A stillness settles on the water, the only vibrations are the domino effect of echoes that beat from striking the canoe, louder and louder and then faster and faster. The echoes call for the moon that has finally peaked through the lilac sky only as a sliver. Whispers are scattered in the sea of campers and staff, all are curious to see the tee-pee style pile of wood light before them, hoping to see the flames dance on one another, the embers floating into the air like angels. It takes more than one individual to light the fire, the ceremony requires a total of six people to symbolize the six pillars Camp Starlight rests on. These six pillars must join together to bring the campfire and traditions of Camp Starlight to life. Before the fire is ignited, the now indigo sky casts a dark shadow over all of the campers but once the smoke rises, the fire roars and the light reflects off every Junior, Inter, Plebe, Deb, Senior and counselor–the fire glowing brightest in their eyes.
All the divisions lead girls camp with a song or cheer, allowing the Upper Senior to go last and share a personal song that symbolizes their past seven summers at Camp Starlight. Each girl in this division stands up, states their name and why they are ecstatic to experience one last summer with their life long friends. Their nostalgia floods the camp with old memories when girls explain they are eager to relive the traditions of camp one last time or look forward to becoming the role model they have always looked up to at camp. Vibrant shades of orange and gold illuminate the camp and now bond everybody into one powerful force by the light and activities of the campfire. The smoke of the campfire floats through the air and coats the entire camp. The lake in front carries the echoes of songs and tradition across the water, no element of nature goes untouched by the spirit of the girls side campfire.
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