Basically Perfect
TIPI CIRCLE circa 10:20pm—Darkness, if not quietness, has enveloped Camp, concluding a triumphant day—the last full day of Session A 2026. The tipis are all a-chatter with rising bouts of laughter followed by obligatory shushes from counselors. The campfire smell sits sweet in the humid air. A brief rain scare seems to have come and gone in the past hour. The cloud-obscured moon creates a faint blue glow across the sky, contrasting with the pitch black canopy.
Near the nightwatch’s fire a throng of oldest campers has gathered to await a final-night-of-camperdom labyrinth walk, an important right of passage at Camp. Adjacent the Tipi Circle, the Rainbow Theater’s house lights glow rusty orange, lighting the way for the techies’ post-show clean-up. Tonight’s evening program was a two-hour long talent show, featuring a wide array of absurd and impressive talents. Some highlights included a piano rendition of “Dream Sweet in Sea Major” and an energetic group dance to Avril Lavine’s 2002 hit “Sk8er Boi”.
Once the show concluded I spent some time in the toothbrushing zone to get some in-person Yelp reviews.
“This is one of my favorite summer camps,” said Aaron, 12. “There’s a wide variety of activities suitable for all, and it’s very inclusive. Overall a great experience. 5/5 stars.”
“Camp is so-so; I could think of some things that would make it way better,” said Shayla, 8. “It’s too crowded with fun activities. We need more space where nothing is going on. 3/5 stars.”
“Camp is amazing,” said Cedar, 10. “Unicycles are my favorite. They’re super cool because they’re hard to do. It’s one of those things you have work the hardest at to learn. 4.5/5 stars.”
“Camp is a really friendly place to be around; no one bullies you,” said Evan, 11. “It’s not your usual sleepaway camp. 5/5 stars.”
“There’s lots of activities to do and lots of friends to make and the staff are really nice,” said Noel, 11. “The silliest thing that happened this session is when CC had a laugh attack during free time. 5/5 stars.”
“I’m getting kind of good at unicycling,” said Marcus, 8. “I love the lake. 10/5 stars, no wait, 10 and 20 both! Not 30, but like 1,020. That’s how many stars.”
“Camp is good but I think more things should be optional,” said Jai, 14. “Singing is just not for me. My least favorite Camp song is ‘Sheena is a Punk Rocker’. My favorite activity is sitting in camping chairs and chatting with friends. 4.5/5 stars.”
“This is a fun, creative camp where you can make your own music,” said Luna, 10. “It’s the fact that you’re sleeping in tipis and learning new skills. Chill creativity: that’s the main vibe. About 4/5 stars.”
“I like it a lot; it’s a circus camp,” said Joaquin, 12. “The lake is my favorite. I love jumping off the platform. Like if you were a kid, you learn how to bond more. When you’re sleeping in the same place as a bunch of other people, you get to know people a lot better. 4/5 stars.”
“You just have so much fun meeting new people—people different from you,” said Lila, 12. “It builds you up to be a better person. Kind of like stilts build you up, but in a different way. 5/5 stars.”
“It’s all about the experience of being in nature,” said Hannah, 12. “I feel like the trees are low-key cool. They’re grounded, they know what they’re doing. That’s how I wanna be some day. 5/5 stars.”
Surprisingly, (without planning or cherrypicking) the average of all these ratings was exactly 5 out of 5 stars. I guess this camp is basically perfect.
Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno