Happy Campers
I never went to camp. Once, I asked my mother to send me to camp and she stared at me intently and asked with a hint of disdain, “Why would you want to go to camp?” I didn’t have an answer and I couldn’t explain then what I know now – I wanted to go simply because no one in our family ever had. But, it was not to be so I have never really understood what camp is all about and certainly have never been well versed in camp-speak. I had never heard of Sunday Whites and knew nothing about pins and lanyards and all that…until we signed Miguel up for camp a few months ago. He left this morning and will be gone for two weeks.
Packing a kid for two weeks at camp is a monumental task and one that I was dreading. Luisa took control of the situation, however. Before I knew it, clothing was labelled, rain gear was laid out and the new flashlight had batteries. She managed to get all 88 items packed neatly into his backpack. How do I know there were 88 items? Well, there was an Excel spreadsheet of course. My friend Kristin told me this story about her cousin’s trip to camp many years ago. He went with a trunk full of clothes and, when he got home, his mother opened it to find it completely empty. He brought nothing home. Miguel is not the most organized person in the world. He doesn’t keep track of his things and always ends up losing stuff. As we thought about Kristin’s cousin, we started wondering how much Miguel will leave behind at camp and it was then that I had a stroke of brilliance! Why should Luisa and I have all the fun? I thought you might all enjoy playing a little game we are going to call ”How Much Stuff Will Miguel Bring Home?” So, here is how it’s going to work. You know that Miguel took 88 items to camp, so, you simply have to guess how many items he will bring home and leave your guess in the comments of this post. When he returns, Luisa and I will take inventory of his stuff and compare it against the original list and the commenter who comes closest will win!
Now, winning often implies a prize. I was trying to think of a prize to give away but you must remember that I am but a poor, D-list blogger. I don’t make any money off of this blog and it does cost money to run (Hi Luisa! Thanks for bankrollin’ me baby! Have I mentioned how hot you look today? Yeah. Well.) So, I was thinking cheap and that is when I started thinking of Carl Kasell. Not that he’s cheap. I mean…he might be but I don’t know that. Anyway, the prize for winners on NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me” is getting Carl Kasell’s voice on your answering machine. I thought “Hey! I could do that!” This was very late last night as I struggled to fall asleep and those late night ideas are so rarely good ones. Anyway, I even thought up a couple of messages:
Hello. You’ve reached the _______________ residence. They are too busy to come to the phone right now and, apparently, too snooty to even record their own voice mail message. They think are so much better than we are. Don’t worry though. I am getting back at them for both of us. I am in their kitchen right now drinking all their beer and eating ice cream out of the carton AND, when I’m done, I am not going to recyle the bottles or wash the spoon. That will really show them. Anyway, leave them a message and they’ll have someone get back to you. Probably not me though. You know…because of the beer and the ice cream.
OR
Hello. Don’t hang up! This really is the ________________ residence. You are probably wondering why some woman who sounds like she’s got a bad helium habit recorded the message on your friends’ voice mail. It’s a long story but – hey! You’ve got some time, right? Well, your friends are blackmailing me and I have to do whatever they tell me to do. Let’s just say that the whole helium thing is the least of my worries. So, here I am…talking to you. It’s awkward, isn’t it? I mean we don’t know each other and I just had to break the news to you that your friends are duplicitous cowards. Damn. That was harsh. What if their parents heard that? Shit. Are you family? Fuck. Just leave a message and pretend that the rest of this never happened.
Yes, these are the things that come to me at night. After an hour of composing voice mail messages, I started thinking about giving away Up Popped A Fox merchandise except that I called it “merch” in my sleepless delirium because I’m a bit more hip when I have insomnia. The trouble is that there is no Up Popped A Fox merchandise…or “merch” for that matter. There will be a prize of some sort but it will be small…like a rock or a Sponge Bob Square Pants golf ball because I have extras. Or, maybe, you will get some dryer lint in the mail. Of course, it would be Official Up Popped A Fox Dryer Lint and would come with a little certificate of authenticity. Anyway…I’m still thinking.
So, place your bets my friends and the results will be revealed when Miguel returns from camp in a couple of weeks! Until then, may your whites stay as bright as Sunday Whites.
