Grey victorious!

So colour war...

This is the first time since my last blog that I have actually had time off...

Colour War started Saturday night and finished last night. It has been the most intense 4 days of my life, so much has happened since the break Saturday night. A few of us spent all day Saturday preparing 'The Grey Fortress' which is essentially a base for the Grey half of the camp situated in the woods. The break included a lot of fire and explosions. Also the hatchet was dug up, the hatchet is buried at the end of each colour war with the winning teams colour facing up. Each captain takes it in turns to uncover the hatchet with a spade (A Grey captain uncovered it and gained the first point, setting the tone for the rest of the war.)

So the first full day of colour war begins Sunday, get up at 7.30 followed by, cleaning, making beds, line ups, silent meals, tucked in shirts, long socks, trainers and infractions for anything you could think possible. That morning we had the first loop, in which I coached football in which we won =D

After lunch was the swim meet, in which a few of us decided to dress up as pirates and go out sailing on the lake... on our own... Yeah I did capsize... Only once though. =D

Grey were succesful once again, keeping there first place spot, ahead of Maroon. We then had 'free-swim' in which I ran fishing and not sailing... obviously. Within 4 minutes I had to help a camper to land a huge big mouthed bass (about 17 inches) biggest of the summer... (Photo below)

Then in the evening, about 10.30ish a couple of us snuck out and bought a 12 pack and went down to the Baseball dugouts where we drank and looked up at the stars for a bit.

Monday morning starts the same way Sunday did, I coached another football team (13 yr olds) to a victory 4-0 =D

Then while kicking a ball around with a mate, Grizz, we spotted a Bald Eagle fly overhead chasing a small bird... It was huge...

After dinner we had a counselor football match, I decided to not play due to my ankle... (Don't worry mum it is fine just a bit swollen with all the work its been doing) so anyway I coached instead... we won 2-0 =D

Then after the kids were in bed there was a 'counselor recognition' evening in which I ate freshly cooked Maine lobster... Which tasted incredible =D

Tuesday was yet another similar day, Football win in the morning (14 yr olds), 4-1 this time =D

In the evening we had a cook out which I grilled (BBQ'd) for in which I must have cooked about 40 pieces of chicken.... All that was missing was a beer in my hand.

I decided I needed a coffee, so at 11.30pm I went up to the dining hall had a coffee and then on exiting spotted a skunk about 3 feet from me... I panicked and couldn't decide what to do, "do I soil myself?" then on realising that soiling yourself was strictly only exceptable when facing a bear. So I backed away slowly back into the dining hall then exited through another door...

So then the final day comes around, Wednesday, it was pretty much the same as the other days except with a bit of rain. We had X-games in the morning (rifelry, archery, water-skiing, rock climbing etc) we also had tug-of-war matchs and then cross-country. Then the final scores were settled, making Grey victorious by almost 170 points =D. So the tradition is that the winning teamall run down the hill and jump into the lake together, which we all did chanting and splashing, and although I couldn't help but feel bad for the kids on the Maroon team I was as excited as the kids on my Grey team. So then after the closing ceremony in which this years colour war paintings were uncovered and the hatchet buried Grey side up for another year, it was dinner time, bearing in mind that this was the first meal in a few days in which they could wear what they liked and speak, it was a very loud meal...

So then we come to Thursday, which when we were allowed to have a lay in until 9am =D then I took 8 kids out fishing in canoes, I followed in a kayak. When I wasn't un-tangling rods or getting hooks out of trees I just floated there absorbing the sun and admiring the scenary then out of now where I saw a Kingfisher fly right past my kayak and onto a rock right infront of me (you never have a camera for that kodak moment) I thought to myself "could I be in a better place right now?" Maybe my Bro being there would have made it slightly better =D.

So now we have a lazy day today, packing tomorrow then the Campers are leaving Saturday.

The counselors are leaving Sunday.

Missing home and everyone there. Hope everyone is well x

COLOuR WAR!!!!!!

Right...

So after an exciting and intense yet disappointing college league, The mighty GrEy team are ready to beat the Maroons.

If you hadn't guessed colour war has broken, after a series of fake breaks including one where a plane landed in the lake and the fake 'chiefs' emerged. Anyway I have been placed on the Grey team.

Although I am excited I am also anxious after hearing the stories about past wars. EVERYTHING is worthy of points, for instance at inspection each morning any minor infraction is a minus 1/4 of a point from that kid's team. For example if a kid's sheet isn't folded (in the hospital standard) properly then they shall have at least a 1/4 of a point deducted from the whole teams score.

In my opinion this is how I would imagine being in the army would be like obviously except less killing...

Also nobody has any breaks during the colour war, so I shall not be able to use a computer for the next four days at least... Yeah my blood bleeds Grey.... lol

On another note Yesterday was 'one of those days'. After having an ordinary breakfast (fake eggs) =( I went to start my fishing instructional, getting the canoes out a wasp decided to sting my on the top of my foot... I thought to my self, 'Sh*t, its okay, just ignore it.'

