Today was visiting day at Camp Kweebec.

As the sun rose over the hills ( now brown from the heat) the children were getting ready for their parents, as it was the first time in five weeks that they were able to see their parents for the first time

Can you believe these seven year old children have not seen their parents for five whole weeks? I think its crazy.

Anyway, after a very rushed breakfast we all headed back to the bunks to CLEAN. We had already cleaned for hours the day before, however, it seems that on visiting day, the rooms had to be spotless. I'm not even kidding.

Towels and T-Shirts had to be folded three times only with the fold facing out. Tops MUST be on the top draw followed by Pants and then undies. Laundry bags MUST NOT be seen and thus were hidden in the showers. Any toliets that weren't up to scratch in terms of cleanliness had an 'out of order' sign posted on it.

It seems like we had walked into a completely different camp where the kids sat on super straight beds all day. I think that these same kids were rolling in the mud and swimming in a fish infested pool two days ago seems impossible!

After a lot of cleaning the kids, all a bundle of nerves sat on the porch waiting for their parents!

HOLD THIS STORY FOR A MOMENT - interesting fact, did you know that summer camp in general was a jewish tradition? Many private camps that are quite old like Camp Kweebec are jewish for this reason. Cool ay?

OK, back to the story. In terms of traditions, visiting day is also one of these. It includes the parents not being able to see their children until right on the dot at 12 PM. There is even staff standing at the line where the parents are with a stop watch when he dropped his hand the parents literally ran towards their children. It was so fantastic to see the happy faces and smiles ( it actually almost made me cry!)

After this we were introduced to some of the parents and they all dispersed very quickly to have picnic lunches with their families. Best friends, Gradparents, sisters and brothers, uncles and aunts, cousins and even pets were present and over all 2500 people arrived to see their love ones!

The camp came alive, it reminded me of a very large school fete. We were given free cake and icecream, free t-shirts and a live band was playing at the pool. I had made a video for the parents to watch in the art room which went down a treat! I basically spent the day immersed in watching everyone with their loved ones ( and eating a heap of food!)

It was so fun, but it really made me miss home ( yes, even you mum and dad)

I can't wait to be able to start travelling!, Im going stir crazy in the place! - But of course am still enjoying myself!

Jos