I must have been about eleven...

I must have been about eleven,
heart-wise, not more than, even seven,
when I joined -camping [sleep-away]..
still vividly recall that day...

The ad sent home to all the parents,
made it appealing with assurance:
three meals, activities galore,
a river and of course much more...

A nifty place to spend a summer,
a place for kids that's full of wonder!
Of course the ad, had parents -"SOLD!"
Some felt they hit a pot of gold...

Not too expensive - for full summer,
"where kids have fun and can discover"-
was how the advertisement read,
and its deliverance widespread...!

Upon arrival - eyes wide open,
the sense of wonder quickly woken:
new friends, fresh air, arcades and all:
pool, tennis, outside volleyball...

Fun! But not without a discipline,
just like in school, we had a principle,
two counselors to a group of ten,
to watch and sound-off rules again...!

The morning passed with introductions,
another set with new instructions,
now --it's time to see the river-
this is where I start to quiver...

Not too familiar with what's swimming,
decided NOT to go in dipping...
not really making a big deal -
(an eleven-year old appeal)...

"YOU MUST GO IN" - said female counselor,
who looked to me, like a big bouncer*
"don't be a troublemaker - KID,
go in...it's just a little squid..."

Not going in - I softly stated,
not knowing what the outcome fated...
As she approached in all her grace,
to let one rip - across my face...

I stood in shock for quite a while,
then ran and ran...maybe a mile,
and hid behind a hollow tree,
to cry where no one would see me...

Not sure what made me recollect, or
on that camp experience reflect...
It's when I see my children's eyes,
the childhood memories arise...

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*bouncer - a person whose duty is to throw troublemakers out