*Edited to Add:
| Item | Number | Packed at home |
| Baseball glove | 1 | x |
| Baseball hat | 1 | x |
| Bath towels | 1 | x |
| Beach towel | 1 | x |
| Blue pillow case | 1 | x |
| Blue sheet | 1 | x |
| Books | 2 | x |
| Bug Spray | 1 | x |
| Flashlight | 1 | x |
| Flip flops | 1 pair | x |
| Goggles | 1 | x |
| Hair brush | 1 | x |
| Keen sandals | 1 pair | x |
| Knit hat | 1 | x |
| Long sleeved shirts | 3 | x |
| Pajamas | 1 set | x |
| Pants | 3 | x |
| Pillow | 1 | x |
| Rain Jacket | 1 | x |
| Rain pants | 1 | x |
| Shampoo | 1 | x |
| Shorts | 11 | x |
| Sleeping bag | 1 | x |
| Soap box | 1 | x |
| Socks | 13 | x |
| Sunday Whites | 1 set | x |
| Sunscreen | 1 | x |
| Sweatshirt Jacket | 1 | x |
| Sweatshirts | 2 | x |
| Swimming shorts | 2 | x |
| Tank tops | 2 | x |
| Tennis shoes | 1 pair | x |
| Toothbrush | 1 | x |
| Toothpaste | 1 | x |
| T-shirts | 11 | x |
| Underwear | 13 | x |
Posted: July 27th, 2009 under Uncategorized.
Comments
Comment from Susan
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Yay for camp!! I hope he has a blast! I’m guessing he will come home with 76 things. Do socks count individually or in pairs? I feel guilty saying 76. Maybe I should have more faith in the kid, he seems pretty sharp. ~Susan
Comment from Ali B.
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Dude, he’s going to come home with 97 items. Some (but not all) of the original stuff, a few things that belong to his friends, and many of things he made/found/won there. Unless he had to bring his own soap/toothpaste/tissues/toilet paper. In which case he will come home with the 88 items, just not the SAME 88 items.
Hopefully those items will not include head lice; I understand this can be a problem.
For a prize, I’d like Luisa, because she is an Organized Doer, and I could use one of those in my life.
Comment from Vikki
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Ali – you have to pick ONE guess. Also, do I have to count the lice individually when doing the inventory because that will suck. I’ll check with Luisa about her availability to be the prize.
Comment from Megan B.
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I vote 61.
Comment from Amy
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Can we see the spreadsheet of what he is taking?
Comment from Anthony
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:46 pm
73. Definitely 73.
I never went to camp as a kid either. I spent my summers going to the pool, eating ice cream bars, and watching a LOT of TV.
Comment from Vikki
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:48 pm
So, Amy – you are not making a guess? You used your comment to ask for the spreadsheet? I wouldn’t have predicted that 
Comment from Ali B.
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:55 pm
okay, then: 84.
But what’s with needing 2 tank tops in addition to the 11 t-shirts? Isn’t that really just a style choice?
Comment from Katherine
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I predict Miguel will arrive home with 65 items.
I went to camp twice. The first time was in fifth grade. All 5th graders in my district went to camp for one week. I had a wonderful time and only wore one of the four pairs of shoe my mom packed for me. My suitcase burst open into a puddle when I was carrying it to my cabin.
My next camp experience was with my friend Amy when I was 13. It was through the mormon church. I actually enjoyed it very much and noone tried to convert me. My mom still laughs at how filthy I was when I returned.
I think, based on Miguel’s dress whites, that he will be calling you “mumsy” when he returns home and will only wear Izod polos.
Comment from Vikki
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:58 pm
It’s important that we be accurate in our inventory so we distinguish between tanks and tees. 
Comment from Luisa
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:59 pm
The list is missing a water bottle. We did pack the list as an aid for re-packing but it is unclear whether that will be of any help. The idea was that he would have a t-shirt/tank for each day of camp as there are mud walks and no laundry available.
Comment from Amy Ws Sister
Time July 27, 2009 at 3:04 pm
This is a bit hard — I think it is easy to immediately go to the assumption that there will be many pairs of socks and underwear missing.(or how many socks come back without their companion.) But then I remember other friend’s boys off to camp and found out the boys would need to actually unpack the underwear and change their underwear to lose any underwear – there may be a good chance of him returning with 13 pairs of clean underwear. My guess he comes home with 61 items.
Comment from amy k
Time July 27, 2009 at 3:09 pm
That is funny – Amy asked to see the spreadsheet and that is exactly what I was thinking but I am not that Amy. Ooo eee ooo. (That is creepy music)
I love the idea that Miguel might consult the list to ensure he was repacking all he took. Luisa, you are a hoot!
I vote 70 items. Not including lice.
Comment from Amy
Time July 27, 2009 at 3:17 pm
O.k. I’m a little concerned that I can’t guess b/c I asked a question. But now that I have reread the post I do not seem any such limitation. Thus, my guess: 75. Definitely 75.
