Camp Wakami

The sun was sinking lower in the sky, as evening approached, signaling the end of a warm summmer's day.

I had been dreaming of this day for so long. The first day of sleep away camp, a rite of passage for all 12-year-old kids, edging toward adulthood and one step closer to freedom. Freedom from what? I don't know. But I was on the cusp of something, and it was exciting!

The waves lapped the shore as I headed back to my bunk for the evening. Leaves chattered in the trees noting an uptick in the wind.

Tired but exhilarated from the first day jitters and fresh air, I squeaked the bunk door open, found my bed, and flopped down on the steel mattress. Lost in reliving the day, my stomach twirled with emotions. I didn't hear my bunk mate come in and startled at Joe's presence.

"You scared me!" I acknowledged.

"It's just me," Joe confirmed. "No need to be so jumpy. Are you going to the camp sing-along tonight?"

"Are you?" I tentatively asked. Not wanting to go alone, I probed to know if I had a built in friend to lean on.

"For sure. It's supposed to be quite the gathering. Plus, it's rumored to last till late. I mean, really late, like your parents wouldn't approve." Excitement rising in Joe's voice describing the quiet rebellion. "Make sure you grab a flashlight for when we wander back, okay? You'll be glad you did."

I obediently found a flashlight and packed it along with the essentials; marshmallows, chocolates, cookies and a warm red checked flannel jacket to keep warm as the evening cooled. I found the bug repellent, and generously doused myself in it, this would become my

signature summer scent. For years to come, I'd be transported back in time to my experience at Camp Wakami each time I smelled the pungent chemical.

Joe and I rushed out the door in eager anticipation of what the night would hold. The crunch of gravel announced our arrival at the campfire, and all heads turn to look at us. The fire was already ablaze, surrounded by boisterous campers.

Joe waved at someone sitting across from our wood stumps used as makeshift seatIng. My eyes followed his gaze. I've never met that camper before? "Joe," I asked, "who is that?" I pointed in the direction of the giggling campers.

"That's Terry. I met Terry on the bus coming into the camp this morning. Next to Terry, wearing the green shirt is Morgan. They are best friends from back home. Terry only came to this camp because Morgan raved about it. Terry is so cool." Joe gushed.

I can sense the admiration in Joe's voice. I do the math, if Terry and Joe become good friends, where does that leave me? The odd one out, I surmise. I made a note to myself to have Joe introduce me to Terry since there seems to be a swarm of friend want-to-be's vying for Terry's attention.

The fire is fully roaring, and yet more firewood is thrown onto the fire and poked for good measure. "Welcome to Camp Wakami. I'm Robin the Senior Camp Counselor. I've been coming to this camp since I was 12 years old, and I loved it so much I became a counselor."

I wonder what I'll be doing when I am as old as Robin? I get lost in thought

"For many of you," Robin continues, "this will be your first foray from home. It is a big step, it can be scary, but it is an inevitable part of growing up. I invite you to grab some snacks, settle in, and sing along with me.

"Oh, we ..." Robin gently glides into the first song and we are off.

I get buzzed off the chocolate, marshmallows, and excitement. The night keeps getting better and better. We light sparklers to dispel the darkness, making swirls as we giggle ourselves silly.

I'm not sure how I meet a few more campers, but I do, and I know we will be friends long after tonight is over.

Robin strums the last cord of the song being sung and breaks into applause."Great job folks! We will call it a night here since we are already in the double digits of the evening. Grab your flashlights, grab a walking buddy and make your way back to your bunks. Keep smiling and we'll have more fun tomorrow."