Day 7: Break Day Bonanza!

It’s Break Day! The campers got to sleep in until 8am, with breakfast starting at 8:30. Today there was no spirit day judging, so the campers got to arrive to breakfast in their pajamas. Cabin Eagle, the winners of the “Choral Fashion Design Awards”, dressed up counselor Nheletie in fabulous pink clothes and accessories. For breakfast, the campers had pancakes and the usual turkey sausages, fruit, and cereal.

Voice teacher Alice led warmups today, one of which focused on breath support and dynamics on a single held note. After warmups, the campers skipped their usual musicianship classes and went straight to rehearsal. Ensemble got to rehearse with Will instead of Eric today; they spent a portion of the time singing while lying on the floor!

During Ensemble and Concert Choir rehearsals, Camp Joyful Voices packed up and waited for the bus to arrive. When it arrived, the first week of CJV welcomed the second week with warm smiles, and a song called, “The Alligator is my friend”.

Lunch time approached as the campers were getting hungry and excited for the activities ahead. The dining hall provided a full taco bar with the most delicious guacamole! We also celebrated camper August’s birthday today, with a special dessert and choir birthday song. His older sisters even decorated his bunk with banners and balloons!

After lunch, it was time for the campers to change into their swimsuits and hiking clothes. We all gathered at the patio and split into four groups: one going to the creek and Turtle Pond, one going straight to Turtle Pond, one going on a short hike, and one going on a long hike to Walker Peak. The campers picked whichever group they wanted, each led by multiple counselors.

The first group explored the creek that is near Turtle Pond. Some campers floated along the stream with pool noodles while some campers skipped rocks. After a long while, the group made their way to turtle pond to join the second group.

The third group embarked on a short hike that looped around the campsite and ended at turtle pond. Campers Mia, Lily and Josie enjoyed the hike and subsequently had a blast at turtle pond.

Led by Voice Teacher Alice and counselor Grace, the fourth group hiked to Walker Peak, a 4 mile trail that leads to the highest point of the ranch. Ten campers braved the upward paths and slippery leaves; They saw turkey vultures and a ground beetle, and got to take some group photos on a giant rock.

After the groups left the lake and hiking areas, they were required to take showers. Many campers played games on the lawn near the dining hall as they waited for their fellow campers to finish getting ready. Dinner was turkey chili and baked potatoes with salad, and the lucky campers each got a yummy rich chocolate brownie.

The Ensemble and Concert Choir evening activity was Movie Night! They watched a documentary titled “To Breathe As One”, which was about the history of the Estonian Singing Festival, and featured none other than the Maestro Bob Geary and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir!

For the evening activity, Camp Joyful Voices held a Cairn Ceremony to welcome the new campers. Each camper shared something they they were looking forward to this week, and afterwards sung a few cozy campfire songs. The Joyful Voices campers are already making tons of new friends, and it is only their first day!

The campers are sound asleep and eager to experience the all the fun activties that tommrow brings!