Comment from Missy
Time July 27, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Sunday whites?? For a muddy camp?
79 items. I hope this is a fine learning experience for him!
I went to Girl Scout camp just a little too young, I had nightmares about it for years.
Comment from Anthony
Time July 27, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Are we allowed multiple entries? Also, I’m wondering about the guidelines for submitting the same guess. Two of your participants have guessed the same number. Please advise…
Comment from Esther Avery
Time July 27, 2009 at 4:33 pm
All the good numbers are taken. I am going with 80 items. I am manically optimistic.
ps. who’s that charming young lad with Miguel?
Comment from The Lazy Brewer
Time July 27, 2009 at 4:34 pm
91.
Comment from Ali B.
Time July 27, 2009 at 4:59 pm
By the way, I LOVED camp as a kid – it was like KidWorld – an entire world that was ours (meaning: kids’) and ours alone. Some of my greatest kid memories. I predict Miguel loves it, too. Can we also take bets on how he rates it on a scale of 1 to 100?
And if I win both, can I win both Luisa AND you? And then you’ll have to move here. Sorry.
Comment from Stacey
Time July 27, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Love your answering machine messages–brilliant!
I predict 83. I have faith in your child.
Comment from Kelly
Time July 27, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I remember going to camp as a kid and not changing my clothes until the very last morning… and only after my counselor begged me before my parents came to pick me up.
I bet the whites won’t be white anymore.
We say 67 items and like the first voice mail option.
Comment from Deborah
Time July 27, 2009 at 5:31 pm
So, will Miguel have this list with him or flying solo? Does he know of this contest? Factors to consider, you’d agree. I’m sweating trying to get this right. Partially it’s due to the lack of air conditioning, but also because I’m keen to win the voice over answering machine message.
I’m going for 81. Good luck Miguel…and have a great time, ladies!!
Comment from Susan
Time July 27, 2009 at 8:00 pm
This message is from the purple house. Flo says there will either be 76 or 94 things he brings back. And tell him to stop by the house on his way home (wink wink nudge nudge). Kelly says she wants to count all of the trinkets like frogs and rocks that he brings home and therefore she says 77 items. Luca says 2 things. Rocki says 81 (a very good year, editorializes Susan, as thats when I graduated from high school). Susan says 81.5 because something will return but it will be broken or the batteries will be missing. Enjoy your week without any children and your fortnight without the dearest sweetest Miguel in the world. We all want to know if you’re going to spend your time alone in the house naked?
Comment from DMahoney
Time July 27, 2009 at 8:19 pm
hmmm… I went to summer camp for years and can’t for the life of me remember how much stuff I lost. Maybe my OCD didn’t kick in until much later. My guess: 78 items (but not necessarily the same as what he originally had).
Comment from haizey
Time July 27, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Hmmm … did your son have a copy of your spreadsheet?Because if he did I’d be guessing from what you have written about him previously that he would come back with the same number of items, though they may not all have started out as his, he is that persuasive, ha ha.
Comment from kim
Time July 28, 2009 at 4:57 am
i’m going to go with all 88 items + maybe 3 more that aren’t his
Comment from lula
Time July 28, 2009 at 5:36 am
I vote 82 – by the way, what in god’s name are keen sandals? Keen on getting lost?
Comment from Rachel
Time July 28, 2009 at 7:12 am
I have to get in on the guessing game, plus Deborah will be so floored to see that I commented. I’m going with 84 (also my birthday 8/4). Some things will get used up (bug spray, sunscreen) and won’t come home, but he’ll bring home extra stuff as well.
Comment from Deb
Time July 28, 2009 at 7:36 am
I’m guessing 85 items. He will probably only wear 1/2 of what you packed for him and who doesn’t lose socks?
Comment from Vikki
Time July 28, 2009 at 8:52 am
Rachel – I’m floored too…in the best possible way. I feel like a celebrity commented on my blog!
Also, clearly Luisa will have to create a spreadsheet for all the guesses. Lots of guesses and good stories and insightful comments – you are all so awesome!
Comment from AA
Time July 28, 2009 at 9:38 am
Damn, I was out of town and missed out on being sn early commenter. I say 81 of the original items, since he has the spread sheet (assuming that it does not blow away or something).
Do we get to guess an additional number for additional items not on the original list? I say 12. 12 craft, nature, things belonging to someone else or of unknown origin items.
Comment from Marjorie
Time July 28, 2009 at 10:50 am
OK, I’m ready now. I guess: 88 plus that water bottle= 89 ITEMS. He will bring them all home and nothing extra–save for awards that he might win for being awesome at stuff and since I’m not sure what kind of camp awards they may or may not have there, I just can’t figure that part out.
