Published in the July 12, 2017 edition
By MICHAEL WEIN
LYNNFIELD — The following is a very detailed look at the first day of Recreation Station, which began on June 26.
4:25 a.m.: Grayson F’s alarm clock goes off but he’s been out of bed for 20 minutes already. It’s the first day of camp. He’s been waiting for this day for the better part of the school year and there’s not a chance that he’ll be late. Basketball is his game and if the other kids on the court think they’re going to dribble past him this year, they’ve got another thing coming.
8:47 a.m.: Luke M. climbs down from his tree house and grabs a homemade granola bar on his way to the car on the first day of camp. His sister is at sleep away camp, so Luke’s looking forward to some freedom this week. Foursquare is where he shines and he hopes to get in a few early rounds before morning meeting.
9:02 a.m.: Luke checks in with Gail and is off to foursquare. It’s still early and the lines are short, so he’s able to try out a few high-risk maneuvers without the fear of a long wait before getting back into the action. He figures by the time the lines are long he’ll be loose and confident.
9:17 a.m.: Camryn C. finishes only one of her egg whites and leaves the other on the plate. There is no problem, as the dog will lick it clean and mom will never know the difference. It’s the first day of camp. Camp started at 9 a.m., but she knows the craft won’t be distributed until 9:45 a.m., so there’s no need to rush this morning.
9:21 a.m.: Grayson is closing in on a triple double and it’s not even morning meeting yet. This is going to be a good day.
9:35 a.m.: “Morning Meeting” yells the staff. Camryn knows as soon as the meeting is over the crafts will come out. What’s it going to be today? A fan? A water bottle holder? A teddy bear? She’s just going to have to wait and see.
9:42 a.m.: Morning meeting is finally over, and it is back to the basketball court for Grayson. If he can just win the first game of the season he’ll be able to bank a little street-cred before the hierarchy for the summer is set up.
10:21 a.m.: Luke has been holding onto two-square for a while now and wonders when Popsicle break is.
10:35 a.m.: “Popiscles” yells the staff. Camryn tucks her Fourth of July Door Hanger neatly into her draw string backpack and joins her group for a Popsicle.
10:35 a.m.: “It’s about time,” says Luke under his breath.
11:09 a.m.: Camryn finishes off her door hanger and starts to wonder what tomorrow’s craft will be. Probably another Fourth of July themed something-or-other. The holiday bins are filling up at home; maybe this afternoon will be a good day to clean out the old.
11:21 a.m.: Grayson converts a three-point play to earn his team a victory. Time for a water break and a team strategy session for tomorrow’s opponent.
11:42 a.m.: “Find your counselor” yells the staff. That went by quick, Camryn thinks as she eats her last handful of Bugles before joining her group for checkout.
11:54 a.m.: Luke’s mom picks him up and he wants to know what’s for lunch. Hopefully mac and cheese.
11:55 a.m.: Grayson checks out with his counselor and hops into the family minivan. The door slides closed and he can finally relax behind the deep window tint feeling accomplished after a trying day on the parquet.
12:02 p.m: Camryn’s babysitter picks her up and is gently reminded that camp ends at noon.
Lynnfield Recreation Station is being held at Lynnfield Middle School this year, taking place June 26 through August 4 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday through Friday. Registration is required.