After being in the lake for about 10 minutes with 8 kids in 4 canoes, an older one in a Kayak and myself in one too. They blew the storm warning.... EVERYBODY IN! Whilst I was getting all of my kids in, the older kid in the Kayak who I lent my rod after instructing him to "be extremely careful with it, it will sink, and its very expensive" Did he let go? No, he hooked a very large bass. After flipping him over in the Kayak it snapped the line and the tip of the rod. He got a glimpse of the fish and he described it as at least 16" but it was about half that wide...

So after a sore foot, sore arms from getting the canoes out and in so fast, then a broken tip on my rod I decided to 'throw some shapes' onto my face. (I shaved my beard and now I have an interesting shaped beard haha.

Chris out x

PS wish me and my 'warriors' luck in our war. (I am getting paid to get the kids pumped up and in the spirit, so shut-up)

Surfing...and 12 seater vans

I have been really busy over the last couple of days... With the end of college war.

We had the presentation night last night (T-Tech came last.... But we all had fun and bonded which is all that counts (I think I have the Camp BS disease)).

But nevermind because today I went on the 'surf trip' for two reasons; firstly because I really wanted to try surfing and secondly because they needed a van driver =D Yes I drove 2 hours either way to Old Orchard Beach in Portland on the right side of the road.... =D

We surfed for a few hours (I actually managed to get up a few times =D Gnarley dude!) Then we drove to a Pizza restaurant which serve only all-natural ingredients, organic, local etc etc etc... All of which was very nice =D [Rod, I also now have the taste for root beer]

Anyway.... back now.

College League is over and it is almost the end of camp which means only one thing... Colour [Color] war is about to start... I have heard that this is the most intense experience I will ever have...

Four days, Two teams, One lake.

The whole camp is split into two teams (Maroon and Grey) and they compete for points in absolutely anything that you could think feasible (from dust under the beds to speaking at the dinner tables...)

One story a camper told me was that he was by his bed during inspection and the colour war chief came in told him to lay on the floor, which he did. Then the chief got a hold of his feet and pushed him under the bed and literally used him as a mop and then used his white t-shirt to see how much dust was under the bed... Yeah thats fine but we're not allowed to withold a child's candy...

Anyway 'The colour war dolls' are out which means that is could break at any point from now until saturday evening. There are supposedly a series of false breaks until the real one...

So although I am not sure that I want this intense millitary like 'game' to begin, I am certainly excited and anxious.

Peace x

"Do what your doing, but do it better"

Over the past couple of days, things at Camp have been pretty standard. Instructionals in the morning, which involves me trying to teach kids how to fish...

"Lesson one - catch fish"

Best line ever... "Do what your doing, but do it better"

I have also started taking out the more confident guys on canoes to the middle of the lake. So I can have about 4 canoes each with two in fishing while I lead in a Kayak... fishing =D Yesterday one of my kids caught the biggest Bass so far, it was about 14" and 3Lbs at an estimate. However it was a large mouth bass and its mouth could have easily been filled by the catchers fist...

Due to the weather being incredible over the past few days there has been alot of activity by the lake. When there is nothing scheduled we will either have 'free-play' or 'free-swim' when the weather is nice it'll often be the latter. So Friday this meant that I taught fishing for 2 hours in the morning, then had an hour free-swim (in which I do fishing) then lunch, then rest-period then college league loops and then free-swim until dinner, then after dinner where it should be free-play they will exchange it for free-swim... so that is 5 hours of fishing..... Although I wouldn't normally complain about that fact, it isn't the same when you have to do it and I would normally be having free-play off. Also patience only lasts so long... haha.

Saying that yesterday all waterfront staff were allowed to take from after dinner until the end of evening activity [9ish] off. So I jumped on the opportunity to go wake surfing! Which is just like wake boarding (which is similar to water-skiing) but you are alot closer to the back of the boat almost surfing on the wake that the boat produces (for the guys that are good at it, once they are out they can actually let go of the rope) anyway I have some awesome photos of that with the sunsetting in the background =D which I shall share once I'm home.

So... today is my last day off... But we're going to go to Big G's again and then maybe the beach in Portland. This evening we were thinking about filling some canoes with BBQs and the like and go to the island for a few hours, but we shall see.

Chris out.

Time of my life!

Sorry it has been so long! But I have been really busy...

I had yet another great day off Sunday. Saturday night we all arranged to set the bonfire up in the staff car park. Zach and I went shopping for alcohol, we decided to settle of a 12 pack of Rolling Rock at $11... [wow]

Then on Sunday we had a lay in. after which we went to Big G's and had the biggest sandwich I have ever seen... We then just chilled in the van, it is just nice to get away from Camp... =D

We then wanted to cook a decent meal ourselves, so after having a word with Josh (one of the directors) he gave us access to his personal kitchen. With Zach being Chef, and me a Sus-chef we knocked together a great lasagne and home-made cookies! Which more than a few people enjoyed!

