Are You Kidding?

Last night’s EP was Carnival, the very definition of an “outdoor activity”… completely dependant on good weather. Needless to say, we watched the weather radar with a passion in the hours leading up to the big event. Things looked good… Weather.com predected clear skies (a 15% chance of scattered showers), Weatherunderground said 0%… we went for it.

The carnival guys arrived promptly at 5:00 (the last minute to cancel the program) and proceeded to roll out the inflatable rides. Our staff went into high gear setting up the booths, a task accomplished with speed and professionalism. Things were going well, then a “scattered shower” hit. We didn’t worry, because the radar showed clear skies everywhere but here. The sun was still shining while the rain fell, it was that small of a cell! These kind of storms hit then move on all the time, just normal summer weather. We continued to set up in the rain with high hopes for the fun to follow.

Our hopes were rewarded promptly at 6:00, just in time for flag! We gathered as normal and just before we blew the bugle to officially begin our picnic time, the skies opened with another shower. This one was more intense and the deluge of rain forced us to change our picnic plans. We set up the food tables near the pavilion and eventually had an inpromptu “inside picnic” as we waited for the storm to pass (thunder was heard, so we stayed inside…). We had enough time to start our dance contest inside the pavilion while we waited for the all clear.

The skies cleared so we opened the carnival at 7:30 and it was a blast! For about 15 minutes we had perfect weather, but God intended something better. Something EPIC.

The rain that hit us next was of biblical proportions. So heavy we could not even see across the front lawn! Since there was no thunder, we pressed on and had a blast playing in the rain (and eating in the rain). So much rain it was funny. The staff entered into the spirit of the night and the girls followed their example as we danced and slid around on the wet grass. Imagine eating cotton candy in a rain storm… it really doesn’t work, but we acted like it was AMAZING! Cookies, funnel cake, popcorn, corn dogs: all soaking wet and all great!

The first sound of thunder forced us to close the carnival at 8:10, at which point we gratefully went back to our cabins to take hot showers and have an early bedtime.

Bottom line: we had 4 1/2 inches of rain in a storm that apparently only hit Tuxedo! The local weather actually led their report of the day saying “we could have used some rain today”! I bet each of your girls will return with stories of the carnival; stories that will be remembered for years to come.

Today is a perfectly beautiful sunny and warm summer day at camp. We will enjoy going rafting (our last rafting day), Cabins 10-12 will go to Thunderhead for their glamping experience, EP will be group night. It looks like the weather will be perfect, but no matter what we will have fun.

Pancakes for breakfast, hamburgers for lunch, baked potatoes with chili for dinner.

Camp is healthy, happy, and fully engaged in making the best out of every situation. It is a glorious place to be and we are grateful.

Thanks for reading… and keep those letters and emails to your girls coming!