Leaving camp in a word...sucked! It was far tougher than I could have ever imagined. I'm usually pretty good with the whole separating thing, but this place really got a hold on me and although it's been such a short period of time Mah-Kee-Nac builds such a close knit family environment and I'm going to miss looking after these kids; the little nutcases they are. And I was doing so well right up to the part where Coach and I said our goodbyes. It put a lump in my throat, there's so much to learn from Coach, someone I could rely on, look up to at times and had a wicked time being the biggest kids on camp, eating 20 Popsicles a piece on July 4th when the kids only got one each. Acting like total madmen at a kid's camp and Maine trip was mental, laughing the entire time, but being able to switch the serious on in an instant to ref basketball and american football games, wouldn't have been the same. Oh and the clean cut rule...haha defying the system and seeing how much of a beard I could grow before Coach would chase me down to get rid of it, haha.
Bags packed, everything ready to go, I'm supposed to be heading to Manhattan, NY at 3pm but I've managed to score a ride on the Livingston, NJ bus at 10am. It was a long couple of hours on the road contemplating the reality of what was ahead of me in comparison to what could have been. A month travelling and surfing through California and Hawaii, seeing the family in Illinois then on to Long Beach, NYC for the NY Quiksilver ASP World Tour surf competition...all replaced with a 1.5 day wait to go home to get exams done. Oh well, a man has to do what he has to do to keep going on. Cali and Hawaii will always be there, university waits for no-one.
The last of the kids are picked up by their eagerly awaiting parents, Alex has been cruising behind the coach in his truck the entire time, bags are transferred and we hit the road again, dropping Ali C. off at his old home in South Orange, NJ and on to Best Western Newark, which no lie was an epic room, especially for $30 for the night.
Saying see ya to Alex was no doubt the toughest part of summer, but I gave him this insane knife we found on the Maine trip, inscribed on the handle "MKN '11 - Safe Journeys" on one side and "To: Alex - From: Seb" on the other. He's going off the grid for a while so figured if I can't physically have his back to whoop a leopard or bear's ass if needs be, I've just given him the means to open a can of whoopass himself. =)
I meet up with some of the Danbee girls who are staying in the hotel with me, change, and catch the train from Newark Penn station to New York Penn station, which if you remember way back to the beginning of this summer journey, spits you out in the middle of Manhattan, NY through the gates of Madison Square Garden.
Cue an awesome day in the New York hustle. 5th Avenue's logged in the SebSeb and with Georgia, Annie and Miss Bonvonni in tow, we make a B-line for one of the greatest shopping districts in the world. This is probably the best time to tell you Camp's given me the remainder of my wages in cold hard cash. A pocket full of Benjamin Franklins and the Big Apple knocking on my door...one word...ridiculous =D
We went to the Empire State Building and made it to the 2nd floor, the viewing auditorium wasn't a possibility on this day, but we saw the lobby nevertheless.
When the sun went down Times Square was as amazing as I remember it from years gone by. The stores have changed a bit and it looks a bit different, but it still has that buzz, that fantasy, that "I'm in a movie" puts a smile on your face factor.
Strolling arm in arm with my friend Annie as the light rain began to fall was a pretty cool moment, definitely a place to take someone special and should be on everyone's to do list. Dinner in Hard Rock Cafe was a novelty, the food took ages and in my infinite experience of the step-father get bills cut, food came on the cheap. That's my second hard rock cafe and probably my last, it's all a gimmick! I recommend TGI's in Times Square. Always a winner!
Speaking of Times Square, it enjoyed my pocket full of Benji's more than most, Quiksilver hoovering up the jackpot when I bought allegedly the second to last GoPro HD Hero video camera in the city, which after visiting every store that would sell one and every single one concluding in there are none in the city, I felt pretty stoked. I sense the start of a film making frenzy on the horizon. Buying every accessory and attachment made for the thing probably verifies my prediction.
Getting back to the hotel was a comical ride, Georgia's giddy on Captain Morgans and I've been sipping on Long Island Ice Teas and we have no idea how the train system works, so with that "knowledgeable wing-it" nature I speak of we jump on the first train that pulls in and would you know it, Newark Penn Station gets called over the speakers.
Day 2 in New York was spent running around to get those last little bits and pieces. Visited Macy's, which recalling on memories I've found to be surprisingly difficult to navigate. B&H, which is a high-end electronics store, is something from a multi-million dollar budget sci-fi movie. There are human attendants but when a item is in the process of being purchased it gets all robotic, the item gets sent up chutes and whizzed across electronic rollers and all sorts. A geeks paradise!
Back at the hotel I'm chucking my stuff in to bags, jumping on the duffel to get it to close, launching everything in the back of a van and heading to newark airport where I pick up a taxi to JFK and once again, in classic Seb fashion, get to the gate with minutes to spare! The last few moments before I boarded the plane I made a few phone calls to hear the voices I'll miss most, said my goodbyes and see ya laters to an absolutely incredible summer that I'll never forget, is entombed in this collection of memories and headed home!
USA / MKN Summer '11 - Safe Journeys - on to the next Season of Nature's Perfection.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Saturday, 13 August 2011
It's Closing Time
The last night out. The last time I'll possibly ever see some of these faces. The last time I'll look out over Lake Ashmere (Camp Danbee), the moon is peeking out brightly behind silhouetted clouds and its mirror image reflecting off the perfectly calm water.
These "lasts" were offset by a couple "firsts". Today was the first time I managed to get out and drive on my own as my buddy Alex allowed me to borrow his big GMC Acadia truck. Swiftly followed by finally seeing our ever elusive but resident Black Bear, "Smokey", as it decided to take its daily jog across the road, just a few yards in front of the vehicle. I stopped the car, wound the windows down and saw Smokey standing behind a bush looking back at me. Quite a daunting, yet powerful, feeling having a huge bear stare you down, much like the time at London Zoo when I was caught dead in the stare of a Lioness. But there wasn't a 3" thick plexiglass between the bear and I. And even though they tend not to, bears have the potential to kill a man. It almost takes your breath away.
The last camp-wide activity was hilarious. We played LAIR, the roleplaying game featured in the movie "Role Models". The kids were all armed with swords, we dressed up and slipped into character and "unsuccessfully" attempted to protect the king's crown and throne!
Everyone's packing up now, it's becoming reality that camp's almost over!
These "lasts" were offset by a couple "firsts". Today was the first time I managed to get out and drive on my own as my buddy Alex allowed me to borrow his big GMC Acadia truck. Swiftly followed by finally seeing our ever elusive but resident Black Bear, "Smokey", as it decided to take its daily jog across the road, just a few yards in front of the vehicle. I stopped the car, wound the windows down and saw Smokey standing behind a bush looking back at me. Quite a daunting, yet powerful, feeling having a huge bear stare you down, much like the time at London Zoo when I was caught dead in the stare of a Lioness. But there wasn't a 3" thick plexiglass between the bear and I. And even though they tend not to, bears have the potential to kill a man. It almost takes your breath away.
The last camp-wide activity was hilarious. We played LAIR, the roleplaying game featured in the movie "Role Models". The kids were all armed with swords, we dressed up and slipped into character and "unsuccessfully" attempted to protect the king's crown and throne!
Everyone's packing up now, it's becoming reality that camp's almost over!
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
The 7th Week - Turtles and Train
How else do you justify being paid to have an awesome time? We've just got back from being paid to White Water Raft and no sooner that we got back to camp we're on another bus heading to Georgetown, NY to get paid to go Karting. I mean, it's free...and then we're being paid. I'm not complaining at all...just living the dream! =D
The 6 week kids left this morning. One of my kids, Jacob, went and it sucked to see him go, but I'm left with the gratifying knowledge he had an awesome summer. I also saw one of our lil superstar junior campers, Benny, cry his eyes out because he had to go, but I'll remember him for the speed demon he was on the big wheels and the lil angel he is!
Camp went back to normal schedule for Sunday however, evening activity was a little different. The live ESPN showing of the hotly contested and season defining baseball game between the NY Yankees and the Boston Red Sox was put up on a jumbo screen for the campers and counsellors to watch. The Red Sox came out on top, winning 3-2 and it took them in to the league's #1 spot. I still haven't got baseball all figured out. I mean, I know enough to watch, but it's just not cricket. For the most part it's just a game of catch between the pitcher and the backstop.
