Dressed Up as a Camper

STILT FIELD circa 9pm— A steady stream of sophomoric Top 40 songs blare out of the Big Top’s large sound system. String lights hung from umbrella-ed stilt poles cut through the dusty dusk shroud illuminating a swarm of costumed campers reveling in tonight’s dance party. Everyone is in motion, colorful lights bouncing off of sequins and lamé.

The Big Top, one of Camp’s only roofed areas which usually serves as a space for acrobatics, has been repurposed tonight for a community dance hall, complete with laser lights and a DJ booth. The partiers, not to be contained, spill out into the adjacent Stilt Field. A pair of counselors pass LED juggling clubs while others lumber through the fray on tall stilts.

In about 30 minutes, the campers will be gathered for a cool-down period and lullabies, but for now the energy is the highest it has been all session. Earlier this evening I spent some time in the Costume Barn while campers were selecting their costumes to understand the inspiration behind their bold fashion choices. This is the Camp Winnarainbow Fashion Beat.

“I’m going full flower-power,” said Juna, 7, Green Tipi. “The dance move for this costume is all about circular hands and circular hips.”

“I’m going as a Middle Ages peasant,” said Laurel, 9, Green Tipi. “I just do what I can to survive. I live with my family in fields with trees and bushes and we catch fish. Sometimes I gather berries in a hand-woven basked. I tend to the sheriff’s horses and milk our cows. We pay taxes in bushels of wheat.”

Laurel later wanted the record to show that she changed her costume to a sparkly sweater.

“I’m going as a DJ,” said Wes, 8, Lime Tipi. “It’s in the style of—wait. What’s the style of 21 Pilots? I think it’s modern rock. It’s all about lots of shining lights moving around in a dark black room. Here we’ve got camo pants, big reflective sunglasses, and a pug who is also wearing sunglasses.”

“The theme for me is black and white and silver,” said Arthur, 11, Purple Tipi. “I saw this fuzzy zebra vest and everything else stemmed from that. There’s something about zebra stripes; it reminds me of licorice rope in 2% milk. I wouldn’t eat that but it looks cool and that’s what counts.”

“I’m supposed to be Olivia Rodrigo, and my friend Yakin is my bodyguard,” said Solay, 9, Indigo Tipi. “I like all her songs. It’s the rhythm mainly. It’s upbeat and pop-y. I awakens something true inside my soul.”

“We’re going with pink princess,” said Lyla, 11, Blue Tipi. “We have a pink dress, pink sandals, and pink lip glitter. Pink is really pretty and very versatile. More people should wear it. You can wear pink anywhere, even in New Jersey!”

“I’m a deep sea mermaid,” said Zemirahaas, 11, Turquoise Tipi. “It’s the jewels on the dress—that’s what makes it deep sea.”

“My name is Planko from planet Jabberdoink,” claimed Improv Instructor Mars Francis. “On my planet everyone is a Francophile. I can predict the soup of the day even before it is written on the chalkboard outside a restaurant. My favorite soup of the day is mashed squomos on a Squednesday.”

“Tonight I’m wearing a rainbow hat with a rainbow jacket and a thin mustache,” said Maia, 14, Purple Tipi. “Also I have this sock puppet. I’m going to let the puppet do the dancing for me.”

“I’m dressed up as a camper,” said Lily, 11, Blue Tipi, sporting a Camp Winnarainbow T-shirt. “I didn’t find anything in the Costume Barn I was crazy about. My hair was already unbrushed so I think I’m nailing the look. I’m just gonna be myself tonight, and you can never go wrong with that.”

Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor