Fun rest hour card games for 2+ players

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America’s Finest Summer Camps are busy places, so it’s important that campers get a little bit of down time every day to relax with their group. Laidback card games keep everybody smiling even if they don’t necessarily feel like napping. But what can you do if everybody isn’t on board to play Uno for the millionth time?

 

Luckily, there are tons of fun games that can be enjoyed by any number of players using just an ordinary deck of cards. Here are a few of the best that keep up the pace without taking longer than your rest time!

Slapjack

Number of players: 2-5

Concept: A simple, high-energy game that keeps you on your toes!

Gameplay: Play rock-paper-scissors to pick a dealer. The dealer splits the deck between all players, facedown. Don’t look at your cards yet! (It’s okay if everyone doesn’t have the exact same number of cards, so long as it’s approximately even.)

 

Starting with the dealer, take turns flipping over the top card of your pile into a pile in the middle, going around the circle. When a jack appears, whoever is first to slap their hand on top of it gets to add all the cards in the middle to the bottom of their deck. (Some versions have a rule that you can’t slap a jack if it came from your deck.)

 

If anybody runs out of cards they can try to slap the next jack that turns up, but if they miss it, they’re out for good!

 

Whoever ends up with all the cards at the end is the winner. Let’s play again!

Crazy Eights

Number of players: 2-4

Concept: A fast, fun game for small groups. Similar to Uno, with a few twists…

Gameplay: To start, each player gets 7 cards (5 if only two players). Yes, you can look at them!

 

The deck goes face down in the middle. Turn over the top card faceup next to the deck. This will become the “discard” pile. The dealer can go first, and they try to match 1 or more cards in their hand to either the suit or number of the faceup card in the discard pile. (For example, if the card in the discard pile is a three of spades, you could lay down any card that is a spade on top of it, or any card that is a three.) If they can’t match the card, they have to keep drawing cards from the deck until they can. Once they’ve managed to match the card the next player’s turn starts.

 

Eights are wild (that’s why it’s called “Crazy Eights!”), so if you have an eight in your hand you can play it on any card. (Strategy tip: save it for an emergency!)

 

The first player to empty their hand wins.

I Doubt It!

Number of players: 4-5

Concept: A bluffing game that gives you a chance to practice your poker face

Gameplay: Deal out cards to each player one at a time until the deck is empty and everyone has a more or less equal number of cards. Yes, peeking allowed!

 

Before starting, each player should organize the cards in their hand from lowest number to highest. (Ace is 1, Jack 11, queen 12, king 13, as usual.)

 

The object of the game is to get rid of all your cards. The first player puts down an ace in the middle (facedown), and says “ace.” The second player puts down a two on top of it and says “two.” This continues around the circle, starting at ace again once king has been played.

 

The twist is that you have to put down a card, even if you don’t have the number your turn lands on. So you have to be sneaky, put on your poker face and bluff! For example, if it’s your turn and the last card played was seven, you have to put down some other card from you hand, while saying “eight.”

 

At any time the other players can yell “I doubt it!” if they think the player is lying. The player has to turn over their card, and if they were lying, they take all the cards in the middle into their hand. BUT if they were telling the truth, the person who yelled “I doubt it!” has to take them.

 

This game can get pretty heated, and keeping a straight face can be surprisingly hard once the giggles start going around!

 

Whoever runs out of cards in their hand first wins.

52 Pick-Up

Number of players: any

Concept: being a goofball

Gameplay: 52 pick-up may be the fastest game of all. Ask your friends if they want to play a round of 52 Pick-Up, and if they say yes, throw a deck of cards up into the air, making a huge mess! Then say, “okay, now we have to pick them up!” Just be sure not to play this game when your counselor is watching…

Memory

Number of players: 2-10

Concept: A quiet and challenging game that improves camper’s memories… or so we hope

Gameplay: Begin by laying all the cards in the deck face-down, either in a grid pattern or randomly. Draw lots to see who goes first.

