So long, so long, and onto the next one...

Hello readers,

Well, it's official: first session has ended.  I cannot believe it.  Only now, after almost all of the campers have left (except those staying seven weeks, who are all up at the Ballibay Theater for a movie night as I type this), can has it really begun to settle in that the first four weeks are over.  It's sad, it's bittersweet, and it's hard to say goodbye, but I can personally say that -- from the eyes of this camp blogger -- this session was a time of amazing growth, and growth that encompassed every single camper.

Just as a quick review, here are some of the highlights from Camp Ballibay, first session:

• Camper-wise, numbers were high, including a few weeks where we were at full capacity.  However, Ballibay continued to retain a feeling of small community, and even with well over 100 children, I still knew all of the campers names!  It's a miracle!
• We spent two weeks with the Dance and Rock Intensive campers, forming new friendships and getting to witness the phenomenal Dance Concert and Band Night.
• 3 Camper Cabarets, 2 Jam Nights, 2 Bonfires, a script-in-hand Shel Silverstein show (near and dear to my heart, always), performance art, a D.J. dance, a solo & duet cafe, the Festival of One Acts, a dance showcase, "Two Gentleman of Verona," the Ballibay Follies, the David Ives Medley, and two nights of "Beauty and the Beast."  
• Delicious new dishes, home-cooked, locally produced and bought, all part of Ballibay joining a food revolution (including my all-time favorite meal...the shrimp boil!  I'm still all about the shrimp boil!)

Phew!  Can you believe all of that happened in just a month?  Somehow, it did.  Again readers -- and specifically first session readers -- thank you for giving your campers the chance to come to Ballibay and experience all of the many gifts this camp has to offer.  

Signing off for a bit (don't worry, I'll be back next session!),

Elizabeth C.

Ballibay Blogger

p.s. Sorry this is so late -- second session has JUST begun and the first few days are always madness.  I should be back to you tomorrow night!