Camp Teen - The Journey
Life on the bus
My name is Rachael and I’m the chaperon who rides the bus to and from Camp Teen Angel. I’ve been volunteering with Angel on My Shoulder for some time now, taking on a variety of roles, but I find that this is a role that I enjoy immensely. The bus ride to and from camp is a little like a roller coaster. The way it begins on that first morning is very different from the way it ends on that last ride home. There are some highs and lows along the way and sometimes a few surprises.
Some of the campers begin their journey to Camp Mani-to-wish (where camp Teen Angel is held) at the Petit Ice Area in Milwaukee, WI. They start the journey with sleep in their eyes and pillows in hand, often saying little until the next pick up. As we continue on our journey, we stop in Oshkosh, Green Bay, and finally, Wausau. Soon lunches are eaten, movies are watched, and the conversation begins. Most of what is said is small talk at this point and much of the real get-to-know-each other time happens once we’re all at camp.
Once we’re at camp, the chattering begins and doesn’t seem to stop until the bus ride home. During that bus ride home, it seems that the first hour or two is spent sleeping, then lots of chatting, and, as we begin our stops, some tearful goodbyes. For some, this will be their last camp and for others, there will be one more. It’s interesting to compare personalities from start of camp to end of camp. Many campers board the bus quiet, almost shy, and leave with lots to say and share. My hope is that campers have fun, find time to relax, and perhaps, come back to volunteer one day.
