Big Upgrades

TIPI CIRCLE circa 9:30pm—The dwindling daylight has cast a blueish pallor over Camp’s living room, causing the typically dust-colored tipis to appear like marble reliefs in our pantheon of oaks. The Tipi Circle is mostly empty except for a pair of counselors strolling through. The nearby Rainbow Theater is brimming with lights and sounds as campers participate in the traditional first-night activity, Tipi Skit Night. “Up next, Purple Tipi!” announces Clowning Instructor Riley Soloner over the large PA system which subsequently blasts out an upbeat song for Purple Tipi’s walk-on.

I’ve positioned myself strategically apart from the evening’s festivities in order to garner a few quotations for the first blog of Session B. My first subjects are the aforementioned strolling counselors.

“I’m really excited about my co-staff, Wynne,” says Acrobatics Instructor Adelina Babbit. “Wynne and I were campers together in the same tipi for like three years, and now we’re co-staff in Maroon Tipi, aka ‘The Tipi of Friendship, Courage, and Love.’”

“Can you help me with the back of my shirt?” says Tightrope Instructor Tashi Liem who has begun cropping a T-shirt while wearing it.

“Yeah I got you,” says Adelina, taking over the scissors. She continues, “I really feel connected to the land and the magic. People here really bring out the best in you. I love hanging out with my friends as a job.”

“My tipi is super chill,” says Tashi. “We took ‘UV Tipi’ and turned it into ‘Under-Velmed Tipi’. Ve are from Berlin and ve are ‘under-velmed’ vith zis Kamp Vinnarainbow,” they joke, affecting a German accent. “I’m glad it’s a two-week session. I like being able to get to know the campers better because they open up and feel free to be themselves. With two weeks you can really develop a rapport.”

The light has dwindled beyond the point of writing unassisted, so I abscond to my tent to fetch my headlamp. When I return, a cozy campfire has been lit, somehow urging on the dark of night even faster. I cycle through my settings for the red light so as to not blind my fellow fire-watchers.

“Today I was painting rules on the lifeguard stand so that kids can read them—at least the ones who can read,” says Waterfront Director Annika Crowley. “Before it was just on a little piece of paper so this is a big upgrade. One big difference is that they finally took the waterslide down. It was too much work to keep it in operation. But it had a good run. It had been here ever since I was a little camper, and long before. I have many fond memories of riding it as a kid, and many stressful memories of supervising it as a lifeguard.”

“The lake is beautiful this year,” continues Annika. “There’s new shades and a new picnic table, and there’s pennyroyal blooming everywhere! Redwing blackbirds have been busy making their nests in the cattails and today there was a deer keeping me company eating leaves off of the beach.”

Hearing that Tipi Skit Night is nearly over, I relocate to the toothbrushing area to collect some camper quotations. Before the campers arrive I encounter one final adult, Head of the Stilt Department Nova Platt.

“The kids responded great to our stilt field orientation skit,” says Nova. “Pita and I were really in sync. He’s training to become a certified stilt teacher. This year we have new stilts that were lovingly hand-crafted by our own Irik Larson. It’s very exciting. It’s the first new batch of stilts we’ve had in decades! It speaks to how well the last set were made. I think Irik used the same design to make this new batch. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Freshly dismissed from the theater, the campers descend on the bathrooms in a great swarm.

“Camp is awesome,” says Kayla, 10, Purple Tipi. “My mom showed me some videos of this camp, and we both said, ‘This camp was exactly made for me!’ The giant rainbow was a green flag. My counselors are really nice.”

“It’s really fun,” says Vela, 10, Green Tipi. “I’m gonna take Calvin and Hobbes and dance. My tipi is nice and roomy.”

“I’m really excited to get unified,” says Simón, 11, Turquoise Tipi. “’Unified’ is when you get certified on a unicycle. It means you get to ride off the track around Camp. I’m also looking forward to stilts and juggling. I think about Camp during the school year, and now that I’m back it feels just the same.”

Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor

LINKS:

Session B 2025 Photo Album
Blog Archive 2025

Keep Calm and Gravy On

BETWEEN THE MEDICAL DOME AND THE ART GROVE circa 3pm—This session was remarkably cool and temperate, though you wouldn’t know by today’s weather. The heat bears down impressively as families stroll by toting luggage and smiling their goodbyes. The bustle of open house can be heard emanating from downtown. Camp Winnarainbow Founders Wavy Gravy and Jahanara Romney (the Gravys, as they are collectively known) have positioned themselves neatly along the road to the kitchen to bid farewell to the patrons of Session A, 2025. They sit in the shade on two folding chairs with an overturned milkcrate as a makeshift table.

