Teen Camp Post #1

 For the Teen Camp families- here is an update from Elizabeth:

Today is Thursday August 6th, the fourth day of Teen Camp 2015! This morning Wavy Gravy informed us that August 6th is "the day of unique happenings." I'd say that every day at Camp Winnarainbow is full of unique happenings, so Wavy's premonition is bound to come true.
     This session started just like any other: counselors excited for the session to begin, campers nervous and excited to be away from home. By day four everyone seems to have found their groove, and the Teen Campers have had some time to get to know each other. On the first night we gathered at the kitchen to establish agreements for the rest of the session. We heard goals for improving circus skills, and for making Teen Camp a safe space for open conversations and for getting to know one another.
     The daily Teen Camp schedule has us weaving in and out of the rest of Camp's activities, so we enjoy special workshops and hangout time in addition to the usual "unique happenings" in Camp. In a typical day, Teen Campers wake up in their tipis (Ultra Violet or Purple) and walk to our outdoor kitchen for hot cocoa (though our teens tend to sleep in past cocoa time for some extra zzz's), songs and breakfast circle, and breakfast. After cleaning our tipis and getting ready for the day, we either join all of Camp for Morning Reading and warmups, or we host our own exclusively for Teen Campers. For example, on Tuesday we gathered in the Big Top to hear life stories from our "creative director" Zappo, and poetry from journaling extraordinaire Blake. Zoe (who works as a yoga instructor during the year) led us in some stretchy and meditative warmups. Then we went on a nature walk up to the Plateau to set the tone for the session. We found an old Labyrinth, practiced walking mindfully, and we were so quiet that we were approached by a mamma and baby deer! We formed a circle around the labyrinth and talked about the theme for this year's Teen Camp, which is "Finding your path, finding your voice." Campers and counselors alike shared stories about the paths they are on. Some paths were professional, some introspective, and others spiritual.
     Every morning Teen Campers spend one of the two class periods in Teen Camp specific class options. So for one period they choose from the usual options (songwriting, tightrope, and juggling seem popular among the Teen Campers), and then in the other period Teen Camp gathers to choose from a more selective palate of options. Yesterday we offered Journal Making (which involves a lot of collage and re-purposing of old notebooks), and Improvisational Dance. Today we offered a class to work on your "elevator pitch," and a class in Qi Gong. Every afternoon during free time Teen Campers gather to the "Teen Zone," a hangout spot on the East Bay Stage that is equipped with a couch, mats, journal making materials, and snacks galore.
    Tonight is the Tornado of Talent!, where campers are invited to showcase their skills for the rest of camp. This afternoon campers prepared their acts for the Rainbow Stage, and the performance is about to begin. The Costume Barn is currently flooding with activity as performers perfect their costumes. Some Teen Camper acts to be featured tonight include singing, hula hooping and yo-yo. You too can be suuuucked up in the Tornado of Talent!

Some "Unique Happenings" and tidbits from the session thus far include:
1.  Rain! We were all stunned to be graced by some shy droplettes on Tuesday afternoon
2.  Ultraviolet and Purple tipi members continue to rake in "strokes" (which are how we recognize out-of-the-ordinary and extraordinary camper doings), proving to be strong role models for the rest of the community.
3. Last night Teen Camp stayed for the beginning of Fire Circle, then slipped away to the Big Top for a Love Strategy (inspired by Patch Adams from Session B) workshop. Most of the campers were able to successfully push themselves out of their comfort zones for the workshop, which was really beautiful to see. We then walked to the field for some star gazing, followed by a walk through the big labyrinth led by Wavy Gravy and Jah themselves.

Towards the fun!
- Elizabeth