That was my day off =D

So Tuesday comes around, and I have the opportunity to go white water rafting again, so I jump on it. We leave Tuesday evening, we stop of for dinner at a little place called Northwood Outdoors, it was a restaurant with a sports bar, jacuzzi, swimming pool etc. I had a burger, maybe the best one I have ever had...

After this we went to where we were going to spend the night. It was a lodge, it was massive and slept 40... I had a top bunk =D better than the floor... haha

So today we woke up and drove to the rafting place which is called The Moxie activity centre, on The River Kennebec. After having breakfast we separated into our groups and rafted for a good 2 hours, we then stopped on an island for lunch (which consisted of BBQ'd steak and chicken with beans and pasta salad). Once we had stuffed our faces we then laid on the rafts as we drifted lazily down river for a good 4 miles.

We then came back to camp for a dinner courteousy of Papa John.

Now we have free play until bed..... =D

I am a happy Camper..... =D

xx

What a great day...

Firstly I would like to wish my Bro a very HaPpY bIrThDaY!!! Have a great day!

A few words to sum up my day yesterday...

Sailing

Otter

Pizza

Beer pong

Friends

Shooting star

Sunset

Lake

Fishing

Yesterday was an easy day, we have no kids in camp at the moment because its the changeover period between the first session and the second session. So after unpacking for four new kids and making their beds, myself, Seth and Grissley went out on the catamaran (first time I have ever sailed) it was brilliant!

On the way back to the dock we spotted an otter.

After that we went fishing (caught nothing, because of the presence of the otter...) then the Camp ordered Papa Johns for all of us, so a few of us sat on the dock in the sun with our feet in the lake watching the sunset eating pizza =D

We finished the night off with playing beer pong outside by the bonfire, looking at the stars, the occasional one of which was a shooting star, listening to the various Loons and Owls communicating to one another.

What more could you ask for?

x

So the kids are due today and tomorrow, Camp is all about the kids but... Camp is perfect without them =D haha

Day off =D

So I had yesterday off =D it was amazing! We got a van and 8 of us went to Portland saturday night, we then went out and crashed at Jack's apartment then spent all day yesterday drinking beer on the beach after having the best Lobster I have ever tasted =D after which we then went out again =D ...got back to camp this morning at 3.30am... up at 8ish... So am tired right now...

But on another note, the fishing guy has left Camp (Hershy; broken nose + swine flu = home...) So now I'm not only the director of Mountain Biking but I'm am now also the director of fishing... busy busy!

x

Busy...

It's been a while since I posted on here, things have been absolutely manic.

The Swine flu has finally crept into our Camp... (Mum, don't worry its not life threatening) ....People just seem to disappear each day, going into quarantine. The Camp is decreasing in size each day...

At this moment I am fine.

I did end up going white water rafting, which was immense, it was one of the best experiences of my life! Definitely one for the bucket list.

The sun has finally decided to come out and stay out, and the best part of my day is jumping into the Lake =D

I have been able to try so many things that I have never attempted before. I have played games of European Handball, ropes, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fencing, riflery.... etc

I have been OD the past two nights... So I am tired. But I have tonight and tomorrow off =D

s'nuff x

Indepedence

Yesterday was the 4th of July... Which meant a Parade through the Camp which I was a part of (there is photographic evidence) I was holding my St. Georges cross flag =)

But normally Saturdays are just the same as any other day but Sunday is a lazy day which means alarm at 9am instead of 7.30am and more free time for the kids meaning that they have more scope in what activities they choose to do. But that doesn't effect me because I have sundays off =D

So today myself, Zach from Michigan and Jack from Maine borrowed a van and took a trip into Augusta and had some food that wasn't camp food and spent some time exploring. I've just come in to write this from sitting on the dock, fishing, contemplating and watching the most amazing sunset I have ever seen =D

Also hopefully I'll have the opportunity to take my cabin white water rafting =D

x

A typical day

I am not OD (on duty) tonight so I thought I would spend some time on here.

I would like to share my typical day with you...

