The thrills of our adventures
set free at summer camp.
Trail blazing, creek stone hopping,
swim badges to earn, following
clues for scavenger hunts.
Singing all the verses –
99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.
Rolling beads of creek clay.
Sack time, letters from home.
Learning to build a fire with
kindle and branch. Stone Soup,
charred dogs, Smores.
Ritual fireside ghostly tales
to invade our dreams.
Scary night sounds beyond
the tent; wee hours trek to
the outhouse by flashlight.
Waking to dew fresh luminous
air, before the sun arrives.
The seeds and bones of
independence fostered here.

-Sue Neufarth Howard