It's week 7 and the final week of camp. Saturday will ring out the last of the campers and the end of an unforgettable summer. I had plans laid out to go to Hawaii and California, but as fate has it, I must return home. The week has only just begun and I'm already racking up scores of highlights. A giant snapping turtle came up to say hello while I was lifeguarding at the lake. Facts were thrown around about how powerful their jaws are. So my instinct tells me to drop to my knees, reach in the water and stroke it, so hyped.
My day off was switched to Monday as we were in Maine last week. We went to the outlet mall and hung out with some friends on Burbank Beach, Pontoosuc Lake, MA. It was a slow and very spontaneous day off. Come 8pm our streak of defying social correctness continued, we walked straight in to the world famous Tanglewood, Lenox, MA, no questions asked and watched none other than Train bring the house down, especially when "Drops of Jupiter" erupted through the microphone, out the speakers and travelled miles across the Berkshire mountains, the counsellors at camp said they were singing it too. An icy cold beer and the night was set.
The 6 week kids left this morning. One of my kids, Jacob, went and it sucked to see him go, but I'm left with the gratifying knowledge he had an awesome summer. I also saw one of our lil superstar junior campers, Benny, cry his eyes out because he had to go, but I'll remember him for the speed demon he was on the big wheels and the lil angel he is!
Camp went back to normal schedule for Sunday however, evening activity was a little different. The live ESPN showing of the hotly contested and season defining baseball game between the NY Yankees and the Boston Red Sox was put up on a jumbo screen for the campers and counsellors to watch. The Red Sox came out on top, winning 3-2 and it took them in to the league's #1 spot. I still haven't got baseball all figured out. I mean, I know enough to watch, but it's just not cricket. For the most part it's just a game of catch between the pitcher and the backstop.
It's week 7 and the final week of camp. Saturday will ring out the last of the campers and the end of an unforgettable summer. I had plans laid out to go to Hawaii and California, but as fate has it, I must return home. The week has only just begun and I'm already racking up scores of highlights. A giant snapping turtle came up to say hello while I was lifeguarding at the lake. Facts were thrown around about how powerful their jaws are. So my instinct tells me to drop to my knees, reach in the water and stroke it, so hyped.
My day off was switched to Monday as we were in Maine last week. We went to the outlet mall and hung out with some friends on Burbank Beach, Pontoosuc Lake, MA. It was a slow and very spontaneous day off. Come 8pm our streak of defying social correctness continued, we walked straight in to the world famous Tanglewood, Lenox, MA, no questions asked and watched none other than Train bring the house down, especially when "Drops of Jupiter" erupted through the microphone, out the speakers and travelled miles across the Berkshire mountains, the counsellors at camp said they were singing it too. An icy cold beer and the night was set.
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Wednesdays and War Cries in Maine
It's Wednesday...every Wednesday is a special day at Mah-Kee-Nac...but this Wednesday is far different to all the other Wednesdays. Yes it's a trip, but this time it's 8 hours away from camp. The road to Maine was long, but the edge smoothed with a selection of great movies. There's not a whole lot else to really say about the journey here. Half way through the journey we stopped off for an hour or so in a sea side village called Old Orchard. To tell you the truth I wasn't impressed at all, it was so tacky with every store selling knock-offs and fake clothing and judging by the view from the pier no point stepping foot on the beach on the account that every square inch was occupied. Apparently it's a half decent surf spot, but by the looks of the village and its lack of surf-anything it's nothing to brag about. Safe to say I wouldn't go back, nor recommend the place.
In utter contrast, we arrive at Twin Pine Cabins on Millenocket Lake, the only words I can use to describe the place are wow, phenomenal and breath taking. It's the stereotypical lakeside setting. Log Cabins, barbecues, viewing docks that stretch out, suspended over the water, park benches under little wooden gazebos and the typical high-backed outdoor lounge chairs. Where the grass ends the water immediately starts, the view looking out is unbelievable, the photos won't do it justice. The body of water is at least 5 times that of Stockbridge Bowl, where my camp is, and looking directly across from Twin Pine is a solitary mountain. To the right, surrounded by water are tiny islands about the size of a tennis court, each covered in trees. The clouds are so defined yet set such a soft background. The sun's setting...the phrase on everyone's lips "this doesn't look real", and I totally agree. So peaceful, so beautiful, I genuinely want to come back here! It's amazing and the people here are so nice!
Danbee girls are here with us, so it's cool to have some faces around that aren't just our campers, monotony drives me insane, but this place and this time, it's just great =)
Early night tonight for an early wake up...we're going white water rafting.
"Yeeeeeehaaaa!"...my uncontrollable war cry. I can't help it, but when I'm going balls to wall, with my hair on fire, heart racing and biggest smile on my face, the next step is my war cry. And going through the Class 4 White Water of the Penobscot River in Maine, on an inflatable raft, is no exception by any means! We're back on the bus heading to the world class ski resort, Sugarloaf Mountain so i'm writing this up now. I had to give the rafting session a 6-7 out of 10, there was a cave and the opportunity to surf at the bottom of a waterfall, but we didn't make it with kids in my boat being sissies and not paddling, but was cool watching the others do it. We went over the waterfall first which was epic. The majority of the journey downstream was a lot of hard work, but getting to the rapids was so worth it. We went through class 3's and a class 4. At one point we stopped climbed out the boats and floated down a natural rockslide. There are some cool videos and pics that will be up on my facebook soon. Definitely going rafting again though.
We arrived at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort in good time and went straight to our cabins, to which my jaw dropped to the floor! This...I could get very used to!!! The cabin has it's own lounge and kitchen upstairs, two rooms with single beds and I've scored the master bedroom! Queen sized bed, en suite, walk in wardrobe and my own TV that I'm currently watching NFL Superbowl re-runs on. The cabin even has it's own wooden deck to BBQ on. I would happily live in a place like this. You'll have to see the pics/video. Spent some time relaxing in the sauna and then in the pool with the kids and Danbee girls.
Tomorrow dawns the long bus journey back to camp, at least we have lots of movies to watch and stopping off in New Hampshire to shop a little.
In utter contrast, we arrive at Twin Pine Cabins on Millenocket Lake, the only words I can use to describe the place are wow, phenomenal and breath taking. It's the stereotypical lakeside setting. Log Cabins, barbecues, viewing docks that stretch out, suspended over the water, park benches under little wooden gazebos and the typical high-backed outdoor lounge chairs. Where the grass ends the water immediately starts, the view looking out is unbelievable, the photos won't do it justice. The body of water is at least 5 times that of Stockbridge Bowl, where my camp is, and looking directly across from Twin Pine is a solitary mountain. To the right, surrounded by water are tiny islands about the size of a tennis court, each covered in trees. The clouds are so defined yet set such a soft background. The sun's setting...the phrase on everyone's lips "this doesn't look real", and I totally agree. So peaceful, so beautiful, I genuinely want to come back here! It's amazing and the people here are so nice!
Danbee girls are here with us, so it's cool to have some faces around that aren't just our campers, monotony drives me insane, but this place and this time, it's just great =)
Early night tonight for an early wake up...we're going white water rafting.
"Yeeeeeehaaaa!"...my uncontrollable war cry. I can't help it, but when I'm going balls to wall, with my hair on fire, heart racing and biggest smile on my face, the next step is my war cry. And going through the Class 4 White Water of the Penobscot River in Maine, on an inflatable raft, is no exception by any means! We're back on the bus heading to the world class ski resort, Sugarloaf Mountain so i'm writing this up now. I had to give the rafting session a 6-7 out of 10, there was a cave and the opportunity to surf at the bottom of a waterfall, but we didn't make it with kids in my boat being sissies and not paddling, but was cool watching the others do it. We went over the waterfall first which was epic. The majority of the journey downstream was a lot of hard work, but getting to the rapids was so worth it. We went through class 3's and a class 4. At one point we stopped climbed out the boats and floated down a natural rockslide. There are some cool videos and pics that will be up on my facebook soon. Definitely going rafting again though.
We arrived at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort in good time and went straight to our cabins, to which my jaw dropped to the floor! This...I could get very used to!!! The cabin has it's own lounge and kitchen upstairs, two rooms with single beds and I've scored the master bedroom! Queen sized bed, en suite, walk in wardrobe and my own TV that I'm currently watching NFL Superbowl re-runs on. The cabin even has it's own wooden deck to BBQ on. I would happily live in a place like this. You'll have to see the pics/video. Spent some time relaxing in the sauna and then in the pool with the kids and Danbee girls.
Tomorrow dawns the long bus journey back to camp, at least we have lots of movies to watch and stopping off in New Hampshire to shop a little.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Not My Southampton... Olympic Fever
The rains came down and lightning struck the ground, the instant repercussion of thunder physically shook the building and rattled the windows. I saw it and heard it with my own eyes. The closest I've been to a lightning strike. About 150yards between the destructive force of mother nature and I. Much different to the storm I saw in my first week while at Danbee. This storm only lasted an hour and the rain itself was so heavy, the gutters were overflowing and the ground turned in to a lake in a matter of minutes.
The storm put a halt to this week's...scratch that... the entire summer's, biggest, on campus event; The MKN Olympics. The Games were genuine sporting events that ran over 3 days... tennis tournaments, basketball and flag American football games, a swim meet and a lake swim, etc. Then there were slightly less athletic, and more "for fun" and/or artistic events, such a water marathon on the lake (including use of the slide and trampoline), canoe races, and song writing/banner painting.
Every camper was randomly picked and placed in a team, there were 8 teams, each representing a different country. The campers had a field day when they found out on was on Team Australia...don't ask me why but no matter how much proof I provide, they will still swear on their mother's lives that I'm an Aussie, so it was much to their amusement.
My primary role on the team was a coaching role; I took the basketball teams, the flag football teams and we left with a near perfect record in each, losing only one flag football game. The secondary role was lifeguarding the waterfront games.
The entire olympics we placed 5th or 6th, which baffled me with all our wins. The shock came at the closing ceremonies. When they announced 6th, we expected Australia. When they announced 5th we expected Australia. We were adamant we'd be called out next for 4th place, so imagine the uproar when they announced us finishing 3rd.
A few days of great fun and pride seeing the kids achieve some remarkable achievements. One kid, Trevor 13, swam across the lake in 20 mins & 1 second, though he is a junior olympian. Another kid, Saunders, won the tennis tournament, beating the long reigning MKN #1.
All this fun was followed by another relaxing day off. This time we stayed away from lakes and beaches and headed to two very picturesque towns. The first being Northampton, Massachusetts. A town full of beautiful architecture and every store had its own little market stall outside the front door, which gave a unique feel to the town, I would recommend Northampton, MA to anyone. The second town was a little smaller, not really much in it, however it put me a step closer to ticking off the "visit every town, city and village that shares my home city's name" box on my to do list...Southampton, Massachusetts...*tick*. Coincidentally Southampton, MA does have something in common with my Southampton, England; they both have a big Harley Davidson main dealership. We stopped by, dribbled over some stunning bikes and figured I'd buy a T-shirt to prove it =)
The week has now slowed down, we're back to normal program, but tonight we sat down as an Algonquin tribe and we were all told about Wednesday......
=D
The storm put a halt to this week's...scratch that... the entire summer's, biggest, on campus event; The MKN Olympics. The Games were genuine sporting events that ran over 3 days... tennis tournaments, basketball and flag American football games, a swim meet and a lake swim, etc. Then there were slightly less athletic, and more "for fun" and/or artistic events, such a water marathon on the lake (including use of the slide and trampoline), canoe races, and song writing/banner painting.
Every camper was randomly picked and placed in a team, there were 8 teams, each representing a different country. The campers had a field day when they found out on was on Team Australia...don't ask me why but no matter how much proof I provide, they will still swear on their mother's lives that I'm an Aussie, so it was much to their amusement.
My primary role on the team was a coaching role; I took the basketball teams, the flag football teams and we left with a near perfect record in each, losing only one flag football game. The secondary role was lifeguarding the waterfront games.
The entire olympics we placed 5th or 6th, which baffled me with all our wins. The shock came at the closing ceremonies. When they announced 6th, we expected Australia. When they announced 5th we expected Australia. We were adamant we'd be called out next for 4th place, so imagine the uproar when they announced us finishing 3rd.
A few days of great fun and pride seeing the kids achieve some remarkable achievements. One kid, Trevor 13, swam across the lake in 20 mins & 1 second, though he is a junior olympian. Another kid, Saunders, won the tennis tournament, beating the long reigning MKN #1.
All this fun was followed by another relaxing day off. This time we stayed away from lakes and beaches and headed to two very picturesque towns. The first being Northampton, Massachusetts. A town full of beautiful architecture and every store had its own little market stall outside the front door, which gave a unique feel to the town, I would recommend Northampton, MA to anyone. The second town was a little smaller, not really much in it, however it put me a step closer to ticking off the "visit every town, city and village that shares my home city's name" box on my to do list...Southampton, Massachusetts...*tick*. Coincidentally Southampton, MA does have something in common with my Southampton, England; they both have a big Harley Davidson main dealership. We stopped by, dribbled over some stunning bikes and figured I'd buy a T-shirt to prove it =)
The week has now slowed down, we're back to normal program, but tonight we sat down as an Algonquin tribe and we were all told about Wednesday......
=D
Monday, 25 July 2011
Pink Shades
Unbelievable week. There's no other way I can imagine describing this week gone by! And he greatest thing...it's only the start of it!
It's been hot! I mean REAL hot! 102F and 125% humidity.
Mah-Kee-Nac hosted an inter-camp swim meet, which meant a day away from the lake. I've never been much a fan of repetition, so the change in scenery was a welcome one. However, at dinner, I was met wig a barrage of "Sebastian why weren't you there to drive me" and "where have you been all day", it's a great feeling to know I'm doing something right.
Day off took us to Fairfield, Connecticut, a 2.5 hour drive from camp. This led to the first dip I've ever had in American salt water. Penfield Beach was the location it had been far too long since I had salt in my hair and the beauty and satisfaction of seeing sea disappear beyond the horizon and not fresh water stuck in a bowl and the horizon blocked by tree packed hills. In Fairfield we visited two remarkable culinary establishments; one being the Firehouse Deli and EPIC sandwich bar and then Pink Berry; a frozen yogurt bar, serving up the lightest of desserts, with lashings of fresh fruit. A definite recommendation.
A quick comment on the tan...awesome!
The quest to become as useful as duct tape at camp has taken another step forward as the magical hands waved themselves upon a lifeless outboard motor and restored it to it's former glory, 0 duct tape used =)
Friday Night Lights was another one of those moments where the kids all go, "why aren't you the American football counsellor"?
The eldest boys at camp, the Senecas, formed a high school all-star team as the counsellors prepared to do battle with 80% having never touched an American football in their life.
Un-phased each campus fields a team of counsellors per quarter of football. My campus come on with 8 minutes of running clock play time and I'm put in as QB. 1 coast to coast kick return, a 30 yard touchdown completion and a broken up hail mary playing defence...upper senior campus bring home the big W to the calls from my kids..."The British are coming". Haha
The game was a pretty big event, but in every way shape and form was blown out the water last night.
Now this might sound hard to believe but I swear down it's the truth. Helicopters circled the camp, spot lights lighting up everything. Scuba divers rose out of the water and walked up the beach and led us past junior baseball field, where the hoards of kids and counsellors were met by a US Army, Heavy Armoured Artillery Vehicle. The v8 engine erupted in to life and drove up to upper parking lot and an amazing display of fire. Fire poi, flaming kendo sticks and a some girl doing the hula hoop with a ring of fire, backed by flame throwers. The kids were called to upper baseball to the sight of military grade search lights...OLYMPIC BREAKOUUUUUT
Finally in reference to the title, I have an amazing pair of bright pink wayfarer shades. Dad had pink shades and now I have my own pair...footsteps =)
It's been hot! I mean REAL hot! 102F and 125% humidity.
Mah-Kee-Nac hosted an inter-camp swim meet, which meant a day away from the lake. I've never been much a fan of repetition, so the change in scenery was a welcome one. However, at dinner, I was met wig a barrage of "Sebastian why weren't you there to drive me" and "where have you been all day", it's a great feeling to know I'm doing something right.
Day off took us to Fairfield, Connecticut, a 2.5 hour drive from camp. This led to the first dip I've ever had in American salt water. Penfield Beach was the location it had been far too long since I had salt in my hair and the beauty and satisfaction of seeing sea disappear beyond the horizon and not fresh water stuck in a bowl and the horizon blocked by tree packed hills. In Fairfield we visited two remarkable culinary establishments; one being the Firehouse Deli and EPIC sandwich bar and then Pink Berry; a frozen yogurt bar, serving up the lightest of desserts, with lashings of fresh fruit. A definite recommendation.
A quick comment on the tan...awesome!
The quest to become as useful as duct tape at camp has taken another step forward as the magical hands waved themselves upon a lifeless outboard motor and restored it to it's former glory, 0 duct tape used =)
Friday Night Lights was another one of those moments where the kids all go, "why aren't you the American football counsellor"?
The eldest boys at camp, the Senecas, formed a high school all-star team as the counsellors prepared to do battle with 80% having never touched an American football in their life.
Un-phased each campus fields a team of counsellors per quarter of football. My campus come on with 8 minutes of running clock play time and I'm put in as QB. 1 coast to coast kick return, a 30 yard touchdown completion and a broken up hail mary playing defence...upper senior campus bring home the big W to the calls from my kids..."The British are coming". Haha
The game was a pretty big event, but in every way shape and form was blown out the water last night.
Now this might sound hard to believe but I swear down it's the truth. Helicopters circled the camp, spot lights lighting up everything. Scuba divers rose out of the water and walked up the beach and led us past junior baseball field, where the hoards of kids and counsellors were met by a US Army, Heavy Armoured Artillery Vehicle. The v8 engine erupted in to life and drove up to upper parking lot and an amazing display of fire. Fire poi, flaming kendo sticks and a some girl doing the hula hoop with a ring of fire, backed by flame throwers. The kids were called to upper baseball to the sight of military grade search lights...OLYMPIC BREAKOUUUUUT
Finally in reference to the title, I have an amazing pair of bright pink wayfarer shades. Dad had pink shades and now I have my own pair...footsteps =)
Friday, 22 July 2011
Mid-Camp Crisis
This post was written a few days ago...
I'll continue from where I left you...
The New England Patriots' "Gillette" stadium is HUGE, the attendance was around 60 thousand and the upper tiers weren't even used.
The match was awesome, we were about 30 rows back from field level, so the view was great and having the kids there made it such a funny experience. It quickly turned in to a good old international rivalry between the American kids and the English counsellors. Manchester United toyed with New England Revolution and dominated the match. The score however ties knots in my stomach, it's the classic moment when you wish you had put money on the game after predicting a 4-1 Man U win.
This week has probably been one of the most full on weeks I've ever had. One that's full of accomplishments, lessons and non-stop activity.
Of the things I'm writing about the most ironic goes to 'me becoming the resident tug boat man at Mah-Kee-Nac'!
Irony because part of the family business is marine towage, however I do not and never have worked for said company and generally my step-bro's and step-dad get called the tug boat men. However at the end of each session, if needed, I'll race across the lake picking up stranded yachts and their crew, broken down ski-boats, wayward windsurfers and on occasion the odd crew member that's fallen out of the dinghy and the 10 year old crew sail off into the distance, clueless as how to rescue their friend.
In the last couple days us ski drivers have had a few opportunities to take the boats out and go nuts. I don't know how else to explain but I did a front flip while on waterskis, the skis removed themselves from my feet and the flip completed with a feet first entry in to the water, haha. We've also started experimenting with 'bare footing' and, kid you not, it's so much fun and highly recommended, just be prepared, somehow, for the destruction of your nuts if you try to go on your knees...veteran of such pain is writing this blog.
So I have this ethos of life whereby I try to learn something new every day. This week has been no exception except the things I've learnt/am learning are fulfilling long time aspirations of mine. I've been playing with a rubics cube and am 1 stage away from being able to complete it.
The second thing is for years I've wanted to know how to make a monkey's fist and in the space of 20 minutes the art of monkey fist tying was mastered.
The third and most grandeur ambition that I've fulfilled/am endeavouring to fulfil...before this week I'd never sailed...this week I sailed, I had charge of the sail, and next week I'll be sailing across the lake solo. Loving it!
Thursday was my day off, another day of maximum relaxing. Spoke to the family as it was mum and my step-brother's birthdays, it was great to hear some familiar voices from home. Pretty much just chilled on the beach at Burbank, opposite Winadu (Our brother camp) with good company, worked on sorting out this life jacket tan, got pizza at Arizona and a couple more absolute steals in dick's sporting goods.
The work side of the last few days has seen the 3 week kids leave camp and the second session kids arrive. We have 2 new kids in our house, and the atmosphere had seemed to have calmed down...that was until the night before parents visiting day and arguably the most bucket-head kid on camp gets a nose bleed, rubs the blood all over his arms, face and t-shirt and runs in to the other houses screaming "I've been shot!!!
He's a handful, as are all of our kids, but I genuinely find myself SO entertained, even though I know it's wrong; I laugh...A LOT.
Parents visiting day was a hit. Nice to see where the kids come from, get told tricks of the trade to controlling them, I still let them cause havoc, but now they listen when I say stop.
One kid in my house said I'm the coolest counsellor ever, suppose that's something!
I'll continue from where I left you...
The New England Patriots' "Gillette" stadium is HUGE, the attendance was around 60 thousand and the upper tiers weren't even used.
The match was awesome, we were about 30 rows back from field level, so the view was great and having the kids there made it such a funny experience. It quickly turned in to a good old international rivalry between the American kids and the English counsellors. Manchester United toyed with New England Revolution and dominated the match. The score however ties knots in my stomach, it's the classic moment when you wish you had put money on the game after predicting a 4-1 Man U win.
This week has probably been one of the most full on weeks I've ever had. One that's full of accomplishments, lessons and non-stop activity.
Of the things I'm writing about the most ironic goes to 'me becoming the resident tug boat man at Mah-Kee-Nac'!
Irony because part of the family business is marine towage, however I do not and never have worked for said company and generally my step-bro's and step-dad get called the tug boat men. However at the end of each session, if needed, I'll race across the lake picking up stranded yachts and their crew, broken down ski-boats, wayward windsurfers and on occasion the odd crew member that's fallen out of the dinghy and the 10 year old crew sail off into the distance, clueless as how to rescue their friend.
In the last couple days us ski drivers have had a few opportunities to take the boats out and go nuts. I don't know how else to explain but I did a front flip while on waterskis, the skis removed themselves from my feet and the flip completed with a feet first entry in to the water, haha. We've also started experimenting with 'bare footing' and, kid you not, it's so much fun and highly recommended, just be prepared, somehow, for the destruction of your nuts if you try to go on your knees...veteran of such pain is writing this blog.
So I have this ethos of life whereby I try to learn something new every day. This week has been no exception except the things I've learnt/am learning are fulfilling long time aspirations of mine. I've been playing with a rubics cube and am 1 stage away from being able to complete it.
The second thing is for years I've wanted to know how to make a monkey's fist and in the space of 20 minutes the art of monkey fist tying was mastered.
The third and most grandeur ambition that I've fulfilled/am endeavouring to fulfil...before this week I'd never sailed...this week I sailed, I had charge of the sail, and next week I'll be sailing across the lake solo. Loving it!
Thursday was my day off, another day of maximum relaxing. Spoke to the family as it was mum and my step-brother's birthdays, it was great to hear some familiar voices from home. Pretty much just chilled on the beach at Burbank, opposite Winadu (Our brother camp) with good company, worked on sorting out this life jacket tan, got pizza at Arizona and a couple more absolute steals in dick's sporting goods.
The work side of the last few days has seen the 3 week kids leave camp and the second session kids arrive. We have 2 new kids in our house, and the atmosphere had seemed to have calmed down...that was until the night before parents visiting day and arguably the most bucket-head kid on camp gets a nose bleed, rubs the blood all over his arms, face and t-shirt and runs in to the other houses screaming "I've been shot!!!
He's a handful, as are all of our kids, but I genuinely find myself SO entertained, even though I know it's wrong; I laugh...A LOT.
Parents visiting day was a hit. Nice to see where the kids come from, get told tricks of the trade to controlling them, I still let them cause havoc, but now they listen when I say stop.
One kid in my house said I'm the coolest counsellor ever, suppose that's something!
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Different Days
The last couple of days have been different on so many levels. Normal days turned topsy turvy. For starters I've been refereeing basketball and flag American football (non-contact) tournament games, which took me away from the lake for a bit and was much to the kid's surprise as they didn't know I play. It has somehow turned me in to a bit of superstar on camp as every other kid and counsellor is asking questions about my experience and wanting to shoot hoops or throw an american football about, and without fail, promptly followed by the question "why aren't you a ............counsellor". I still retain the opinion that I have he best job on camp! The bet bit is I'm getting all the troublesome kids starting to listen to me and cooperate. Amazes me the power sport has over people, especially with the older kids.
On the lake I've really got to know the Malibu wakeboard boats well. I've figured out how to create HUGE kickers in the wake, some kids are getting about 6ft of air....on a tube.
So Tuesday comes around; it's a normal day, I'm sure of it! The day goes as planned and the evening activity is the much anticipated counsellor vs. Seneca (the eldest kids) American Football Game.
Amazing...my time to shine...NOPE! A single propellor aeroplane swoops over head (ok...I know it sounds far fetched but really did) and 3 guys eject themselves from the plane. Parachutes deploy, one guy's flying a green flag and another guy, a White flag closely followed by a third with smoke pouring out his heels. Next thing 2 new York street dancers are busting out the moves in a dance off one half wearing white and the other green...
"Green and White Breakout"...the opening ceremony to a day filled with totally random games.
Green and White is INSANE! Half he camp is dressed in green, the other half in White (my team) and compete in events such as the Box car derby...but you're not allowed wheels and you have to make a boat, mini tricycle race (you really can't fit in them), frisbee marathon, slowest cycle race (slowest time to the finish line without falling off wins), funny synchronised swimming...topped off with a rope burn finale, where the Senecas build a fire to make the flames reach up and burn a horizontally suspended rope. White win and I've never cheered so loud, especially at a rope.
We're currently sat in a big yellow school bus on our way to another random event...Manchester United are on their USA tour and upper senior camp are on our way to see the first game against New England Revolution at the New England Patriots "Gillette" Stadium...
On the lake I've really got to know the Malibu wakeboard boats well. I've figured out how to create HUGE kickers in the wake, some kids are getting about 6ft of air....on a tube.
So Tuesday comes around; it's a normal day, I'm sure of it! The day goes as planned and the evening activity is the much anticipated counsellor vs. Seneca (the eldest kids) American Football Game.
Amazing...my time to shine...NOPE! A single propellor aeroplane swoops over head (ok...I know it sounds far fetched but really did) and 3 guys eject themselves from the plane. Parachutes deploy, one guy's flying a green flag and another guy, a White flag closely followed by a third with smoke pouring out his heels. Next thing 2 new York street dancers are busting out the moves in a dance off one half wearing white and the other green...
"Green and White Breakout"...the opening ceremony to a day filled with totally random games.
Green and White is INSANE! Half he camp is dressed in green, the other half in White (my team) and compete in events such as the Box car derby...but you're not allowed wheels and you have to make a boat, mini tricycle race (you really can't fit in them), frisbee marathon, slowest cycle race (slowest time to the finish line without falling off wins), funny synchronised swimming...topped off with a rope burn finale, where the Senecas build a fire to make the flames reach up and burn a horizontally suspended rope. White win and I've never cheered so loud, especially at a rope.
We're currently sat in a big yellow school bus on our way to another random event...Manchester United are on their USA tour and upper senior camp are on our way to see the first game against New England Revolution at the New England Patriots "Gillette" Stadium...
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Wars Follow Theme Parks
In the middle of a bunk war! Well almost...
It's 10pm, night has fallen...
The kids in my house are in the back room sitting on their floor chairs making plans, whispering incessantly. They've even split themselves up in to action groups. "Homeland Security" dedicated to protecting our house. Schematics for an intricate pulley system alarm have been drawn up - so far it only switches the light on, but once more string is available the plans involve, triggering catapults, switching on sound systems, even raising protective barriers to protect any incoming 'axebombs' which is an Axe (the american brand for Lynx) antiperspirant can with a pin in the side, which smokes out a room and covers everything in white. That's just one example of an attack weapon developed by "Battle Command", but frequently mentioned around camp, so clearly a common tool in bunk wars.
Everyone's on high alert looking out the windows, full house black out in effect. Every noise resulting with a flurry of lights flashing out and around the house.
I've unwittingly been dragged in, given the title president and being used to tie all the knots they need to make their systems work.
With so much activity I doubt I'll be sleeping soon so I'll give a quick run down of the last couple days.
Wednesday was amazing! The entire upper senior campus went to Six Flags New England, I spent the day in a walking group with 4 surprisingly well behaved kids, but we still went on all the biggest rides; "Bizzaro" and "Batman" being the biggest and best.
I genuinely felt sorry for whoever had the pleasure of trying to control the kids from my house.
Thursday was my day off, picked up a few friends from Danbee and went shopping in Lee Outlet Mall. Finally I have a hoodie; the one important thing I forgot to bring! Again an absolute steal at $5 and it's Billabong - from the same store I got the Volcom Tops from. Have to love sales!
Went to Lenox beach for a swim and had dinner at Betty's Pizza. However the night got interesting when my buddy Alex ate cashew nuts and I had to rush him to the nurses office for his epi-pen. So good drive again! It's made me miss my car and miss driving so much.
On the lake, things have been all good, had to make a few rescues to stranded campers...one windsurfer making it to the other side of the lake and then the wind died, also one sailor falling out of the sailing dingy and their partner not knowing how to turn the dinghy leaving them stranded in the middle of the lake and the dinghy heading in the wrong direction at speed, least to say I was fits of laughter.
A Mah-Kee-Nac traditional event is approaching...
Big weekend ahead of us...
CARNIVAL!
But remember nothing at Mah-Kee-Nac is normal!
It's 10pm, night has fallen...
The kids in my house are in the back room sitting on their floor chairs making plans, whispering incessantly. They've even split themselves up in to action groups. "Homeland Security" dedicated to protecting our house. Schematics for an intricate pulley system alarm have been drawn up - so far it only switches the light on, but once more string is available the plans involve, triggering catapults, switching on sound systems, even raising protective barriers to protect any incoming 'axebombs' which is an Axe (the american brand for Lynx) antiperspirant can with a pin in the side, which smokes out a room and covers everything in white. That's just one example of an attack weapon developed by "Battle Command", but frequently mentioned around camp, so clearly a common tool in bunk wars.
Everyone's on high alert looking out the windows, full house black out in effect. Every noise resulting with a flurry of lights flashing out and around the house.
I've unwittingly been dragged in, given the title president and being used to tie all the knots they need to make their systems work.
With so much activity I doubt I'll be sleeping soon so I'll give a quick run down of the last couple days.
Wednesday was amazing! The entire upper senior campus went to Six Flags New England, I spent the day in a walking group with 4 surprisingly well behaved kids, but we still went on all the biggest rides; "Bizzaro" and "Batman" being the biggest and best.
I genuinely felt sorry for whoever had the pleasure of trying to control the kids from my house.
Thursday was my day off, picked up a few friends from Danbee and went shopping in Lee Outlet Mall. Finally I have a hoodie; the one important thing I forgot to bring! Again an absolute steal at $5 and it's Billabong - from the same store I got the Volcom Tops from. Have to love sales!
Went to Lenox beach for a swim and had dinner at Betty's Pizza. However the night got interesting when my buddy Alex ate cashew nuts and I had to rush him to the nurses office for his epi-pen. So good drive again! It's made me miss my car and miss driving so much.
On the lake, things have been all good, had to make a few rescues to stranded campers...one windsurfer making it to the other side of the lake and then the wind died, also one sailor falling out of the sailing dingy and their partner not knowing how to turn the dinghy leaving them stranded in the middle of the lake and the dinghy heading in the wrong direction at speed, least to say I was fits of laughter.
A Mah-Kee-Nac traditional event is approaching...
Big weekend ahead of us...
CARNIVAL!
But remember nothing at Mah-Kee-Nac is normal!
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
"Have A Day"
Happy July 4th, Happy Independence Day, Happy "Day we kicked your ass" Day - as the kids said, promptly followed by Happy "Gave America back because we were running out of legitimate holiday locations outside of the British Empire" Day; much to the amusement of a few of the better historically educated kids.
All joking aside I've heard the phrase "Have a day" a couple hundred times and still have no idea what exactly it means, nor it's origins. I'll find out soon enough I'm sure.
So today ran a little differently, couple sessions towing the tubes about on the lake and then 4th July festivities erupted. Pie eating contests, giant slip and slide racing, frisby baseball - another totally random brain child from camp Mah-Kee-Nac's resident sports master of ceremonies, "Coach".
