Camp birthdays are a big deal, and last night was one of the most memorable birthday celebrations of the summer – maybe in recent memory.

Let me introduce Peter. Peter is a first-year camper, and we recognized his birthday (and two others) at the Opening Night Show.

At Airy, we try to recognize birthdays the night before (like a Jewish holiday) so campers can wear their special “camp birthday” shirt all day the next day.

In addition to the t-shirt, campers receive a bag of birthday toys and trinkets, and then they spin the: Wheel … of … Birthdays.

The most clamored for prize by campers is “three people” … this computer clip art spot on the wheel used to indicate that a camper (and the whole bunk) would be the first in line at meal buffets. But in recent summers, a “three people” chant would fill the air as a camper stepped up to spin. Linda and our programming team arranged for some kind of prize or experience – usually having nothing to do with “three people.”

However, the most treasured spot on the Wheel of Birthdays is “Candyland.” Candyland is a local general store of sorts, and they have a candy section where a customer can pick from dozens and dozens of sweet treats. When a camper spins the Wheel of Birthdays and the wheel lands on “Candyland,” the lucky camper (and maybe the bunk and the counselors too) actually go to Candyland to shop for all the candy they want (within reason, of course). They fill bags with treats to bring back to camp. Sometimes, the bunk may stop by the ice cream counter on its way out of the store.

So last night, Peter spun the Wheel and it landed on “wild card” … so he could pick whatever. But what is a new camper to do? We called up all of the Unit’s counselors to confer with Peter. Peter emerged from the huddle and declared “Candyland, Unit Prize.” The crowd roared its approval. Not only did Peter, a camp rookie, call for the beloved Candyland prize, he campaigned that his entire Unit share in the prize, not just the bunk. Sly move Peter ,,, sly move.

In the coming days, we will figure out the way to get Peter, the counselors and now all of the Unit their Candyland confections.

Happy Birthday indeed! And speaking of birthdays …

This Week’s Birthdays at Camp Airy –

July 25
Andrew
Toby

July 26
Peter

July 27
Josh
Jonah
Eli
Noah

July 28
Joey – staff

July 29
Francisco – staff
AJ – staff
Oliver
Charlie

July 30
Gavin

July 31
Andrew
Levi
Ethan

Looking forward to a great Session!

~ Marty