And the Tony Award goes to…

Well, if we were on the voting committee we would of course nominate ourselves with an award in the category of Most Original Camper Variety Show of the summer season. The sheer joy of it!!

Last Saturday night the whole camp gathered in our Lodge where the stage was set with a starry night, birch log and blazing campfire backdrop (created with the help of fan and colored tissue paper). Our Emcees from the Super Senior group introduced a variety of talented acts, dressed in an insane number of eye-popping costume changes which just made everybody smile from the get go. Shout out to Mark E., Jack B., Alex P., and Courtney A. for keeping things moving along. The zaniness right from the start meant there was no denying this was a camp show by camp kids, for camp kids, and proved to be one of the most entertaining evenings of the summer. No intermission was necessary as the show was tight and terrific.

Renee M. performed an original Birchmont re-mix of pop song “Tic-Toc” that was completely clever and perfectly sung. Of course Renee was the winner of last year’s nationwide contest of Campers Got Talent, a novel and fun idea executed by the staffers of a popular camping industry photo outfit. So Renee kicked off the night with a true highlight of what was to come.

The 3 siblings Raquel, Dan and Isabella also gave a stand out performance with an incredible hip hop dance number that brought everyone to their feet. Our youngest girls delivered an adorable, well executed dance routine of “Time of Our Lives (At Camp)”, followed by a great piano and song performance by Genevieve F. with Billy Joel’s ” I’m Movin’ Out”.

There were some lovely solos sung by Jamie M., and Samantha B. and some dynamic duets delivered beautiful by Chloe S. and Jane A., and Antalya L. on piano and Marina S. who sang like a bird.

Kayla M. performed with Steve F. to the most interesting mix of “See You Again” which was one of the most original acts in the show.

We had a classical piano performance which was flawlessly played by Magnolia F., the song Arabesque was probably a familiar melody to many, but new for those who have not heard much classical music, respect was paid. Pioneer girls, Riley McK., and Rose K. gave us a well choreographed athletic dance number to “Rather Be”, and camper Davis L. showed us how it’s done in Florida with an incredible energetic hip hop solo which again brought campers to their feet cheering. Our super senior girls performed a moving rendition of “Ill Always Remember You” with so many pretty voices in tune, it was just “pitch perfect”.

The guitar performance, (and there must be a guitar instrumental in any decent camp show) by Eli G. was a knock-out. Eli’s playing and singing of “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz became a joyous, spontaneous sing-along for the whole camp audience.

“I guess what I be saying is there ain’t no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the season
It’s what we aim to do, our names are our virtue…
Open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn your free
Look into your heart and you’ll find that the sky is yours
So please don’t hesitate, no need to complicate,
Our time is short, this is our fate
I’m yours”

Perfectly fitting lyrics for our summer of fun!

We thank our music and arts and craft staff for the help with show direction and set /costume design Steve V., Cherry Y., Yasmine F., Lu G., and Francesca A.