Send In The Clowns
EASEMENT circa 6:42pm—A large metal fork has been positioned in the small triangle of grass between two forking sections of the main dirt road. Today, Camper Advocate Silver Morningstar and I are taking the forbidden left fork, into the collection of private dwellings known to some as Downtown Hogsville. My charmingly dilapidated 2003 Ford Explorer looks brand-new compared to the rustic relics that decorate the area, most notably a metallic tour bus emblazoned with painted letters that read, “NOBODY FOR PRESIDENT ‘88.” We lumber up the small hill that overlooks the Black Oak Ranch’s pastures. Soon we have arrived at the correct dwelling. Our mission: Send in the clowns.
Camp Winnarainbow was originally started by Wavy Gravy in 1975 as somewhat of a glorified babysitting collective. By 1983, Wavy’s wife Jahanara Romney had joined the outfit and turned it into a fully accredited summer camp with the American Camp Association. Now both retired from official leadership functions, the Gravies, as they are known, still love to attend Camp performances, especially tonight’s program, Teacher Talent Night.
“I’m pretty spry for 90!” boasts Wavy, carefully maneuvering downstairs. “Don’t try to catch me; you might be crushed to death!” he warns Silver who had approached to spot him.
“I still love a good show as much as I did when I was young,” reminisces Jahanara, following Wavy down.
Our progress toward the front door is slow and purposeful. Jahanara wears a black hoodie while Wavy sports a black crew neck and a large felted rainbow hat shaped like a bell.
“Shotgun!” exclaims Wavy, securing his preferred car seat. Jah chuckles and rolls her eyes.
LOO-LOO circa 9:26pm—The evening sky glows a soft blue against the black silhouettes of trees and tipis. Nestled behind the showerhouse, two laundry machines spin, clattering fasteners in their drums. On the opposite side of the Tipi Circle, the back stage of the Rainbow Theater can be seen, intensely backlit by the array of professional stage lights. With the gravies safely situated in their front row seats, I’ve situated myself near the facilities in order to gather a few quotations. Nearby three counselors stationed to monitor the area discuss the acceptability of pineapple as a pizza topping. Inevitably a few campers appear.
“I like how active Teacher Talent Night is, and the bright lights,” says Lorraine, 9. “I really liked puppets, or at least the music in the puppets act.”
“Teacher Talent stirs excitement, silliness and joy,” says Ada, 10. “So far tonight my favorite act is improv, though usually my favorite is aerials, so we’ll see. How they think on their feet so quickly and make it funny, it’s impressive.”
“The teachers show the kids what they teach, but also just how awesome they are; and they’re super awesome,” says Jojo, 10. “Like I wouldn’t even know how awesome improv could be if it weren’t for Teacher Talent Night.”
“It’s a fun way for teachers to express all their classes and stuff,” says Maxine, 10. “I didn’t know about sword fighting class or ASL before. This is my first sleep-away camp and so far it’s an awesome experience.”
An emphatic bout of cheers alerts me to the conclusion of the show, and I head back to transport my charges. On the way I encounter Performance Coordinator José Garcia, who organized and ran tonight’s show. Says José, “Just another night in paradise.”
Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor