The final weekend of a term is called a "Campus Weekend." This is a euphemism for no off-campus overnights; all boarders are here. The idea is that students should be engaged in exam preparation. The good news is that we offer a bunch of fun diversions and entertainments to offset stress.
When I say "we," I mean the Student Activities Office with significant volunteer support from PAPA, the Proctor Academy Parent Association. PAPA is a terrific organization, because all it does is help. And here's the amazing part: it is somewhat decentralized, so that no one person really knows of all the volunteer efforts that enrich the lives and fill the tummies of students in dorms through the Adopt-a-Dorm Program. Below, volunteers staff the grills at Saturday afternoon's Spring Fling.
The Spring Fling was the latest manifestation of the "Brain Breaks" that PAPA initiated about ten years ago in preparation for finals. It was a kind of medieval fair and '60s rockfest and lawn party, with dart games, Frisbees, music, bubbles, tie-dying and croquet. Croquet is all about rules interpretation.
Student Activities rented a couple of those immense inflatable games. One was an obstacle course for two persons; the other, this pole-boxing contest.
Here are some kids getting started with tie-dying.
The frigid water in the dunking booth made that event popular, as three of four students and Josh Norris made the sacrifice (on a cool afternoon.) This is Josh taking a plunge at the hands of his son, Elliot (not pictured) whom I believe is three.....
A huge, pleasant surprise was the talent of
Hilby, a self-described "skinny German" who takes street theater, juggling and comedy to a new level.
I confess to having been a little skeptical about a juggler succeeding with a teenage crowd, but this guy is so genuinely smart, witty and hilarious--never stopping when something unexpected happens--that a big audience roared with laughter again and again. My face hurt.
The best tribute I can give him is to post the faces of his audience:
If you look closely at Sarah's and Robert's hands, you know that they have some new T-shirts in their futures....
