Hello readers,
Growth is a big deal here at Ballibay. When parents pick campers up at the end of a session, I can't even tell you how many, "You must have grown half a foot"-like statements I hear. While most campers do grow a little taller during camp, they grow in so many more ways than that. And every once in a while, I come across a camper whose growth at Ballibay is just so remarkable that I have to share it. This is one of those stories.
Olivia F. is a second-year camper here, and in addition, she's a 7-weeker, meaning she is here for the entire Ballibay season, from start to finish. During the first 4-week session, Olivia opted not to do any theater, choosing instead to focus on tech theater and a bit of rock 'n roll. Out of curiosity, I asked Olivia (who had been in one of my plays last summer) why she chose not to do theater. "I don't know, I guess I just don't feel like it. It seems like a big commitment."
Well, let me tell you...Olivia has decided to make the commitment this session. After taking 4 weeks of voice lessons with Mihoko Y., one of our wonderful vocal instructors, Olivia showed up to both her acting and her singing auditions prepared and ready to go. "You're not going to believe this, but Olivia wants to do musical theater," I was informed at auditions. Honestly, it was easy for me to believe it because her auditions were phenomenal. Not only did she audition with an interest in musical theater, but she did so well that I cast her in "The Wiz" as the character Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. Not only does this part mean she has a cast of 7 Munchkins following her everywhere, but it also means a solo song and two large scenes in the show. In her first big musical production ever, Olivia is thriving. Just last night, she approached me and asked me if I would call her during evening activities to work on developing her character. Incredible!
Olivia F. is the definition of the kind of growth that makes me want to return as a staff member here year after year. She is the kind of camper that inspires and motivates me to make every day a day of growth.
More soon,
Elizabeth C.
Ballibay Blogger
p.s. Just as an added bonus, here is Olivia singing at our Cafe this past week! Sorry that the camera wasn't steady...I tried!
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