Finally found a free moment to write. I've been spending most of my time in the camp office, preparing for class this week. Staff comes and goes all the time, which means that I am frequently distracted by folks who want to chat about the architecture program, and not getting a whole lot done of my own work. No complaints though - I'm flattered that there's been so much interest shown by both staff and campers. Formally, classes begin Monday which gives me the opportunity to meet people, tweak lesson plans and participate in camp activities before the real craziness begins. I anticipate 12 hour days between the actual classes, group meals, workshops and evening activities - most which are alot of fun. Things like improv theater, dances, concerts etc.
As for my initial impressions upon return - and I know alot of old campers want to hear this part - its still the same old Appel Farm we know and love. The supportive community, friendly people, oddballs, traditions - they're all here. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately - probably depends on which way you look at it - the built environment has changed quite a bit. And I think that has a pretty big effect on the experience of camp itself. When I was there, it was a farm, with fields. Buildings punctuated the landscape. Now, its more of a collection of buildings with fields at the periphery. And to boot, these new buildings are ugly. I was told by an unnamed inside source, that they hired an architect who was fairly easy on the wallet - and hence, not all that great with design. They should have called me :)
The specific changes to existing buildings (again, for those who knew camp in the early 1990s) are: the demolition of the Art Barn, replaced by a Pavilion, the Dining Hall is now a dance studio, the Coop was condemned and is now just storage, There is a roof over the grove stage, pigs are gone, South Seniors bunks are now staff housing. What perhaps is more striking are all the new buildings: New Dining Hall and Art Building, near the garden, across from the tennis court; a sculpture has been built between the Office and Tennis courts, there are Adirondack chairs which are additions to picnic tables outside for gathering spots, there are 2 new bunks built between the pool and old coop so that viewshed is gone. And there are alot more campers here. Probably a couple hundred!
And now onto the camp itself - the kids are great. They seem a little different than we were - and this is probably just a reflection of a generational change. The girls dress...ummmm...provocatively. I recall us in t shirts and shorts. The kids look so young. And actually, the counselors look young too! I guess that officially makes me an oldie, when 90% of the counselors are 10 years younger than myself. But as I said earlier, the Appel Farm spirit is alive and well. Everyone has been so welcoming. I am always invited to people's tables to share meals, to go to various events with them etc. The kids knew about my existance before my arrival and literally were jumping up and down when I was introduced at breakfast this morning as the guest architect. They are just so enthusiastic and talented. Very unlike the apathy I typically see in kids these days.
As for my personal experience, I feel so very lucky to have been invited back. Its nice to be able to enjoy this place again, at a different point in my life, with different experiences and perspectives. It feels like home to me.
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