Mikki Brisk

 

 

This Rock Camp stuff, I tell you. It’s amazing and I love it. With that in mind, I give you several of my fave moments/experiences from this year’s camp…

 

 

Lunchtime Concerts – Each day at lunch we were treated to live music. On one particular day, “Go Betty Go” performed. By the time I made it downstairs with my lunch, the band was in full-swing. I saw a little nugget of a camper in the hallway and said we should go out and listen to that awesome band. She said, “I don’t mean to brag, but I got one of their t-shirts!” I gave her mad props and we proceeded outside and enjoyed the show. After lunch, we were all walking back into the school and I again saw that camper. I told her I’d seen the t-shirts and that they were awesome. She said – I kid you not – “Well, if you really like it, you can have mine.” Can you believe that? That’s the beauty of Rock Camp. And I’ll think of that kid each time I wear the shirt she gave me. (Just kidding! I didn’t take a child’s t-shirt, y’all.)

 

 

Lunchtime, Period – We eat well at Rock Camp. Super well. There are many reasons for this, but my favorite is Chef Olivia. She somehow manages to work as the Executive Chef at El Cid and feed us each summer. Honestly, I super adore this gal and even if she didn’t give her time to Rock Camp, she’d still be aces with me.

 

 

Our Lone Dude Volunteer, Jeff – Jeff is so cool, y’all. He isn’t phased by the crush of estrogen and he’s there when you need him. This year he showed up with a heat gun for helping the silk-screen paint to dry faster. That was major. And when I saw him taking care of that bidness, I was reminded of a line from the old “Stepford Wives” movie (paraphrased, of course): I just love seeing a man do little domestic chores.

 

 

Volunteer Jam Night – Each Wednesday night of camp, we hold a Volunteer Jam Night. It is more useful than mere fun. It also provides a much-needed mid-week break. It takes a lot of energy to role-model for the campers! Jam Night is our chance to hang out with each other and relax. The music ain’t too shabby, either.

 

 

Massages – That’s right. For the last 2 years, we’ve had volunteer massage therapists come in to tend to our stressed-out muscles. These volunteers do this out of the kindness of their hearts and we mightily appreciate it. I can’t tell you what a difference I felt before I went in for my massage versus after. I was truly a new gal. Serious props to Renee for this year’s gift.

 

 

Pizza – I think this started 5 years ago, at the first L.A. Rock Camp. There was a lot of talk about loving pizza – by the staff and the campers – and then someone showed up at an assembly wearing a Pizza Costume. Well it was just all over from that point on. The kids were making up songs about pizza. The adults were doing the same. And before we knew it, multiple folks were rocking a variety of pizza-themed attire. Each year the pizza celebration gets bigger. And I support that. Just as I support pizza.

 

 

Bea’s Tattoo Shop – When Super Volunteer Patty brought her daughter Bea for visits, we had no idea what was coming. 3-year-old Bea set up a little Tattoo Shop and we were all hooked. Not only was it fun to stop in and rock a Bea-original tat, but it was also amazing to interact with her. That is one seriously cool toddler. She just brought a lovely energy to the joint. And I adored it. What a great kid.

 

 

Carpooling – Each day I got to carpool with a few amazing ladies. Betro, Lauren and Dawn were a delight in the mornings. Starting the day with them was a real boost. And it was good for me to be able to talk to them about the day’s events as we made our way home each evening. It’s one thing to get along with the other Volunteers. It’s another thing entirely to actually like them.

 

 

The Volunteers – I get a little hung up when trying to describe what these women mean to me. They are all strong, soulful, kind, brilliant, amazing gals. To share their company is such a privilege. To have their backs, should they need anything at all, is an honor. Knowing they have mine is enough to bring tears to my eyes. I will never be able to fully explain how much I appreciate the Volunteers. I guess I’ll just have to keep showing up and doing my best to exemplify my appreciation through my actions.

 

 

Random Brilliant Moments – So many tiny moments take place, moments that lead to roars of excitement. Moments that lead to open-mouthed awe. Moments that forever alter a girl’s perspective. Most of Rock Camp is comprised of such moments. And I couldn’t list them all if I tried. But I will share this one with you. On the last morning of camp, I had finished greeting the arriving Campers in the parking lot and was headed up to the school to start the day. As I walked past The Grotto (as I like to call it), the water began trickling away. I stood there for a moment, transfixed by my timing, then proceeded up the stairs. As I placed my foot on the first step to the left of The Grotto, the water stopped moving. It was as if that momentary motion, that flow of life, had been just for me. As I was the only soul around, I suppose it was just for me. Think what you will, but I decided to accept that gift. With an open heart. And really, isn’t that the greatest way to live?