Today was day two of Visual Arts Camp orientation. The entire staff was paid to run around the Metropolitan Museum of Art, finding and drawing details in pieces. Starting next week, we get to do the same, but with about 90 kids between us.
This is the whole summer.
The director of the Philip Coltoff Center came to our orientation yesterday. We had bagels, fruit, and coffee. Surveying the room, he smiled as he recognized what he called the core group of returners. He told us that the center had been open for 119 years.
“This is the last one, so let’s make it the best one yet.”
We were calm. Surprisingly calm. Deep down, everyone is terrified about the camps, day cares, nursery schools, afterschool programs, and community services that will be ended once the center closes.
“The best way to make sure this is a good summer is to remember: if you’re not having fun, the kids aren’t having fun. So if you’re not having fun, take a step back and figure out why.”
We will do our jobs now and cry later.
