Introducing...

Perky

Sheesh enough face time for Jules already...

For all you Day Camp counselors out there, you may know this woman as one of the ladies that sits in a chair near the kitchen door during Sunday training laughing and making snarky comments that, if you are lucky enough to be sitting close by to hear, are quite hilarious. You may also know her as one of the ladies that spends most of camp slaving away in the kitchen preparing all the delicious snacks. You may not know that Perky has been at camp for 20 years, and is such a staple to that week and our camp family; we are not sure what we would do without her.

And after 20 years of CR4TS, her reason for returning back each year remains quite simple: “to help make it a great week for the campers and to see the returning staff.” Simple, yes, but the memories embedded in that statement are many and complex. When camp makes a difference, it goes far beneath the surface.

Perky aka Sherry, is “one of the Kitchen Witches (and whatever else I can help with)” at CR4TS Day Camp. Also known as the Pink Ladies, these wonderful women run the kitchen like the pros they are. Perky, along with Sunflower, Scramble and Butterfly create fun snacks and lunches as well as lead the daily crafts. Perky prepares for camp by “spending a few days searching for ideas for fun treats that the kids would enjoy”, and we counselors don’t mind them either. One can never go wrong with graham crackers and marshmallow fluff, or fruit kabobs!

Though the Pink Ladies don’t get to interact as often with campers, and counselors, as much as they would like, they get plenty of opportunities to watch the camp shenanigans from the cabin porch, like the marshmallow fight, which Perky enjoys watching “because everyone has a great time.”  She also mentioned that her favorite camp memories are the moments she does get to interact with the campers, and then seeing them return as counselors years later. She enjoys all the costume days and particularly likes the Peanut Butter and Jelly song.

As CR4TS 2012 nears, Perky is excited to “see how the new staff members are changed by their week at camp. I always enjoy when we sit around the circle at the end of camp and share favorite moments.” Perky, I couldn’t agree more.

As the interview dwindled down, Perky had a few last words to share: 

“I really feel honored to have been a part of this Camp for so long. Working in the kitchen means that I don’t get to know as many campers as I did when I was a Unit Leader and Crafts Director, but I do get to know the Staff better.  Everyone is caring, compassionate and fun.  It is wonderful that so many people volunteer their time for this cause as well as for the kids and their parents.”

Ladies and Gents, Camp Makes a Difference.