This week, Carole has us reaching way, way back…to things we loved about summer camp. I did go to camp – a few times to Girl Scout day camps and twice to sleep away church camp – but I struggled to come up with ten things I loved about those experiences.
Maybe 7 year old me – off to a day of Brownie Camp
or 12 year old me (bottom row, 2nd from the right) in 1975 – midway through a week away from home (this was the last time I went to camp) would’ve felt differently. So I’m giving myself the benefit of the doubt and here’s what I think were the things I loved:
1. Getting ready. supply lists and shopping and packing.
2. Being outside. a lot.
3. Campfires.
4. Singing songs.
5. S’mores.
6. Crafts. I think I still remember tie-dying that t-shirt when I was seven and I definitely remember rug-hooking and pottery from that last church camp.
7. Staying up late, giggling, telling stories and secrets in the dark.
8. Hikes.
9. No parents. at least in the beginning. but then,
10. Getting picked up to go home on that last day. I remember my parents arrived a day early for pick-up in 1975. I think I cried I was so happy to see them. And I left with them then…no thoughts of what I might be missing on that last night.
Flipping the pages of my photo album (thank you, Mother!), I found three photos from camp (I spared y’all the lone cross on a hill from my first year at church camp in 1974) and pages from the weeks-long camping trips we took as a family. Now I joke about how much I hate camping, but those family trips are a very special part of me and of the five of us. (and fodder for a whole series of blog posts… daily November, beware 🙂
Thank you, Carole, for hosting another great topic – and if you’re not already playing along, click here to join the fun!
I’ll close on a happy note – Charlie and I had a wonderful day. I snagged this photo after Charlie threw his last penny into the fountain. #makeawish
mere-et-filles 
I always look forward to an adorable Charlie photo on Tuesday, but he's got some serious competition from your Brownie Day Camp photo this week. That may be one of the best photos … ever! I love how your cup is tied to your belt, and I actually remember making those totes out of bleach bottles in Brownies. Thanks for providing me with a big smile today!
katie and I had much different camp experiences than you
Love your camp memories although I'm sorry you missed the last night at camp because that was always the best one.
I love seeing the pictures of your adventures as a kid. You and Charlie look very happy on this summers day! Organized camp for girls (or boys and girls) isn't a big part of the western experience (at least I don't know many who went), but my family camped, sometimes, all summer! We had a big canvas tent that lived through 3 generations and became a big part of our family lore. Oh the stories it could tell.
Uh, excuse me, but is that one of those Clorox bottle bags in that vintage photo?? Where you cut off the to of the Clorox bottle and attach fabric and a draw string and the base is the "purse" portion?? It looks vaguely familiar!!! 😀
Nice to see photos of you earlier in your life and to read about your experiences. We didn't do any camping at all as children though mine have a few tales to tell! Such s sweet photo of you and Charlie …
That top photo is priceless! And all the horsing around in that second row! And that Charlie…he makes a girls day!
Ah, camp! What fun it appears you had and thx for sharing. Imagine what Charlie will say about camp. I didn't get around to writing about my camp experiences (my blog tells why)…so, perhaps I'll share during NaBlPoMo,too…or not.Enjoyed the post and kudos to Charlie and the penny wishing.Cheers~
I never enjoyed summer camp, primarily because it was only for a week and was always church camp. What I wouldn't have given for a 6-10 week [or more] chance to be away from home.