 

The first player picks 2 cards at random and turns them over so everyone can see what they are. If the card numbers match (e.g. a pair of twos, a pair of queens, etc.), the player gets to keep them. If the don’t match, they turn them back over and everyone tries to remember what they were; because of course the longer the game is played, the more chance you have to figure out where the matching pairs are! If you have an excellent memory and killer concentration, that is…

 

Players take turns until all the cards have been matched up. Whoever has the highest number of cards at the end wins the round!

Rest hour is for recharging

Here’s hoping these card games help you use your rest time at camp constructively! Master these, and you’re well on your way to becoming a bona fide card shark.

 

…Just remember to pack them up when you’re done, or you’ll definitely lose cards in the cabin clutter. Also be sure to invite other campers to play; the more the merrier! Having a deck of cards on hand makes the time fly — and the activities will be starting again before you know it.

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How the ropes courses at camp helped me conquer my fears!

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High and Low ropes courses are designed to create a very special moment: that split second where you have a choice between doing the thing that’s challenging, and doing the thing that’s easy; and you choose the thing that’s challenging.

Someone watching a ropes course in action might be tempted to think it’s all fun and games — and it’s true that ropes activities are a blast. However, regardless of the skill level of a particular ropes challenge, ropes courses are all about the skill being taught as much as the fun of the challenges themselves.

Challenging fear

Any hard skill like tying a knot or climbing a wall comes with “soft” skills like trust, courage, and determination. One of the main focuses of high ropes activities is dealing with fear. There’s a saying that “the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” For many of the things we’re scared of in life, it’s absolutely true.

The thing is, the difference between understanding that something is possible and stepping up to try it is a huge challenge. Ropes courses are about taking on that challenge, and that’s why they are so central to America’s Finest Summer Camps programs.

If you’ve ever jumped off a zip-line platform, you know what I’m talking about. You understand that it’s safe. But climbing up there and taking that leap is still ridiculously scary.

…But of course you jump, because it’s mind over matter — and you know the ride will be well worth the effort!

Trusting your team

Once a camper has conquered their fears, the next step is learning to trust their peers. Where low ropes courses get really interesting is the teamwork activities. Conquering your fear of heights is one thing, but depending on a friend to help you is a different game altogether.

Once you can believe in your peers enough to let them help you walk across a plank or wire, it’s a simple step to trusting them to help you in less tangible ways in the real world — and to be ready to help others when they need your guidance.

Working together

Last but not least, the most important message of ropes courses is the incredible things you can accomplish by working together.

Low ropes challenges push campers to use their words to communicate their vision for how to succeed in a detailed, practical way. After all, making it across an “acid river” is impossible if you can’t assign leadership and delegate tasks. Conquering the spiders web is out of the question if even one camper is in the dark about the big picture, and that means crystal clear camper communication.

Hey, that sounds just like the skills you need in the real world, doesn’t it? Well, that’s the idea! High and Low ropes courses build skills for both mind and body — and you don’t even notice, since the activities themselves are so exciting.

What did YOU do this summer?

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“Okay, who wants to tell me what they did over the summer?”

A teachers asks a classroom full of nervous students on the first day of school. She hears about trips to the Grand Canyon, a few kids spent a week at the beach, and a lot just respond with “nothing.”

 

But then there is the kid who spent his/her summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps. Their hand shoots up when the teacher asks for volunteers to tell the class about their summer vacation. With confidence, he/she starts talking about how exciting it was to drive though the gorgeous scenery and arrive at one of the most beautiful places they’ve ever seen.

They talk about the clear lakes and the mountains and the acres and acres of grassy play space, sports fields and wooded areas. They describe the excitement of meeting their counselors and bunkmates for the first time, and assure the other kids in the class that being away from home isn’t that bad at all! They’ll make their classmates mouths’ water when describing the countless options of freshly prepared food, from the fresh fruit and salad bar to the pasta bar and “made from scratch” soups made daily. They will explain how they went kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, tried lacrosse, golf and zumba. They will try to explain the feeling they had when they were sitting around the campfire, singing songs and making s’mores, but words won’t do it justice. They’ll offer to teach the class some of the things they learned in comic book illustration class, or mention they will be trying out for the dance team this school year ever since they tried it at camp and fell in love with hip hop dance.

