Christmas eve in July and a poem

Twas the night before Christmas and all across camp, the humidity was high everyones clothes were all damp

The stockings were hung by every campers bunk, In hopes that St Nick would leave something in their trunk

the campers were all nestled and snug in their beds, While visions of ropes course and horseback swirled in their heads

With Sally in her PJ’s and I with my cap, Had just settled down for a much needed nap

When out in the camp there arose such a clatter, I stumbled out of the bed to see “whats the matter?”

Away to the windows as quick as can be, was it another low pass from Blue Angel #3?

The moon had a reflection on the river below, If something was in the water, I wasn’t gonna go

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, pulled by some nice looking deer

With a little old driver so lively and quick, I thought I was seeing things, perhaps I was sick

More rapid than eagles he called them by name, No matter who he was, this fella had game

First Driftwood and Joywood, Beetlebum, and Bevshack… Then Bar H, Hot box and Brookwood, he toted his pack

Then on to Rosey Den, Edmae and Totem Hall… Then Hillbillies and Deweys Den, he hit ’em all

Then across the river he flew in a snap, He knew his way around, he didn’t need a map

Up on the roof, of Summerplace he landed, And quickly left them all presents and did it single handed

And then in a twinkling, on to Riverside’s roof, He went straight down the chimney, in just a “poof”

As I drew in my head and was turning around, Down Riverside chimney, he came with a bound

He was dressed in all fur from his foot to his head, I though to myself “he’s gotta be hot, if that was me I’d be dead”

A bag was flung on his back full of toys, it was presents for the girls, this trip had nothing for any boys

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry, I hoped for just one present with a name on it for Larry

He had a broad face and a little round belly, He obviously found the dining hall and had some biscuits and jelly

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, I thought when I saw him I was looking at myself

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
was a notice to me, its time to go back to bed

He stopped by the infirmary to visit our nurses, and left something for them in each of their purses

Then laying a finger aside of his nose, he was finished with his work so up the chimney he arose

He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, He took off really fast, like a Patriot missile

But I heard him exclaim as he flew above the pines, Merry Christmas to all, from Camp Skyline!!

Merry Christmas Eve parents!! With tomorrow being the big day of Christmas in July, today has certainly seemed like Christmas eve in July except Mother Nature decided to cooperate with us today and its actually been a little cool despite the fact its been a beautiful sunny day. I know tonight as everyone was leaving Santa Workshop (more on that later so don’t run off…) arms were folded across their bodies and even a sweatshirt or three could be seen as the campers made their way from the gym and dining hall to campfire. No doubt they’ll all be huddled a little closer to the campfire tonight to stay warmer and since tomorrow will be Christmas morning, that’s the way it should be.

The only sad part about the day was having to say goodbye to all our sweet mini campers this morning. They were excited to see their parents when they got there but I’m not exactly sure they were as excited to be leaving camp and all their new friends. We sure are gonna miss them and all their happy faces walking or running around camp. I hope the little guys are reading the blog to see what happens to their clubs and especially for Christmas morning!!

After the minis headed out it was time for everyone else to get back toward scoring new highs in archery and rifelry, maybe finding a new route up the tower or even getting started on one last arts and crafts project for next week. One thing is for sure, you can tell they’ve been busy all week, I’m not naming any names but I’m not the only one that’s changing my favorite period of the day to rest hour!!

During the day I make my way around camp and take mental notes about everything I’m seeing. You wouldn’t believe the wide array of what these girls are enjoying. Of course theirs the new friends and hang out laughing or playing corn hole together groups but what else I see are the girls finishing amazing pieces of art down in pottery or arts and crafts, Some of the girls that earlier were struggling on horseback are now making their way around the ring in command and in perfect rhythm with their horse. Girls with delicious smelling treats coming out of our cooking class…… Now let me stop ya right there and see if you see what I see. Re-read that last sentence “delicious smelling treats…….” . You’d think at least one of these future wonder chefs would offer me a taste of what they just created but all they do is tell me how good it was as they walk past. Oh well, maybe next week will be my lucky day and one of them will bring a little something extra for me to actually get a taste.

Tonight we had what everyone loves and that’s Santa’s Workshop. This is where everyone comes to the gym or tennis courts and we have everything from Christmas games, to face painting, cookie decorating (for those of ya’ll out there keeping score I didn’t get any of the cookies either…… I think there’s a pattern forming), Christmas decorating on the tennis courts (there were some great trees drawn out there tonight!!), inflatables and of course everyone got to take turn in the dining hall to enjoy some Christmas cookies and mike from Sally and Frances (OK…. truth bomb here…. I did duck down and sneak in the line with the older girls from Riverside and grab one of the cookies before Sally caught me!!).

Tomorrow will be Christmas morning and like I said it was pretty cool today, my weather app says that all the girls will wake to a white Christmas here on the mountain tomorrow morning. Stick around and see for yourself. One thing is certain, we will have a very special visit from someone that specializes in toy distribution as well as survailance (think about it…. it’ ll come to ya sooner or later) first thing in the morning and he’ll have something for each camper and counselor before he reads us the Christmas story. Don’t worry mom’s we’ll be sure to get a cabin pic with St. Nic for each cabin and we‘ll have them up on Waldo asap for ya. After the Christmas morning it’ll be time for Christmas breakfast’s Sunday School, Christmas lunch with all the trimmings (yes, we’ll have turkey and dressing, green beans, dressing, cranberry sauce and more!!!)

After lunch it’ll be time for our Christmas carnival followed by counselor hunt before campfire and wrapping up an extremely busy and exciting day. WHEW….I’m tired just writing about it.