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- xXFierroOrFalafelXx
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
The 4th weekly!
xXFierroOrFalafelXx's submit code: | order of cabins visited: 8, 10, 4, 9, 1, 5, 3, 11, 12, 6, 13, 7, 2 | prompts chosen: 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2 | we love the POLAR BEARS <3
Okay so I used this weekly to actually work on a novel I've been struggling with for a while. So it's kind of in three chunks so the prompts really flow into each other.
Non writing prompts: oobleck, banana snack, baking, puzzle, exercise
Writing: This is all the same book, but different parts of the story. This one uses multimedia, an animal with human characteristics, symbolism, and a location change
David kept checking his pocket to make sure the money Dad had given him for the train was still there. That money was the one thing that actually felt real about that day but no, everything that happened that day had actually been real. Heck, Dad wasn’t even his dad. David shook his head, almost laughing at this. After all, if most of his life was a lie, why not just make all of it a lie? It was a relief of course, to not share blood with that man, but he hated the fact that he had never known and was it really that much better if the man who had raised him still hated him, even if wasn’t actually involved in creating him? He pulled his jacket tighter around himself as the October winds picked up.
The bus stop was empty so he looked up and talked to her. “Mom? Okay so you’re not really my mom, but..” he swallowed, feeling his throat get raw. “Mom I’m sorry you died for me.”
He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, focusing straight ahead again. He wouldn’t cry; instead he would do the unimaginable; he would trust the man who had hated him since he was twelve years old. And though it was disgusting to think of, and though nothing would make up for the death of his mother, he would find some way so that her sacrifice wasn’t for nothing.
The sidewalks started to be filled with more and more people, walking next to the cars streaming this way and that, and David did his best to ignore them. Finally he got to the train, but paused a moment before boarding. God, he’d killed a demon that morning and trains still scared him; what a joke. But honestly then again, it was easier to perform heroics when they had some sort of supernatural feel to them, and this train was definitely real and so were those clips of trains derailing that he had seen.
“Are you getting on or not?” David turned to see a concerned looking old woman, her head tilted slightly. David gave a small nod and marched onto the train, finding an empty car and sitting down. Okay, so right now he was at risk of the train derailing, the train just straight up blowing up, or a demon being on this train. How fun.
His train car didn’t stay empty for long, and soon he was tightly holding the backpack he’d hastily packed that morning, surrounded by strangers. He didn’t meet anyone’s eyes, but he felt a few people watching him and he glared at people’s shoes, brow furrowed deeply. The man across from him dropped his newspaper and something caught David’s eye. A photo of a boy who looked so much like Dex with big black letters spelling MISSING over it. He knew it wasn’t Dex, after all he’d seen him just a couple hours ago and news about him missing wouldn’t make papers that quickly even if something had happened. And he also knew that Dex only looked mostly like that, not fully. But David still sprang from his seat and lunged for the newspaper before the man could grab it.
Ignoring the man’s ahems, and “young man”s and a few comments in the train car about young people, David’s voice gave an automated apology as he quickly skimmed the article.
Shauna Dewhurst held for questioning at the disappearance of her eleven year old son Vincent Barnes… no signs of break in… insists that he was safe in bed last she knew… not the first disappearance in Springfield this week… human traffickers… cult…
Before he could read anymore, the man angrily grabbed the newspaper from him. “Do you mind?”
David looked down. “Sorry sir,” he mumbled, actually apologetic this time, and really wishing he had just ignored it. No one in his family had cared to pay much attention to the news lately.
He went back to looking out the train window but soon became aware of a slight pungent odor. Doing his best to ignore it he forced his mind to focus on where he was going. The church where a man who never actually wanted me decided to pretend I was his son.. He thought to himself. He needed to stop. There was too much crazy stuff going on in the world for him to be self-pitying. Plenty of kids were unwanted after all. He just happened to be unwanted and to be a harbinger of extreme danger apparently. In the condensation he drew a smiley face with angry eyebrows, then he gave it horns and a trident.
By now the smell was getting so bad that he was putting the collar of his jacket up over his nose and he became aware of the other people in the train car talking about it and one woman got up and just walked out of the train car. Maybe to get help or maybe just to get away, David had no idea, but he was certain he didn’t want to be in that train car either. Doing his best not to breathe, he stood up, and reached for the door handle. He was aware of how much terror he was feeling. This was his first time on a train and it just seemed nerve wracking the idea of walking between cars. But he also couldn’t stay here. It wasn’t just the smell, something else in this car terrified him and he couldn’t place what. Then he felt a cold hand on his neck and he realized what that something was, as his terror turned to horror. It was the man who had been reading the newspaper. “Ah ah ah,” he said in a condescending voice as if David were a little child to be reprimanded. “You aren’t going anywhere.”
