A "fresh" snippet to brighten your morning

Hello readers,

While reviewing pictures that have been uploaded to the Ballibay Facebook page, I came across this shot:


How cute are these gardeners? And on that note -- our garden has been turning out some absolutely delicious vegetables that have been turning up in our salad bar. In this particular picture, our garden counselor Sarah and camper Phoebe D. are harvesting radishes, but we've had other veggies and mixed greens from the garden this week as well. Keep up the hard work, Ballibay gardeners!

More soon,
Elizabeth C., Ballibay Blogger

And we're off!

Good morning readers!

Welcome to the *real* first day of camp! After a surprisingly long day of orientation sessions to show campers all around the different areas of camp, we are starting a regular schedule of morning, afternoon, and evening activities. This means that theater productions have been cast, rock bands and dance pieces are in the process of beginning rehearsals, and art, riding and instrumental lessons are kicking off. The camp is truly bustling with activity.

Last night was one of my favorite nights of camp and I have a little Balli-moment to share from it. After a full day of theater auditions, I (as well as the other theater directors, dance instructors, and vocal instructors) held callback sessions. Callbacks are a chance for instructors to see a little bit more of campers -- either more singing, more dancing, or more acting. Mel H., who is music directing the musical with me, helped me compile a list of singers to hear for a variety of parts in the show. We called them back to the music building throughout different parts of the evening and taught them a small portion of a beautiful ballad from the show. Over the course of the night, I heard 25 girls sing the song and -- here's the catch -- there was not one girl who didn't sing like a goddess (ironic, because the character who sings the song is the Goddess of Love). Truly, there were no performances that didn't place me on the brink of tears. It was probably the most moving evening of singing I've ever experienced. The greatest challenge of the evening was not teaching the girls the notes or rhythms, but rather the process of casting such enthusiastic, charming performers. Luckily, there are truly a plethora of fantastic roles for campers this summer, and I think by the end of the night we were left with exactly the right results!

Here we go with the rest of the three weeks! Also, please make sure to visit the Ballibay Facebook page to see some photos from the first few days of camp: http://www.facebook.com/ballibay

More soon,

Elizabeth C., Ballibay Blogger

The time to start is [almost] now!

Staff, anxious for campers to get here!

Good afternoon, readers!

It is almost opening day for Ballibay, as well as the Farm Arts and Rock Farm 1st sessions! The majority of campers will begin arriving tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m., but we do have a little portion of campers who are flying in today, and arriving at camp very, very soon! For staff who have been here a week or two, this is the most exciting news we could possibly receive. I'll be completely honest with you -- while our week(s) of preparation for camp is very productive and necessary, it does get a bit lonely in the cabins by ourselves, and the anticipation of campers' arrivals has been building progressively every day. In case you still aren't sure: the staff is very much looking forward to camp families arriving today and tomorrow! Safe travels, all!

More soon,

Elizabeth C., Ballibay Blogger

Welcome back, readers!

Hello everyone!

Welcome to Camp Ballibay, Summer 2011! My name is Elizabeth (more commonly referred to as "EC" by campers and staff) and I will be blogging about the daily happenings at camp this summer. I want to extend a special welcome to new camp families and friends who may be reading this blog for the first time and send a big "hello!" to returning readers! I am so excited to return to my position as blogger again because it is one of my very favorite parts of my job. There is nothing I love more than sharing the stories of my interactions with campers, and chronicling their experiences, triumphs, and discoveries.

As a quick introduction, I'll just let you know that Camp Ballibay is not only my summer job of 4 years, but also my passion and a major part of my life. I am a former camper (attending 6 summers, starting at age 11), and I consider Ballibay to be the very essence of my childhood. While I was a camper here, I tried virtually every activity area offered, and now I work as a musical theater director here. I have directed "Peter Pan," "Seussical," and "The Wiz," as well as some smaller staged readings and one act plays. This year I will be directing two musicals -- one first session, and one second session -- but their identities cannot be revealed until campers arrive! I am also a cabin counselor in the girl's area.

Long story short: I am thrilled to be returning to camp again as a director, blogger, and counselor. My goal is to cover even more aspects of camp and post even more frequently than I did last summer, with lots of pictures, anecdotes, and updates on camp life. I am literally counting down the days until campers begin arriving and I look forward to meeting many families in-person on move-in day on Sunday!

"Medea" cast pre-show, Summer 2010

Sketching in the art barn, Summer 2010

Munchkins in "The Wiz," Summer 2010

See you on Sunday!

Elizabeth C., Ballibay Blogger