marimeta

8/03/99


What We Did When The Lights Went Out!


Marimeta has POWER!! Our electricity is now working! Although the electric was down for 48 hours. This adventure started when Brian Crist, the owner of Alexanders Pizza and a Volunteer on the Eagle River Fire Department as well as a good friend of Marimeta, called us 45 minutes before the storm hit our area on Friday night. He had been to the local airport and saw the storm approaching on the radar screen. He called Sandy immediately to alert us to get ready for severe weather. We had a camp meeting and in a very calm manner, the counselors secured the facilities, all children were in safe inside, and extra water buckets were in each bathroom (to flush without power), flashlights and candles were in place... and when the storm came through we were READY! Damage to buildings were minimal and many trees were brought down yet our staff and children were all very safe and secure. We had an emergency program planned as well as an emergency menu was put in place... and we were able to have lots of fun programs and creative eating and drinking for the next 48 hours. By noon on Saturday, we had over 200 gallons of drinking water brought up from Antigo, a town 55 miles south of Eagle River. A hearty Thank You goes out to Nancy and Andy J., parents of camper Molly J., who have a summer home there! They brought up the first 95 gallons (that filled their car) and ordered 100 more which we sent a van to pick up! Another Thank You goes out to Marc S., father of Shaina S., who was in the area on business and came over immediately to help with tree and brush removal after hearing of the storm damage. While we are thanking so many, another parent who lives in the area, Wayne E., father of Erin E. brought over another generator to assist in powering the dining room. We at Marimeta are very lucky to have so many wonderful friends who give so much of themselves!

All campers and counselors worked together in harmony throughout the two days. We had so much fun washing each others hair with buckets of water, carrying buckets to flush the toilets, till the generator could be hooked up to the water pump. Throughout Saturday, we ran normal activities and had a “general waterfront” afternoon. Filled with skiing, tubing, boating, skiing, sailing and windsurfing! The real fun came later in the evening! We played an amazing game from South Africa, called “Stalk the Lantern” which was played in complete darkness, with the exception of three flashlights held by counselors in the middle of the big field. It’s a game where campers try to get to the center by sneaking and slithering without getting in the ray’s of the “lantern”. It’s done in complete silence and the light would flash if a sound was heard. Points were awarded to the respective teams as their campers made it to the center. This game went until nearly 11:00 p.m. , when it was time to go to bed.
Sunday morning was “lazy day” where campers slept late! sweet rolls and cereal were for breakfast and then lunch was a “stuffed potato salad bar”! The afternoon was spent in Red and White Relays. Campers went in team groups to various relay events throughout the camp . Events included Three Legged Relay, Dizzi Izzies, Around the bases, Soccer Dribble, Obstacle course, Basketball Free Throws and of course the legendary “Potato on the Spoon Relay” (has there ever been a camp in history that didn’t play that?).
The power went back on at 5:15 p.m. and believe it or not, the campers were a bit disappointed.! So if you know anyone in need of water, we have gallons! We have not cancelled the plans for the entire camp to have McDonalds... (they would never forgive us), so tonight, Monday with power, Marimeta girls will dine on McDonalds cuisine! Look in our next Marimeta Messages for your campers cabin picture! Those were all taken today, Monday.






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