Its four days into the first session of camp, and it already feels like 10. Not really that its bad at all, it just feels like a long time. My cabin is starting to get along, which is nice, because at first I had a few suburban kids that took a good time out of making fun of the "wierdos from Berkley." It has gotten better though, although I would like to go on record as saying that my children will never grow up as suburban kids, and a big thanks to my parents for somehow making me not turn out to be mean spirited with a sense of entitlement through my teenage years (I think).
Right now I've been able to get on the computer for the better part of 30 minutes, which has been extremely enjoyable, and hasnt been something I have been able to do yet. I still feel so out of the loop with stuff, but thats alright. After lunch today I get to take kids out on the pontoon boat for a 3 hour "fishing trip." (Read; take three fishing poles, go to the cliff jumping spot, let kids run amok while I get a tan). I'm pretty excited about it. Usually I only get an hour for "fishing" with the kids but since it is "Free Choice Day" we get to do special activities like this.
In other news, I have become somewhat of a superstar of the songs and skits at campfire each night, so that has been fun. (By superstar, i really just mean that i'll pretty much wear/do anything on stage, which leaves me with little to no dignity) Although, it does turn out that being the goofy guy doesn't bode quite as well when it comes time for discipline, but my co-counselor, Alan, is pretty good at that, so thats ok. I'm pretty glad I got paired with him, as this is his 3rd or 4th year at camp so he knows very well what he is doing, and it has been good for me to learn some of the stuff that I didn't know. Alan is from England, he is a Manchester United fan, and he just finished (before camp) running a marathon DOWN Mt. Everest. He is a pretty interesting guy and very good at this job, so I have been lucky.
As I mentioned before, I get to drive the pontoon boat. This is pretty cool as I am one of only 4 people that they trust with the $40,000 boat. It is pretty easy to drive, although yesterday I drove off with the ladder still attached and it came off. Luckily it floats, otherwise I would have been out about $75, not to mention unable to drive the boat the rest of the summer.
Last night was my "night off" (from 9:30-11) so about 7 of us went to a place about a mile down the road where there are rocks and stuff right by the lake and just hung out for a little bit. It was nice to be able to get away from camp and have "adult time" for a while. It has been a little tough to go from using adult language and such when it was just the counselors here to having to watch ourselves when the kids are here, but I have done alright with it.
I am still having a blast here and am still very glad I am doing this (even though as I check espn.com and the 'book I feel a bit out of the loop!) As always, get at me on here, e-mail, facebook, or by phone. Talk to you all soon.
Wattaliacha,
Andy
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5 comments:
No Andy, you were never mean-spirited with a huge sense of entitlement during your teen years! I'm proud of you and I'm glad you're having a great time. I have no doubt that you'll have a huge impact on many of your camper's lives throughout the summer! (I also think you're a great writer!) Love, MOM
Here's one effective way that I found to discipline kids: Pull one of the assholes to the side when he's being an asshole, and whisper something to him like: "You know what? I might seem like a fun guy, but if you mess with me, I'll get crazy, and I don't care if I lose this job." Then pretend like nothing happened.
Anyway, glad you're having fun. I'll keep you updated on sports and the Rolling Stones. (As for now, Keith Richards is still old.)
So I'm glad I finally got brought into the loop about this little "blog" of yours!! I'm glad you're having fun but I miss my roomate!!! PS Libby might be dead by the time you come home so dont be surprised!! love ya
I lost alot of sleep thinking about your first post and the "shrinkage issue" I finally talked to Frank about that. He reminded me about my nephew 4 times removed through my marriage to my second wife. He name was Joey Barnes. Most people called him Flatsack. Apparently he was one of the best boy sopranos they ever had in south Tennessee. His mother wanted him to make a career in the Vienna Boys Choir. Thus the procedure. He is 50 now-still a soprano- does not have to worry about shrinkage, but never did make it to the Vienna Boys Choir. It is a damn shame to make that kind of sacrifice.
At any rate if you do have problems with the kids tell them you have an uncle who is a waste management consultant and he is really a family guy. You would not be lying. You might also tell them about the twitch he gets when people mess with his family.
I did give the blog address to Frank so you may hear from him. I am really proud of that boy. Until I here from you again
Frank's Pop
Ps
We are winning the Iraqi war. There are just a few malcontents
Hey, Andy i'm glad you found time to blog. I also like your writing. It sounds like you're having fun. Nosurprise that you are the star of skit night after all you are the grandson of the featured performer for the Buena Vista Men's Glee Club.
I do like Aaron's and Mr. Barnes advice. Is it Tony or Paulie Walnuts who is your Uncle. It does bring new meaning to the idea of swimming with the fishes.
Oh, by the way the Cubs still suck and the Hawkeye fans are delusional
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