“Hold this Izze while I blow my nose,” says Wavy to Jahanara, handing her an unfinished orange soda can. “That sounds like a song; HOLD THIS IZZEE WHILE I—”

“Wavy!” says Jahanara, interrupting his musical performance. “JP is here to interview us. We need to tell him something to spice up the blog.”

“Oh ok,” says Wavy. “Well, Session A is great for people who are just sticking their toes in the Camp experience. Once they see it for one week, they usually come back for two. It gets better the longer you stay.”

“We did morning reading every day for the Campers,” explains Jahanara. “Wavy, you told your coyote story.”

“AH-OOOO!” he howls in agreement.

“He also told the story of when he owned a pet bear as a young man,” she adds.

“I forget the bear’s name; I think we just called it ‘the bear’,” he recalls. “It used its prehensile snout to turn on all the water in the bathroom.”

Just then Maintenance Man Irik Larson appears in the Gravys’ golf cart, stopping with a lurch.

“Hey, I thought I was Wavy Gravy,” he jokes.

“A likely story,” sneers Wavy.

“I was just stopping by to see if you guys want any pink lemonade or crackers or grapes or something like that,” says Irik in his characteristic rapid cadence. He and Jahanara begin discussing the particulars of their snack needs. Wavy turns to me for a mischievous aside.

“I love to say goodbye,” he whispers. “Watch this: HEY THERE, WE’RE GONNA MISS YOU,” he bellows, startling a passing family.

“Thanks! I’m definitely coming back next year,” responds a child.

“Me too!” chuckles Wavy. The family continues to the sign-out table and Wavy resumes pondering aloud his love of goodbye-ing.

“Hello, goodbye—it’s all the same,” he posits. “CARRY ON! See? They love it.”

I ask Wavy if he has any advice for aspiring clowns and activists.

“Keep dancing toward the fun,” he says. “Or, ‘Keep on keepin’ on’. Or what about, ‘Put your good where it will do the most.’ That’s a good one.”

 Just then Camp’s Director Ginger Jackson-Gleich strolls by, helping a family find their way somewhere.

“There goes Ginger Pearcake!” exclaims Wavy. “Our fearless leader—it ain’t me, babe. NO, NO, NO, IT AIN’T ME BABE!”

“Wavy!,” scolds Jahanara once again. “Here’s a quote for your blog, JP: Session A was fabulous, and it looks like a great summer ahead.”

I thank the Gravys for their time and head to the open house to snap a couple photos.

Thank you to everyone for being a part of Camp Winnarainbow this year! Please have a safe journey home and, as always,

Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor

LINKS:

Session A 2025 Photo Album
Blog Archive 2025

Original and in Motion

Friday, June 27^th, 2025

BACKSTAGE circa 9:30pm—The formidable semicircular silhouette of the Rainbow Stage is haloed by stage lights and a canopy of oak leaves. Campers preparing for their acts scurry around in the dark, gathering props and receiving pep talks from their respective skills teachers. A pair of counselors tend the night watch fire in preparation for impending bedtime. One restless camper has left the audience to stir the fire with a long stick and ponder the glowing coals.

Having seen most of the show, I have relocated myself backstage to gather quotations upon dismissal from the theater. The din of cheering and canned music is punctuated at intervals by the emcee stylings of Improv Instructor Mars Francis and Dance Instructor Karma Engel. The show finally comes to a close, signaled by the evoking of Wavy’s signature line, “Brush ‘em if you got ‘em!” All at once the campers pour out of the theater into the Tipi Circle. I steady my pen over my ledger of lunacy and brace for impact.

“The best part of Camp is dressing up in silly outfits,” says Ivory, 8, Green Tipi. “I like making adults laugh; they’re too serious. I think it’s because they always have to be taking care of things. I’m not excited to be an adult. I like being a kid and running around. My advice to the adults is you can act like a kid, but you’re still an adult. So remember that!”

“The banana act was funny,” says Marcus, 7, Lime Tipi.

“There’s something magical about Loo Loo,” says Counselor & Bodyguard Beau Slater, referring to the supervision post near the downtown bathrooms. “The mysterious aromas, the strange scenarios, and the best part: getting someone to cover for you while you use the bathroom. I like this shift because I get to witness all the crazy chit chat that kids have while brushing their teeth before bed. Then again, it’s not always that interesting. You could say Loo Loo is kind of a crap shoot—pun intended.”

