Girls Camp 101

It turns out, it wasn't nearly the horrible experience I thought it would be. I learned quite a bit, such as...

• Wearing close-toed shoes and jeans for five days is SO not pleasant.

• Skits that you put together the day of turn out pretty great. No need for crazy costumes or extravagant props. Ours can be seen on Facebook...

• There were actually a couple of girls who were completely helpful and pleasant to talk to, who restored my hope in that species they call "teenager".

• Oh, there were plenty of the other kind too, who whined that everything was too hard, refused to participate in activities, and ditched out on many things, hiding out in their cabins.

• If you leave any food outside at night, you will absolutely have little critters come a visitin'. Apparently, licorice does have a smell!

• Skunks like licorice.

• Trying to teach a partner dance at girls camp is a little ridonkulous.

• Demonstrating the "pop, lock and drop it" hundreds of times in one day is murder on the thighs, and not advisable. And will probably keep you from walking normally for many days after.

• Lomia can't really be called "camping", what with its cabins, cots, electricity, bathrooms, lack of campfires, and complete kitchen staff. The results of flat irons and eyeliners could be seen almost everywhere, on everyone.

• Many, many girls come from very difficult, heartbreaking circumstances at home.

• There is such a thing as an overscheduled schedule.

• A cabin full of women will stay up all night talking and laughing like teenagers, if given the chance.

• There is a distinct difference between the dynamic of those in charge, who have to play "the heavy" and the grunts who run around and do the work and actually interact with the girls... and I hope I will NEVER be a part of that first group.

• I sort of understand why Jackie likes camp so much... though I'll never understand why she puts so much darned work into seemingly silly details.