Moose Camp

This year marks my third visit to clown camp. This time, I had to go alone which was more terrifying than I had imagined. My clown friend that I had the first and second time, could not return this year because she was in the process of moving. I made the decision to be brave, but that day arrived and I had to just do it.

After the two airplane rides, getting all luggage by myself and hauling it out to the Uber line, getting into the Uber and meeting the sweetest driver….my nerves….finally just ….well it got worse . I got to the hotel, decided to grab lunch and then I did the most “unclown” thing…I slept and did some work….ordered more dinner…slept…woke up and had breakfast alone….by this time I was in tears and ready to go home. So I checked out and sat in the lobby….and I didn’t have to wait king to find “my tribe”. After they expressed they didn’t know I was there …or we could have done this….

We went to lunch and everything got much better.

It is hard to transition from real life to clown life…but Mooseburger camp has it all figured out…we first ride a bus together…it was about an hour and a half bus ride….

First time Charlotte and I met face to face

We get picked up by actual clowns…

Once we get to camp we are greeted by staff and things are “organized chaos”. This being our first year in a new facility, even alumni couldn’t really help because it was new to us as well.

Then that evening we have a staff show….which always brings all of us together. In case you are not aware, these clowns teaching us are the real deal….most, if not all, have been a part of the greatest show on earth…no one can teach you better than those who have done it themselves.

The clown car that I get to finally be in for the show!

The alumni board which made me cry when I saw my first clown bestie ….

Staff show!

Met this clown seven years ago….he pushed me soo hard I cried…but I did what he asked me to do. I highly respect him. He takes clowning seriously….if you are going to do it…do it right! He will teach you how!

Met this clown seven years ago….performed the ballet gag with her…it was a blast…she is the one who kept encouraging me to come back…literally the day of travel…she was coaxing me ahead.

Miss Moose herself and her daughter who was in the circus six years ago…this year Julia was my teacher….she pushed me to a breaking point…and for that I’m forever grateful!

First day of clown classes for my new clown bestie

This is Jane, she is amazing. She is head of the Red Nose Reader Program which has really helped me in my clowning

At night the alumni would perform skits….again….pushing ourselves!

This skit was all Matty, I just wanted to be a chicken…he directed and came up with the whole thing…my job was to look stupid…I did it well 😬

Then it was time for the great pie fight….

And all the shenanigans in between….the hobo party, the skits, the get togethers….all leading up to the big show.

Us inside the clown car with my fat suit, there were seven of us…we got in in 18 seconds…pretty good!!!

Got to meet this amazing legend…Ron Severino

Then it was time for the All Star Clown Show!

I will have pics of the show soon…but for now…we have these…

A great thing we have at clown camp is meeting legends who we get to learn from and who encourage us….this week we got to meet with the dean of Students from Ringley Bros. Clown college who taught four of the greatest clowns this country has seen. It was soo neat to hear of his experiences. An amazing man! We were blessed!