David tried to free himself, but the man only put more pressure on his neck, causing David to gag. “They’ll stop the train soon and we’ll get off. You’re my grandson and if you try to run, you’ll die. Is that clear?” the man murmured in his ear.
David’s eyes flashed in anger and he kicked and clawed at the man the way a deer fights for its life against a predator because he didn’t trust that this guy wouldn’t kill him even if he went peacefully. Either way he was in danger. The man made a strange gurgling sound and spat at the wall of the train car. Almost instantly a small hole had sizzled right through it. “Do you want that to happen to you boy?”
David’s heart which had been beating like crazy suddenly seemed to go still, he froze and couldn’t do anything. Sure enough as the acid-spitting man had predicted, a conductor came around evacuating everyone. The man wrapped an arm around David, in a way that seemed loving to anyone who did not pay attention and David did not struggle anymore.
“So,” he said quietly. “Are you a demon then?”
The man laughed. “A demon? No my boy I’m human the same as you. It seems you still have your protections… but not to worry we’ll get rid of them soon just like we got rid of the protections on your house and your precious mommy.”
Rage boiled inside David, but before he could burst out, the man said, “Now, ideally the rest of your family will go unharmed but well if you don’t cooperate, we might just have to hurt them you see.”
David’s voice was a growl. “And what do you want me to do?”
“Oh, I can’t tell you that. Now can I?” The man steered David roughly away from the crowd of people gathered near the train. It was rough and rocky here, with not much grass and they were near the edge of a steep hill. David glanced briefly down the hill and then made his choice. While the man did look fit, he still had an old body, and as long as David could avoid the man’s mouth he should be fun. So with all the force he could gather he threw both of them down the hill.
Later on, David would lie and say he had not imagined that as some epic escape. He had. What actually happened though was him getting cut up and bruised by rocks, cursing, and trying to keep the man’s head away from him. He may have surprised the man, but the man still clearly had more athletic prowess when it came to kidnapping. David fought with whatever he could, nails, rocks he grabbed, but mostly he just tried to free himself and above all avoid that acid spit. In short he probably would have died and missed out on a whole lot more terrifying life-threatening situations and severe emotional pain if it weren’t for the wolverine. In that moment David just saw it as a brown furry lump that was viciously attacking the man and giving David a chance to get away. Later when Tae-hyung told him the animal was a wolverine, David would point out, like the genius he was, that Hugh Jackman looked nothing like that.
David pushed himself to his feet, but stopped when he saw a boy dart out from the bushes, with a spear and charge at the man. At one moment the man was trying to kill the wolverine and the next the spear had gone through his body. David found himself choking in surprise.
The boy looked over at David. He wore a bandana around the lower half of his face and his dark monolid eyes looked tired and his dark brown hair was dirty and unkempt. He was shorter than David, skinnier too, but David really had no guess as to how old he was.
“You just killed that man,” he said in surprise.
The boy nodded slightly.
“Hey I helped!” an indignant voice shouted from below. David was too disturbed by the thought that came to his mind to look down, but the large furry creature that had attacked the acid-man clambered onto the boy’s shoulder and spoke. “I helped save you too.”
David nodded, sure, talking animals… “Why did you save me though?”
The boy started walking and gestured for David to follow. “Because they want to capture me too. So for the moment, welcome to the prize meat club.”
David found out the boy was named Tae-hyung though he was left guessing at his age. A bit older than Shep maybe? The wolverine called himself Carnage but pointed out that his actual “name” was his scent.
Tae-hyung led the way into a small abandoned cottage that had seen much better days. David was hesitant, but he decided to trust this kid, so he followed him into the freezing building. Tae-hyung went straight for the counter and grabbed a dry chunk of something that may have once been meat and immediately began eating it.
David put his hands in his pockets, fingers gripping the edges of the fabric anxiously. “I want a weapon. I wanna be able to kill demons.”
Tae-hyung didn’t look over. “I don’t have another. They’re hard to find.”
David frowned. “Oh. I see.”
Carnage climbed onto the counter so he was a little more eye level with David. “So do you know why they’re hunting you?”
David shook his head. “I don’t know. But I do think I’m worth more alive than I am dead.” He didn’t add that this made it even more terrifying.
Later it got dark and David finally decided to sit down. Tae-hyung turned on a small LED lantern, not looking up for the book he was reading, and David decided to talk to carnage. “So um, what are you?”
“I’m a wolverine.” Carnage stretched. “I believe we already established this.”
