Camp Hargis sits on a secluded lake several miles down Highway 280 and away from the bustle of Birmingham. It is the classic summer camp facility with cabins, fields, and a scenic view – the perfect place for 35 Littles to experience new things and enjoy being a kid. Many of our Littles don’t have opportunities to spend time in the country, and it was exciting to see them branching out.
We loaded up the bus early on Monday morning at the BBBS office and made it to camp with just enough time to put our things away, relax, and then head for lunch. Afterwards we put life jackets on and swam in the lake. Some of our Littles were not use to dark water, and they were very cautious. By the end of camp though, they had grown accustomed and loved the sandy bottom and cool water. The more adventurous children swam to the deep part and climbed a large inflatable rock, somersaulting and flipping into the lake below.
Canoeing was a lesson on unity as the children sat three and four per boat and used their paddles to cut through the lake. The thrill and mystery of the water beneath them only produced turtles and small fish, but to some children’s imaginations it held much more. The clear and predictable camp pool offered respite and kept us cool as the sun descended on our first day.
Dinner was followed by a lip synching contest sponsored by our Young Advisory Board. Each YAB member led a team of campers in choreographing and performing such retro hits as “Kung Fu Fighting” and “Ice Ice Baby”. Having spent all day warming up to each other and making friends, the teams were charismatic and funny as they performed for their peers. The children then retired to their beds, drowsy but still excited to be there. They talked and laughed until they finally drifted off to sleep.
It was another beautiful and sunny day at Camp Hargis when we awoke. There was more swimming and canoeing in the lake, and we took periodic breaks of doing crafts and playing board games in the air conditioned lodge to keep everyone healthy. The children, full of energy, then played on the playground and tossed football in the adjacent field. They also learned archery and practiced by shooting a haystack bullseye.
When night fell and the cicadas came out, we hiked a short distance to the fire pit. A couple of CIT’s entertained us with an acoustic guitar and a dramatic monologue as the fire jumped and crackled. Our CEO, Sue Johnson, spoke some inspirational words and challenged all the Littles to graduate high school and to pursue further education. We then found some sticks and roasted marshmallows for smores – another first for many of the children.
The following morning would be our last at Camp Hargis. The children were sad to leave, but happy to be reunited with their families. It had been a long and eventful two days, and they left with new friends and new memories. As the school year starts and students inevitably compare their summers, the Littles of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Camp Hargis 2011 trip will have some stories to tell.
For more information on becoming a mentor, call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (205) 939-5590 or visit www.bbbsbhm.org.
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