from PJ of 1995-1999

I was a camper at Camp Hilaka from 1991 to 1994, a CIT in 1995, a Junior Counselor in 1996, and a Riding Instructor in 1998 and 1999. My camp name was PJ.

My favorite camp memory as a camper was the hike from Windy Hill (where they stuck us "Horse Sense" girls) to the dining hall. We had to go down the gas cut, across a little stream, and through some beautiful woods. I saw my first banana slug on a tree in those woods - I put my hand on it, and I remember it was really weird.

My favorite memory as a counselor was when a TV news show came to the camp and did a morning spot with us all in the background. The campers were all out at the dining hall singing songs and playing games. The news folks did interviews with campers and counselors. The riding staff got to pick their favorite horses and ride up to the dining hall. It was so odd to be taking the horses around that part of the camp, but it made us feel important :) I ended up taking a horse that had chronic gas attacks. I think she farted when we walked by the news camera!

My favorite camp song has ALWAYS been "Banana Slug". I still know the words (10 years later), and like to entertain my husband with them. Really, he just loves it when I sing camp songs real loud in the car.

Oh, another favorite memory - when I was a CIT, I helped Jelly Bean (another CIT) "bagel" the boy's tent. We also put Saran wrap around their beds, and tied them together.