Day One: Welcome to Camp!

Welcome to the camp blog! Our wonderful singers arrived by bus around 10 AM and were all immediately so excited to be at camp. We got off to singing very quickly with a new camp song about an Alligator, and then campers brought their luggage to their new cabins with their counselors. Each cabin unpacked, and our counselors laid out the camp rules. Everyone got to know their cabin mates by playing some fun games!

After everyone was settled in, Ensemble went to their first meeting with Eric, Concert Choir went to their first meeting with Mr. Brown, and Joyful Voices went to their first meeting with Ms. Anne. Singers had their first taste of rehearsal and learned about what is to come in the year ahead! Then, we all headed to lunch. A delicious and nutritious meal of sandwiches, vegetables, and watermelon was served and then our happy campers headed to a safety orientation with Ranch Manager Chris.

Our afternoon began with Concert Choir and Ensemble taking their musicianship assessments, which will allow us to place them in their super fun music theory classes. Then, everyone headed out with their cabins to briefly check in one-on-one with our lovely Camp Health Supervisor Laura. Singers took a refreshing dip in Turtle Pond to complete their swim checks. After the checks, camper Violet said “I love camp already, I can’t wait for tomorrow!”. Even though some campers were nervous at first about completing the deep-end test, we were so proud of everyone’s best efforts! Anar and Arwen became fast friends, and Joyful Voices taught their counselors a new version of the Lemonade song.

Ensemble each had voice checks with Eric, and Concert Choir with Mr. Brown. The campers are all so excited to see what part they will be singing this year! After everyone was showered and clean from the pond, it was time to go to recital. Eric performed a lively piano piece and Voice Teachers Alice and Dana beautifully sang incredible pieces. Singers were encouraged to listen for the story the music is telling, and imagine what could be happening in the song.

After some announcements, we were ready to go to dinner! We had some delicious BBQ chicken, Mac n Cheese, Corn Bread, Salad, and Apple crumble for dinner. After we were thoroughly nourished, Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Joyful Voices headed to their first rehearsals! Ensemble Singer Ava said she was so excited to work on learning new Estonian pieces and practicing diction. When the rehearsals ended, everyone changed into warm clothes and headed to our opening campfire! We had our annual chip ceremony, where the campers put a stick into the fire, introduced themself, and shared what they were most excited about at camp and the rest of the choir season! After campfire, everyone got ready to sleep and got snug in their beds. Our wonderful counselors sang our nightly Vespers as the campers drifted off to sleep. We had a fantastic first day and everyone is so excited for our first full day of camp! See you tomorrow!