals at camp I hear there is something everyone does in front of the dining
hall- singing camp songs! Do you have a favorite camp song??
Jaclyn:
One of
the best camp traditions! I'm definitely a fan of a new classic, "It's a
60s party from a 60s movie." One of our campers introduced us to that song
a few years ago and it became an instant hit - I'm convinced it's due to the
accompanying dance moves.
Bridget:
Dance
moves always do make songs better! If you had to perform an act at a talent
show, what would you do?
Jaclyn :
Hmmm.
That's a tricky one. Since a number of our male staff members are secret fans
of One Direction, I think I'd recruit them for a choreographed medley of 1D
songs. BONUS: One staff member I have in mind even has an Irish accent - hello,
we have our Niall. (Editor’s Note: I don’t
have the slightest idea what that word means.)
Bridget: WOW! If this doesn't make
people want to go to camp, I don't know what will! Speaking of international
staff, what are your experiences with travelling internationally?
Bealer: I've only done a little
here and there: I spent a semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina when I was in
college; lived and studied in Newcastle upon Tyne, England for 2 years; and am
just about to wrap up a 2-year adventure in Quito, Ecuador. What about you? I
hear you're quite the globe-trotter as well.
Bridget: That's more than just a
little! You must have had some pretty great adventures :) I studied abroad in
Eichstaett, Germany for a semester, travelled to India for 3 weeks, and to
Norway, Rome, France, Nicaragua, and Switzerland for about a week each.
Jaclyn: What a diverse list. We'll have to compare
notes this summer.
Bridget: Maybe we can chat during Rooster Run in the
mornings. Well, I think those are all of the questions I have for you. Thanks,
Jaclyn!
Jaclyn: Don't think that you're getting away that easily. I have a few questions, too! You
actually have a long history with Lindley G. Cook. Can you tell us a little bit
about the time you've spent at camp and in what roles?
Bridget: I started coming to camp
as a camper in 2007! Then somehow I grew up and was too old to be a camper, so
I came back as a volunteer the summers of 2011 and 2012, then an EE counselor
in 2013 and 2014. Last summer I was studying in Germany until the end of July,
but was able to come volunteer for a week. Now I will be the CIT coordinator! I
just can't seem to escape this place ;
Jaclyn: Trust me, I know the feeling! Camp turns you
into a boomerang. Congratulations on the new role. What made you want to become
the Counselor in Training Coordinator?
Bridget: I really love the
giving-back aspect of camp. When you had great times as a camper, you want to
ensure that happens for the other campers. The CIT program is all about giving
back to camp and taking on leadership roles. Plus we have a lot of fun and
great conversations! It is such a transformative program for camp's oldest campers,
and I am so excited to be a part of it this summer!
Jaclyn: And we're so thrilled to
have you back this summer! Since you have experience in so many different areas
of camp, do you have any advice for new counselors joining us for their first
summer?
Bridget:
Get
ready to laugh, learn, and love! Also, expect camp to bring out your crazy side
(if you say you don't have one, you will certainly leave camp with one)!
Jaclyn: Words of wisdom right
there. Thanks so much, Bridget. I look forward to working with you this summer!
Bridget:
Same
with you, Jaclyn! Camp is only a couple months away!!!
Jaclyn: Whoop whoop! Counting down
the days :)
---
But wait!
Surprise!
Bonus!
It's time for...
A Nice Picture/Goofy Picture Swap!
(What's the cause for this special occasion?)
Why, it's only because both...
AND
..Just can't WAIT for Summer Camp to start...
Yes.
Bridget too.
Even with that face.
Stay tuned to meet the rest of the staff over about 92 more volumes! We should be all done just in time for Staff Training.
