Summer camp for boys and girls

It's taken me some time to write this entry.  How to explain the amazing weekend over the July 4th celebration. To describe what happens when you bring 2000 fun-loving, ever-dancing, costume-changing, big-hugging peeps to a secluded Boy Scouts Campgrounds settled among the rolling hills of Maryland.

Photo by Michelle O'Brien

The summer outdoors kicks off with a wonderful art and music festival at Camp Ramblewood; nestled between farmhouses, children-of-the-corn style fields, and lots and lots o trees.  This was the setting of Brunch #24, and it was on this weekend, that the crew came together to experience radical self-expression, amazing art installations, workshops, and yes, balls-out music. 

Debi Surprize

 And what a dancathon it was! Fourteen close friends in two cabins, with a porch straight out of any horror-film, set the stage for meeting up with more close friends on the dance floor, around the pool, among the tents, the trees, and by the lake. It was a good weekend.

$65 gets you this

But, yes we are here to talk about brunch. So, several of us bought the 65$ weekend plan which includes breakfast and dinner.  We quickly realised that this was probably not the best plan, since it meant waking up in time to eat breakfast or leaving a slamming pool party to enjoy dinner, and ultimately, actually BEING hungry.  Needless to say, the golden band circling our wrists became more of a piece of jewelry than actually partaking in the cafeteria-style blandness being offered.  So, meal plan, GREAT IDEA!

and this

When Sunday finally arrived after two marathon days, the idea of food was not really on my mind, but onward to the brunch/lunch cafeteria, where we were told that it was 12:15, and food ended at 12:00.  Now, I'm sure there were still egg-like scrambled and bread-like bread on tables, but obviously the fifteen minutes were very necessary for the Kitchen to begin preparing for the tacos, nachos and herd food later on.

No worries, we have VENDORS! So, off to the other side of the grounds, where Des and I bellied up to the Burrito Stand, and Mama made me the most delicious black bean burrito with cheese, lettuce, sauce, flat tortilla and tomatoes.  I realised then that I was very hungry, and devoured said burrito very quickly, sitting under a tree overlooking the lake.  Fantastic.  Wish I had a picture to share, however, my hard drive crashed, and so went the only pic of this delightful meal.

After brunch was over, it was back to the pool to listen to Rich Medina throw down some records - not literally - and dance until the sun disappeared, then danced some more until the sun came up. 

And I have to say this, of all my favorite things to do in the Summer,  there is nothing better then being a kid again, if only for a weekend, surrounded by good friends and good beats. 

Photo by Timothy Egan

If there were highlights, it would have to be:
Listening to SEE-I Saturday nite. Nothing like reggae beats to put a smile on this Jamaican girl's face.
Giggling hysterically with Des on Friday nite - by the Pavillion.
Watching Jessica levitate with that magical smile.
Morning porch time with Des, Danielle, and Gunkle.
Black and White nite.
Marques Wyatt - his set was otherworldly.
Watching the clouds with Steveie
All the DJS at the Pavillion Sunday Nite making it impossible for Jessica, Chuki and I to stop dancing.

I just realised that I could go on and on about the weekend, so I'll just end it with the hopes that we can do it all again next year. And we will.

BRUNCH #24 -Maryland

PLACE: Camp Ramblewood

EATS: Vegetable Burritto with black beans, cheese, tomatoes, sauce and lots o everything else.
TRACKS :
OUTSTANDING QUOTES:"I'm fifth element right now." "It goes both ways!"
OUTSTANDING WORD: "Meal Plan." "GFF" Gay Friend Forever, of Girlfriend Forever!