Season 4 of the crossover camp was perhaps the most anticipated. The entire year since season 3, the conversations never died down and as September came, the anticipation and excitement were automatic.
Tickets were sold out within three weeks of starting promotion for the camp, making season 4 our fastest sold-out event.
Season four was an interesting camp, with a somewhat bittersweet feeling in the beginning. Although we still welcomed 21 campers, very few of them were our regulars. Campers like Adamu, and Asma who never missed any camp since the onset, were absent from season 4, and were dearly missed. Other regulars like Williams, Sarah, Favor, Vianney, ando, farida, seun, and kate, were also absent.
Although they were bitterly missed, their absence made way for so many new comers and since all 21 slots were filled, season 4 became the camp with the most amount of first timers.
The ride was fun as usual, but noticeably more quiet than previous trips, because most of the camp goers were strangers. And the regulars, missed their buddies. This didn’t last though. As soon as we hit the camp grounds and campers started working in teams, they became more familiar and conversations started naturally.
The new campers brought their own flavours to the camp and with new characters, new discoveries. Although camp activities proceeded as they typically would, one thing was clear from the onset. This particular camp was going to be remembered as the “party camp”.
With additions like Orisha, Homachi and Diza who came with happy feet and ever radiant personalities, the camp was immediately infected with their vibe, and it carried till the end. Every activity started and ended with a party, even the games.
although our tournament was characteristically fierce and keenly contested, it was so much more fun, and always found a way to end in one big party.
We had our barbecue as usual and ended the camp with a cultural display that everybody participated in, and loved.
It was bittersweet and brilliant. A reminder that the Crossover Camp is bigger than any one line-up. The family changes; the spirit remains.
Reflections & Lessons (Season 4)
“We missed some voices, but the song kept playing. And somehow, it sounded new.” — Camp Lead
