Crazy Chill

Wednesday, June 25^th, 2025

FIRE CIRCLE circa 8:30pm—“See the dog, be the dog,” says Waterfront Director Kitty Green, performing her signature dog impersonation routine. She takes a deep breath, eyes closed and hands raised toward the fire as if casting a spell. The audience seated in a large circle around the fire pit area waits in anticipation for Kitty’s next move. She begins with a soft growl that quickly erupts into a might howl. “Rrrroooooooowww!” The audience claps and whistles in response to the uncannily dog-like outburst.

“Up next we have Zora and Annika with a song,” announces Lighting Designer Lexi Takaki. Though the fire circle requires no modern technology, Lexi is acting as tonight’s emcee, welcoming campers and counselors alike to share stories, songs, jokes and poems. More applause ensues as Zora and Annika enter the circle.

The burgeoning twilight gently saps color from the surrounding foliage as the fire circle continues. The smell of grass and bay leaves is spiked with the distinct aroma of campfire smoke. As sunlight light fades, the shadows of firelight intensify, causing performers to appear like starkly lit planets in orbit.

This evening marks the halfway point of Session A. Today I spent some time among the Camp polity to evaluate our midterm standings.

“I’m looking forward to Fire Circle, I’m looking forward to Dance Party, and I’m looking forward to the Tornado of Talent,” said Eleanor, 9, Yellow Tipi. “I came to Camp last year so I know the schedule of events,” she clarified. “Tonight I’m gonna sing ‘Camp Town Road’, tomorrow I’m gonna wear a fancy blue dress, a fancy red hat, and a fancy purple cape. I don’t know what I’ll perform for Tornado, but it will either be unicycles, silks, or art. The best part of Camp is Camp!”

“I’m feeling good; my tipi is lovely,” said Counselor Extraordinaire Audrey Duane, Scarlet Tipi. “I went to the lake today and when I got there I saw five of my campers swimming behind Annika like a little row of ducklings. Yesterday I led after-dinner sports and I realized that doing sports with theater kids is way more fun than with sports kids. You have to understand they were running like this,” she said, acting out an overly dramatic slow-motion sprint, gazing fiercely at an imaginary camera.

“I got to go swimming at the lake and I passed the rafter test!” said Briella, 9, Yellow Tipi. “I saw lots of blue dragon flies.”

“When I went to the lake I was gonna do the test but then I got scared,” confessed Eliza, 9, Yellow Tipi. “I was thinking about this movie where this lady goes into the ocean and gets attacked by fish. I don’t remember what it’s called but I think it’s on Hulu. I guess I’ll try again tomorrow.”

“I’m also excited for Dance Party,” continued Eliza. “My friend and I are gonna go as vampires, girl vampires.”

“Being in a tipi with my friends from home is both good and bad,” said Phineas, 8, almost 9, Lime Tipi. “We’re making so many new friends and doing so many activities we barely see each other! My big goals for this week are to do a cartwheel and to be able to juggle ten throws in a row.”

“Some of the unicycling people can do here is mind-boggling!” said Owen, 11, Orange Tipi. “So far I can go from one balance bar to the other. By the end of the session I want to learn how to idle. My advice for newcomers is, ‘Try everything!’”

“Two thumbs up!” said Maya, 12, Scarlet Tipi. “I would give a third thumb if I had one,” she quipped. “There’s so many cool things here. I feel so creative, like this much,” she said, holding her hands roughly three feet apart.

“So far so good,” said Jai, 13, Ultraviolet Tipi. “The goodest part has been hanging out with Miles. He has really random things to say. Just ask our counselors, they know! Another goodest part is meeing new friends and making existing friendships stronger. I’m gonna take juggling tomorrow. I think it’s a good skill to have in life. You never know when you might need to juggle something!”

“Camp is very good and very funny,” said Nadav, 12, Ultraviolet Tipi. “So far I’ve taken stilts and lots of tightrope. My balance has improved slightly. As far as our counselors go, the Teen Staff Suleimon is crazy chill and Shakon is chill also. Milla is pretty chill in an energetic sort of way, and Beau is super chill.”

Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor