Daily Writing: Journals

A journal entry is a short burst of writing immediately following an intense activity. Campers practice specific expressive and technical skills as they write in their journal entries. In addition, they learn to recognize which details best communicate their unique views of the world.

Printmaking & Bookmaking

Chandra (Grade 8)

“Ugh!” I can’t get this needle through!” The paper was thick and tough like a big slab of steak. I began to get frustrated, I mean, it was bad enough I could not think of a stitch I wanted to do, now I had to get the stupid needle through the page. As I struggled to stitch, I just let my hand make a pattern of its own. I didn’t have to think about it too much, just like in dance class, I let my mind rest and do some improv. The stitch I used to bind the book was a combination of box and bow. I did not like either or, so I made it up! It came out awesome.

Jo (Grade 7)

My emotion is compression. As I make my print I feel as if the world tries to reduce me to nothingness. As I push a handprint on I push back at the world trying to grow again and trying to fight the world. Red for blood and anger, I become frustrated as the world continues to push and when I push back, it pushes harder, overpowering me. Blue for sadness when there is no one or nothing to help me fight back. Yellow for fear, the worry that the world will win, or just not knowing what will become of me. Lastly, white for cowardly. Sometimes I think of escaping the world and going away. As I print, I think of all these emotions and I put in the movement of my brush. (I observe the brush fly freely and truly on the transparent surface of the plexiglass) My partner and I both work vigorously and diligently. We finish 1 then 2 then 3 in record time as we finish. We finish with much triumph and happiness.

Kevin So’s Folk Music

Stephanie (Grade 6)

The tight strings let out a twangy sound as Kevin’s fingers pluck at them. At the same time he blows into a metal harmonica that lets out higher pitches. The two sounds intertwine into a musical interlude. Solos. Then they go back once more to background music as Kevin’s strong clear voice overpowers them. But they are not just background. They add their own unique sounds to Kevin’s voice and together they twist around the room, filling our ears with music and our minds with ideas. They are no longer 3 separate instruments, guitar, harmonica, voice but instead have combined to make a more complete sound.

Ultimate (Frisbee)

Zechariah (Grade 6)

I was down field, near the end zone. The person I was covering was 3 yards ahead of me and the frisbee, high in the air in front of me. I couldn’t make an interception or press the person I was covering into miscatching the frisbee so I did the only thing I could. I screeched that high-pitched scream. Made the person I covered drop the frisbee. It was a turnover, thanks to me.

Camping

Kate (Grade 8)

Breathing. Rasping gently in and out of nostrils, chests inflating and releasing, inflating and releasing. Sticks poke softly into flesh, hands clasping stomach protecting. Whispers in the dark.

Look up. Straight trunks, pillars yawning into the navy night, each branch spraying into clouds. Souls drifting in the trees speak to you. Hear the life beside you whisper of itself. In your mouth, taste the quiet glory. In your body feel the earth leave her imprint upon your flesh. Let go, let go.

It all drifts up and away, fuel for your anger now fuel for the stars. See how they burn. And now you, so cold I think you are dead.

 

But we stand, and walk away. Breathing softly, good night.

Darren (Grade 8)

One part of nature that I connected with was the water. Just about every path crossed over water. Hearing it rush down the stream is just so peaceful. Never used to complete quietness, I enjoyed the silence. I became upset when no ghost stories were told. Given time to sleep and not rushed awake as every other morning was good. Actually seeing stars. Yesterday and today nature in general I connected with.

It became a problem when everything was nature, seats, cooking foods, washing your hands, and using the bathroom. I would stay with the city anytime for an easier, lazier life. The flies are much less there anyway.