This past week Challenge Aspen hosted the “Magic of Music and Dance Camp.” Let me assure you, it was indeed magical. The week was packed with many activities including white water rafting, swimming, and probably the best and only hoedown I’ve ever been to. In between all of these amazing activities we rehearsed for the musical.
This year’s musical was entitled “Celebrating Us.” The entire musical was based off of campers lives and experiences and this was all set to the tune of the legendary John Denver’s music. There were no set lines for campers to memorize. Each camper wrote their own lines and told their own story. Some of the stories ranged from funny and clever to tear-jerking and heartfelt. I can guarantee that after the final performance there was not a dry eye in the house.
I loved every moment of this camp. It was amazing to see the growth of the musical and participants in just 4 short days. By the time performance day arrived, my buddy for the week, Roger, barely needed my help with cues and lines. It takes a lot of courage to get up and perform in front of a full audience, and all of the participants performed extremely well without any hesitations. The best part about this camp was that every participant was given the space to express themselves however they wanted. That’s the beauty of music and theater. I was able to see shy campers off the stage become superstars on the stage. There’s a reason why this camp is the biggest camp of the summer and people keep coming back year after year to participate and volunteer. The participants and volunteers become family. They don’t just talk once a year at camp, they become involved in each other’s lives and stay in touch throughout the year. The relationships formed and maintained at this camp are incredible. The music brings us all together and the laughter and experiences keep us together. This camp was one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. I have now witnessed pure magic.
Written by, Jenny George, Intern
