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What Do Our Former Students Say About Mooseburger Camp Caravan?
Here are a few of the things people say about camp.
I just wanted to tell you what I have gained from the Mooseburger Camp we attended in 2003----I had never really clowned before in my life apart from going to my granddaughter's kindergarten and tying some animal balloons---I came to camp to take a holiday and see what clowning was all about and maybe just have some fun.-----The camp just blew me away and I will NEVER stop raving about it.
I have come back to New Zealand after the camp and become the official clown for a specific group in our area in New Zealand (not that the other areas have clowns themselves). And by the way I would love to be their clown as well----it is my passion.
I go to the hospital when a sick child goes in there and do a bit of clowning and when I say clowning I don't do much of anything ---I am just there to let the child lead me into whatever they want me to do for them---it could be being reading a story ---a puppet or two or a few bubbles or balloons or just be a really funny looking person for them, whatever makes the kiddies happy pleases me and inspires me to go that little bit further.
Most of the kiddies I work with are nearing the end of their illness and I find the clowning extremely humbling to say the least and gratifying to be able to give a smile or two to a little heart.
I can say with no hesitation at all that Pricilla and her camp teachers, especially Mark Renfro, have given me my ""clown wings"" to put a happy face on a child with a short time to live (I say that with sadness and honesty as I do tend to get very attached to them). At the same time I am smiling because I know I am making a difference to a child and it's family at a very difficult time. I will always be indebted to Mooseburger Camp #2 --- 2003 forever.
Kindest regards Diane
I don't remember if it was 2001 or 2002. I had been clowning in this fun business since 1994. I had always loved it since the day I started. Thought nothing could ever, ever stop me or break my passion.
One day, it happened. My only little brother died. My world shattered big time. I tried to play it off and pretend to myself "These things happen, you have to go on with life". But it didn't work that way in my living, in my heart and in my mind. I kind of forgot in some weird unexplainable way how to love clowning. Clowning became a job. I found my self crying inbetween parties and "playing it off" at the parties. I hated the new "Charm".
Rewind for a minute. I had wanted to go to Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College. But... the year I chickened out and decided not to go until the next year ended up being the last year.
Fast forward. I was looking at an ad or website or maybe even talking to someone about Mooseburger Clown Camp. I thought "This will let me know if I am meant to clown or not" I thought "I am gonna go. If I don't gain back the spark that started me clowning, I will not clown when I get back".
I signed up. I got a call from a producer of a TV show. I actually thought it was some little city cable show. They wanted to know if I knew any clowns that were going to clown school that has recently had some sort of hurtle to overcome. I said "I am going to clown school, but let me give you Mooseburger Clown Camps contact information. They may know someone on their list of attendees that may have a good story for you".
I get another call from Victoria Valentine of Pietown Productions for Life Moments TV show for NBC. She asked me Why was I going to the camp. I just told her. She offered to do the show on me. I said "No". She called again, and I said o.k. I almost wasn't gonna go to camp after all, but now I had to, cause I told the show I would and they actually came to interview me.
At camp. My friend Susan Van Tuyl of aStarParty.com came with me to camp. I had a great time. My true passion for clowning sparked again. I am no longer in "Clown Limbo".
All because of a little clown camp called Mooseburger.
p.s. I still hated all the mosquitos.
I love clowning again. I guess I
just needed my heart, mind and soul
rejuiced with clown spirit.
Carmen
Subject: 1998 MOOOSECAMP
Thanks for a wonderful time. I learned so many things.
Trish -- Thanks for doing all this for us clowns. The education I received was worth more than 1,000 words. From you the make-up tips were wonderful. At home I have had raving reviews already. I love my new face.
Dale -- Thanks for your servents heart. You worked so hard and served us well and set such a good example for the rest of us!
From Joann I learned to smile, be accepting and that there is more to doing Birthday parties than magic, balloons and face painting!!!!!! I have already used some of the things I learned in her class.
From Randy I learned about parade props and am planning to try my had at this totally new art. What an adventure.
From Peachy I learned how to smile... No teeth in those pictures. Just wide eyes, and big smile!!! I looked back at old pictures and I like the new look.
From Frosty I learned to listen carefully, watch closely and not to be to so excited about learning that I don't listen. I was trying so hard to do as he asked that I would try to do what he asked before he finished telling me what he wanted me to do. He is such a gentle man.
Jose -- I did not get a chance to sit in on any of his classes but at the fire pit he was so wonderfully funny. Thanks for the time to laugh and cry because laughing hurt so bad.
Yes, this is finally the end of my E-mail. Keep in touch. Moosecamp rocks!
Nancy
And the grand daddy of all reviews, Mooseburger Clown Camp Journal
August, 2003 - Second Week
Dear Fellow Joey's:
For several reasons I thought it would be fun and helpful to have a journal of what went on at Mooseburger Camp this year. As you'll read below, we did MANY fun, interesting and unusual things! They were unique and challenging all at the same time. The net result was SIGNIFICANTLY improved clowning skills!
This journal is provided with the hope that it helps you evaluate whether or not you should attend Mooseburger Camp in the future. It was a wonderful experience and one which I believe helps raise the bar on clowning! I recommend it highly and hope to see you there!
My sincere thanks to all of the instructors and other students for making the week we spent with you one of the best clowning experiences ever! Ashley and I enjoyed meeting all of you and look forward to seeing you again very soon!
Hoterini!
Best Wishes!
Carl E Jones -Topper the Magic Clown
Ashley Jones - Tip Top the Teenage Magic Clown
Dallas, Texas