Unify.

There's another Chelsea (a counselor) here at camp, and we work our names like nobody's business. It's become a fun joke-relationship and everytime we see each other, we yell out each other's name. Her birthday is also a few weeks before mine. And according to a name meaning thing I got when I was younger, the Chelsea traits are artistic, beautiful smile, quiet and reflective, and warm and welcoming. I know she has them, so since we're "twins," I must have them, too, by default! :D

Me: "Yeah, Miss S said that I'm THE Chelsea, and she's just Chelsea."
Other Chelsea: "I can't believe you just said that, Chelsea. Talking about me behind my back. That's just cruel."
Me: "Come on, Chelsea, we are ports of ships. We have to bring the ships together. We can't be against each other."
[insert more banter]

[insert more questions to find similarities]

Me: "Are you an introvert? Were you a quiet child?"
OC: "I am. And yes and no."
Me: "No way. Me too."
OC: "We are the same being in two different bodies."
[etc]

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Yesterday was the first time I was personally confronted with gossip and that some were not happy with my decision to involve people beyond residential staff in a talent show idea. At first, I was very disappointed even though I knew it was inevitable to not avoid gossip at a residential camp. Next, I felt like I was being pulled different ways: "Should I change it all? What should I say?" Finally, my integrity beat me over the head, and for the first time since I could remember (I try to avoid these situations like the plague; I don't like choosing sides), I chose not to side with the majority. As much as I love this camp (which is apparent since this is my 4th year here), I can't stand how this camp divides itself into categories. We segregate according to staff position and create these exclusive cliques. Instructors are on the leprous fringe, and the titles of housemaster and counselor are insinuated to be elite. I want unity. There is no reason why we should be separated for activities. We are ALL for the same goal: providing a good camp experience for our gifted kids.

We all work for the same children, we see the same children. We all get paid by the same people. We eat meals together. There is no excuse to shun the staff who want to be around the kids on their free, unpaid time. A friend last year at Emory was an Instructor, and he did just that. He crossed over by hanging out with the residential staff. No one had a problem with his involvement in camp-related activities. Why now?

Either way, I said no. I'm sticking to my guns. Let the gossip circulate. People can drop from the show idea if they want. It's made me realize I need to make a more conscious effort to interact with the instructors... In a way, it's good to deal with this. I need these reminders and challenges to tell me to kick me out of my character-laziness. I have felt dormant lately; it feels good to stretch my heart in a different way, even if the initial discomfort is distressful.

Besides, SIG hasn't seen the last of me if unity is a problem for them!! Even though everyone's already seen facets of them, I'm overly obsessed with building community, optimism, and encouraging child-like hearts, too! WATCH OUT!

- Miss Chelsea :)

P.S. Still no sign of Mumford.

P.P.S. For my day off on Saturday night-Sunday night, I think I'm going to hang around here for the first time ever. No road trips this weekend, I don't think. I just want to check out the local spots... it'll be nice. :)