The Key Is Having Fun
Monday, July 7th, 2025
COSTUME BARN circa 9:15pm—Lil Mama’s 2007 hit “Lip Gloss” comes rumbling out of the Big Top’s sound system, clearly audible here on the opposite side of downtown Camp. I’ve taken refuge in the abandoned Costume Barn to review my notes from tonight’s Costume Dance Party. Two 20’ by 30’ event tents comprise the shelter with a patchwork of duct-taped tarps serving as flooring. The abundance of dirt and leaves are a testament to today’s high volume of foot traffic. Two hours ago, the whole space was swarming with campers and counselors rummaging the many clothing racks in search of festive attire.
The Costume Barn is a dense Tetris formation of clothing racks and dressers. Around the perimeter of the tent roof, rope lights illuminate dozens of absurd hats that dangle from a continuous clothesline. I’ve found a nice writing desk in the oil-cloth-covered counter that spans the long makeup mirror. To my right a jumbled pile of face paint trays sits alongside a Sysco cup full of drying brushes.
Suddenly Teen Staff Suleimon enters the scene, sparkly pink makeup covering his face. He works quickly and vigorously with a handful of wet paper towels to remove his disguise, squinting through the mirror’s layer of dust to scour the tenacious pieces of glitter.
“I’m taking my face paint off because I’m about to do a shift in the Nurse’s Dome, and I want to be taken seriously,” he explains. “Alright, I’m going to catch the last few songs!”
Not long after his departure, an announcement from Costume Dance Party Honcho Cass Smalley alerts me to the transition to lullabies. I make my way out of the Costume Barn, passing by the night watch’s fire on my way to the Big Top.
“Dance Party was always my favorite as a Camper,” says Cass on the microphone to the throng of campers, now seated on the carpeted floor of the Big Top. “I’m so excited and grateful you all had a good time tonight. Now I’m going to pass it off to Phaedra who has some shout-outs.
Phaedra assumes the microphone and proceeds to acknowledge some of the notable costume categories such as “Fanciest Sea Creature: Mara as a crab prince” and “Best Dance Battle: oldest boys in drag vs. Barbies”. The campers show their appreciation with snaps and ASL applause.
“And now for a lullaby from Johnny and Adriana,” says Cass.
The two songwriting teachers proceed to perform an original song with dulcet harmonies and lyrics saying something about butterflies et cetera.
“JACK, FOR MAYA AND ANGEL,” accidentally blares a walkie talkie over the quiet scene, causing chuckles. The singers sing on. Cass begins calmly dismissing tipi groups two at a time as the song continues. I notice only now that the colorful, moving dance lights have been left on, creating another amusing contrast to the tranquil scene. Soon all the campers have frittered away to toothbrushing.
Earlier, during the height of the Costume Dance Party, I spent some time among partygoers to document their various fashion philosophies.
“I’m Ralsei from Deltarune; it’s a videogame,” said Percival, 13 in August, Flame Tipi. “He’s the prince of darkness with no subjects. He usually has healing powers, and he wears glasses.”
“And I’m Kris from Deltarune,” added Kayla, 10, Purple Tipi. “Our friend is dressed up as Suzie from Deltarune, but I forget their name.”
“This dance party is kind of like ‘Summer-ween’ from the show Gravity Falls, but if it were clown-themed” said Cal, 13, Purple Tipi. “It’s strange and I’m a little over-stimulated, but it’s fun. My favorite costume I’ve seen is Kanoa dressed as a murderous unicorn.”
“My strategy for being over-stimulated is to just scream through it,” cheerfully added Izzy, 12-ish, Purple Tipi. “There’s lots of bros and princesses, possibly inspired by Mars and Bucky’s skit on Saturday, or perhaps just the general appeal of gender-swapping costumes.”
“I’m dressed as Goofy from Mickey Mouse if he were disguised as a unicorn,” said Kanoa, 15½, Indigo Tipi. “What better character to spread love and positivity? This is one of the best dance parties of all time—probably top three.”
On my way toward the Costume Barn, I encountered Camp’s costume department team, Lilah and Hex.
“The destruction in the Costume Barn is widespread, but we’ll recover,” said Costume Princess Lilah Cottrill-Pelletier. “The whole community has really come together to help tidy—well, some of the community—I guess like two people helped. There’s some really classic costume themes tonight: drag, Shrek, clown, pirate, cowboy—there’s just really good vibes and no drama.”
“It was messy,” said Costume Goblin Hex. “It was a learning experience for the oldest campers who were helping out today while the Teen Staff had their day off. They really got a taste for how crazy it is to work in the costume barn.”
“I think the key is having fun,” added Lilah. “It’s about taking care of each kid individually, even if only for a few minutes. It makes them feel special.”
Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor
