Page 6

Gavin

W yatt was adorable and while I felt bad about him nearly falling, I was more than happy to be the one to catch him.

I sat in the circle like I’d done many times before, both as a camper and a counselor, and watched as everyone wandered over and chose a seat.

After all the planning and stressing, camp was ready to begin.

“Is there a danger of animal attacks,” one of the men I hadn’t met yet asked and I ignored the horrified gasp from my right, and the fact Wyatt had asked me about this earlier.

“When you’re in an animal’s environment there is always a chance they could attack.

But while you’re at camp there’s usually enough noise and human activity to keep them away while we’re here.

This year is unique since we started earlier so there could be bears just coming out of hibernation in the area, but we will never take any chances on your safety.

The staff will regularly patrol the area and make sure there is no threat. ”

“Have you ever had an animal attack at camp?” Wyatt asked, and I’d never been so happy for a question in my life.

“No. We have never had any kind of animal attack here. Not even a crazed squirrel. We did have a mockingbird that was a little protective of its nest but that ended when the babies flew off.” I grinned at Wyatt, and he ducked his head.

“Let’s get going on the tour and please, feel free to ask me anything.

” They all followed as I led them to the edge of the lake.

It wasn’t large but it was full of fish, and big enough to swim or take out a canoe.

“What if we’re not a good swimmer?” someone from the back asked.

“Don’t worry, we always have staff on lifeguard patrol anytime campers are swimming.

You also have the option to wear a swim vest, and one is required anytime we use the boats.

” We reached the lake, and I stood for a moment waiting for the campers to catch up.

The lake was beautiful, and everyone stood and looked at it alongside me.

“It really is beautiful,” Wyatt said, echoing my thought.

“It is. Now, see that plant right there?” I pointed to the oak looking leaves. “That is poison oak, and you do not want to touch it in any way. It is an asshole and it’s not beautiful,” I said making them laugh.

“Leaves of three, touch not me,” someone else said.

“That’s right, avoid it at all costs. Over there is the boat shed,” I said before walking toward it. “You’ll find everything you need to go on the water. You are welcome to take a canoe out once we know you’re competent, but like I said, you’ll need to wear a swim vest.”

“What’s that over there?” Dani asked.

“That’s our jungle gym. It’s an obstacle course we came up with to help you get used to climbing around out here.

Go ahead and try it if you’d like.” It had one part that was a small climbing wall, a few ropes to climb, another area that had pull-up bars, and a few other tasks that were great training.

Wyatt walked over to the climbing wall, his eyes full of trepidation but also a look I’d seen often—determination.

He reached for a handhold and pulled his foot up.

Once he was comfortable, he reached for the next handhold and the next until he was at the top.

It wasn’t far but it was an accomplishment.

He scrambled back down and stood and smiled up at the small wall he’d just tackled and won.

“It wasn’t so bad,” he said to me when he walked over to where I stood.

“You did great. I’m glad you liked it.” His grin never wavered as he watched everyone else take a turn.

“Okay let’s move onto the volleyball court.

” Eventually they were all with me again and after showing them where the volleyball courts would be once we installed the nets, we moved on to the mess hall.

“I know most of you know where it is, but there’s also a bigger interior room where we do indoor activities like art and some games.

When the weather is nice, we use the outdoor dining area, but it will probably be a little cold for that this week. ”

“Are we going to have cookouts?” someone asked.

“Yes, we’ll have them as often as we can and weather permitting. After dinner we’ll have a campfire, and you can roast marshmallows and make smores.” A few campers’ eyes widened much like the kids did. “We also use the roof for stargazing and learning the constellations.”

“Drevon knows all about the stars,” John said and threw his arm around Drevon’s neck.

“Well then Drevon is volunteered to help on those nights. Any other questions?” No one said anything even though I knew they all had many.

“Get ready for dinner, it’ll be ready in about an hour,” I said, and after making sure they were mostly okay, I walked away.

Leaving them all to discuss the camp and what they expected.

Soon they broke off into small groups, all of them curious about the other campers.

They were all here for different reasons, but they all had the need to prove to themselves they could do this, no matter how much it frightened them.

They were all so much braver than they thought.

Even Wyatt, who with a little encouragement from John and Drevon, was having a conversation about using a telescope.

Tomorrow it will all begin, but tonight they’d learn about the importance of smores and the right way to toast a marshmallow.