Author: Eric Ephraim
Date: 08-15-02 05:38
Week 8 Thursday:
"Oh, my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..."
Today is packing day, the last day of camp. Most of the counselors are waking up from their version of "awards" night. For campers, its time to try to get the genie back in the bottle, with a lot of help, depending on their age. Emotions are running high. The tag team makes their annual appearance. This group of camp elders and floaters with an exceptional knowledge of airline carry on baggage standards ("this will have to go in the belly of the plane"). Imagine trying to carry that canoe paddle trophy on the plane these days. Or for that matter, the Pioneer Campcraft award had some pretty sharp edges as well. One last chance to go up to Rec Hall to hunt for your clothing that has been packed with a buddy's into shrink wrap plastic (the laundry label that says Irving J. Bobolowitz belongs to Bill Engel). There is also sure to be a battle as a Woodsman will be forced to divest himself of his 3 foot high stack of Archie's that he has accumulated throughout the summer. It would have been a much tougher battle if e-Bay existed back then. Plans are made for everyone to meet at Michaels in HP for lunch on Saturday.
This afternoon, it is the longest rest period known to man. The Rangers spend their time decorating the Rec Hall and Mess Hall for the evening's event. Remember to cut the ferns, don't pick them. One final soap drill and the last time to wear whites (definately "Grubby" t-shirt if you've acheived that status).
At this evening's flag, you need to pay close attention so you get on the proper bus tomorrow morning. Then everyone is escorted up the center steps and into the rearranged Mess Hall for banquet including steak, green beans and cake. After a brief break, its off to Awards at the Rec Hall. The first part is always to hardest, as each camper receives his plastic baggy of badges and certificates (little Billy became a Marksman First Class this summer, clap, clap, clap). Of course, there was always the 14er with the empty bag.
Another break, and then the emotion gets thick. High fives as Rangers win big awards and make their way up the center isle of the Rec Hall to collect. Then its time to sing "Leaving on a Jet Plane." If you can listen to this song today without getting a little misty, you are a stronger man than I am. The lights go out, numbers are counted out, the lights go on, and the new initiates of the Golden Horseshoe society lead the camp in the final singing of "Hail to the Forrest" and "Taps." Grown and semi grown men in tears, goodbyes all around. The busses leave in 6 hours. See you next summer....
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