“I loved the emcees!” says Juliet, 12, Red Tipi. “They were pretending to be French panda bears obsessed with peanut butter. Tonight I performed an original song entitled ‘No Clue’. It’s sort of happy and sad at the same time. This year was way better than last year; I didn’t get as homesick and the song circle had better songs. ‘Gates of Steel’ really gets me amped up.”

“The show was pretty good but way too loud for the last two applauses,” says Red, 8, Lime Tipi. “I was impressed by the juggling, especially the juggling rings. My main goal at Camp was to do stilts and I did that, so now my new goal is to get good at tight rope. But in general my main goal in life is to get a Nintendo Switch.”

“The second best act tonight was the dance,” says Jada, 9, Yellow Tipi. “They did a routine to ‘Now or Never’ by Kendrick Lamar. I don’t know how to describe it but it was pop-y and dramatic. It made me feel powerful.”

“The show tonight was sweet and sincere in typical Tornado fashion,” says Clowning Instructor Riley Soloner. “It was silly; it was beautiful; children sang from the heart. There were some acts that made you think, ‘What am I watching?’—acts that could only be conceived of by a child. My highlight was seeing our clowns do their routine. For three minutes and thirty-four seconds they ran in slow motion from one side of the stage to the other to the theme song from Chariots of Fire. It’s fun to watch clowns do something simple and ridiculous.”

“The Tornado of Talent represented what is true about this session,” continues Riley. “There’s just lots of tiny children being silly, original, and in motion.”

Stay hydrated,

—J. Payseno, Editor

LINKS:

Session A 2025 Photo Album
Blog Archive 2025

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

LINKS:

Session A 2025 Photo Album
Blog Archive 2025

RAINBOW ROUND-UP

(One sentence from every tipi)

Rainbow: “Let’s think of something wise.”

Maroon: “I really love Tashi’s volcano costume and also the bee and also the cheer leaders.”

Scarlet: “Um, I don’t know.”

Red: “The banana is funny.”

Flame: “Pillow fights? No good.”

Orange: “The best costume was the unicorn in a robe with Mickey Mouse hands.”

Gold: “Summer is short so be in the moment.”

Yellow: “Don’t drink too much Breakfast Blend or the spirits will talk to you!”

Lime: “Do not worry. Your future is pending. Perhaps you will wake up in another bed in another life. Keep that blue feather in your hair.”

Green: “Camp Winnarainbow is the best ever!”

Turquoise: “It’s a beautiful day to be alive.”

Blue: “Macabooyah water is so yummy!”

Indigo: “If I were president I would use the taxes to buy candy and clown noses.”

Purple: “Be positive and have fun!”

Ultraviolet: [Points at self and smiles]

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

LINKS:

Session A 2025 Photo Album
Blog Archive 2025

RAINBOW ROUND-UP

(One sentence from each tipi)

Rainbow: “It’s a beautiful day.”

Maroon: “Probably chill, like we’re just here but also a little tired and a little excited.”

Scarlet: “We’re excited and high-energy. Everyone’s really close friends.”

Red: “Hectic.”

Flame: “We love pillow fights!”

Orange: “Kinda crazy and chill at the same time.”

Gold: “The very weird beard man has a very long beard.”

Yellow: “Pass the red panda.”

Lime: “I think I had a lime for breakfast.”

Green: “Get ready to green!”

Turquoise: “We had so much fun!”

Blue: “She’s married to the Muffin Man!”

Indigo: “Be persistent.”

Purple: We’re excited to do dishes tomorrow!”

Ultraviolet: “We’re very nice and calm and crazy.”

Special thanks to contributing reporters Tucket, Djuna, and Lilah.

Put a Nose on!

Tuesday, June 24^th, 2025

RAINBOW THEATER circa 8:30pm—The air is alive with the tasteful distortion of an eerie indie dance tune. Three fully costumed clowning instructors have taken the stage to execute their intricate bumbling. An audience of 200 fills the outdoor theater, laughing and cheering in response to the comedic display. Camp founder Wavy Gravy has joined us this evening to emcee tonight’s show, Teacher Talent Night. He sits far stage left in a director’s chair, his signature rainbow microphone in hand. “Give it up for the clowns!” he exclaims in his gravelly tenor as the performers take their final bows.