The teacher will look at her watch and realize 10 minutes has gone by and this kid is STILL trying to list everything they accomplished in just a few short weeks. The rest of the class will sit in awe, not wanting to share their summer stories because it doesn’t even come CLOSE to being as cool as a summer spent at America’s Finest Summer Camps. Some of the kids in class will go home and start to research and talk about camp with their parents, and hopefully get to experience all of these exciting opportunities for themselves.

 

Teachers can tell the difference between a kid who stayed home and played video games all summer and a kid who went to camp. The kid who went to America’s Finest Summer Camp just comes back to a new school year a little different. They have high self-esteem, are confident, are willing to try new things, work well in groups, show extraordinary leadership skills, are responsible and respectful and hard working.

 

Every kid wants to be “that kid”; the kid that has hundreds of cool stories and experiences to share with others, who had the chance to try new sports and activities that they may not have had a chance to try had they not gone to camp.

 

When the teacher asked you what you did this summer, did you have a lot to say? If not, consider spending this summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps and go back to school next year as the kid who had the best summer vacation on the planet.

 

Woodworking: it’s back in style!

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Have you been keeping up on Parks & Rec lately? Yeah, so have we. (You have to do something when you’re waiting for summer to start, right?)

 

Here at camp pretty much everything reminds us of camp activities, but apparently we’re not the only ones: and Nick Offermans’ goofy woodworking-obsessed character has gotten us particularly excited to dive into some traditional American crafting in the shops at America’s Finest Summer Camps.

 

“It’s difficult to name a favorite wood. They are all so noble, each with its own special characteristics.”

– Nick Offerman, Parks & Rec

 

Okay, maybe you don’t have to be as serious about woodworking as they are on Parks & Rec, but getting crafty in the shop is definitely a ton of fun.

Traditional skills are hip… and practical

Woodworking is one of those traditional skills that is slowly being lost in much of the country. Trying it out at camp is as much about getting in touch with the history of craftsmanship as it is about learning practical skills that will serve you well next time you need to use a little elbow grease on a home-improvement project.

It’s like the school shop with extra imagination

The best part about woodworking at America’s Finest Summer Camps is that it isn’t “just any” woodworking class. If you think building a chair in the shop at school sounds boring, how about building a rustic necklace, or something you can use in your room — like a laptop tray? Campers have built some pretty crazy stuff in summers past, including:

 

  • Sundials
  • Wall hangings
  • Windmills
  • Creative sculptures
  • Rustic signs

 

…and the list goes on.

 

If you can imagine it, you can build it. Staff specialists work with you to help you learn the tools, and then your creativity gets to run wild making something cool along with the group… or going rogue and making something else entirely.

Woodworking projects are great gifts for family (hint, hint)

If you’re racking your brains trying to think of a good Father’s Day, Mother’s Day or Holiday gift, keep it in mind when you hit the shop next summer. Everyone loves homemade gifts, so a handmade gift from the camp woodworking shop is sure to fit the bill. It’s certainly less boring than socks!

 

Whatever you bring home from the camp woodworking shop, it’s guaranteed to surprise your folks. Camp isn’t just fun — it can also be practical.

 

We can’t wait to build more awesome stuff next summer! See you in the shop!

 

Where I go all summer, and why I look so happy when I come back

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Every summer students all over North America close their school books, say goodbye to homework and board the bus out to summer camp. For a few days, or a few weeks, they stay busy doing activities, exploring nature and making new friends. All that anybody hears from them is the occasional cheery postcard dropped in the mail between activities.

