Over the years, WriCampia’s famed Newspaper Track has become notorious as the track that has a very low number of campers—typically around ten. This year, however, our numbers skyrocketed to 24, and keeping our large and chaotic crew together were four CITs: Nell, Thúy, Maya, and Maxanne.
Nell, age 18, has been a part of Newspaper for three years. Over that period of time, Nell has written a total of 11 articles, launched the “Wricampia Diaries” section of the newspaper, and created Disabilities, Dietary Restrictions, and Chronic Illnesses (DDC), an affinity group for campers with a variety of health conditions. Nell became the leader of DDC meetings, and now on top of writing fantastic stories for Newspaper, she is training the next person to follow in her footsteps. If you ask anyone, and I mean anyone, who has, knows, or is related to someone who has any of the conditions listed above, they will tell you that Nell is an amazing person. I personally have a younger brother who has an intellectual disability, and while he will never be able to attend WriCampia, it is heartwarming to see a space where people with other disabilities can find a deeper community within WriCampia.
Thúy, age 17, has been around the block a few times herself, completing a total of five years with the Newspaper staff. Over that time, she has amassed an impressive collection of 20 articles. Thúy’s skill for writing articles as a collaboration with others is rare, but over the years Thúy has been able to truly showcase her own unique writing style alongside her ever developing independence. While Thúy is a remarkable writer, the most incredible part about her is actually that whether it is your first time meeting her, or you feel like everyone else is breathing down your neck thanks to a rapidly approaching deadline, she is always a kind person. Her upbeat personality eases the stress out of everyone around her. Thanks to Thúy, no one in Newspaper feels unseen, unheard, or alone. Her optimism, big smile, and brightly dyed hair helps every camper in Newspaper, whether new or old, feel safe.
Maya, age 16, has worked in Newspaper for the past four years, and has contributed 15 articles. She does a lot of behind-the-scenes work for Newspaper, primarily editing dozens of articles and formatting the finalized newspaper, and does not give the exuberant speeches or announcements sometimes given by other CITs. Regardless, Maya is still well known by everyone in the Newspaper track, because her ever-present drive to edit articles is recognized by all. I, for one, have had at least a dozen of my articles edited what feels like at least a hundred times over. The best part is that Maya’s comments are never “delete this” or “this is terrible.” They are instead much kinder and more akin to “this is a good line, let’s see how far we can go with this” or “this does not make as much sense the second read through. If you want I can give you some suggestions on how to fix this.” That is why, despite how frustrating having your work critiqued can be, no one rejects her advice, because not only is it helpful, it is written with only the best of intentions. At first, Maya mostly made shorter stories centered around polls taken from campers, and she built her articles around that, but now, her edits are what people build their polls around.
Maxanne, age 17, is a Newspaper veteran with nine years of experience. She has written a jaw-dropping 22 articles and envisioned, launched, and leads The Daily WriCampian! Her first two pieces were called “WriCampia Legends” and “The Monstrous Mouse Gang,” and were written when she was just nine years old. Looking back on those early articles, it is incredible to see how she has grown as a writer; her first few stories were silly and fun, perfect ways to start off as a reporter, but as she goes on, you can clearly see both her skill and maturity develop. Now, her writing has evolved into professional, camp-centered articles about tense topics such as campers’ perspective on the war between Israel and Palestine or the fear present at camp because of ICE. As her writing has developed, so has the woman behind it. Maxanne went from the youngest writer in the Newsroom to the leader everyone looks to for guidance. Looking back, it is mind boggling to think that I’m now as old as she was when I first met her. I cannot imagine running Newspaper at my age, but she still did.
As I am writing this article, I am currently in Aunt Jean’s, which was the Newsroom for three years. This year, the Jewelry Room is our HQ. It fits more people than Aunt Jean’s, but it does not have the same memories. I guess I am being a little bit melodramatic, but just being in this room again while writing an article is so nostalgic. WriCampia has changed in so many amazing and big ways, especially for Newspaper, but I still miss the old days of not needing nametags to remember everyone’s names. I still miss having only eleven seats and yet not filling all of them up with writers. I still miss that intimate feeling of family. Regardless, the four best CITs have carried Newspaper from one era to the next. I guess I am just nervous to be one of the last two from the old days. I will miss having four sisters at camp to lean on. If I am being honest, sitting in Aunt Jean’s, seeing the CITs that are going to leave, I am about to cry. Thank you Nell. Thank you Thúy. Thank you Maya. Thank you Maxanne. Thank you. I will try to fill your shoes.