The Rainbow Theater is an impressive feature for a camp of this size. It is outfitted with professional lights and sound which are operated from a tech booth in the middle of the seating area. The stage itself is framed by two massive oaks and is adorned with a large metal rainbow that spans most of the stage’s width. A hidden staircase allows performers to ascend the rainbow for elevated antics.

“We finally have a new lighting truss!” explained Resident Lighting Designer Lexi Takaki in a recent interview. “We named it Sylvia Trussa Stanlina.”

“Stanlina” is a nod to the late, great Stan Goldstein, longtime Camp Winnarainbow Tech Lead.

“We also got new LED lights with brand new colors,” continued Lexi. “That means that there will be new colors that have never been seen before on the Camp Winnarainbow stage, and possibly in the whole world!”

“Color has returned to the Rainbow,” added Tech Lead Monique Calfe-Smith. “In the lead-up to Session A we have been untangling many wires and plugging them in. We also have two new wireless microphones which open up all sorts of theatrical possibilities. It’s like the part in Pinocchio where he loses his strings, but not the part where he turns into a donkey.”

As the show presses on, the fading light of day turns the rich green canopy into a splotchy mass of black, causing the new light array to appear more vivid. In the tech booth Lexi adjusts rows of sliders on the lighting console while Monique cues up music on the soundboard.

Earlier today campers had their first opportunity to take the many classes which Camp offers. I spent some time in the afternoon to hear how their studies are going.

“I went to art class to do collaging,” reported Dottie, 14, Rainbow Tipi. “It was fun; my friends were there. I used people from magazines. So far it’s looking goofy, probably because I have goofiness in my soul. I would recommend art to any camper who is looking for a chill time and cool music. It’s definitely chiller that the average Camp vibe. 8 out of 10.”

“It was a small class so we got lots of attention from the teachers,” said Tessa, 13, Rainbow Tipi who took the ‘M Sound Lab’ music production class, a brand-new offering for Winnarainbow this summer. “We learned how to use things like Garageband and mics and keyboards. I’ve tried doing that stuff before, but having experts there to explain everything made a big difference. Alex and Amanda were amazing.”

“I practiced being expressive and emotive,” said Ivy, 14, Rainbow Tipi, of drama class. “We did a lot of games like ‘Splat’ and ‘Captain’s Coming’, which is like an advanced Simon Says. I do a lot of theater outside of Camp, but I can say this was very fun. My advice to young actors is to just have fun, and that’s exactly what we had today. 8 out of 10.”

“Silks was fun because we got to go upside-down,” said Lewis, 11, Flame Tipi. “It’s different from rope because it’s fabric, it has more slack, and you can wrap it around your foot to help you climb. It gives you adrenaline, similar to jumping from a six-foot diving board into a pool. 7 out of 10.”

“It’s like riding a bike with no handles,” said Jolene, 12, Maroon Tipi, of unicycle class. “I was nervous about falling down and breaking a bone but no one else fell down and broke a bone so I guess that comforts me. It’s hard at first but you just have to keep on trying.”

“Clowning class is great because you get to play around in character and wear a nose,” said Rory, 9, Orange Tipi. “You’re not supposed to talk when you’re a clown, and that was hard. I liked the exercise where we pretended a part of our body was attached to a rope and was getting pulled around. My new motto is, ‘Put a nose on and have some fun!’”

“M Sound-Lab went really well,” said Music Production Instructor Alex Nee. “We took campers into a cyber world of musical inspiration! Some kids gravitated towards a kind of funk beat, while some others started making plans to start a podcast. Another camper was inspired to make an original album, but she wants to copywrite the lyrics before she lays down any vocals. My hope is that we can channel all of this energy into a cohesive project by the end of the session.”

Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor

LINKS:

Session A 2025 Photo Album
Blog Archive 2025

RAINBOW ROUND-UP

(One sentence from each tipi)

Rainbow: “The breakfast sausages were wonderful.”

Maroon: “Chicken nuggets in hot cocoa instead of marshmallows!”

Scarlet: “We saw a lizard today.”

Red: “No comment.”

Flame: “We’re still on fire!”

Orange: “Orange you glad we didn’t say banana?”

Gold: “Gold Tipi can be really silly, but it’s a great opportunity because all of my best friends are here.”

Yellow: “We want ours to be the same as yesterday.”

Lime: “Don’t mess with us or you’ll get squeezed!”

Green: “Why does every tipi have four counselors?”

Turquoise: “Today was awesome and our conversation was super chill vibes.”

Blue: “Is it bad to eat grass?”

Indigo: “I wish I could live here!”

