Purveyors of Mayhem

July 28, 2025

 

A somewhat dull day, by our standards, brought about much more rain than had been advertised, ended abruptly at dinner when the sponsorship board was populated.

I noted right away that some bizarre offerings were on the agenda, the counselors and campers both ready for some kinetic action. When I then noticed the program gurus chuckling amongst themselves, I knew the evening would be entertaining.

Cricket Home Run Derby, nail painting, dodge ball and short side soccer were first to be announced and certainly got the juices flowing. Then Sam stood up to energetically advertise “Betrayal,” a tag game where every man is for himself. “Check that one out,” I said to myself.

But then out of nowhere appeared my nemesis, Officer Mark Skidd. “I was passing by the camp in my patrol vehicle and noticed some brush work being done, without a permit and involving some endangered species” he announced to everyone, who by this time were staring at me. Gulp!

He pulled out his radar speed detector and urged boys up to the Mem Field backstop to get his measurement on any projectile they wished to toss towards the lacrosse goal. “I’m going there first,” I reckoned.

Skidd, of course, was met with baseballs, lacrosse balls, footballs and soccer balls plus a stare down with me, for amusement purposes.

But it soon became apparent that the main attraction – we call it a “Soak ‘em up” was the Betrayal contest. The game, you see, started on the full field and the kids made “alliances” to start off with, but with each person privately plotting to break the faith when convenient. Boys were eliminated when their hip flag was pulled off. Finally there were just a few contestants left and the playing field was shrunk, resulting in a swift conclusion.

Kudos first to Gabe K. and then other older boys who were happy to let a younger camper be the last man standing on three consecutive rounds of play. First Ben T. and then Ronan D. were a bit flummoxed when I sought them out for congratulations.

Why make such a bit of silliness the main point of this blog? The boys were having some clean, wholesome fun – MIRTH (the prime word) — and this is what our camp is all about. Everybody got along swell and there were no disagreements or shouting matches.

Besides, the purveyors of the mayhem – Nathan, Rob and Mike – were “accessories to the crime” along the sideline. I could not resist hollering in Skidd’s direction, “There they are, Officer, your real criminals,” to take the heat off myself!