Sunday; June 20, 2008
This year’s drive down seemed to fly by. Maybe it was the fact that I got to listen to “A Prairie Home Companion” and an audio book, or maybe it was that this year I wasn’t pulling a 16 foot trailer through sand. Either way, I got to camp around 3:30 in the afternoon and much to my delight everyone was there!
After some quick introductions, we unloaded the Star Lab into the Guild Hall and I threw most of my stuff from the giant Suburban into the room where I would be sleeping. I was very excited to see the progress made on the guest bedrooms from last year. Bunk beds with real mattresses are several steps up from sleeping on air mattress (that always lose air) right on the sub-floor.
We then unloaded the van that had the boxes of books for the Book Nook. About 9 of us lined up and did a fireman’s brigade line to get the boxes inside the church. Some of the boxes were heavier than others and an interesting warning system was devised at the front of the line to alert persons further on to the approximate weight of the box. Gone were descriptors such as “heavy,” “medium,” or “light.” Instead phrases such as “middle aged man” or “just a baby” were issued. Unfortunately, the ever so creative descriptions died about half-way down the line and the bland old “heavy” or “light” were still the order of the day. Cal certainly seemed to have a good time with the setting up of the Book Nook. In the unloading line, I passed boxes to him and much to his disappointment I refused to throw the boxes to him despite much urging. Then we discovered that the boxes were all taped shut, but never fear – Jenny to the rescue! She retrieved a steak knife from the kitchen which Cal used with wild abandon to open the boxes. Steve also produced a pocket knife with quite possibly the world’s smallest blade. Eventually all the boxes were unpacked and the Book Nook was ready for business the next day. If only we’d known to save the board books for the next week….
Then I had a chance to get myself unpacked and somewhat settled in before we took off on our next adventure – passing out flyers for camp. And any time is an adventure with Doug at the wheel. I have now learned that Doug is not afraid of several things while behind of the wheel of a minivan such as going really fast down dirt roads, going really fast over cattle guards, going really fast over hidden potholes, and the prospect of running over large dogs (more on that to come). Our van visited some pretty far flung houses, and I was also very encouraged to see some nicer houses that people were making an effort to take care of. While in the van my attention was split between listening to Doug fill Kati in on the history of the area and the math nerds in the back. Driving through one neighborhood, we were all very saddened to see a dog that had had a bad encounter with a porcupine.
Emma and Tunde definitely win best handing-out-flyers story. They went up to a house and as they were telling the woman at the door about camp a baby in a diaper toddled over. The baby began to fart and grunt every few seconds, and everyone was trying to ignore her until it was no longer possible, when they all just looked down at her and laughed.
By the time everyone got back we were all pretty hungry and were still waiting on the Chadron run to return with the rest of the food for dinner. Though we didn’t eat until almost 8 p.m., we did have some wonderful company: Mallory, a former camper, her husband and 3 young children. Steve was also surprised to find that Doug had (unintentionally) stolen his cup. Then just to make things crystal clear he wrote, “STEVE NOT DUG” on his new cup.
When dinner was over Rebecca proceeded to work on a project for the coming week. This project involved Skittles and M&Ms, which are like a siren song to all teenagers who all rushed over to “help.” One Rebecca-command later, everyone was properly terrified and backed away quickly. They found solace in a calm and peaceful game called “Screaming Ninjas,” of which Hannah won round #1. Then the heavens opened and everyone was ecstatic to learn that we were in the presence of greatness for Lo! Kati is one of the creators of Screaming Ninjas! All hastened to give her much praise and laud.
The group then moved on to evening reflections and covenant statements.
My favorite memory of the evening (and one of the whole week) was Emma resolutely chewing the chocolate right in Don’s face. Ahhhhh, life is sweet!
Other highlights for the day: Julia and Hannah made Don a tipi to go with his Don-doll! Now he and Brison can stay warm and dry!
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