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Spring slid easily into summer, leaving behind gentle warmth for heat and humidity on the banks of Lake Oberon. Magically maintained grounds with soft trimmed grass, abundant plantlife and tall shade trees formed an idyllic scene, broken only by the various cabins that had been built in a way that they seemed to be less additions and more a part of the land. The cabin roofs were covered in seeds that had fallen from some of the larger hardwoods that day, but otherwise things seemed almost perfect as the June sun rose and climbed the sky.
But as the day progressed, the quiet sounds of nature were overtaken by the voices of gathering young men and women, most of whom didn't wish to be where they were. The distant lake was far from civilization, away from cities and farmland and cared for by a board of trustees or something like that. But the cam itself was reputable enough and had, in the past, shown great results in turning dysfunctional youth into functioning members of magical society. And so here they were, the angry, the clumsy, the lonely, the cynical, and the mischief makers. St. Illumi's Sleep Away Camp welcomed them all. And as they arrived, they were directed to gather in a clearing near the lake where sunlight dappled the ground and tiny insects in rainbow hues buzzed around curiously.Seyana had been left in charge of this meeting, and though she was a trained bard, nothing had prepared her for the group before her. Misfits was putting it lightly. Only a few looked ready to listen, fewer still looked happy to be there. Still, it was her job to welcome them and to get them to their cabins. She took a breath.
"Welcome to St. Illumi's! I hope you all had a pleasant journey. I'm Seyana and I'll be teaching some of the classes here as well as watching over the girls' cabin. It pleases me to see so many people here, young men and women ready to take the next step into adulthood. With grace and tenacity, you will find your way and the staff here are going to help you. For the next two and a half months, you will make new friends, learn new skills, and master those you have. You will create, run, jump, and celebrate. I promise this will be a fun time if you allow it to be!
"Behind me is the beautiful Lake Oberon. We have docks for fishing and designated areas for swimming. Please don't go beyond the floating lanterns. To my right, you can see the first aid house as well as the dining hall. We have four daily meals here and you may purchase additional snacks but please don't take any food into the cabins.
"Speaking of cabins, the boys' cabin can be found just past the fishing docks you can see on this side of the lake. The girls' cabin is up the path behind you and around the bent maple tree. We'll have your cabin leaders take you there the first time, but they are easy enough to find. Cabins are to be kept clean and beds made at all times when you are not asleep.
"We have many classes for you to participate in during the day, free time for the two hours before supper, and different activities each evening. Weekends are free time and optional classes as well as time to wash laundry. We will be having three big events during your time here: The Midsummer Firefly Festival is an all night festival we celebrate here and the one time during your stay that staying up all night will be encouraged. The Summer Ball is a formal dance at the Northern Clearing. Finally, Departure's Eve is a small party to congratulate you on progress throughout the summer and to reminisce about the times you've had. But that's a long way off.
"To my left are the rest of the Camp Counselors. You'll meet them all in due time but I must introduce you all to Dominic, who will be watching out for the boys.
"For now, remember the rules that were in the scrolls sent to your parents or guardians, and try to get settled in. Schedules are on the big bulletin boards outside your cabins. Today, just take time to relax and get to know your cabin mates. We meet at seven in the morning for breakfast and we will be starting with a first aid and survival class at nine, so be ready! Alright! Girls, please follow me and I will take you to your cabin."