My Camp Staff Awards

A tradition at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp that I enjoyed a great deal was the bestowing of a staff award at the end of a camp season (Boys Camp would run from mid-June to July 15 and Girls Camp would run from mid-July to around August 10th followed by one week of Co-ed Camp). The most memorable awards tended to be associated with a humorous incident that occurred during camp. Adding meaning to the awards was the care, time and attention that was given to making the award. Topping things off was the story behind the award given by a fellow staff member. I still recall my first award, a "gift certificate" for a "G" rated movie. I was given this because of my youthful appearance and the fact that I got into Summerfest for being under the age 12 with staff friends on our day off between camp sessions (We saw America!). Many of the awards I cherish the most were made by "Dirty Harry" who lend his artistic touch and utilize many of his own art supplies in making the awards.