Finally found a regulation sized football to throw at the kids and get my arm working for next season. Already broken one kid's finger playing catch. Oops! Ironically it's the kid that wants me to coach him through Quarter Back drills during free play (allotted time slot where kids and counsellors are free to relax or play).
The night ended with the sounds of James Taylor's live concert washing over Mah-Kee-Nac from the famous music venue, Tanglewood, which is literally situated a mere 200 yards from Camp.
The concert peaked with a firework display. From the reviews I've heard I was mildly unimpressed by the so-called highly reputable display but it was fairly good. I did see a new firework, milky white trails bursting in to every colour of the rainbow, a great finale but not to out do displays I've seen in the good old South of England! Still a great way to end the night; laying face up on a flat topped boulder looking up at a multicolour-lit sky and the kids in their strange floor seats staring, so awestruck.
All that's left to say is...."have a day"
All joking aside I've heard the phrase "Have a day" a couple hundred times and still have no idea what exactly it means, nor it's origins. I'll find out soon enough I'm sure.
So today ran a little differently, couple sessions towing the tubes about on the lake and then 4th July festivities erupted. Pie eating contests, giant slip and slide racing, frisby baseball - another totally random brain child from camp Mah-Kee-Nac's resident sports master of ceremonies, "Coach".
Finally found a regulation sized football to throw at the kids and get my arm working for next season. Already broken one kid's finger playing catch. Oops! Ironically it's the kid that wants me to coach him through Quarter Back drills during free play (allotted time slot where kids and counsellors are free to relax or play).
The night ended with the sounds of James Taylor's live concert washing over Mah-Kee-Nac from the famous music venue, Tanglewood, which is literally situated a mere 200 yards from Camp.
The concert peaked with a firework display. From the reviews I've heard I was mildly unimpressed by the so-called highly reputable display but it was fairly good. I did see a new firework, milky white trails bursting in to every colour of the rainbow, a great finale but not to out do displays I've seen in the good old South of England! Still a great way to end the night; laying face up on a flat topped boulder looking up at a multicolour-lit sky and the kids in their strange floor seats staring, so awestruck.
All that's left to say is...."have a day"
Sunday, 3 July 2011
A Day In The Life Of Boston
The call of a day off opened up a window of opportunity to get away from the little terrors that reside in my little house. I have every Thursday off as does my buddy Alex.B in the house next to mine. He's from NJ, plays d-line for Ithaca and the best part, he's brought his car to camp.
So Wednesday comes around, we've notified camp we're leaving, but little do they know we barely know what we want to do; our sole ethos of the journey being...'get away from camp!'
We get in to the car, turn on the satnav and type in........Boston.
A 2 hour journey turns in to a 3 hour journey after a petrol station simply refuses to pump fuel. As well as reaching Boston and realising we actually have nowhere to stay.
Hotels promote their best prices at a slither below $200, so...short of sleeping in the car we end up shacking it up in a Boston University dorm room at about 4am. This was after we walked in to a bar, looking for a drink, set the alarms off, which signalled the armed gang crime response unit to rush down and sweep the building. We watched from the 7eleven across the road, but the thing that confused us the most....the front door was open and lights were on inside! Our faces on the CCTV footage must be hilarious.
Our day in Boston started off slowly, we woke up at 8, left the dorm at 8.30 sharp in search for the one road that has free parking. The satnav went ballistic and took us everywhere except where we wanted to be; although we did see loads of random Bostonian stuff, which mildly made up for the fact it took us an hour to figure out how to drive across the river and then an hour to find our way, to walk, back across it amongst a fury of 2 grumpy hungry bellies!
We satisfied our hunger and capped it off with a few scoops from my new favourite ice cream store 'boYo'.
My admiration for the people of Boston began in this store. Everyone was so eager for us to have a good time that every half hour we were getting pointed in new directions. So Lilia (pretty name) directed us to TD Gardens, where this year's NHL Stanley Cup winners play their home games, and she also suggested seeing Boston Harbour, which we saved for sunset. Managed to get me a boYo pink sox baseball cap (from the boYo girl's uniform) and a mini Red Sox helmet at the same time.
While wondering the streets we came across a stunning 1965 Ford F-100 truck that blew me away, the owner's parked it outside his plumbing company and for arguement's sake we gave this elderly chap the name 'Billy'. He told us a bit about his truck racing days followed by him pointing us down the road on the 'Freedom Trail' - a route that takes you to all the historically famous sites in Boston.
I won't lie, we followed the trail footstep for footstep right up to the point we bumped in to Cheers, from the TV show, about 500 yards down the road. Least to say Boston became a much funnier place after a couple blueberry beers.
As the day drew on towards a close we had time to see Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox Baseball stadium, however there was a big event at The House of Blues, which meant we couldn't look around, but hopefully we'll have a chance to go back and watch a game.
Sunset comes, Boston Harbour blows us away! There's a beach, so my toes are happy in the sand. The day ends with the drive back to Lenox with enough time for a night cap in our local.
Loving my job!!!!!!!!!! :)
So Wednesday comes around, we've notified camp we're leaving, but little do they know we barely know what we want to do; our sole ethos of the journey being...'get away from camp!'
We get in to the car, turn on the satnav and type in........Boston.
A 2 hour journey turns in to a 3 hour journey after a petrol station simply refuses to pump fuel. As well as reaching Boston and realising we actually have nowhere to stay.
Hotels promote their best prices at a slither below $200, so...short of sleeping in the car we end up shacking it up in a Boston University dorm room at about 4am. This was after we walked in to a bar, looking for a drink, set the alarms off, which signalled the armed gang crime response unit to rush down and sweep the building. We watched from the 7eleven across the road, but the thing that confused us the most....the front door was open and lights were on inside! Our faces on the CCTV footage must be hilarious.
Our day in Boston started off slowly, we woke up at 8, left the dorm at 8.30 sharp in search for the one road that has free parking. The satnav went ballistic and took us everywhere except where we wanted to be; although we did see loads of random Bostonian stuff, which mildly made up for the fact it took us an hour to figure out how to drive across the river and then an hour to find our way, to walk, back across it amongst a fury of 2 grumpy hungry bellies!
We satisfied our hunger and capped it off with a few scoops from my new favourite ice cream store 'boYo'.
My admiration for the people of Boston began in this store. Everyone was so eager for us to have a good time that every half hour we were getting pointed in new directions. So Lilia (pretty name) directed us to TD Gardens, where this year's NHL Stanley Cup winners play their home games, and she also suggested seeing Boston Harbour, which we saved for sunset. Managed to get me a boYo pink sox baseball cap (from the boYo girl's uniform) and a mini Red Sox helmet at the same time.
While wondering the streets we came across a stunning 1965 Ford F-100 truck that blew me away, the owner's parked it outside his plumbing company and for arguement's sake we gave this elderly chap the name 'Billy'. He told us a bit about his truck racing days followed by him pointing us down the road on the 'Freedom Trail' - a route that takes you to all the historically famous sites in Boston.
I won't lie, we followed the trail footstep for footstep right up to the point we bumped in to Cheers, from the TV show, about 500 yards down the road. Least to say Boston became a much funnier place after a couple blueberry beers.
As the day drew on towards a close we had time to see Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox Baseball stadium, however there was a big event at The House of Blues, which meant we couldn't look around, but hopefully we'll have a chance to go back and watch a game.
Sunset comes, Boston Harbour blows us away! There's a beach, so my toes are happy in the sand. The day ends with the drive back to Lenox with enough time for a night cap in our local.
Loving my job!!!!!!!!!! :)
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Snapping Turtles - Kids Arrive
Absolute pandemonium! Kids EVERYWHERE, hugs, smiles and laughter filling up the camp...the sun's out and it's an amazing first day! Saw my first giant snapping turtle in the lake, played with the boats and managed to get a waterski and wakeboard session in before the kids arrived!
For the guys that know what I'm like on waterski's the speed limit's only 36mph on he lake, so pretty slow, and on the wake board, circled the lake, so next job is to start carving and hopefully get some air :)
The camp is split up in to campuses and then in to tribes, mine is the second eldest tribe...Algonquin and our campus is Upper Senior.
My house is undoubtedly the hardest work on camp. They're all go go go! Trying to hide contraband and all sorts of stuff they're not allowed on camp, doing everything they're not allowed and swearing every 2 seconds. But they're entertaining to say the least!
We've already put in an action plan for my first night in after a tip off that they have planned to distract me and raid one of the other houses with water balloons, etc. Can't wait to see their faces!
The house I'm in is so well placed, we're raised up on top of a hill; well it's more of a mound, but we're next door to the shower house and all the other amenities are real close. Their's a nice little porch in the shade we can hang out on, and it's rare you'll see the kids in there, they're all ADHD, running around camp and beating each other up...momentary peace!
Have a few plans in the pipeline for the next few days. Social with the Danbee girls, my campus is going to New York tomorrow to do laser tag and I have a day off Thursday so I'm heading to Boston Wednesday night!
For the guys that know what I'm like on waterski's the speed limit's only 36mph on he lake, so pretty slow, and on the wake board, circled the lake, so next job is to start carving and hopefully get some air :)
The camp is split up in to campuses and then in to tribes, mine is the second eldest tribe...Algonquin and our campus is Upper Senior.
My house is undoubtedly the hardest work on camp. They're all go go go! Trying to hide contraband and all sorts of stuff they're not allowed on camp, doing everything they're not allowed and swearing every 2 seconds. But they're entertaining to say the least!
We've already put in an action plan for my first night in after a tip off that they have planned to distract me and raid one of the other houses with water balloons, etc. Can't wait to see their faces!
The house I'm in is so well placed, we're raised up on top of a hill; well it's more of a mound, but we're next door to the shower house and all the other amenities are real close. Their's a nice little porch in the shade we can hang out on, and it's rare you'll see the kids in there, they're all ADHD, running around camp and beating each other up...momentary peace!
Have a few plans in the pipeline for the next few days. Social with the Danbee girls, my campus is going to New York tomorrow to do laser tag and I have a day off Thursday so I'm heading to Boston Wednesday night!
Sunday, 26 June 2011
The Mah-Kee-Nac Way - Orientation
This past week has been non-stop pedal to the metal! I completed and passed both the lifeguard and small crafts instructor courses, it almost feels that I'm collecting these qualifications as a hobby.
I'm now in Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, my home for the next 2 months and I'm absolutely stoked!
Camp orientation has been a total blurrrrr! It's been long, it's been thorough and tough, but most of all it's been so much fun! It started off with games, continued with games and eventually today, on the last day of orientation...we finished with a game. I can't begin to explain, most of the game concepts make me go cross-eyed, but I assure you there are photos and videos and I'll be bringing these games home! My fave so far...GaGa Ball...trust me, don't try to read in to it.
My haven and workplace, the lake named Stockbridge Bowl, is the most stunning stretch of tideless water I've ever seen! Two pontoons stretch out from the beach, one leading to the camp's new water toys; a giant inflatable slide and a floating trampoline. The other pontoon makes my fingers and toes tingle when I see the 3 Malibu wakeboard boats hanging off of it loosely with a vast expanse of mirror-like water and big green hill-mountains supplying the backdrop...a stunning starburst sunset every single night.
We've had our fair share of rain, I heard it's been quite wet back home, but the sun comes out every day and warms up the lake.
We've been prepping the camp ready for the kids to come, a huge team effort made it a great success and all the counsellors are anxiously waiting for the camp to fill.
I've had to move around a couple times, but am now in the house I'll spend the rest of summer in with 2 other counsellors and 8 kids. I've been informed that I'll have 9th graders (14yo) and that I've been strategically placed, with good faith, in the cheekiest and most scheming group of kids. I'm stoked to meet them.
Been out of camp a couple times, had an absolute steal getting 5 Volcom longsleeves to keep me warm for $18 from PacSun. Happy days! Saw the Danbee girls and managed to get an icy cold beer in me...followed by an emphatic, ahhhhhh :)
I'm now in Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, my home for the next 2 months and I'm absolutely stoked!
Camp orientation has been a total blurrrrr! It's been long, it's been thorough and tough, but most of all it's been so much fun! It started off with games, continued with games and eventually today, on the last day of orientation...we finished with a game. I can't begin to explain, most of the game concepts make me go cross-eyed, but I assure you there are photos and videos and I'll be bringing these games home! My fave so far...GaGa Ball...trust me, don't try to read in to it.
My haven and workplace, the lake named Stockbridge Bowl, is the most stunning stretch of tideless water I've ever seen! Two pontoons stretch out from the beach, one leading to the camp's new water toys; a giant inflatable slide and a floating trampoline. The other pontoon makes my fingers and toes tingle when I see the 3 Malibu wakeboard boats hanging off of it loosely with a vast expanse of mirror-like water and big green hill-mountains supplying the backdrop...a stunning starburst sunset every single night.
We've had our fair share of rain, I heard it's been quite wet back home, but the sun comes out every day and warms up the lake.
We've been prepping the camp ready for the kids to come, a huge team effort made it a great success and all the counsellors are anxiously waiting for the camp to fill.
I've had to move around a couple times, but am now in the house I'll spend the rest of summer in with 2 other counsellors and 8 kids. I've been informed that I'll have 9th graders (14yo) and that I've been strategically placed, with good faith, in the cheekiest and most scheming group of kids. I'm stoked to meet them.
Been out of camp a couple times, had an absolute steal getting 5 Volcom longsleeves to keep me warm for $18 from PacSun. Happy days! Saw the Danbee girls and managed to get an icy cold beer in me...followed by an emphatic, ahhhhhh :)
Monday, 13 June 2011
Lifeguard Training
Camp Danbee.
Day two and three of lifeguard training at Camp Danbee can justifiably be referred to as an absolute personal achievement and success.
Starting to feel the responsibility creep up as the closer I get to completing the course the closer I get to being legally responsible for other people's lives; it's quite daunting yet exciting at the same time!
Wednesday night revealed the most mind blowing electrical storm I've ever seen! The sky was alive; streaks of lightning tearing through the clouds and ripping out into the clear air above our heads! I've taken a wander down to the Danbee waterfront of Lake Ashmere to the get the best view! Arms outstretched to the sides, back arched and yelling at the top of my lungs, epic moment I'll never forget!
The next night the sky was dancing with fire flies, made me think of Ron Pope's song off his 'Daylight' album 'Fireflies'. In a way it smoothed the edge off of a hard day's work in the pool and class room.
It's dusk at the end of a weary weekend; it's Sunday, a day of (rest) waking up late for breakfast, dragging my feet across the dew dampened grass and slipping in to the pool to complete my lifeguard qualification and later move on to stage two of the American Red Cross Canoe Instructors and Kayak Instructors courses. My instructor is an older chap that goes by the name 'Crackers' and he's everything it says on the tin. Picture your stereotypical Vietnam veteran with all the whistles, bells and every story to go with it...'back in nam'.
Just a couple more days now until I'm a qualified canoe and kayak instructor. However it also means we'll all be leaving Camp Danbee and heading our separate ways! Some awesome friends have been made here, in such a short time too...such is life; people come and people go. Hopefully, with every finger and toe crossed and double folded, paths will cross again. I heard rumours of socials, so it seems likely.
Keep smiling =)
Day two and three of lifeguard training at Camp Danbee can justifiably be referred to as an absolute personal achievement and success.
Starting to feel the responsibility creep up as the closer I get to completing the course the closer I get to being legally responsible for other people's lives; it's quite daunting yet exciting at the same time!
Wednesday night revealed the most mind blowing electrical storm I've ever seen! The sky was alive; streaks of lightning tearing through the clouds and ripping out into the clear air above our heads! I've taken a wander down to the Danbee waterfront of Lake Ashmere to the get the best view! Arms outstretched to the sides, back arched and yelling at the top of my lungs, epic moment I'll never forget!
The next night the sky was dancing with fire flies, made me think of Ron Pope's song off his 'Daylight' album 'Fireflies'. In a way it smoothed the edge off of a hard day's work in the pool and class room.
It's dusk at the end of a weary weekend; it's Sunday, a day of (rest) waking up late for breakfast, dragging my feet across the dew dampened grass and slipping in to the pool to complete my lifeguard qualification and later move on to stage two of the American Red Cross Canoe Instructors and Kayak Instructors courses. My instructor is an older chap that goes by the name 'Crackers' and he's everything it says on the tin. Picture your stereotypical Vietnam veteran with all the whistles, bells and every story to go with it...'back in nam'.
Just a couple more days now until I'm a qualified canoe and kayak instructor. However it also means we'll all be leaving Camp Danbee and heading our separate ways! Some awesome friends have been made here, in such a short time too...such is life; people come and people go. Hopefully, with every finger and toe crossed and double folded, paths will cross again. I heard rumours of socials, so it seems likely.
