Mr Bean wrote:Which of course begs the question
You where here?
Southern California; the camp is in Frazier Park.
Anyway, yeah, I just finished one week. Still remember my touchtyping skills, thank goodness. Leaving again tomorrow morning, so this is probably my last update until August.
The kids are fun to work with, but also a pain in the ass. And I really, really, wish that their parents wouldn't get them so hooked on sugar.
Day 1: Several begin eating their dessert before the rest of their food. "No, you have to finish your food
before you eat dessert." Later, one homesick kid to deal with, and he's more or less the bully of the group. Let my co-councilor deal with him.
Day 2: "Can we have seconds on ice cream?" -- "No, the kitchen staff said yesterday that you only get one."
Day 3: An 8-mile total hike to the top of Mt. Piños. One of the oldest went up (4 mi), but didn't drink enough water. He had a fever for the next two days.
Day 4: "Are you married yet?" ; Co-councilor pissed off (female) head lifeguard, meaning that I had to handle the pool for the rest of the week. Made some tactical errors myself, resulting in a few talks with the directors. Oops.
Day 5: I swear my hair wants to turn grey already. More scrapes, bruises, coughs, and other ailments than I can count. None of my kids want to drink water, as usual; then they start complaining about being thirsty. Duh. Pass out on bunk after staff meeting.
Day 6: Woke up late, told co-councilor not to wait for me, then showered & dressed like a madman. Was still late for breakfast. Got talked to by staff, again.
Day 7: My wits' end. I'm glad I won't have to see two of the kids for at least a year; they live in Arizona. Bus driver got lost in downtown Los Angeles while trying to find the church, and a female councilor didn't help at all. (Turns out she knew the downtown freeways, but was clueless when it came to local roads.) Straightened out the bus driver, and we arrived 15 minutes after the other bus. Was thanked by several apprehensive-looking parents (who can blame them?) and came home.
Anyway, I'll be away for the next three weeks, as counselor of the youngest group (ages 7 to 9); pray (or whatever) that none of my charges kill or seriously injure themselves.
