Camper Danielle Smith celebrates her birthday on the first day of MIPA camp.
With two snaps and a wish, MIPA’s Summer Workshop opens once again, but this time on a frightful note. A fear of any good journalist is that of wasted potential. But the theme this year is ‘fearless,’ and tonight’s commencement introduced every participant to the opportunity to crush that fear.
Every good experience begins with laying solid groundwork. Directors Sara-Beth Badalamente and Jeremy Steele began the meeting by pointing out important people to know here at camp, including Assistant Directors Christina Hammit and Logan Smith, staff, session instructors, ambassadors, and Upstart Fellows. They then gave shout-outs to those who make camp what it is: the campers. This year at MIPA, we have 61 schools represented, with the farthest camper hailing from DC.
Campers were then given extensive safety information including how to contact the MIPA office (517-258-0551), curfew information and information on how the recent air quality will be affecting camp. Campers were also given information on how they will be directed to classes tomorrow morning. Ambassadors will be using a “train system” in which they will meet campers outside of Snyder-Phillips at a given time and guide them to their location.
Once split up into their cohorts, campers will be competing in the MIPAlympics, a competition between all the classes here at MIPA. Points earned by participating in activities and completing challenges. This year, there will be individual, daily and class challenges. Points can be redeemed for by filling out a Google Form, and the winning class will receive the renowned MIPA cup.
The meeting ended with six brave campers participating in ‘fearfactor,’ a game in which campers had to stick their hands in mystery boxes while blindfolded and guess what was inside. Four participants guessed correctly, ending the first official night of MIPA on a successful note.