Keep smiling =)
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
The Road to Mah-Kee-Nac
D-day...chaos! Even before the first step of the journey! Skipping town for a while must have been so much easier in the dark ages of technology; no phone contracts, insurance commitments and other scamming bills to contemplate as it's quietly nibbling away at the little money a student can tuck away.
Still that was just the beginning of the start of the day!
I'm currently writing this on my iPod touch's note pad as I glide past a breath-taking view of New York and the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunset, on the train to my next crisis...sit tight and you'll read about it in a minute.
Back to the start of my day...
In classic 'Sebastian' fashion I arrive at Heathrow and check in with 5 minutes to go until boarding commences, so there I am, full scrambling quarterback mode engaged making a B-line for boarding gate 18...but I have to say JFK was where the "fun" really started! Border control had a field day! Now I know the comedians out there have jokes flying around there head already, but I was bricking it, just sitting around expecting at any moment to hear the snap of a latex glove on the wrist of a debauch looking customs officer. However it was only because I forgot a form that had nothing to do with them anyway!
I get off the Long Island Rail Road at Penn Station not knowing exactly where in the big apple I am, but I know I'm in Manhattan! Climbing a narrow set of stairs I start to get flash backs, vague memories of "I've been here before". I've only gone and emerged in to the sunlight from the underbelly of New York, New York through the gates of Madison Square Garden. Don't know about you but I think that's a pretty cool entrance to the land of the "free"!
So this next dilemma I'm cruising towards...I don't have a pick-up from my end station to the camp yet. I'm waiting on a call! It's already dark and I'm pretty sure the TV shows say there's bears in them woods! Ah well I'll just have to get my Rambo on!
Without intention I've already bumped into some of the country's most famous landmarks; the Empire State Building, The Guggenheim Museum, Grand Central Train Station, Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn Bridge, etc
It's a good start! Today's been little short of a roller coaster and I sense, knowing me, this is just the first of many...but who doesn't like a thrilling ride once in a blue moon...
Still that was just the beginning of the start of the day!
I'm currently writing this on my iPod touch's note pad as I glide past a breath-taking view of New York and the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunset, on the train to my next crisis...sit tight and you'll read about it in a minute.
Back to the start of my day...
In classic 'Sebastian' fashion I arrive at Heathrow and check in with 5 minutes to go until boarding commences, so there I am, full scrambling quarterback mode engaged making a B-line for boarding gate 18...but I have to say JFK was where the "fun" really started! Border control had a field day! Now I know the comedians out there have jokes flying around there head already, but I was bricking it, just sitting around expecting at any moment to hear the snap of a latex glove on the wrist of a debauch looking customs officer. However it was only because I forgot a form that had nothing to do with them anyway!
I get off the Long Island Rail Road at Penn Station not knowing exactly where in the big apple I am, but I know I'm in Manhattan! Climbing a narrow set of stairs I start to get flash backs, vague memories of "I've been here before". I've only gone and emerged in to the sunlight from the underbelly of New York, New York through the gates of Madison Square Garden. Don't know about you but I think that's a pretty cool entrance to the land of the "free"!
So this next dilemma I'm cruising towards...I don't have a pick-up from my end station to the camp yet. I'm waiting on a call! It's already dark and I'm pretty sure the TV shows say there's bears in them woods! Ah well I'll just have to get my Rambo on!
Without intention I've already bumped into some of the country's most famous landmarks; the Empire State Building, The Guggenheim Museum, Grand Central Train Station, Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn Bridge, etc
It's a good start! Today's been little short of a roller coaster and I sense, knowing me, this is just the first of many...but who doesn't like a thrilling ride once in a blue moon...
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Leaving.....again
It seems that throughout my life I've spent so little time in my home town of Southampton. I'm not portraying myself to be some jungle adventurer, though my haircuts through time may say otherwise, but I've done a fair share of travelling. It's the prospect of discovering the innumerable things the world has to offer that instills the primal urge to explore it and knowing that I'll never even scratch the surface of the planet's true expanse; I stand undeterred and remain contented with a poised, yet eager, readiness to explore when nature reveals an opportunity.
So I'm picking myself up and leaving this town, heading back to the 'New World' as the men, women and children of Christopher Columbus' days would have called it. America, USA, Los Estados Unidos...
Any which way I say it, it seeps excitement into my veins.
I'm not one for making plans, but there does appear to be a formulation of some sorts regarding the on-goings of 2011's Season of Summer...
A great friend of mine hooked me up with a job working in Lenox, at
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, in the so called Pride of America...Massachusetts. Two months I'll spend here as a Waterfront Counsellor on Stockbridge Bowl (the name of the lake). Simply put, I'm driving a wake board boat around a lake for 6 hours a day and soaking up the rays... "sounds terrible".
Less simply put I'm specialising in towing wake boarders, water skiers and knee boarders around, driving one of the camp's 5 Malibu Wake Board boats and I'll be doing the slow motion Baywatch run as I lifeguard around the lake and pool areas. After that I'm not 100% sure of my duties, I'll find out and update you during orientation, but I do know there's actually a lot of hard work involved and I'll have a little troop of kids to take under my wing and turn in to fine young gentlemen.
"The term 'hard work' can be defined by the degree of discontent in what you're doing...if you're enjoying what you're doing, are you not just having fun" (Sanders-Rivas, S. 2011) - Write that down...
However, putting the specialities aside, I'm adamant on entering camp with 0 expectations and rely on my adaptability, happy-go-lucky nature and a big dash of my newly coined 'knowledgeable wing-it' to make it an awesome experience for all involved.
Post-camp is when the journey takes off. I have my eyes clamped on California to begin with and end up in New York for the ASP World Surf Tour Championships and my Birthday. What happens in between instigates thoughts of Vegas, Texas, the old stomping grounds of Chicago and Crystal Lake, Illinois - where once upon a time I lived for a while - and anywhere else the wind decides to take me.
Internal flights around the states cost tuppence, so it doesn't take a astrophysicist to figure out what I've got on my mind...actually it probably does. The only way you'll know is to keep coming back, stay in the loop and follow me as I embark on this voyage. But I can promise it'll be mind blowing. Don't come back if you're susceptible to going green with envy...
Every journey begins with a single step...
So I'm picking myself up and leaving this town, heading back to the 'New World' as the men, women and children of Christopher Columbus' days would have called it. America, USA, Los Estados Unidos...
Any which way I say it, it seeps excitement into my veins.
I'm not one for making plans, but there does appear to be a formulation of some sorts regarding the on-goings of 2011's Season of Summer...
A great friend of mine hooked me up with a job working in Lenox, at
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, in the so called Pride of America...Massachusetts. Two months I'll spend here as a Waterfront Counsellor on Stockbridge Bowl (the name of the lake). Simply put, I'm driving a wake board boat around a lake for 6 hours a day and soaking up the rays... "sounds terrible".
Less simply put I'm specialising in towing wake boarders, water skiers and knee boarders around, driving one of the camp's 5 Malibu Wake Board boats and I'll be doing the slow motion Baywatch run as I lifeguard around the lake and pool areas. After that I'm not 100% sure of my duties, I'll find out and update you during orientation, but I do know there's actually a lot of hard work involved and I'll have a little troop of kids to take under my wing and turn in to fine young gentlemen.
"The term 'hard work' can be defined by the degree of discontent in what you're doing...if you're enjoying what you're doing, are you not just having fun" (Sanders-Rivas, S. 2011) - Write that down...
However, putting the specialities aside, I'm adamant on entering camp with 0 expectations and rely on my adaptability, happy-go-lucky nature and a big dash of my newly coined 'knowledgeable wing-it' to make it an awesome experience for all involved.
Post-camp is when the journey takes off. I have my eyes clamped on California to begin with and end up in New York for the ASP World Surf Tour Championships and my Birthday. What happens in between instigates thoughts of Vegas, Texas, the old stomping grounds of Chicago and Crystal Lake, Illinois - where once upon a time I lived for a while - and anywhere else the wind decides to take me.
Internal flights around the states cost tuppence, so it doesn't take a astrophysicist to figure out what I've got on my mind...actually it probably does. The only way you'll know is to keep coming back, stay in the loop and follow me as I embark on this voyage. But I can promise it'll be mind blowing. Don't come back if you're susceptible to going green with envy...
Every journey begins with a single step...
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