It’s all about people…

One morning at Bonnaroo, Brandon sort of lamented about how he wants to do some traveling to discover new landscapes – but it disappoints him that the people he meets along the way will influence his response to the world around him. I was fascinated. To me, what is an experience with out other people? I think humans are naturally social creatures – some more than others, but still, we all depend on and respond to other people in some way or another. Sure, scenery has something to do with experiences, but.... I would still be living in the beautiful Northwest, in the shadow of Mount Rainier, if it hadn’t been for the people in my life who I realized were simply more important that mountains and temperate weather.

I know for a fact that my experience at Bonnaroo would have been completely different if Brandon and I hadn’t met at check-in and camped next to one another. If my neighbor had been any of the other pre-fest volunteers, I am sure I’d have had a fine time, but I think that because we were both on our own when we arrived, it created a bond between us. It just happened very organically. We set up our camps together, shared space and time and energy and conversation… we sort of kept an eye on one another while maintaining our independence, too. That was a major bonus.

We were there for a week. I think a lot of us who were on pre-fest felt a special sense of community together. Those first few days there was a real camaraderie. In fact, one of my favorite memories is of the big circle around Dar’s giant apple-shaped citronella candle on Tuesday night. We were all just spending time together, like a simple “Camp-out.” On Wednesday morning, it was a classic scene when I left for my shift. All that stood in the center of the camping field was the cooler and the melted apple. It was a shocking change when I returned to see the entire field filled with tents and cars and people. The new volunteers were just fine, but I surely felt a special bond with the other “pre-festers.”

When I was leaving on Sunday night – it was just getting dark and most of the people were still there. I have to say that I felt a little bit sad pulling out of the drive. I was almost overwhelmed with that "end of summer-camp" feeling. The festival itself was big and hot and loud and at times a real challenge, but the people I met and worked with made it a strangely special time. Camp Bonnaroo? It really is the people that make the difference. Not the crowds… but the individuals who touch your life. I am really glad to have them influencing my view of this life.