Purple: “Purple Tipi? More like turtle pee-pee!”

Ultraviolet: “Loading…”

Special thanks to contributing reporters Tucket, Djuna, and Lilah.

Same But Different

Welcome to the Camp Winnarainbow Blog! This blog is your go-to spot for whimsical updates on daily camp life. Here you’ll enjoy photos and quotations from your campers as well as some information about programming and Camp history. DISCLAIMER: all official questions of a serious or important nature should be routed to the Camp office. Besides that, feel free to send me any frivolous comments or suggestions. Happy reading!

—J. Payseno, Editor

Monday, June 23^rd, 2025

PUPPET GROVE circa 8:30pm—The scent of bug spray compliments the periwinkle aura of early evening. A few yellow splotches of sun can still be seen in the trees covering the plateau hillside. It was three-hundred and forty-two days ago that I wrote the previous blog entry right here in this same Puppet Grove. I’ve settled here to commandeer a power source normally used for hot glue guns, which has put me in the crossfire of a puppetry orientation presentation.

“Who are we? The PPC! The Puppet People Community!” chants Puppetry Instructor Milla Blackwelder from atop a worktable to a gaggle of bewildered campers. Brandishing a blue garbage grabber like a conductor’s wand, Milla leads the group in repeating the chant. They join in with gusto.

This is just one stop along the orientation tour which aims to familiarize campers with Camp’s facility, its boundaries and its activities. A conch shell is sounded in the distance, calling the campers away to the next site. “Thank you, Milla!” chime the counselors as the group departs. Soon a new group of campers will appear, but for now I have a few quiet minutes to review my notes.

Earlier this afternoon I spent some time gathering first impressions of Camp from a variety of kids and grown-ups. Here’s what they had to say about the state of Camp as we begin the first session of the 2025 season.

“Things seem like the same as last year but different,” observed Omar, 8, Gold Tipi. “I want to make a puppet, possibly better than the one I made last year. It’ll be a dog with a red nose, two eyes and I’ll name it Rupert.”

“I was so happy to get here; it’s my first time!” beamed Quincy, 9, Gold Tipi. “Omar’s been telling me about Camp. This whole place is so cool! Are there other Camp Winnarainbows or is this the only one?”

“It’s one of a kind!” responded Omar.

“Camp is medium good,” assessed Durai, 7, Green Tipi, calmly administering a handheld, fan-powered mister to her head. “The Rainbow staircase looks cool, and so do the stilts. I’m gonna go play with Cory and Omar now.”

“I’m excited to do stilts, lake, unicycling and clowning,” said Darrion, 9, Gold Tipi. “I’m not sure which one I’m gonna start with, but I’m gonna do them all eventually. I’ve got three friends and my little sister here so we’re gonna hang out and do classes together.”

“Camp is vibrating with magic from our 50^th anniversary!” said Director Ginger Jackson-Gleich. “We are ready to welcome families, and we are looking forward to filling kids with joy in these challenging times. How many rainbows are too many rainbows? No one knows! We’re still adding!”

“Camp is amazing so far,” said Caris, 8, Green Tipi. “I liked sitting with my group at dinner and songs were awesome. I want to learn how to walk on stilts. I think I’ll be able to because I’m athletic and a hard worker!”

“The silliest craziest thing so far was the toilet skit,” reported Laila, 12, Maroon Tipi. At the beginning of every session there is a brief theatrical explainer for how the toilets at Camp function. “Lucas and Rachel were so energetic they made it super hilarious. It was edu-tainment at its highest. Now I finally know how to use a toilet!”

“Tonight for dinner is pizza,” said Kitchen Manager Mary Jane. “Here we’ve got half cheese, half pep. We also have salad with a house-made vinaigrette. And for dessert, the pièce de resistance, brownies made from scratch—Andrea’s recipe.”

“You can say I’m ‘Kitchen Manager’, but I prefer ‘Auntie’,” continued Mary Jane. “Organizer of Chaos, Defender of Allergies, Maker of Ranch. I hope the kids try new things and enjoy the old favorites while their here. It’s nice to have a happy, healthy crew here at Camp. It makes for happy, healthy kids.”

Stay hydrated,

—J. Payseno, Editor

LINKS:

Session A 2025 Photo Album
Blog Archive 2025

PS

Thanks to the intrepid efforts of three blog interns, the blog will now feature a special daily report where each tipi group will offer one sentence to sum up their collective Camp experience. Please enjoy the first installment of ‘Rainbow Roundup’!