 

Weeks later, they return to their hometowns smiling, suntanned and filled with enthusiasm, leaving everyone that stayed home wondering: what happened out there that was such a blast? Their peers who opt out of summer camp are sure to look up from their phones when everybody gets back to school and ask two questions summer campers know well: “where have you been? And why do you look so happy?”

Challenge by choice helps you believe in yourself

Contrary to popular belief, the real attraction of camp isn’t that it’s easy, or “all fun and games.” The real attraction of summer camp is that it teaches you the rewards that come from meeting challenges head-on. When you realize that challenging things can also be fun, difficulties like homework and making friends at school that used to seem scary and difficult become easy and engaging — because you realize that just like any game, the secret is to enjoy playing, whether or not you win. This is honestly a hugely important life lesson, and one of the main reasons summer campers always seem happy and energetic.

Learning that exercise can be fun

Another reason for all the post-camp smiling that might seem obvious to some: physical activity. Endless scientific studies have shown the negative effects that getting too little physical exercise can have on people, particularly young people who are still growing. So it’s a good thing that summer camp is basically a crash course in exercise, introducing campers to tons of high-energy sports and activities like climbing, canoeing, tennis, and many more.

 

Plus, campers don’t just do activities at camp — they take skills home and pursue their passions independently, whether they decide to become expert climbers, pro basketball players, or follow up on any other activity that might have captured their imagination.

In short: at camp, the endorphins are flowing!

Digital detox works wonders

Technology isn’t all bad, but most parents agree that spending too much time scanning Instagram and “liking” pictures on Facebook can have a negative social effect on kids and teens. After all, can you imagine how different your childhood would be if you hadn’t spent most of it outside, making your own fun with your siblings or friends?

 

In our digital age kids feel a lot of pressure to stay “active” with a wide range of social media activities, and that can become incredibly stressful, not to mention invite bullying. Camp is a chance for campers to cut their ties to internet use, if only for a few days, and to concentrate on the things that make childhood fun. Namely, making new friends, discovering new things, and getting back in touch with nature.

What it all means

Summer camp has a lot of fun-looking activities, yet when people reminisce about summer camp they aren’t usually talking specifically about sailing, or basketball, or ceramics, or campfire challenges. No, they always talk about “the summer camp experience” — that unmistakable mix of nature, friendship and campfires that somehow turns a few days of fun and games into a chance for growth and self-discovery.

 

The thing is, time is fleeting. The stakes only get higher in life, and summer camp is a chance to discover who you are, separate from the day-to-day stresses of school, homework, and whatever else might be keeping a camper busy throughout the year.

 

When you look through photos from time spent at camp, it’s always bittersweet; these are times that go by quickly, and summer camp is a chance to pack all the best parts of childhood into one amazing, crazy week or two.

 

No matter their background, campers will all tell you that camp changed their life.  Campers are introduced to life-long friends, given a chance to practice their real-world social skills, and taught the value of unplugging from the digital world and focusing on being present in the moment.

 

With all that summer camp offers, why wouldn’t you look happy when you come home?

7 reasons summer campers would win “The Hunger Games”

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It’s hard not to imagine yourself in the world of “The Hunger Games” when you watch the film’s star Katniss running through the forest on the big screen, and for summer campers the themes of friendship, family and on-point archery skills ring especially true. Everyone has their own strategy they would use if they were a contestant in “The Hunger Games.” How would summer campers fare? From archery practice to camping skills, here are 6 reasons campers would definitely win:

1. Because they use teamwork

Campers know better than anybody that teamwork increases the odds of winning a game — and guarantees a fair share of fun even if “winning” isn’t in the cards. Being comfortable working on a team and trusting in others to pull their fair share takes guts, whether you’re fighting for your family in the Hunger Games or fighting for an extra marshmallow at a campfire challenge.

