Arrival has been certified!

The SCVi Outdoor Science Camp students have arrived safely and in relatively good shape. The bus trip was uneventful and filled with lively conversation. Nobody got sick and only a few students suffered minor bruises while turning around in the traveling bathroom.

We are pretty certain most of the kids got off the bus and didn't make the return journey to Santa Clarita. The bus driver made a final sweep, but some of our kids are very creative.

The kids met their cabin counselors and began scrubbing the floors, walls, windowsills, doorjambs, and bunkbed frames with tiny toothbrushes. A few of them complained, but after going without food, we are certain they will come around.

Lunch was sloppy joes, vegetable soup, carrot sticks, and bananas. In order to avoid dehydration, the kids are encouraged to drink at least two cups of water before they go get fruit punch. They quickly determined that the "punch" was really watered down and it was just better to drink the water. A few of them complained about the water requirement so we gave them graphic descriptions of the symptoms of dehydration. We made a few up, so go with us on this one if your kids ask. Several continued to complain about the water requirement but a quick look at the medical staff's I.V. fluid supply helped them rethink their opposition.

It soon became FASHION WEEK as the campers were introduced to the oversized, rubberized, and wintersized khaki green all-purpose snow pants. Complaints were vociferous and several of our fashion-forward young trendsetters refused to wear them. Relocating their street clothes helped them to understand the importance of proper camp accessories. It is a win/win situation. They are hydrated and waterproofed.

The camp staff took the kids up to the bathrooms before taking them on a local hike. We naturally followed them in order to take some embarrassing pictures of our campers falling in the snow. All embarrassing pictures will be on sale AFTER camp for an amount that is a bargain at twice the price.

I took a picture of Jack Kirby and told him that his mother bribed me to send her photos of her son. He asked if this was "really true" and wanted to know if his mom had called. I told him no, that I was just kidding him. He asked me if I had a phone and I said that I do - he wants his mother to know that he is having a good time.

Further adventures are ahead. Dinner is bound to be a GAS. High altitude does that to some people.

Kim (SCVi's Mad Blogger)