7.30am wake up call.
8am Flag raising and breakfast
8.30am clean up; we assign all the kids jobs, to keep the cabin clean.
9am inspection; the cabin is marked out of 10 for cleanliness.
9.25am the first instructional (each kid signs up for instructionals, I run mountain biking)
10.25am 2nd instructional
11.25am 3rd instructional
12.25pm Recall (everybody back to their cabins)
12.30pm Lunch
1pm rest period (everyone goes back to their cabins for a 'rest' which in my cabin means either 'milk pong' or dancing and singing to songs that they really shouldn't know the words to at 12... all the kids also get 'candy' at this time; a sugar boost and time cooped in a cabin is not a good mix)
2pm Collage league loop (each Camper and Counselor is assign to a 'college league' team there are four in total "Go, Texas Tech Raiders, Go!")
4pm waterfront period (everyone has to be down at the lake doing a various activity, I run fishing =D)
5.45pm Recall
6pm Dinner
6.30pm free play (which means its not really free, as the kids are just able to choose one thing that they wish to do...)
7.45pm Evening activity (can be anything from a 'social' which means they meet up with the girls from Matoka (the sister camp) to watching a film.)
9.45pm Lights out for high intermediates (12 year olds) which means that they should stop messing around and get into bed; just after they have milk and cookies. This is when you can get away for a bit, if you're not OD. Last night I was OD and I managed to get them all to sleep by 10.30pm (which is good believe me) I did have to play 'nighttime illumination though' which involved listening to things that 12 year olds should not be saying...

And that is my day.

Ciao x

.....non-stop

I now officially have letters after my name; 'Christopher D Maddison LLB' =D

But on other news; I have been so busy with the kids, they got here sunday and it has been non-stop.
Kids are great though although at times I feel like i need to say sorry for ever being 12...

I caught quite a large big mouth bass today (yes I go fishing everyday), however I didnt have my camera... So I suppose you could technically say "it was the one that got away."

The weather is still not all that great... But they have promised sunshine for later in the week.
My days off are sunday (5in total) and any free period I have (one a day if i'm lucky) I have been sculpting the guns or sleeping and showering.

Other than that all is well =D

The kids are coming!

It was nice to have a day off, and their was a gap in the wet weather all day for us =D
But now we're back to work, I'm in a cabin with two other counselors, we have 10 kids aged 11-12. We spent a large portion of the day yesterday unpacking the kids belongings and making their beds, some of the stuff that these children have brought to camp... One kid has about 50 t-shirts for a 60 day camp...(laundry gets done once a week)

I've been fishing and caught many wide-mouth Bass and a Sunfish! Also last night a friend an I were 'shooting some hoops' in the Rec. hall and I made a half-court throw from the balcony... and it was caught on video... =D=D=D


Anyway, this past week feels like it has gone really slowly, but then again I'm not used to getting up at 7.30am each day.

Hope everyone is well!

x

Lazy Day =D

Today has been great so far. It has been the first day that the sun has been able to shine through, it has been/is so hot today =D

A few of us have been fishing on the dock this morning and then we paddled out of surf boards to the middle of the lake and just lay talking and soaking up the rays =D

This place is something else when the sun shines!

Off now to go to Wal-mart, cinema and to get something to eat.

S'nuff x

Swimming test...

Hey!

I passed my medical... I don't have Swine flu =D
Had the swimming test today... which involved jumping into the lake (it was abso-bloody-lutely freezing) and doing a couple of lengths! I passed.

This week has been full of meetings, lessons and tests. Yesterday I passed my Van test, which means I can now drive the Camp vans around Maine. (Don't worry Mum it is all completely legal with fully comprehensive insurance and everything)

Maine is the largest exporter of Blueberries and toothpicks... I prefer the taste of Blueberries.

Tomorrow is our first day off =D there is a group of us that are going to go and watch Transformers 2 and get something to eat =D

All is good, in the hood.

x

Medical

Hey,

Just had a series of meetings this morning; legal requirements..... yawn.
Been pretty busy with orientation stuff, had a massive four-way tug of war yesterday. I have [superficial] injuries... but my side won =D

Just waiting to be called in for a mandatory medical screening, then its lunch time. Everyday breakfast is at 8am, lunch 12.30 and dinner 6.30pm. Horn sounds at 7.30am.... (Gives the saying breakfast came early a whole different [literal] meaning.)

Anyway... I've already made loads of friends.

Apparently the campers are going to love my accent.

x

Oh and Happy Fathers Day!

Jet lag?

It's 10.55am on a Saturday morning, my body should think that it is in fact 3.55pm. But it doesn't!

I managed to stay awake until 11pm last night (making it 23hours without sleep) I slept like a [dead] log right thru til 9am this morning. = No jet lag =D

Orientation starts after lunch at 12.30. Which will continue right thru to when the kids come to Camp a week from tomorrow.
When I will not have time to do two blogs in such close succession =D

x

Arrived!

I've just arrived at Camp Manitou!

Maine is A[maine]zing. The Camp itself is in the middle of nowhere... which is nice =D
Its raining at the moment and everywhere looks really eerie with the mist surrounding it, I can see where Stephen King got his ideas from. ...That reminds me drove past signs to Salem on the way...

Anyway I've got to sleep now, busy day tomorrow and I have been up far too long, and my body thinks it's 2.20am...

Night x