The Enchanted Hollow

For some it was their first banquet, but most everyone else this was their favorite night of camp, the night when we celebrate with costumes, dancing and a surprise themed party for the whole camp. It’s the Banquet! All of the 9th grader CAs this session planned the party, choosing the theme on the first day, and then designing all aspects of the event from the costumes, to the food, to the skits and dances, and of course the many decorations. Their goal was to transform the dining hall into something completely unique, an unexpected surprise of colorful and festive painted panels, lighting and table decorations.

The theme for our third session banquet? “Enchanted Hollow,” and it was magical! Stepping through the doors of the dining hall felt like entering a secret woodland glade where fairies live, colors glow, and every leaf and flower sparkled. Twinkling lights, twisty garlands and vines, streamers, and so many fairies made it all come alive.

There were two clans of fairies, the “good fairies” and the “fallen fairies.” They were locked in a struggle over stolen “pixie dust” that could only be settled by a dance-off between the two clans. Along with a regal Queen Fairy and a Woodland Bunny all was resolved with the counselors, dressed as graceful butterflies and fluttering moths, adding charm to the scene. All of these costumes were colorful and unique.

Between the scenes of this tale of fairies in the enchanted hollow, all of the campers celebrated by dancing to high-energy pop songs, laughing and cheering.

In true banquet tradition, the meal was woven into the theme as well. We enjoyed “Tink’s Tots,” “Pixie Berries,” “Dragon Tails,” “Sunshine Salad,” and “Bunny (Rockbrookie) Cookies” for dessert. The silver sugar decorating the Rockbrookies really fit the enchanted theme.

This was another banquet where every painted panel, costume, and skit was a product of hard work and close collaboration by the CA campers and their counselors. It’s remarkable to see how much detail the girls can fit into every surface and moment during the party. Their shared focus and creativity really brought the banquet to life, making it a special experience.

The night ended, as it always does, with the CAs singing to their counselors and receiving songs in return… a Rockbrook tradition that is both joyful and bittersweet. After all the dancing, the laughter, and the celebrating, this was an unforgettable enchanted night. Thank you CAs!