My Camp report for Fall 2000


On Wednesday, the 1st Of November, Daddy and I got up at 6:30 AM. Daddy had packed most everything in the car the night before, so we took our time with final preparations and we started on the road to Camp at 8:00AM. The trip was very nice and I had packed some snacks so we only had to stop a couple times along the way. We arrived at Camp at 1:00 PM just a few minutes behind Amy. Amy's Daddy was in the lobby registering when Daddy went in to register me. Amy's room wasn't ready yet so our Daddy's sat and talked together for a while. Amy's Daddy was very tired because he wasn't able to get any sleep the night before. After a while Daddy started unpacking the car and moving my things into my room. When that was done, we took our donation of toys for the toy drive to the lobby. Amy's room was ready so her Daddy went to take a nap. I got out my digital camera and went around Camp taking pictures so I could show you how pretty it's looking as they have continued painting the buildings. Only the nightclub building, where we go for Ballet class, remains to be done.

After that, I went to my room to become visible! I wore one of my play outfits; which is a pink skirt with a petticoat and a plain white blouse. I went to the main lodge and read a Samantha story while I waited to see if Amy would return. I heard the Petricia had arrived and was moving into her room. In a little while Petricia came into the lodge and we talked together while Amy continued her nap. As afternoon turned to evening I went back to my room to change for dinner. I came back in my pretty yellow skirt with five lace-covered tiers and petticoat with a pretty white on white embroidered blouse. Amy was still in her room so Petricia and I went in for dinner. We sat in the sunroom because that is the non-smoking area of the dining room. As I watched the evening turn to night from the window I thought what a wonderful, bright, sunny day it had been. This had been a very fine day indeed for the beginning of Camp. Petricia and I had an excellent diner and conversation. In the middle of our meal Petricia could see from her vantage point that Amy's Daddy was in the smoking part of the dining room having his diner as well. We waved to him and after we finished we talked together for a while. Now it was time for me to go nighty night so I bid good evening to the others and went to my room.

In the morning, I woke at about 5:30 as Daddy is used to, I decided to sleep a little more and woke again at about 7:30. I took my time getting ready and when I heard the school bus go by on the road outside I giggled a little as I looked forward to my day at Camp. I when out to the main lodge wearing a plain gray pleated skirt and plain white blouse with my school crest on it. I had my books and other things I would need packed in my book bag as I set out on my way. Even at the early hour the morning was quite warm and very sunny. I sat at a table in the main lodge with my back to an eastern window. I was the first one up so I decided to work on my Japanese. I took out paper and pen and practiced writing the Hiragana. As I sat there with the warm sunlight streaming over my shoulder I had a wonderful feeling that touched me deeply. This was perfect; I was in the right place, at the right time, and I was doing the right thing. My heart was filled with peace and happiness as I wrote upon the page. I was in this ideal state for quite some time. When I noticed my page was full, I smiled and thought how very fortunate I am.

I had started to write my vocabulary words when Petricia greeted me as she entered the lodge; she sat with me as I continued my task. When I had finished writing the word I was working on, twenty times, I was feeling a little hungry so I suggested we go in for breakfast. After breakfast the other girls were starting to arrive and I had fun greeting my friends. There was a break in the new arrivals around 1:00 PM so I went to my room to change into play clothes. I had just started to change when Taffeta knocked on my door and said Ballet class was about to start and she needed the CD player I bring to Camp to provide music for the Ballet class. She said she would come back in a few minutes so I went ahead and put on my yellow pop skirt with a white blouse. Taffeta came back and I wasn't quite ready to go so I gave her the key to Daddy's car so she could get the player. Then I woke up my dollie Michelle and brushed her hair so she would be ready for the tea party later. Before I started out for the Ballet class I put on my first transformational broach. I didn't participate in the class on Thursday, but I did watch from the side for a while until some of the girls showed up who weren't going to dance that day either. We decided to go play.

