Chapter Nine
Francesca was having an amazing time at Camp Kikiwaka. She had loved the last two weeks of counselor training, but it was already 1,000 times better now that the kids were finally here. Being the counselor for high school girls was a nice change from her normal of teaching third graders. Adjusting to camp life wasn't that difficult especially when Lou had set up a wonderful daily schedule for the next twelve weeks with the campers.
Each day was jam packed with fun adventures. The only day that the schedule did not apply was on Thursdays when the campers would go on field trips to different exciting locations. Every day would proceed as follows:
7:00 Wake Up
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Activity One
10:00 Activity Two
11:00 Activity Three
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Rest Period
2:00 Activity Four
3:00 Activity Five
4:00 Free Time
5:00 Cabin Time
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Evening Program/Campfire
9:30 Bedtime
Francesca woke up earlier than the morning horn sounded allowing her to get ready for the day doing her skin care and make up before her girls woke up. She was so grateful for the silent alarm on her watch as it allowed the other residents of the cabin to sleep a little longer. Fran decided on a half up half down hairstyle with two small braids tied with red ribbons. Today she had chosen to wear a pair of olive green shorts with her red staff polo and a pair of hiking boots. As she pinned her name badge to her shirt, Fran heard the recorded bugle sounds playing through the camp.
"Rise and Shine girlies" chirped Fran, laughing to herself as the four girls groaned and protested waking up. It had been made crystal clear that her campers were NOT morning people. Avery pulled her covers over her head while Elena pushed her pillow over her ears in an attempt to block out the noise.
"Do we have too?" whined Kim.
"Yup. Up and at 'em all. We have a super exciting day today. We get to hike around Panther Lake today and have our first Sailing lesson" encouraged Fran.
Avery reluctantly crawled out of bed and headed towards the bathroom as the three campers sat up in their beds.
"What does our schedule look like today?" asked Elena as she started to take the braids out of her hair.
"After breakfast we have pottery, followed by sailing, then a trip to the Library loft. After lunch and rest period we have our hike around Panther Lake, we should get back just in time for free time" shared Francesca as she made her bed.
Eve, who had made her bed with strict hospital corners asked, "what about tonight's program? Is it another game like last night?"
"Not tonight," the campers had engaged in a rousing game of flag football the previous night before their campfire. "Tonight is going to be a sing along and dance party"
"Awww yeah! I love our sing-alongs" cheered Kim excitedly, deciding that a dance party was reason enough to begin her day.
Francesca just shook her head and stepped outside onto the porch to wait for the four girls to be ready to head over to breakfast. Looking out over the great lawn, Fran could see her fellow campers stirring and preparing for the day. Zay was spotted carrying two coffee cups back to the Owl cabin, likely for him and Farkle. Hazel could be seen doing yoga on the Weasel cabin porch as loud yells were heard inside her cabin. Taking a seat on the porch swing Francesca basked in the crisp morning air as she waited on her campers.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
Liv Rooney was enjoying her time at Camp Kikiwaka. She was so happy to be back at her old camp as a Counselor in Training, especially since she had been able to convince her boyfriend Holden Dippledorf to join her. It was weird to not be in the same cabin as her twin sister this year, as Maddie was the C.I.T. for Weasel, but Liv was really happy in the bunny cabin. She was thrilled to be with the little girls who were just starting their camp journey. Her counselor Maya was hilarious and a ton of fun, she was so happy to have her at camp this year.
Chloe James was coloring in one of her notebooks as she waited for the other girls to be ready for breakfast. Across the room, Charlie Duncan and Rose Harbenberger were making their beds with Maya's help.
"Liv, will you do my hair, Frannie always helps me?" asked Maria, the youngest camper and the sister of one of the counselors.
"Sure Maria" agreed Liv, gesturing for the little redhead to take a seat on her bed. Using the six year old's hairbrush, Liv carefully parted the girl's hair and put it up into two high pigtails.
Seeing that everyone was finally ready for the day, Maya grabbed the walkie talkies for her and Liv as well as the red medical backpack, before leading the five girls to the dining hall for breakfast.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
Francesca spotted Maria sitting with her fellow bunny campers at a table with the owl cabin boys. Carrying her breakfast tray over to the table, Francesca dropped a kiss on the girl's head.
"Morning Mia"
"Frannie!" cheered Mia, spinning around to give the Fox Cabin counselor a big hug.
"Hi Francesca" greeted Max as the others all waved hi.
"Morning Kiddos. Have anything fun happening today?"
"Zay and Farkle are taking us to the climbing wall today" offered Auggie.
"And Maya promised to help us to make friendship bracelets during arts and crafts" shared Chloe.
"I'm excited for canoeing" said Tobey, his sister Charlie agreed.
"Sounds like you all have a great day ahead of you" grinned Francesca. "I'm going to go have my breakfast, but you all have a great day. Love you nugget"
"Love you more" replied Maria, giving Fran one more hug before returning to her breakfast.
Making her way over to the counselor table, Francesca settled into the spot between Ravi and Lou across from Xander. "Good Morning!"
"Morning" grumbled Ravi into his oatmeal.
"What's up with you?" asked Fran, bumping her shoulder playfully against her best friend.
"Ugh, Jorge and Griff were up all night talking. The high of being back at camp hasn't quite worn off yet"
"Plus Joey and Mick aren't cool with Mrs. Kipling yet… so things have been a little tense" added Xander with a wry grin. "Don't get me wrong, I love Mrs. K, but she is an acquired taste".
"That's fair," shrugged Ravi.
"Speaking of acquired tastes, how are the weasels this year Hazel?" asked Lou.
"We've come to an agreement. Luckily my C.I.T. Maddie isn't a wimp like the one I had last year" shared Hazel. "I had Maddie take them to run laps till they tired out enough to go to bed. Though honestly, I think it is mostly just time mellowing them out".
"As long as I don't have to worry about being kidnapped by Lydia and co then I'm happy" shuddered Lucas.
"Weasel and Eagle Cabin are going on a hike this morning to Moxie Falls" commented P.J. "Are you guys going anywhere cool today?"
"Wolf Cabin is going on a canoe trip this afternoon"
"Lucas, my brother Gabe is going to love that" grinned P.J.
"Yeah, him and Luke seem to be getting along well, they both seem to have a mischievous spirit" smirked the Texan.
"That's certainly one way to describe Luke" snarked Ravi, "Grizzly and Woodchuck have our first soccer match today and Mick is so excited".
The counselors looked over at the C.I.T. table where the teenagers were excitedly chatting. Mick did seem to be in high spirits as he talked with Jackson and Maddie.
"Well it sounds like we all have awesome days planned" grinned Maya. Raising her glass of apple juice she continued, "Here's to another awesome day at Camp Kikiwaka!"