RAINBOW ROUND-UP

Rainbow: “Even though it’s summer it’s a good time to start stowing your grain for winter.”
Maroon: “The best hat is a jester hat.”
Scarlet: “If I could wear one costume everyday it would be a big, poofy skirt.”
Red: “Imagine a baseball cap with an embroidered picture of a horse and below the picture of the horse it says the word ‘horse’.”
Flame: “We’re on fire!”
Orange: “The funniest thing that has happened so far is goats screaming ear gritty.”
Gold: “We are feeling excited and silly!”
Yellow: “Yoooooooo!”
Lime: “We’re sour.”
Green: “I don’t know why we’re ‘Green Tea’ Tipi because kids don’t even drink tea.”
Turquoise: “It was fun!”
Blue: “We’re feeling welcoming, energetic and ready for anything!”
Indigo: “It’s the best tipi!”
Purple: “We’re ready to roar!”
Ultraviolet: “Nothing has been funny, but it seems to be very enjoyable and fun.”

Special thanks to contributing reporters Tucket, Djuna, and Lilah.

Absolutely Gravy

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024

PUPPET GROVE circa 7:00pm—The afternoon heat has dissipated to the pleasant level of a freshly-dried garment. Setting sunbeams cast golden patches on the forested hillside overlooking the Camp kitchen. A hundred-odd staff members and ranch residents shuffle in a long line that snakes among several buffet tables, loading up precious plates of extra fancy dinner fare. “The Feast”, as we call it, is an important end-of-season tradition that celebrates all the hard work we put in to make this summer possible. Tomorrow we will begin the arduous process of take-down, but tonight is for relaxing and sharing in our community, which many of us would claim as our chosen family.

Here in the Puppet Grove, I sit at Facility Manager Sindi Petti’s old desk, an austere mid-century piece that wouldn’t look out of place any time after the Protestant Reformation. This year, as Sindi prepares for retirement, she gifted her desk to Puppetry Instructor Milla Blackwelder who has put it to good use in their outdoor workshop, as evidenced by the matted web of hot glue residue that holds my clipboard quite still as I write. For me, this desk serves as a reminder that Camp is a sharing community, one with history and legacy, and one in which all that is old may be made new again. As we contemplate packing away all our equipment of merriment, this thought comforts me.

Camp Winnarainbow is a place where we strive to bring joy to children, but pick-up day is special because we get the opportunity to rekindle childish joy in all the visiting grown-ups. Today I camped out at the merch table to gather thoughts from anyone who looked like they were alive during the World Series Earthquake (and a few kids, just for good measure).

“I tried to ride a unicycle but my kid said, ‘Thats not for adults!'” said Greg from Martinez. “I liked when the kids came together and sang. It was my first time here; I’ll definitely be back.”

“The emcees were great; they really shepherded us parents along nicely,” said Erin from Fairfax. “I got goosebumps even in 90° weather.”

“The show was rockin’,” said Matt, also from Fairfax. “The first song, ‘We Are the Children of Camp Winnarainbow’ was really touching.”

“I like Camp Winnarainbow,” said Porter, 8, of the Lime Tipi. “I liked doing puppets. I already knew about them before but I got to get more into it at Camp. I love it.”

“As an amateur juggler myself, I really liked the juggling act,” said Sam from Santa Rosa. “I loved the ending with the band and the kids pounding on the metal rainbow.”

“The show was so good I want to come back next year,” said Michael from Berkeley. “You take 69-year-olds right?”

Camp does in fact have a session for adults, Adult Camp as we call it. It typically occurs in the third or fourth week of June.

“The show was definitely vibey, certainly wavy, and absolutely gravy!” said Mac from Oakland. “My favorite part was the ‘Old Town Road’ remix. The kids were vibing it. I was impressed.”

“It was super special to be able to read the blog on our roadtrip,” said Sarah from Asheville, North Carolina. “Our kid is a total misfit and this is the perfect place for it. I love Camp’s approach to childhood; you all know how to harness the craziness and keep kids busy. Clearly no one is afraid of kids here.”

“My favorite part of the show was all of it,” said Liz from San Francisco. “‘Camp Town Road’ was great. You can’t go wrong with Lil Naz X.”

“I love clowning for the makeup and the miming,” said Sidney, 12, of the Blue Tipi. “I’m definitely coming back.”

“You could tell there was a lot of joy and happiness,” said Nancy, from Oakland.