I climbed on the monkey bars for a while; I like the monkey bars 'cause I can see a long way from the top of the bars. After a while I saw a swing was free so I went to swing for a while; I can swing real high. I like swinging 'cause it feels like I am almost flying. After a while it was time for the dollie tea party so I went to my room and got Michelle and off we went to the tea party together. When we arrived, many of the other girls were already there. I put Michelle on a table with some of her dollie friends while I went for a cup of tea and some cookies. I just love chocolate chip cookies and though they had other kinds, I was most happy they had chocolate chip cookies! We had a wonderful time playing with our dollies and having tea and cookies. The time seemed to go very fast because it seemed we had not been there long at all when someone said they were going to change for dinner. I looked at my watch and sure enough, given how long I take to change I was already running late. I gathered up Michelle and returned to my room.

Michelle started a nap while I set about getting ready for diner. I had decided before that I would wear my yellow cotton dress. So I made a point to hurry some and skipped some of the time I usually spend daydreaming; just in time I was ready. This time I decided to wear my little crystal camera necklace and I picked up my Crescent Moon Wand to carry with me. Then I walked back to the main lodge; as I walked, I took time to see and feel the evening. The air was light and warm, and the colors were so very pretty that I smiled as I reflected on the day. This was a very fine day indeed. In the dining room, I was very pleased to see that the chairs and tables were spaced further apart so those of us wearing petticoats could walk through nicely without knocking things off the tables. Those like me, who prefer to have more time to play, were very pleased at the new way diner was served. Dinner was buffet style with members of the lodge staff serving the buffet. We simply went through the line and indicated what we wanted on our plate. As usual, the food was delicious and I had the added fun of being done with diner by 8:15 PM. Some of the girls stayed that their tables and talked for a while, but the rest of us found games to play and a video to watch. At ten o'clock I was quite sleepy so I took my leave of the others.

Friday morning I was awake at 7:30 and set about getting ready for Ballet class and school. I wear my white turtleneck Ballet leotard under my plaid school jumper. My book bag holds everything I need for school and I carry my Ballet slippers and practice tutu in a separate bag. That way I am ready for both Ballet class and school when I leave. I met some of the others, on the porch, at the main lodge, for a cup of tea before we went to Ballet class. In Ballet class we started with a long exercise and warm up session. Then Ms. Farida started teaching us the dance we would do at recital on Saturday. We like our Ballet class very much and Ms Farida likes to teach us, so, as is our custom, we were just a little late leaving class to go to breakfast. I think that's fine though. Ballet class is much better and much more fun than breakfast. Breakfast was also served buffet style, as diner was the night before. I was glad because I was able to be done with breakfast sooner than usual and had time to go back to my room and drop off my ballet things before going to school. As with the last two Camps I filled in as teacher because Aunt June has not been able to attend Camp yet. Instead of regular lessons this time, I decided to have story time. I was a little early so I had a chance to watch cartoons on the television while I waited for the girls to arrive. Shortly I had a room full of girls. They were mostly the younger ones though since many of the older girls decided to go shopping during the school hour. I had come prepared with one of my Samantha books. I took it out and announced that we would be having story time and the story would be "Samantha's Surprise - A Christmas Story". Then I began to read. The book has some lovely pictures to illustrate the story and when I would come upon one I held up the book so the girls could see it. I don't get many opportunities to read aloud so I was a little rough in places, but the girls seemed to enjoy the story anyway.

After school I hurried back to my room to change into some play clothes. I chose a white blouse with a Peter Pan collar. The collar and the cuffs of the sleeves have a narrow band of white lace on the edge. I picked my yellow three-tier pop skirt to go with it. I woke Michelle and picked an outfit for the afternoon party for her; then off we went to the porch at the main lodge. I sat down and chatted with some of the other girls while I changed Michelle and combed her hair. Once she was ready I took her back to my room and then I went to the playground to see what was going on. Taffeta and Crystal decided to play hopscotch and I joined them for a couple tries. I'm not good at hopscotch, but that will improve. I left them to their game and returned to the lodge to see if the crafts were ready to start. As it turned out I only had a few minutes to wait. The sunroom was setup with a long table down the middle so we could sit across from eachother. The people at the lodge had arranged for a nice lady to prepare crafts for us and they were Christmas decorations we could put on the tree the following day. We each made a Santa star, a bead candy cane, and a length of paper chain. I had a wonderful time; it was lots of fun making the decorations while talking together. I think that was one of the best parts of Camp. One of the things we have yet to do is send the nice lady cards to thank her very much for the wonderful craft class she held for us

When the craft class was over I had just enough time to change for the party. I went back to my room and got Michelle and myself ready. I put on my white party dress with the pink sash and big pink bow in the back. I decided to wear the Claddagh broach that Daddy gave me. A Claddagh is an old Irish symbol that has a pair of hands holding a heart and there is a crown on the heart. The hands stand for friendship, the heart stands for love, and the crown stands for loyalty. I then picked up my Moon Scepter and Michelle and went on my way to the party. Many of the other girls where there already. I found a nice place for Michelle and started to look around. Then I noticed that Catrina had brought a new dollie to the Party. Her new dolly's name is Ally and Ally is quite special because she can play games and tell stories. I have been thinking for a while that Michelle might like to have another dollie around. I was thinking about asking Daddy for a Kit doll; Kit is the new American Girl doll. Now I'm thinking that maybe I'll ask for an Ally doll instead. We played together for about an hour then it was time to go into the dining room for diner. Diner was served buffet style as on Thursday night and we finished early so we had lots of time for the Pajama Party that was to be held in the lobby after diner. I didn't have any Pajamas suitable for such an occasion so I did not go to change. We started out with a Sailor Moon video and we had a wonderful time gathered around the television in the lobby watching videos together. Around 9:30 I was quite sleepy so I said goodnight to the others and returned to my room.

On Saturday morning I was up at 7:30. I got ready for Ballet class and school and decided to go out early to take somemore pictures of Camp. I was glad I did because the early morning light was much nicer on some scenes than the afternoon light had been on Wednesday. I took my camera back to my room, picked up my bags, then went to on my way to Ballet class. Class on Saturday morning was very busy since that was our last chance to practice for the recital in the afternoon. Ms Farida made some changes to the dance to make it easier for us and we practiced, practiced, and practiced somemore. After a while our tummies told us that it was time for breakfast so we changed and went to the dining room. Again breakfast was buffet style so we finished quickly. Aunt June sent two quizzes so I let everyone know at breakfast that the quizzes would be held during school and since it was such a lovely day we would hold school at the tree bench next to the veranda. After I dropped off my Ballet things in my room, I went to the tree bench and in a little while the girls had gathered. The quiz was a total of thirty questions of which, there were five that no one could answer. Melissa is very knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and she took first place with ten correct answers.

After the quiz I hurried to my room to change into play clothes because there were lots of fun things planned for the day and I wanted to do all of them. I wore my pink and white print pop skirt with another white blouse that is just like the one I wore for play on Friday. First I gathered up Michelle and her special party dress that she would wear for the Christmas party in the afternoon. I took her to the porch at the main lodge and changed her while I talked with my friends. When Michelle was ready, I returned her to my room and went to the playground. I just love playing at the playground; especially the swings. Then it was time for our recital so I when to my room and got my Ballet slippers and the gift I had brought for the gift exchange.

On my way to the recital in the nightclub building I stopped at the main lodge to leave the gift. When I got to the hall I changed my sneakers for my Ballet slippers. In a few minutes all of the girls had gathered. We took our places, the music started, and Ms Farida lead us through our dance. I made some mistakes because I was so excited about the recital, but I had a wonderful time. I think everyone enjoyed it. The girls and other people who were watching even clapped for us. As we changed out of our Ballet slippers the others went back to the main lodge because the Christmas party was about to start. There were lots of homemade cookies and nice things to drink. The staff at the lodge had put up a very pretty Christmas tree and strung it with lots of sparkly lights. We set about putting the decorations we made the day before on the tree. The lodge staff also provided other decorations we could use and when we were done the tree was very beautiful indeed. No sooner than the decorations were finished and who should arrive but Santa! Santa presented us each with gifts. We each got a stocking with candy and a figurine. My figurine was of a little girl holding a sleeping bunny; I just love it. Santa departed as quickly as he arrived with all of us chorusing "Thank You!" and "Good-bye" as he went on his way. I played and sang Christmas carols with the others for a while longer, but diner time was close and I was very excited about wearing my new Moon Princess gown so I returned to my room to get ready for diner.