2. Because they know how to hit a bullseye

What do medieval knights, futuristic Hunger Game contestants and summer campers all have in common? That’s right — unbeatable archery skills! Katniss might get a run for her money if she participated in a camp archery competition, because let me tell you — some campers are seriously sharp shooters. Knowing how to use a bow and arrow is a rare skill in this day and age, but it’s no mystery to campers.

3. Because they’re resourceful

One of the biggest challenges of The Hunger Games is making do with what you have, and using elbow grease and creativity to solve problems. Campers spend all day practicing these skills and learning to have fun in the great outdoors without high-tech smartphones and game systems. Then when it’s time for theater and skits, campers use their imaginations to bring the adventure to life. Needless to say, being resourceful in the Games would be no problem for campers.

4. Because they know how to camp out

As if being on the run and fighting death-defying odds weren’t enough, the contestants of the Hunger Games also have to survive for days on end in the wilderness — sleeping under the stars, making shelters out of branches, and always planning ahead so they have access to their basic necessities.

 

Luckily there’s no risk of such troubles at summer camp, but campers still get to practice the fun side of wilderness survival skills. From learning to start campfires to exploring the habitats of wildlife in nature, exposure to the skills needed to have a blast in the great outdoors is a huge part of camp life. Regardless of experience, all campers get a chance to experience the life-affirming power of an outdoor camping experience.

 

…And of course, everyone at Camp Starlight knows where the North Star is! So navigation is no problem.

5. Because they know how to be a leader

Leadership is the quality that makes Katniss special in “The Hunger Games,” and it’s also one of the most important qualities taught at summer camp — how to be brave and volunteer when help is needed, and how to take charge when you know that something needs to be done.

6. Because they trust each other

Trust games are a staple of summer camp, and a belief in the power of team building carries summer campers far as they grow up and enter “the real world.” Anybody who’s done a trust fall knows it’s one of the scariest things you can do — and also the most liberating, because once you believe in your peers you can learn to truly believe in yourself. In the world of “The Hunger Games,” Katniss almost lost many times simply by second-guessing her allies, and the fact that trust ultimately brought them together is one of the film’s most inspiring messages.

7. Because they’re loyal to their friends

Last but not least, the biggest and best part of camp life: friendship. It’s friendship that saves Katniss and her friends at the end of the film, and it’s friendship that brings campers back to summer camp, again and again, year after year. Katniss shows that she’s willing to give everything for her friends and family. Campers learn that friendship isn’t just about taking — it’s about giving back, volunteering, and always being ready to help others.

How Camp Helped Me Live A Balanced Life

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rdspsUTMrlXdz4jrAyADor2vbjs_17dBJcY6PO6UCDwBefore I went to camp, if you were to ask the adults in my life to describe me in one word, they would probably say “focused” or “disciplined” or “passionate.” This would be their nice way of saying I focus on one thing and one thing only, my grades. Now of course this makes my parents really happy, and they are proud of all of the A’s I bring home on my report card, and are excited about all of the opportunities I’ll have after high school. But they also realized that something was a little off balance. The time and energy and stress that I put on myself and my rising GPA left little room to enjoy other things typical teenagers should be enjoying, like sports and friends and a book other than a textbook. I was worried when they mentioned a summer camp, and then especially worried when they clarified that it was NOT an academic camp. How am I going to relate to the other kids? I should be using the summer to study quantum physics, not floating around in a canoe! But I packed up my suitcase, said goodbye to my calculators and science magazines, and headed to camp where, my parents hoped, I’d learn to find some balance.

The second day of camp, I found myself balanced. Balanced atop a shaking rope, a hundred feet off the ground, with sweat running down my face. I had been encouraged to try the ropes course, and one shaky foot in front of the other, and with a crowd of pretty much perfect strangers cheering for me, I faced my fear of heights and made it all the way across the challenge course. I was pretty sure this was not what my parents meant by finding balance, but it did give me a rush and helped me face a fear.
As the days flew by, my hours were packed with activities and events that I never would have tried back home. Instead of passing up on social activities to study, I was racing from tennis matches to pottery class and then to the lake for a swim. People were asking ME to be on their team, to hang out with them and to try something new with them. And they were doing it because they liked hanging out with me, not because they wanted to copy my homework or get answers for a test. That was such a great feeling!

I even started to notice this “balance” theme sneak into other areas of my life. For the first few days I only ate food that was familiar to me, but as time went on I started to eat healthier foods, and with the guidance of the counselors, learned to balance the healthy food with the snack food.

At the end of the day, during quiet time in our cabins, I would write down everything I had done that day. I began to see that my likes and interests were broadening, and that each day I was involved in many different areas. I was being creative in the morning, athletic in the mid afternoon, pensive and reflective in the late afternoon (with my quiet time by the lake) as well as social, independent and confident all day long. I began to see how much I was missing at home by focusing all of my time and energy on one thing.

Now, if you ask the adults in my life to describe me, they’ll say “always on the go” or “diverse” or “busy!” And it’s true, camp helped me realize that while grades and education are still at the top of my list, it doesn’t have to be the ONLY thing on my list. I’m thankful for my time at camp, and that it opened up windows for me to live a healthier, more balanced life.

Jody

Going on a Hike… More than Just Good Exercise!

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Screen-Shot-2016-03-30-at-3.49.18-PM-300x198When you hear the words “summer camp,” you probably think of three things right away: campfires, friendship — and nature.

Without any of these essential elements, camp just wouldn’t be the same. Spending much-needed “digital detox” time in the woods is what brings many of us back year after year, so it’s no surprise that hiking in the natural areas around Camp Weequahic is one of the most popular activities each summer!

There’s nothing like fresh mountain air to remind us of the things that matter in life.

The healing power of nature

Hiking is a serious workout, but it isn’t just about “building character.” Life on the trail has many proven emotional and health benefits that make it a wonderful way for campers and counselors alike to pass the afternoon.

For example: did you know the average person only walks half as much as doctors recommend for a healthy lifestyle?

This is particularly unfortunate for kids, many of whom aren’t spending nearly enough time outside. Aside from missing out on the emotional benefits of sunshine and endorphins, it’s no mystery to parents that time spent in front of iPads and Playstations is rarely time well-spent.

Needless to say, everyone gets in plenty of exercise out of an afternoon in the woods!

Connecting with the natural world

But it isn’t the health benefits of hiking that get campers excited about getting out on the trail. Quite the opposite: in the high-energy world of camp sports and games, hiking is a perfect slow-down time.

New friends can use the time to talk and get to know one another, and others can use the time to “zen out” with the forest and enjoy the experience of being out in the wild.

With so many campers coming from urban and suburban areas, time spent hiking around Camp Weequahic may be a first-time experience with the peace and quiet of the woodlands!

The journey is the destination

Like all the activities at summer camp, hiking contains many lessons that strike to the core of what the camp experience is all about.

Most importantly, campers are reminded that the journey is as important as the destination. The summit may be spectacular, but the best part of hiking come from the camaraderie and togetherness of tackling the trail — and the pure value of experiencing the great outdoors.

Life is like a trail, and every journey begins with a single step. Whatever your dream may be, it’s waiting for you at the top of the mountain. The journey may be long… but there’s no reason to make it alone! Stick with your camp friends and you’ll be there before you know it!

夏令营让我的孩子有了改变

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今年我怀着既紧张又激动的心情为儿子Conner报名了全美最优秀的夏令营。Conner的好友曾经有参加夏令营的经历，而且回来后不停地极力赞扬。随后经过诸多调查和讨论，我们决定让Conner也去夏令营体验一个夏天。当送儿子到达营地后看他高兴地跳下车，头也没回就兴奋的直奔营地时，这颗“妈妈心”还是有些颤动，但我们坚信这个决定是正确的。上周夏令营结束，我们接他回家时我才百分之百的确定我们做了最正确的决定。这个面带欢乐笑容跳上后座的孩子与之前有些…不同。

