I went to Wonderland Camp at the Lake of the Ozarks during the week of July 9th and I had a blast! I was in Alice Hall A cabin and the week's theme was heavy machinery. I saw some of my old friends: Mama Cookie, Alyssa, Kelsey, and Megan (I love them all). I also made some new friends: Maria (she was very kind and helpful), Caitlyn (she was awesome; she was a fellow SVU fan), JJ (she was very helpful as well), Michael (he was an extremely cool and handsome guy), Rokhaya (she was gorgeous and was excellent at giving me my medicine), Clark, and Sara (she was a sweetheart). On Sunday afternoon, we hung out at the pool while we waited for dinner. Alyssa and I sat on the ground and put our feet in the water. It was relaxing.
Later that evening, we had a campfire and sang goofy songs. I mostly talked to people, took selfies on Alyssa's phone, and ate my gooey, delectable s'more with an extra chocolate bar. It was nice to just to see people and be silly.
On Monday, we first had archery. Maria helped me aim. I barely hit the target but in my dorky mind (lol), I was Robin Hood. After archery, we had music and had a "dance contest." I love having a place to act ridiculous sometimes. I never feel shy at camp. After rest time, construction trucks and firetrucks came for a fun demonstration. Campers were shown how the trucks worked and they got to honk the horns. It was cool.
Then, we got to help the kitchen staff. Cookie, Alyssa, and I were supposed to crack and peel hard-boiled eggs. I kept accidentally smashing mine, trying to crack them but hey (lol), it was fun making a mess! I threw the eggs down on my tray; the cooked, yellow yolk squishing between my fingers. It was like having an awesome food fight!
For Free-Flow (free time), we decorated a box like a firetruck for the evening race. Cookie and I painted the wheels. Later, for evening activity, the race began at the field. Each cabin decorated a box like a truck and counselors ran with the box on. It was funny but I was more interested in eating my popcorn (lol).
On Tuesday, we went down to the water front and rode the boat. I sat by Alyssa. The bumpy waves splashed cold lake water on my legs, as the boat sped by massive trees, the Jolly Rogers' pirate ship, and huge condos. (I always wonder what it would be like to have an extravagant vacation in a condo like those). I also talked to and laughed with Alyssa. I love hanging out with her so much. She's beautiful inside and out!
During rest time, Megan surprised Cookie and me with a Facetime call from our friend, Kortney Keith. It was great to talk to her! After rest time, we had pool time. I went to the splash pad. The cold water felt good in the heat. Alyssa, Maria, and I ran around and dumped water on each other. Music was playing in the background on Alyssa's mini speaker. NSYNC was playing because I got on her Spotify earlier that day (lol). It was such a laid-back afternoon.
Later that evening, we had a carnival. Rokhaya and I were first in line for cotton candy and popcorn because we knew that the line was going to get crazy. Then, we played all sorts of games. Rokhaya, Kayla, Cookie, and I even played a big version of Connect Four. Nobody won that game. We ended up just making a wacky design on the board. There was face painting as well; I got a spider painted on my arm. I know, I usually don't like spiders, but I wanted something creepy and it seemed the easiest for the sweet volunteer that was doing the painting. They had the dunk tank out for the carnival and Caitlyn then suggested that I should dunk Alyssa. I mischievously agreed. Alyssa climbed in. As people cheered me on, I pressed the red button with a bottle and Alyssa fell into the water with an enormous splash. It was hilarious.
On Wednesday, we climbed the rock wall. I always like going up to the top because when I look down, my stomach gets a tickle inside and I feel like Peter Pan flying over camp. It was so much fun! Then, we went to arts and crafts and we tie-dyed our camp shirts. Maria helped me with my shirt. I got the spiral design and I used dark purple and dark green. With those two colors together, it sort of looked like a brewing stormy sky. (Yes, I watch too much Bob Ross, don't judge, lol).
During lunch time, our friend, Ann came to visit Cookie and me and introduced us to her baby; absolute cuteness! It was also extra awesome to see Ann!! Then, after rest time, we went to the splash pad again. This time, Sara (a cabin mate) came too. Her laughter was infectious every time water was poured on her head. We giggled and squealed, playing around in the water.
After the splash pad, we went to bingo. I'm not the biggest fan of bingo but Cookie really loves it. I got two pretty stickers out of it. After dinner, the talent show was about to start. Alyssa, Maria, and I were in the sensory room, putting on my costume (a green dress) over my clothes. I was going to sing 'Lost Boy' by Ruth B. for my talent and the dress reminded me of Peter Pan/Tinkerbell.
Just as Alyssa re-clicked my seatbelt, my name was called. I didn't know that the talent show had started until Alyssa got a text. I turned up my speed (sorry not sorry) and zoomed into Miller Hall. When I rolled in, people were clapping and chanting my name. WC always has a way of making you feel like you're the main character of a story (lol). I went to the front and sang my song. I had fun as always!
On Thursday, I woke up sort of tired but was beyond excited because I knew that night was the dance. After our morning meds, Megan gave Cookie and me a package from Kortney Keith. In it, there was a can of mocha, cold-brew Starbucks coffee for me (I really needed this that day), a bottle of Sprite Zero for Cookie, two friendship bracelets, a bag of M&Ms (they went to Cookie), a bag of chocolate Kisses (they went to me), and two pictures. We were so happy! Thank you so much, Kortney!!!
After breakfast, we did the zipline. Even though the line for it tends to be long, this is another place where I feel like I can soar across the sky. It's such a rush!
Once everybody in our cabin had a turn, we had our nails done. Maria did mine in light purple and she used the coolest stick-ons that I ever seen! It looks like real nail polish but it's literally a sticker that you cut to fit your nail. No mess, no drying. (If anyone can find these in black, I want them). I loved my nails and they're still purple as I type this.
During rest time, Alyssa took Cookie and me on a golf cart ride. Because it's something I don't do often, I love it so much!
Then, after rest time, we shot bb guns. Alyssa helped me shoot and I hit the target a little, which was wonderful.
After my turn, I just hung out while others shoot. I doodled on the back of my target with a pen and listened to music on Alyssa's speaker. Little things make me content.
During lunch, our friend, Chris came with his baby to visit Cookie and me; another little cutie! It's also always a good time with Chris. Later, we went to arts and crafts. First, Alyssa and I made a bead bracelet for me. Then, we did Paint the Counselor (campers can paint on their counselors). I started painting on Alyssa with my hand and other campers joined in. I loved making a mess!
Later on in the evening, the dance started. I wore my thin, black and purple Harley Quinn t-shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and my black and pink tennis shoes. I didn't feel like getting all dolled up this year (I just wanted to wear something that was more me and more comfy) and since the dance was outside, I think that I made the right call. The dance was at the pavilion, by the outside stage. There was a DJ playing the booming music and a large fan was blowing on people. Even though it was still slightly hot, everybody was jubilant; clapping and dancing to the music. I was so giddy! I danced, sang, and laughed with all of my friends.
I even met my new friend, Clark at the dance. He was so sweet and funny. We hung out for the most of the dance. I had a magnificent time!
Friday was the last day. This day always feels bittersweet, as people hug, pack, and sign shirts. The week was filled with amazing memories that I'll always remember. I was ready to see my mommio and daddio and to sleep in my own room but I was going to miss my friends, especially Alyssa. I got the Gossip Column Reporter award (it's an inside joke, lol). Saying goodbye is my lease favorite part but I know that I'll be back in October. WC is my vacation and my secondary home. WC and its incredible staff will always be there. Until next time...oh, Wonderland, I love.