Waiting for the Storm to Break
Posted by Jackie , 24 June 2010 9:39 AM
A lot has happened in the last few days.
I've participated in two lifeguard drills, one for a missing swimmer and the other for a downed water skier. For the missing swimmer drill, an air horn is blown three times to call all available staff to the waterfront to assist. I was assigned to stand on the beach and explain the drill to the rest of the camp while the other lifeguards searched the bottom of the lake for the missing swimmer. For the downed skier drill, though, I got to actively participate. Since I am one of only two people on the swim staff who are American Red Cross Lifeguard certified, I was a "spotter" on the ski boat and the first responder into the water to stabilize the downed skier. Wwe assume that all ski injuries are spinal in nature, and I stabilized the skier's head while the other lifeguards approached with the back board. Thankfully, all went well and the waterfront directors were pleased with our response time.
Yesterday morning, I water skied. All the Cliffe counselors were given an introductory lesson to prepare us for skiing with our campers. Since most of them will not have water skied before, the ski staff wanted the Cliffe counselors to know what was going on so we could comfort or encourage our girls as needed. When I got in the water, it took me four tries to get up. Once up, though, I skied for a short tour around the lake. Though I have water skied before (and even had a few tentative runs at Lake Geneva two weeks ago), I haven't really skied for six or seven years and it was exciting to get up.
Otherwise, the time has really flown by. I've been organizing my bunk, making friendship bracelets with other counselors, watching movies, and practicing a skit for the counselor talent show on Friday night. At the moment, we're all waiting for the campers to arrive. The first buses are scheduled to arrive around 2, and then we'll hit the ground running. We're also waiting for a thunderstorm to arrive. The Harrison area is expecting thunderstorms this evening that might even warrant a tornado watch or two. Just in case, we've been briefed on the tornado procedure to hide in the basement under the main cabin, and what to bring with our girls. Hopefully it doesn't come to that - I'd hate for the girls' first night to be one of crowded basements and flooded bunks.
Before I sign off, I'd like to wish Elissa a Happy Birthday!! Even though it's tomorrow. I'm sure it will be a crazy day, and I won't be able to get away to chat with you properly. Make it a great one (despite my absence). ;)
Next time I'll post a few pictures of camp, I keep forgetting to download them off my camera! Till then.
jackie it sounds like you're having a amazing time, i wish i had done something like that!! im so happy you loved al dente in boston :)
good luck with the kiddies,hopefully they aren't too exhausting! miss you xoxo