“The show was a nice capstone,” added Shimon, also from Oakland.”

“My time at Camp was incredibly crazy and all-over-the-place, but totally fun,” said Teen Staff Gabby. “It’s the people that make Camp. Everyone is so warm and welcoming. You can walk up to anyone and have a life-changing conversation. I’ll you next year!”

“The kids in the group singing really brought the heat and the energy,” said James from Sebastopol. “And the Foo Fighters? Come on! So good.”

“The blog was a nice lifeline,” said Dor from Santa Cruz. “The show was eclectic and hilarious, especially the puppets and clowning. I loved the short experimental piece in the river. The theme was ‘home’ and it really communicated a lot about Camp and the feeling of going home.”

“Camp was good,” said Tashi, 11, of the Ultraviolet Tipi. “It’s really fun and the people are nice. Ok, here’s my quote: ‘The same hot water that makes an egg hard makes a potato soft, so don’t let your environment dictate you.'”

“The show was awesome, especially the stilts,” said Chanelle from McKinleyville. “It was a beautiful experience for the kids. They seemed so happy.”

“The tunnel the stilters made for the unicyclers was really impressive,” added Bonnie, also from McKinleyville. “The collective singing brought tears to my eyes.”

Thanks everyone for reading along this session! Have a safe journey home, and, as always…

Stay hydrated,

—J. Payseno, Editor

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An Ode to Lake Veronica

Friday, August 2nd, 2024

LAKE VERONICA circa 3:00pm—Stern sunbeams bear down at a steep angle from the immaculate sky, a perfect robin’s egg. Campers scuttle down the dry, grassy slope from the easement where Camp’s Kia Sedona has deposited them. “Don’t forget to check in with Beach Mop!” chirps Singing Instructor ‘Iron Jaden’ Larson, brandishing a yellow legal pad. Hopeful swimmers line up to check in and receive buddy assignments. A linked pair of dragonflies buzz from one clump of cattails to the another, navigating through the members our human congregation. The final lake day of the summer has arrived, bittersweet as the aroma of wild pennyroyal that permeates the shoreline.

“How many goggles are under the lake?” asks Miles, 5, sporting a yellow lifejacket and squinting in the sun through wet bangs.
“Probably a hundred,” I estimate.
“Well now there’s one hundred and one,” he says after some quick math.

The shallow water entry zone clouds with silt as the first swimming buddies enter the water. A corridor of lily pads guide them toward the deep center. Soon the floating raft structure is swarmed with squirrelly campers who jump off into the water, swim around, and ascend the mounted metal ladder in a continuous cycle. Some more adept swimmers continue to the far end of the lake were stands a 10-foot lifeguard post that doubles a jumping platform.

“The platform is fun to jump off of,” says Lucas, 12, of the Scarlet Tipi. “The lifeguard says an animal when you jump and then you try to make the sound of the animal before you hit the water. Most people don’t know this but at the bottom of the lake there’s a bus, a car, and a $600 remote-controlled submarine.”

“It’s scary when you look down because it’s so deep and there’s nothing to see,” says Quin, 7, of the Lime Tipi.

“If you look down at different parts it can be shiny,” adds Talia, 7, also from Lime. “Sometimes the water is cold, sometimes warm. The lake makes me feel like I can do anything because I passed the rafter test and then I passed the platformer test.”

“Every day it seems like people are having a good time,” says Lifeguard Whitney Royall. “You get to cool off, swim around, and most of all you get a break from the rat-race of downtown Camp. It’s very peaceful. Yesterday before the kids arrived I saw a school of fish swimming around.”

“My favorite is sunbathing on the raft and eavesdropping on campers’ conversations,” says Lifeguard Meadow Wilde. “The lake in general is really enjoyable, even more so than last year somehow. I think the water quality is better, more clear. The lake teaches us that you can have fun but you have to be safe about it. I’m sad this is ending, but I’m glad it happened.”

“The lake is the best part of Camp,” says Lifeguard Bodhi Cedar. “Most of Camp is dry and hot, but the lake is not. I became a lifeguard because of my aunt Kitty. She helped me with my swimming training. I just love the lake.”

“Absolute quiet for buddy check!” bellows Waterfront Honcho Kitty Green. “Begin count!”
“One!” yells a pair of swimmers, raising their hands, “Two!” yells another. The count goes on until all twelve buddy pairs have made themselves seen and heard in this manner.

