IMAX

Our second most recent field trip was to the Audubon Aquarium of the America's IMAX theatre where we saw Deep Sea narrated by Johnny Depp (or was it Depp Sea narrated by Johnny Deep?). Either way, we ran into our fair share of obstacles. This is typical. In Camp A training, we are told time and again that the most important quality a good counselor can have is to be flexible. That way, when you miss the intended showtime of your field trip's IMAX movie, you can keep the campers entertained by putting your leg behind your head. While we waited for the 11 o'clock show, we sat in the atrium of the building and played games, sang songs and milled about. I took pictures for the Dessertfest slideshow and took photo requests from the campers - Mr. Rocky Road! Take a picture of me! Take a picture of the alligator skeleton!

The movie itself was a trip. It was in 3D so all of us were decked out in our stylish (and circa 1950) special-effect glasses. Our group of 40 took up and entire row of the theater. When the film started, I was reminded why the 3D movie craze hasn't faded away like everyone thought it would. Every image on the screen was (cliche warning) jumping out at the audience. A quick glance down our row confirmed this as 80 small hands reached for the screen to pet or snatch the illusions in front of them.

Lunch was had out at the typical place. Three times now, we have eaten at this park that sits behind the aquarium on the banks of the Mississippi. It is fairly ideal except for the birds. From their behavior, it is clear that we are not the first group of ignorant souls to happily stumble upon this "perfect little picnic spot". I imagine tales of bountiful scrap-feeding have been passed down from generation to generation of seagulls and other opportunistic river birds. Fearlessly, they have dive-bombed us on each of our three field-trip lunch breaks at the park. Why do we keep coming back, you ask? The answer is simple. We have Jack. Jack is six years old. He is also a scarecrow. And a Jedi. And a robot. And a train engineer. Pretty typical stuff for a six year old but Jack is unique because he takes the role to heart and carries out each minute detail of his chosen role. Today, for example, we had four separate lightsaber battles. I digress. On this particular day, Jack stood proudly (and loudly) in defense of our precious lunch break. These birds didn't stand a chance against his pasty outstretched arms and his Cheeto grease covered face. His bravery made our lunch possible, and for that, we salute him.