The beautiful weather stopped. When I woke up it was freezing and raining. I also finally woke up anxious. I looked to the A-Z Fish On Fridays poster for guidance.

Oh, here’s what the daily routine looked like.

Later in the day, the sun peeked through. I had a break and kicked it in the Director’s Cabin. I found this baby bird.

It was trying so hard to get out of the cabin but would consistently fly right into a closed window. It was heartwrenching. At one point we got it all the way to the front door, freedom just a mere inch away and the bird – rather than going out into the wide open door – flew all the way back to the back of the cabin and smacked into the window. Katie finally managed to catch it and release it outside.

I learned on the second day that the first day is actually called Day 0. Then the next day Day 2. We traveled through time and space right past Day 1.

After morning workshops, I remember walking across the field and hearing my set from the night before playing. Oh yeh, there’s always music playing outside. Hippest Camp Ever.

I spent the afternoon reading the Andy Kaufman biography while nervously awaiting my first workshop. Dave Morris gave me some words of wisdom that boosted my confidence a bit. It must have worked because I remember someone coming up to me later in the day and telling me they heard how awesome my workshop was.
Rene:1, Anxieties:0.
That night was a Camper Talent Show. Talent is an understatement when describing what these kids did. Ukuleles, Dulcimers, clowning, beat poetry, virtuoso guitar playing, and even an ironic parody song called ANGST.
That night I signed up for my Night Watch and Kitchen duties. 2 days down. So far so great.

Katie informed me of the rules at camp.
NO FRONT HUGS
NO F-BOMBS
NO SHOWERING WHEN CAMPERS ARE SHOWERING
NO GOING OFF TO TALK IN PRIVATE

My first day at camp went off without a hitch.
No anxiety attacks. No accidental F-bombs. I only fell twice. Only one car door closed on my leg. I got to DJ the opening night dance party.
Watching 87 14-17 year old kids all dancing and singing is pretty awesome. It was a feeling that was only a fraction of what was to come.

I have 3 more days of camp. So far the experience has been amazing.
Huge Improv Camp wrap-up coming soon.