Day 7: Break Day!
Today was a day of transitions at choir camp, as we bid farewell to Ecco and welcomed a new batch of Camp Joyful Voices singers. After a delicious breakfast of ham and eggs, toast, yogurt, and cereal, Eric and Ecco singers led the camp in daily warmups — including a special movement exercise where campers mimed buying groceries and 1980s dance moves to prepare their bodies for a morning of singing. Hugs were had and tears were shed as the departing campers said their goodbyes to new camp friends.
As we boarded luggage onto the bus for Ecco and Joyful Voices session 1, this week’s Joyful Voices campers were met with smiles and waves from a group of counselors on the front lawn. The new arrivals spent the morning playing welcome games and touring the Green Mountain campus with Ms. Anne.
For the remaining Ensemble and Concert Choir campers, this Ecco-Joyful Voices changeover meant “Break Day” — a camp weekend of sorts when singers get to take a break from their normal routines and spend extra time outside enjoying the beautiful Santa Cruz sunshine.
A day off from musicianship class meant campers headed straight from warmups to morning rehearsal. Ensemble singers practiced an assortment of songs they will perform with a visiting Danish choir this coming October. Then, campers gathered in the dining hall for a filling lunch of make-your-own sandwiches, salad, fruit, and onion rings. Many donned nighttime attire in observance of today’s spirit day - Pajama Day!
After lunch, instead of the usual rest period, Ensemble and Concert Choir split up by choir for afternoon activities. Both groups joined Ensemble conductor Eric for an educational nature walk where campers took in local foliage, including the coastal live oak and the laurel bay trees. Back at the dorms, all singers and staff took part in mid-camp COVID-19 rapid testing.
The afternoon was full of a bevy of counselor-led outdoor activities. Camp Director Tate and Counselor Owen led a rousing—and wet—game of water balloon toss. Campers Bebe and Michael kindly stayed after the activity to help counselors clean up stray pieces of leftover balloon plastic.
The pool was especially popular as campers—freed from the typical burden of voice lessons—played games like Marco Polo under the watchful eye of Lifeguard Grace. Counselors Rachel and Talia led poolside henna, while Counselor Ryan and CITs Nheletie, Mimi, and Kailamae welcomed new Joyful Voices singers with chalk drawings and games. Camper Bryan even treated Talia to a new robot monster marker “tattoo”! Counselor Kay also previewed camper sign-ups for tomorrow’s open mic night - stay tuned for videos tomorrow night!
Once showered and ready for the evening, campers gathered for a dinner of spaghetti, grilled kitchen, sauteed vegetables, and watermelon. Many campers ate outside as older Ensemble singers Genevieve, Veda, and Sarah S. led a spontaneous round of the “Pony Game.”
As the sun began to set, Joyful Voices session 2 campers added to the growing “cairn” in the redwood amphitheater, setting intentions for the week ahead. Two new campers bravely shared their goals of overcoming their stage fright — we look forward to supporting them as they settle into camp!
Across campus, Concert Choir and Ensemble campers filled the dining hall for Movie Night, complete with freshly popped movie theater popcorn. The night’s screening, “The Road to El Dorado,” was a hit!
The evening ended the same way for new and old campers alike — lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of nightly counselor vespers. Looking forward to a great second half of camp!