"A Letter from the Planning Committee of Camp Sacred Grove’s Annual Summer Slumber Party" by Joshua Ginsberg

A Letter from the Planning Committee of Camp Sacred Grove’s Annual Summer Slumber Party

by Joshua Ginsberg

Dear fellow planning committee members,

I am so pleased that we’re able to once again host our annual overnight stay at the camp. As you know, we had to postpone last year’s event so that local law enforcement could dredge the lake following the unfortunate incident that we won’t discuss further here. Going forward, we’re expecting a big turnout this year, so I thought I’d just go over a few things with you all to make sure that we have a fun and safe event.

In terms of the schedule, on Saturday the twelfth (conveniently, the first new moon of summer), cars and busses will arrive with our campers around noon, and at one o’clock we will give guided hikes. Two adults will be assigned for groups of up to two dozen campers, and they will be staggered to leave every half hour until three pm. I’m sure it goes without saying, but let’s all make sure to keep our groups together. We’re doing the hikes during daylight hours so that no one is lured into the darker woods by disembodied voices, which has been a problem in prior years. No one wants to follow a trail of flesh blood, severed digits and entrails again, am I right? And while we’re on the topic of blood, please do use the special bug spray you will be given and make sure that everyone in your group applies it thoroughly (it’s our own blend to which we’ve added verbena, nightshade, wolfsbane and a few other components, just as an added precaution).

Once everyone returns, we’ll have the main event, by which I mean the drawing of stones. Keep in mind, there will be no more than two “winners” of the black mark this year, and absolutely no one is to go near the box until drawing time. Everyone over the age of sixteen is expected to draw and that includes each and every one of you reading this. No exceptions!

Once that’s taken care of, we’ll serve dinner around the campfires. Following this, after the sun has set, we’ll have a night swim followed by ghost stories. 

Those participating in the special, late-night event will leave the camp quietly, so as not to disturb or upset anyone unnecessarily. The winners from earlier in the day will have been administered a little something extra in their punch, which should keep them from making noise and causing a scene.

The next day, we’ll have our picknick and outdoor activities including volleyball, archery, tennis and this year, by popular demand, we’re bringing back lawn darts.

This will be followed by lunch and then our guests will return home.

Just a few final notes on safety.

After much debate, we’ve done away with metal detectors at the entrance this year. I want to be very clear that this is not an invitation to bring your guns, chainsaws, machetes, meat hooks, harpoon guns (yes, I’m looking at you Thomas), or other weapons with you. We will have all that we need, including the ceremonial dagger, here at the campgrounds and only those who are part of the inner circle will have access. 

Do bring your flashlights, extra batteries, and torches.

Do not bring your cell phone (you won’t get any reception anyway – we’ve seen to that). Do not bring your own drugs or alcohol – as we are required to be “pure of blood” prior to the offering. Also, consider binding your ankles in KT tape and wearing your most reliable hiking boots or running shoes (consider Velcro as opposed to laces - we’ve all seen the footage from last year, so let’s be smarter).

Lastly, check the weather before you pack. Due to the campground’s location in the center of a vortex web, we are prone to unexpected storms, waterspouts, hail and the occasional rain of frogs, so dress appropriately. By that I mean heavy, wind and waterproof coverings for your cloaks. The ritual sacrifice and feeding of the ancient oak will go one regardless of weather conditions.

I think that’s all the important stuff. So, check your email for your various assignments prior to arriving, and please join the teams call next Tuesday evening if you can. Let’s have a great summer festival and a ensure a bountiful harvest for the coming year.

Your fearless leader,

Claire Zebra Swann,

Special Events Chairperson and High Priestess of the Grove