When Barbara was at Camp in the Spring of 2000. I sat and talked with her about a very special dress I had dreamed of. The dress was to be my very first court gown. As Moon Princess, my colors are yellow and white, and yellow is my most favorite color of all. My gown is yellow chiffon; it's so yellow that it sparkles! My gown has white lace trim on the skirt ruffles, the bodice, the high collar, and the cuffs of the sleeves. Now was my special time and I couldn't wait for everyone to see my pretty new gown. I was so excited that when I first tried to put it on I forgot to undo the buttons on the cuffs and I had to take it back off to open the cuffs. Soon I was ready, so I picked up my Spiral Heart Moon Scepter and when on my way to the main lodge. When I got there, everyone was very nice and commented on how pretty I was and that they thought the bright sparkly yellow was just right for me. In deed, all of the girls looked very pretty wearing exceptionally pretty dresses. Everyone saves their prettiest dress for Saturday evening and what a wonderful sight we were. We were soon seated for dinner and this night we made our selections from the menu. After we had finished our salad Ms Farida announced that we would be having a fashion show. One at a time, each of us that had volunteered earlier got up an walked around the dining room while Ms Farida described our dresses.

At the last Camp we had an idea to give something to the resort that would show our appreciation for all the kindness they show us and the special efforts they make to have our Camp be very special. Arcee volunteered to paint a picture of little girls that we would all sign and present to the lodge. Arcee brought the picture with her and over the prior days of Camp all the girls had a chance to sign it. Just before diner Arcee asked me if I would present the picture to the lodge. Somehow it didn't seem like it should be me making the presentation. After all is was Arcee who painted the picture and it was Debbie that planned this Camp. Acree insisted though that she would like me to do it so I accepted the honor. After the fashion show was completed, Arcee gave me a nod that she though it was a good time and she went to gather the owners and staff together while I made my way to the front of the dining room. I was a little scared and a lot emotional as I took the microphone. Camp is a very special place for me and the people who make it possible hold a special place in my heart. I couldn't think of something just right to say so I just let my heart talk. My voice was a little unsteady and the words little jumbled, but I could tell that everyone understood by the smiles on their faces. I returned to my seat feeling very happy inside and glad the Arcee asked me to help.

We finished diner very late; as I recall it was ten o'clock when I left the dining room. Soon after there was a big problem when Darlene's Mommy had swallowed something that didn't go down and she was having some trouble. She could breath, but she was feeling very bad. A bunch of girls disappeared so their Daddy's could be on hand to help. Taffy is very good with directions and finding her way around so her Daddy drove Darlene and her Mommy to an emergency room for treatment. After that other girls drifted away and there were just a few of us left on the porch. Suzy May told us that it was Guy Fawkes Day back in the UK and Lori had brought a bunch of sparklers. I was all in favor of helping Catrina and Suzy May celebrate Guy Fawkes Day, but I didn't want anything to happen to my new gown. I hurried back to my room and changed into some play clothes. When I returned the celebration was well under way. Mr. Jay brought out hot cocoa and marshmallows for us so Catrina, Suzy May, Lori, Galen, Petricia and I had a great time celebrating Guy Fawkes Day and talking. I had brought my memory book to the porch with me so after the sparklers were all done I ask the girls to write in it. At about midnight I was to tired to stay anymore so I returned to my room to go nighty night.

On Sunday morning I woke up at about 7:30 AM. The night before we decided to not have Ballet class Saturday morning so everyone could have time for breakfast, memory books, packing, and good-byes. I helped Daddy get my things packed then Daddy packed the car and went to the main lodge for breakfast. He took my memory book along so the girls who hadn't written in it yet could do so. In a little while Daddy and I were on our way home. I had a nice time on the way home remembering all the fun things I got to do at Camp and how nice it was to see my friends again. We were home before dark at about 4:30 PM Daddy unpacked the car and I started thinking about next Camp!

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