“I wrote an ode to Lake Veronica,” says Kitty. “I was inspired by Pablo Neruda. Do you want to hear it?” she asks. Opening her Notes app, she begins,

“Ah, Lake Veronica
You swim in my soul with your wonderful coolness

In my barren land, you are the final refreshment
As the smoldering summer heat beats down

Ah, you body of water holds me like cool arms of wildflowers and a lap of rose
Yes, you who are silent, save for the smiling laughter of splashing children and human beings

Lake Veronica you are the one still and deep, who captures the spirit of summer“

Stay hydrated,

—J. Payseno, Editor

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Cheer-O-Meter

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

STILT FIELD circa 8:30pm—A veritable mosh pit has erupted in the auspices of Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2011 single “Call Me Maybe” which blasts out of the Big Top PA at a volume likely fatal to anything smaller than a breadbox. Campers and counselors alike dance about in all manner of bizarre costumes in the spinning patterned lights that are at once green, then pink, then blue. The fading sunlight has painted the surrounding woods into a continuous black silhouette that hugs our little electric oasis of revelry. Session D’s Costume Party is in full swing.

Much too chaotic to garner any sensible quotations, I snap a few costume pictures and retreat to my notes. Last night’s evening program was our final Fire Circle of the summer where campers and staff performed for each other poems, songs, prayers and jokes. For the grand finale, a team of professional fire jugglers dazzled the audience with their daring craft, accompanied by a West African drumming ensemble. Earlier this afternoon I spent a few hours at the creek to gather feedback on the event, and on Camp in general.

“The ending was really cool where they were juggling fire,” said Kaliah, 11, of the Rainbow Tipi. “They were juggling torches that looked like marshmallows on the end. I was mildly scared, but it looked like they knew what they were doing.”

“Today in songwriting I was writing a song about California,” continued Kaliah. “Summer movie nights, stars in the sky, things like that. California is very chill—except in terms of forcing kids to learn cursive—but otherwise very chill. That’s probably why Camp is so chill.”

“Fire Circle was fun and scary,” said Aiyana, 9, of the Gold Tipi. “I thought they were gonna catch all the campers on fire! The drums during the juggling had a really cool beat; I felt like was hypnotized. The whole thing was entertaining, and I’m hard to entertain. This one time, at my cousin’s house, they put Mulan on the TV and I didn’t even watch it.”

“‘If You’re Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands’ really slapped,” said August, 12, of the Scarlet Tipi. “I was inspired by the fire, especially the fire poi. And the low beat and high beats of the drumming, it was ceremonial.”

“I learned a new clown trick,” said Oscar, 9, of the Yellow Tipi. “You pull a balloon out of your pocket, tie a string around it so it doesn’t deflate, and then you move it around and pretend like it’s lifting you up. It’s good for a laugh, but it’s not just about being silly. Clowning is about showing emotion and being vulnerable. People relate to that. And then you hit them with the silly face and they’ll probably laugh medium to normal hard.”

“I made up this thing called the ‘Cheer-O-Meter’,” continued Oscar. “The more people laugh and cheer, the more excited and stupider I get! Camp is a good place to be stupid.”

“Fire Circle was chill,” said Johnny, 14, of the Red Tipi. “The flowersticks were lit, literally and figuratively. It was cool enough that I almost paid attention to most of it. I really liked Dinklefritz’s song. The solo was sick.”

“The best part of Camp is the free time,” said Haydn, 11, of the Ultraviolet Tipi. “Classes are rigid, but free time is so fluid. I love walking around with no plan. Today I got my nails painted completely spontaneously. I do have a plan for the Costume Party, but I’m not telling you.”

“I love Camp a lot,” said Issa, 10, of the Maroon Tipi. “There’s a lot of things you can do here, the classes, the creek, meeting new people. I feel free to be myself. It’s like a home away from home.”

“Fire Circle was amazing and impressive,” said Aria, 10, of the Turquoise Tipi. “It was cool that staff performed too, not just the kids. The fire juggling was my favorite, and I liked that they sang us a lullaby to calm us down afterword. Every day at Camp is the best day. It’s really nice to be in nature and the staff are really nice.”

“I like the creek,” said Sarafina, 7, of the Lime Tipi. “I like how one end is deeper and one end is shallow. And I like creek walks. We saw lots of deers, clay and blackberries. I sculpted the clay into a little doll named Lily. She lives in my tipi now. I ate blackberries, a green one, a red one, and a black one. We saw a whole family of deer, including the baby. I named the baby horse Lilyon.”

Stay hydrated,

—J. Payseno, Editor

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