By Maxanne Wallace-Segall, age 15 and Sophia Hammond, age 13
WriCampia’s Lip Sync Battle, while a new tradition, has quickly become one of the very favorites of campers across all ages. Campers spent all day, from rest hour, to shower hour, to the nooks and crannies of time in between, choreographing, learning, and making costumes for the songs they chose to perform at the evening’s Lip Sync Battle. No other evening activity brings out the same energy, determination, competition, teamwork, excitement, and hard work as the Lip Sync Battle, as is clear to anyone who watches.
In Upper and Senior Camp, bunks performed, danced, and acted intensely emotional songs like “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” from Hamilton: An American Musical and “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, hilarious songs like “I’m Just Ken” from the 2023 Barbie movie and “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, and hyper-energetic songs like “Hot to Go” by Chappell Roan. The judges eventually decided that “Yorktown,” performed by Bunk WBY B, won 29 points, with “The Piña Colada Song” performed by Bunk 3A coming in 2nd at 27 points, and “Hot to Go” performed by Bunk 2A in 3rd, with 25 points. Yorktown featured dramatic acting, each bunk member assigned to a different role, with perfected lip-syncing, and resourceful costumes. The Piña Colada Song featured a well thought-out story, expressive acting, and fun dances. The “Hot to Go” bunk came truly hot to go, prepared with pink cowgirl hats, pink bandanas, and poppy, energetic, choreo. While just shy of the top three, the crowd absolutely loved Bunk 9’s “I’m Just Ken” and its hilarious and dramatic acting, and Bunk WBY A’s perfectly cringey take on Jojo Siwa’s “Karma,” spiky black eye makeup and all.
Middle Camp Bunk 18 also decided to go with “Hot To Go”! While wearing their camp shirts, they performed the “Hot To Go” dance while adding some of their own camper flair! Middle Camp Bunk 36 danced along to the song “Happy,” sung by Pharrell Williams. Their choreography was mostly dance with the occasional flip! They ended up winning the well-deserved Crowd-Pleaser Award. Middle Camp Bunk 16 lip-synced to the opening song of Hamilton while adding their own choreography and acting out the song. They each took a turn lip-syncing different parts and won in the Most Theatrical category.
Lower Camp Bunk 45 danced and lip synced to the Olivia Rodrigo song “Good 4 U.” The crowd loved the song choice, but they ended up winning best choreography. Middle Camp Bunk 15 performed “Hard Knock Life” from the musical Annie. They wore orphan costumes and used cleaning supplies as props. They choreographed the song and acted out the music! In the most unique song category, they won first place. Everyone loved the lip sync battle, and the creativity of the Lower and Middle Campers shone throughout every performance!
The overall quality of the performances, from acting, to energy, to costume, to choreo, have only gotten better since last year, with more energy and more spirit. Campers have already begun discussing their plans for the Lip Sync Battle next year, so we can only keep expecting the absolute most.
