Who's Going July 29th to Aug 3 Mooseburger Camp

[Pickles]

Well, Husband reacted more positively than I anticipated when I presented the possibility of attending Moose Camp this summer. Thinking it was a one-day conference, he said, "Sure, go for it." When I told him it was a week-long event, he suggested that I commute (although gas would probably cost as much as the extra money for lodging.) I'm hopeful I will be able to go. I noticed they cap enrollment at 82 students. Any idea if they usually reach that?

[tim]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Well, Husband reacted more positively than I anticipated when I presented the possibility of attending Moose Camp this summer. Thinking it was a one-day conference, he said, "Sure, go for it." When I told him it was a week-long event, he suggested that I commute (although gas would probably cost as much as the extra money for lodging.) I'm hopeful I will be able to go. I noticed they cap enrollment at 82 students. Any idea if they usually reach that?

I hear that they are closing in fast, but there is absolutely still room.

Definitely DON'T commute. A big part of the experience is staying there and hanging out with the other clowns, learning stuff, making friends in the unexpected times. Besides, the schedule is quite full. You'd have to miss some big stuff early mornings or evenings if you drove. Besides, traffic around the Twin Cities is hell to get through.

[Pickles]

Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't attempt a camp commute. If I go, I want to be in "clown mode" the whole week. That would be impossible if I were to go home every night and face mountains of dirty clothes, naughty children, etc.

Do a lot of clowns go to camp not knowing anybody? I have this fear that I'd be a loner/outsider the whole week.

Also, how does it differ from Mooseburger's shorter events? I did her Clown Adventure in Vegas a few years ago, and, although fun, I wouldn't say it changed my life.

Everyone who has done Mooseburger says you leave more confident in your clowning. Admittedly, I have this phobia of clowning in front of clowns I don't know. I tend to get intimidated by them and, when I go to conferences, I hardly ever compete (intimidation factor again). The one time I did compete, it kind of freaked me out a little.

[tim]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Do a lot of clowns go to camp not knowing anybody? I have this fear that I'd be a loner/outsider the whole week.

Yes, absolutely. You have nothing to worry about there. In fact, for many it is the first time they will ever be in greasepaint and costume. Absolute beginners. Indeed, I would say that most of the clowns at Mooseburger are there for the first time and likely don't know many (if any) of the other attendees when the week begins. But you make friends fast.

Also, how does it differ from Mooseburger's shorter events? I did her Clown Adventure in Vegas a few years ago, and, although fun, I wouldn't say it changed my life.

I think that the key to the camp is the cameraderie built in an almost retreat like setting. You're literally off in the country away from it all with nothing else to focus on but clowning for a week. So there is a lot of focus and intensity. Plus the "course" which one takes on a daily basis provides some sense of purpose which helps one to grow, especially, in a particular area. But, generally, I think that it is just a lot of fun. You meet people from all kind of different background and area of interest. You learn things you may not have expected. And you're all in it together. I dare say that there is something special on an intensely human level happening there. Call it almost spiritual, in some sense, if you like.

Will the experience be "life changing" for you and your clown? That I can't predict. Everyone will get something different and individual out of the camp. But I do think that what Moosecamp offers is something like nothing else.

Everyone who has done Mooseburger says you leave more confident in your clowning. Admittedly, I have this phobia of clowning in front of clowns I don't know. I tend to get intimidated by them and, when I go to conferences, I hardly ever compete (intimidation factor again). The one time I did compete, it kind of freaked me out a little.

I'd agree with the confidence factor. They want you to get comfortable and feel able with yourself and your clown. You may be challenged to do something more than before, but it is in an environment where you will be supported rather than having to worry about getting torn to shreds. Again, the general feeling is one of, "We're all in this together."

[smirky]

I will be going as well as my wife.She has not got a clown name as of yet.It may be "Rosebud".She wants to learn how to face paint and to help me.
SMIRKY

[Kwayzee the Clown]

Well, count one more forum member signed up. Did it today(same day my yak hair silly boy wig shows up. Coincidence????!!!) Smirky: my main interest was face painting before I got into being a clown. We will have to meet up. Heck, if you weren't married we could be roomies. By the way if there is any body looking for a non-snorer to bunk with let me know. I can hardly wait!!!

[Fitzwilly]

Alright! This is going to be fantastic! Welcome aboard Kwayzee. I'm glad your wife is going as well Smirky. I look forward to talking with you about your mission work.

[Fitzwilly]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't attempt a camp commute. If I go, I want to be in "clown mode" the whole week. That would be impossible if I were to go home every night and face mountains of dirty clothes, naughty children, etc.

Do a lot of clowns go to camp not knowing anybody? I have this fear that I'd be a loner/outsider the whole week.

Also, how does it differ from Mooseburger's shorter events? I did her Clown Adventure in Vegas a few years ago, and, although fun, I wouldn't say it changed my life.

Everyone who has done Mooseburger says you leave more confident in your clowning. Admittedly, I have this phobia of clowning in front of clowns I don't know. I tend to get intimidated by them and, when I go to conferences, I hardly ever compete (intimidation factor again). The one time I did compete, it kind of freaked me out a little.

Very few of the clowns at camp know each other before camp but create some great friendships at camp.

What year were you at GCA Pickles? I was there in 2003 and 2005. While GCA was fun it can not compare to the real Moosecamp. Camp is more intense, more concentrated, more potent.

At Camp there is no itimidation factor because everyone is learning together. There is not the competition attitude that you find at some conventions.

[in Harmony with Jesus]

I WANNA GO.....

Dear Lord, Forgive me for this spirit of jealousy that has overtaken me with this discussion of camps. Help me to be happy for those that can attend & not jealous of them. And Lord, if it be Your will, make a way for me to be able to attend next year. Amen.

OK... now that I've repented & I'm in a good frame of mind again

WOW I wish I could go. It sounds like so much fun! Go, learn all you can, then come back & share with those less fortunate.

[Kiddy Clown]

All i know is that im going to clown school in the summer. Sorry!!