Summer Camp Chatter: "Bea's Camp Showers"

Summer Camp Chatter: “Bea’s Camp Showers”^©

This is the last bit of advice I will give before Summer Camp! I wanted to discuss how to make a sandwich that is still edible at lunch time, but I know that Ed Lichtenstein will take care of that problem. Just beware when he starts to advertise leftovers for exotic sandwiches!

I first encountered “Bea’s Showers”^© or “Bea’s Baths”^© at Obsidian Summer Camp in the Sawtooths in 1983. Bea Fontana designed and built them. The four showers each have a pulley system to elevate the black bag filled with solar-heated water.

What to Wear in the Showers: Obsidians are always the most fashionably dressed, so be prepared for designer beach robes. Some wear the briefest amount of clothing since it is difficult to keep one’s towel and clothing dry while getting the nozzle on the black bag to work. Some just wear their hiking clothes and try to finesse it with clean underwear. Shoes are a problem. If you wear thongs, your feet will be dirty by the time you get back to your tent.

Gym Bag, or … ? Whatever you use to carry your toilet accessories will probably get wet. Some wrap everything in a towel. A toilet kit is acceptable. Gym bags or fanny packs will work. You could set a fashion trend and use a fluorescent plastic tote bag. Be sure it matches your camp chair.

Feet: This is the time to get a pedicure and paint your toenails. The green tarps do not reach the ground so everyone can see your feet. If you happen to share a shower with your friend, it will be obvious. Watch out for photographers if you ask someone into your stall to show you how the pulley system works. I was surprised at a Summer Camp reunion to see a picture of the shower with John’s and my feet showing!

Wind: There are Velcro tabs on the green tarps to prevent them from blowing apart. It is a good idea to use them if there is the slightest chance of a breeze.

Conversation with Shower Mates: Try to identify the person in the other stalls by clothing, feet, or voice. It is permissible to ask to borrow shampoo. The main topic of conversation is the temperature of the water. I am convinced that everyone has warmer water than mine. Another good topic is what will be served for dinner. It is best not to gossip.

Ways to Take a Shower:

Use a bucket and dipper. Forget the bag.
Bring your own solar-heated bag.
The traditional way: Fill the black bag half-way with solar-heated water, groan as you haul the bag back to the showers, hoist the bag up with the pulley system, and enjoy a “hot” shower.
Ask Sharon Ritchie where the pay showers are located.

Drying your Hair: Summer Camp Committee does not provide a generator for hair dryers. There is a rumor that someone has a battery generated hair dryer, but I have not seen one.

Etiquette: After your shower, take the black bag to the bucket area. If there is enough water for another shower, it’s OK to leave it hanging. It is also thoughtful to fill the bucket with water. You will hear much about this procedure at camp, so don’t memorize it. (I could have it wrong!) Do say thanks to the crew that fills those buckets every day.

Best Time to Take a Shower: The best time to take a shower is at noon. The water is truly warm. The worst time is after dinner.

Lost and Found: When Summer Camp ends and the shower is dismantled, strange things are found underneath the wooden floor. We are still looking for the owner of the blue soap dish lost at the Teton Summer Camp.

— Janet Jacobsen
Entertainment/Summer Camp

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Summer Camp Chatter: “Bea’s Camp Showers”©

Summer Camp Chatter: “Bea’s Camp Showers”^©