For my prize, I would like an invitation to compete at that slide-climbing game. I think I’d be really good at it, I’ve been practicing, and I really like being the champion of stuff.
Comment from Chris
Time July 28, 2009 at 11:44 am
I’m going to guess he’ll bring back 87 items that he actually took and the thing that will be missing is probably going to be a pair of socks or underwear. Kind of like that time I totally forgot to take underwear to hockey camp (rather inconvenient).
If I win, I want you to cuss like that on my answering machine. That would make my day LOL
Comment from Rachel
Time July 28, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Some celebrity, I didn’t even check to see that my guess was an original. Oh well, I’m just happy to be part of the action. Clearly, your blaaahg is the place to be (shh, don’t tell my sister).
Comment from Amy
Time July 28, 2009 at 6:54 pm
68 – and I want a cell phone voice mail recording if I win – because I am demanding like that.
Comment from angelina
Time July 28, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I’m going with the idea that he’ll bring home more things than he took, and the knowledge that when my brother went to camp all the underwear and most of the changes of clothes were never unpacked (ewwww) and the soap was unused… (I never went to camp, no personal experience to draw on.) So, (times two, carry the one…) my guess is 76. (do the guesses have to be original?) and I do NOT want your dryer lint if i win – we have enough lint here, thanks.
Comment from Bacchus
Time July 29, 2009 at 4:49 am
I vote for 84 items. No reason, just a good number.
It must be a really sweet/sad time to see him growing up so fast?
I was the first in my family to go to camp, even if it was as a teenager to work all summer. I debate whether or not to send Little Man to the camp I worked at. Midwest catholic boys camp for a boy with gay dads… hmmmm maybe not. LOL
Comment from Meredith
Time July 29, 2009 at 8:21 am
I never went to camp, either. My mother was all “hey! how about we send you to sleep away camp!” and I was all “um, no thanks. I’m good here, with no air conditioning and my Charlie’s Angels barbie dolls and roller skates.”
Now that we’ve been looking into sleep away for our kids and I can honestly say I think my mother should have just signed me up and sent me. It looks like such fun!
On to the number: I say Miguel will come back with 72 items.
Comment from leigh
Time July 29, 2009 at 1:00 pm
ok i doidn’t read all of the comments -
do “socks” then count as one and what if he loses one sock?
also
i have a strong feeling that he will bring back other stuff that may not be his…how are we counting that?
Comment from Vikki
Time July 29, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Socks count in pairs, as do shoes. You guess should be for the total number of items that return. We will also log any items that do not belong to him and add that to the count. So, it’s number of items that return without regard to owner. We will, of course, break it out if it turns out to be funny or interesting.
Comment from leigh
Time July 29, 2009 at 2:08 pm
my bet is on 77
Comment from Mo
Time July 30, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I’m going with 86. I’m still trying to figure out how you got all that stuff in one pack!
Comment from Christa
Time July 31, 2009 at 2:52 am
So 88 items with a total of 89 including the water bottle. That does not include items picked up from other campers, nature souvenirs picked up along the way, arts and craft projects made, gifts made to bring home, or awards.
Since Miquel seems to crave order I am going to say he returns with all of the items he left with and add an additional 5 things he may make, trade, earn, etc. That brings my total guess to 94.
If we get to request our winning too I would like one of your voicemail messages with you wife translating it into Portuguese. My family would just die. I love it!
Enjoy your vacation. Hugs.
Comment from Ms. Melom
Time July 31, 2009 at 7:53 am
You sent SHAMPOO!?
Comment from MB
Time July 31, 2009 at 8:31 pm
What are Sunday whites???
I’m going with 79 items on his return trip.
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Time August 4, 2009 at 10:49 am
[...] Happy Campers [...]
Comment from Deborah
Time August 5, 2009 at 1:23 pm
And if he comes back with nits, lice and/or ticks, do we count each critter individually or as a species in our count of items returning that were not originally packed? Or are we sticking with items in the duffle as opposed to attached to his person?
Comment from Vikki
Time August 5, 2009 at 2:33 pm
We will not be counting living things as “possessions”. No. Also, we’ll be sending him back from whence he came if he has lice. Tough love.
Comment from Deborah
Time August 5, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I will not, therefore, revise my number. Tough love would definitely be in order.
Comment from Eliza
Time August 6, 2009 at 10:15 am
After searching for an unused guess, mine is 90 items. But if I’m correct, I’d prefer to donate my gifts to charity.
Comment from Shel
Time July 27, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I predict he will arrive home with 64 items. What am I winning again?