Term 3: Outlaws vs Bandits + The CBS Music Video Awards!

This last week of camp has been packed to the brim with exciting activities.

First, campers engaged in an epic battle between outlaws and bandits for our “Return to the Badlands” theme night – a game that can best be described as a combination of Capture the Flag and a Wild Goose Chase! To begin the evening, our Leadership team “took over” camp and captured full time team members Cate and Jose. Campers were then placed on two teams (Outlaws and Bandits) and sent out on missions to try and earn the most points while attempting to rescue Cate and Jose. Highlights from the side quests included catching a frog, making a half court shot, Supermanning someone around the basketball court, going down a slip and slide, holding a handstand, skipping stones, and jumping into the pool with clothes on. In the end, the Outlaw team earned the most points, winning the evening’s competition.

Every summer, during Term 3 only, we celebrate the CBS Music Video Awards, or MVAs. During their three weeks of summer camp, boys and girls work with their cabinmates and counselors to develop an idea for a music video they will script, direct, and film to be edited by our outstanding camp media team. Campers work together to choose a song, develop a concept and narrative structure, write a script, plan costumes and direction, and even fill out a storyboard sheet to be delivered to the talented camera staff who will be shooting with them. Each cabin has a dedicated shooting time scheduled in the second week of camp during which they film the footage needed for their video. Then, our media team works long hours to edit the footage together, following the instructions and creative vision provided by each cabin. Once all the videos are ready, our full-time staff has a private viewing session where we decide which films should receive accolades for their accomplishments – be that creativity, teamwork, humor, or simply editor’s choice.

After the selections have been made (but before they are revealed!), kids and counselors gather together for our own version of the Oscars – a true red carpet event! Boys and girls don their finest apparel – tuxes, suits, ball gowns, and the like – and are picked up by our special camp bus limo services to be dropped off at our very own CBS red carpet where they sign autographs and are interviewed by our on-the-ground reporters. Then, everyone gathers in the Rio Grande Dining Hall for the main event – the Music Video Awards ceremony! Campers are entertained by our lovely staff hosts as they watch everyone’s video by cabin group. We then announce awards for Best Boys and Girls videos, Funniest Videos, Editor’s Choice, and Best Overall Videos. Kids are often so proud of their accomplishments and will come back the following year determined to deliver yet another hit video – much like how esteemed directors are dedicated to making hit after hit!

This year’s glamorous night started off with VIP door-to-door transportation from campers’ cabins to the Red Carpet. Then, our VIP campers strutted the red carpet as they were bombarded by paparazzi and fans asking for autographs. After enjoying some specialty mocktails, campers enjoyed a lovely buffet dinner before the official ceremonies began. Never does camp feel so cinematic and magical – almost as though you’d expect to see the Hollywood sign cresting over the glow of Lake Ted!

The evening’s MVA winners are pictured below: