Campstock has transformed tremendously in my last 8 years at CSL. I remember Campstock as a mediocre talent show in which acts were prepared minutes before performance and were often lackluster and frankly, very boring.
Tonight, a very different picture of Campstock was painted -- much different than any Campstock I could pinpoint in my time here. Last year, the Campstock program was transformed into a festival-like event, in which both staff and campers rehearsed weeks in advance with the campstock planing committee, perfecting skill, stage presence and confidence. All of the practice was evident as some of the most talented people I have ever seen performed acts that could have easily been for audiences much larger than CSL.
I have always known camp is a talented place, and as a camper, I loved seeing my staff play guitar and sing. Now, as a staff member, II have the privilege of watching my campers come into their own on stage during Campstock as they perform. The expression on the face of a Senecan after she receives applause from an audience is honestly one of the most special things I have ever seen.
The dedication these girls have towards all things camp, and especially Campstock, was evident most tonight.
One of our Senecans had a big birthday today, but ended up having her temperature taken tonight during Campstock. It was then that she received the unfortunate news that she was simply too sick to perform. She was obviously very upset, not because she was sick on her birthday, but because she, along with her bunk, had worked so hard on their dance and she didn't want to let them down.
The passion that camp has driven behind these amazingly talented kids is unmatched anywhere else in the world. I know Campstock is just one example of how CSL not only provides confidence for the campers, but offers them numerous opportunities to express themselves in whichever way they please. I am so proud to be part of a place that tries so incredibly hard to let the campers take control and run camp with their countless talents.
-Ally Roos, S-6 camper
