Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday with the same people, we become quite comfortable with each other. At the end of meals, one kid may pick a left over french fry off his friend's plate because none are left at the front or rip a piece of Challah off a larger slice on a neighboring napkin. Back at the cabin, each camper willingly shares or barters his or her candy with bunkmates out of kindness and because there is just so much food. This giving and taking of food is always consensual and all traders appreciate the exchanges.
Yesterday, on Cayuga Day, we ate dinner in a food court at a mall in Syracuse. As we sat around feasting on Wendy's, Subway, and Chinese cuisine, some campers and staff playing games in the nearby arcade, we pictured the dining hall and the thought about the unique etiquette which it demands. Going up to strangers and picking the beef with broccoli from their plates or taking a bite out of their $5 Foot Long would be unacceptable, in addition, cheering about the reasons why one village is superior could get us kicked out.
At camp, we maintain uncommon sense of community where we stay lax and open; meanwhile, in public, the feeling is more stiff and guarded. For this last week, we must enjoy the warm aura, not yet found elsewhere in society, that is apparent throughout camp.
Jake Massa
Programming Activity Counselor
