Our Lil' Camper Karson

Karson needs to have a tour shirt (much like concert bands) that lists all the camps she's participated in during the summer.  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of running her here and there and everywhere.  The above pictures are from South Warren High School's girls basketball camp.  I wish I could say that she enjoyed being at basketball camp, but it was fairly discouraging for her this year. For Karson, there are moments when she shines and is an outstanding player that her team can depend on.  And, then, there are those moments where she is highly frustrated with herself and feels defeated.  These moments generally come when she becomes the younger player in her division, essentially, every other year.  At camp this year, she was playing with girls in 5th-7th grades.  The first/second days of camp, she got in the car and told me she was the worst ball handler in her group and was terrible at shooting.  I tried explaining to her that in basketball you don't have to be good at EVERYTHING and can still be a good player.  Karson is excellent at rebounding and stealing, reading passes.  I told her to focus on being the best at those things.  I don't think the pep talk helped to much though. I have a feeling this season of play will be more difficult, keeping my fingers crossed she doesn't get to discouraged.

After basketball camp wrapped up, she began volleyball camp at Western Kentucky University.  Her cousin Elizabeth and friend Kaitlyn also came which made the week more fun.

Skills and drills.

The girls always look forward to the last day when they get their t-shirts and volleyballs.  They also get the autographs of all the players (and photo ops) which is exciting.

Maybe Karson will be a future volleyball Hilltopper?!?!

Karson participated in SKyPAC's summer camp through Missoula Children's Theater last week.  This is the camp I hear about all year long and the one she most looks forward to.

Karson selected "The Frog Prince" camp this year. We have to look at her summer schedule and figure out what week will work best with ALL of her other camp commitments.

The first day of camp is simply a "get to know you" kind of day and is followed with audition.  Karson was  hoping for a lead role this year and got one.  She was selected to be Princess Proper.  She was diligent in studying her lines daily and had them memorized entirely by Wednesday.

This year all the performances took place in the studio theater, and the children had three performances.  The first one took place on Friday night and was almost a sold-out show.  It wasn't sold out in the sense that lots of people purchased tickets.  It was full because every camper got two complimentary tickets and the space is smaller than the main hall.

AND...because one crazy family had all these guests =).

My parents always manage to make their escape before we take a group picture, but they were there as well.  Most of you readers know that I also work at SKyPAC in the ticket office.  We happened to be short staffed last weekend (lot of people out on vacation) when all the performances were going on.  Since we have no shortage of support from our family, I told the other office associate that I would help her out on Saturday and attend Karson's last performance.  Karson had a 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. show.  Matt's parents, Granny, Seth and Ben came to the 1 p.m. show which made me feel better about missing it.  Matt and I got to see the last show at 3 p.m. 

Cast photo call.

Karson got real emotional after the last performance.  She got in the car and almost broke down.  I asked her what was wrong?  She told me that she was sad that she wouldn't see her friends anymore.  It is hard when you spend long days with people and make these friendships and then realize there's a good chance you won't have that connection again.

 

Karson and her fellow princesses, Prim and Peppy.

Elizabeth came to camp this week too which made it even more special.  She was a part of the Knight(s) group.  Based on my experience with Missoula, in every performance there are a group of characters that are the "comical" ones.  Last year, it was the gnomes in "Rumpelstiltskin", and this year it was the Knights in "The Frog Prince".  Elizabeth did a great job in her role.  When Evan came on Friday night, he told Shannon that he wanted to do this camp next summer. Glad they both had fun!

Karson leaves for church camp on Sunday.  She will be going to Taylor Christian Camp for the first time with Greenwood Park Church.  I grew up at this camp and am tickled that Karson will get to have the same experience.  I promise you I will be a basket case next week.  I know Karson can handle being on her own for the week.  Me?  Not so much.  She's my HAPPY CAMPER!