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当时我很难详细的说出有那点不同，但光从他谈论在营地结交的新朋友以及当他说起他们之间的小笑话而兴奋不已时我能看得出他眼中发自内心的激动和兴奋。回到家后我们注意到他最大的一点改变就是他变得更加懂事了。不用我问孩子就会自己主动铺床、饭后将自己的饭碗放到水池、主动提出帮忙提杂物甚至在路过厨房时会主动询问我们是否需要些什么。我们发现从营地回来后的他变得更加体贴细心。这并不是从前的他不懂事，而是我看到他愿意帮助别人以及多为别人着想的意愿变得比以前更加强烈。随着日子一天天过去，我非常开心的看到他很享受地与新朋友发邮件、聊天、视频等。夏令营之前的他还有些内向，现在的他变得爱说话并且更加自信。我喜欢看到他与同龄的伙伴们互动、我也喜欢看他认真倾听别人说话并且自信的参与他人交谈。

就在今天，他告诉我他要参加学校足球队的面试，足球是一项夏令营之前他从没接触过的体育运动。他说在营地时他受到鼓励参与足球运动并且每天都与小伙伴们一起踢足球。作为母亲，看到儿子通过夏令营有了积极正面的改变而震惊。我预想得到他会结交一些新朋友、尝试一些新活动、学会独立，但我从没想过通过短短几周的时间能够提升他的社交能力、促进他的性格发展和关系增长以及增强他的自信心。

任何还在迟疑是否让孩子参加夏令营的家长都不用在怀疑，这真的是让孩子得到锻炼的好机会。在这短短的几周里你不仅可以享受一下放松时光，更重要的是你会被孩子通过夏令营所学到的东西和他自身的改变所震惊。

全美最优秀的夏令营让我的孩子变得更好，我们也期待着下次的夏令营能够看到他更大更强的改变！

Friendship at America’s Finest Summer Camps

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Written by Ornella Vecchio

Screen Shot 2015-05-21 at 11.07.22 AMWhen my dad told me about Camp for the first time, it took me a while to understand what he was really talking about. In the ‘70s Italy was a far away place. Colour television was the big technological advance of that year and a weekly direct flight to New York was the latest in terms of traveling in style. Father said I would soon be going to Camp. To learn English, to learn the American way of life. To prepare myself to go to a US university, one day. He also told me that his best friend Si and his wife Shirley – Jeff Moss’s dad and mom!! – would take care of me and help me to get used to Camp. “How lucky is father” I thought “to have a best friend he trusts so much that he sends his daughter all over the ocean to stay with him and his family!” Well, my dad did not go to Camp but he already knew that Camp is the place where you make friends that last a lifetime.

And that was very true. Now that over 40 years have gone by since I first went to Camp. Over there, in that far away place, I made friends that have been close to my heart ever since, even if communication was not what is it today. But thank God we now have Viper and Skype!So, I eventually turned 13 – at that time in Italy your 12th birthday was a sort of rite of passage that took you from childhood to teen age – and the time came to start making preparations for Camp.When the letter from Camp arrived in January, with a list of clothes and things to prepare, mother and I had to ask my English teacher to help us with those funny terms we could not find on our Oxford English Lerner’s Dictionary. I can still remember the big brainstorming mother had with both grandmothers about “shorts”. In the years when Mary Quant’s mini-skirt was still being banned, I was supposed to wear something the Americans called shorts and that were shorter than half my thigh! To my grandma Ester this was totally unacceptable. Let alone that shorts were impossible to find. So, a tailor was summoned and entrusted with the delicate task of making “shorts” that were not “so” short. The result was obviously completely ridiculous and made me look like one of Queen Victoria’s children in her bathing suit. And on top of that, when I finally arrived at Camp, I realized that the fastest and best way to make a pair of shorts, was to cut out the legs from a pair stone washed jeans.

Yeah, of course. But the point was: were could you buy Levi’s jeans in Valenza, Piedmont, in 1974?