“Yeah… yeah okay, but like, I mean…”
Carnage looked at him. “You mean why can I talk?”
“Yeah pretty much.”
“I just can. Always been able to. But I can’t understand every human.”
“So what makes us different? Is it the whole prize meat thing?” David’s eyes flashed in annoyance. There really was no good reason for him to be some prize meat.
“Heck if I know. I’m going to sleep. I suggest you sleep too and when you wake up, learn how to fight. Because I’m not going to save your life again.” With that Carnage climbed down and disappeared around a corner.
“Is it alright if I sleep here?” David asked Tae-hyung, but he was absorbed in the large book, tracing over weird circular symbols and sketches of plants, and didn’t respond.
David decided not to bother him and just looked around for a place. He found a pile of old moth-eaten couch cushions. Then he noticed that Carnage was curled up near the edge. “Use some common sense,” Carnage said without looking over. “He will probably kill you if you steal his bed. Find somewhere else.”
“Yeah I know that,” David muttered, though he doubted the wolverine even cared. He turned around and began looking for somewhere else. Eventually he just decided to take a place out of the way where the floor wasn’t super uncomfortable. He wrapped his coat around himself and tried to fall asleep but maybe as a form of self-preservation, his mind was once again preventing him from sleeping.
He felt a cold tickling sensation like insects crawling on him but he couldn’t seem to brush them off. As his vision adjusted a little to the dark, he saw spiders all over him, weaving webs on him. He shouted in surprise and disgust and clawed the webs off of him, scrambling back and trying to brush off the spiders. “Not spiders again…”
The first thing David noticed was that it was raining and that it was dripping off of him, his soaked clothes clinging to his skin and though he did feel lighter, as he always did in this place, he still felt weighed down by rainwater pooled in his shoes. Really? We had to be somewhere it was raining? Is this really the best you could do? David was about to look for a place where he could find shelter, when he heard Malcolm.
“David, glad you found me.” He walked over, wearing a crisp suit and holding an umbrella. “Lovely weather isn’t it?”
“Why did you call me here?” He looked around and noticed the bright and colorful plastic structures, slides, ladders, rock walls. “Are we at a playground? You know that's like, really creepy.”
Malcolm laughed softly. “David, you know you chose this place right?” He gestured for David to follow him. David did, wondering why his subconscious had brought them here. Also, why had Malcolm known to bring an umbrella and he hadn’t?
They sat down at a table under a pavilion next to the playground.
“Well David,” Malcolm said pleasantly. “How are you feeling since leaving home?”
David rubbed his arm. “What are you gonna help with that? I mean, tell me the truth. Are you even real? Can we just say that I had a psychological break when my mom died and I’ve been in a mental institute ever since?”
“Ha. No, you don’t get an easy out. And people are counting on you to embrace this reality and take your part in it.”
David crossed his arm, making himself smaller. “I don’t want people to count on me,” he mumbled.
“Well right now you’re not worth much for counting on.” Malcolm reached over and lifted David’s arm. “You need to get strong and learn how to fight.”
David scowled and snatched his arm away. “Are you going to teach me how to fight?”
This second chunk is much later in the story and only uses the dialogue prompt:
David knelt down, tracing the Ethereal sigil he had painted sloppily on the training room ground a few hours ago. “Part of me gets them wanting us to train longer-” he began.
“I have been training though! Maybe you need to train more but I’ve been training for this since I was born!” Saskia shouted. “Train, train, train. That’s all it is. I want to be out there. I want to be k*lling demons.”
“Yeah well, they actually need me out there,” David snapped.
Saskia crossed her arms. “What makes you so sure?”
“I don’t know, I just, I just know I have to be there. Like the rescue can’t happen without me.”
“You know you sound really egotistical.”
“Really? I was going more for * off. Believe me, I wish I wasn’t needed but I am.”
“Fine. What do you know about these kidnappings?”
David shook his head. “Nothing really.” He hesitated. “I just know that I have a part to play.”
“Would you stop being so cryptic?”
“Would you tell me creepy dreams to stop being so cryptic?”
“I don’t see why you have to be so special; you don’t even seem that powerful but suddenly Dante is all like oh I’ve got to train David, hey David wanna go on a walk with me, David we should talk.”
David’s voice softened a little. “Dante is more than a sword fighting instructor, isn’t he? He’s what, your brother?”
“You mean he didn’t mention it.”
“Not in so many words no. But I guess I should have picked up on the signs earlier.”
Saskia nodded. “My parents adopted him a few years before I was born. And now he’s left me because he doesn’t think I was good enough for the mission.”
“Okay, screw their choices then right? I mean they can’t choose for us. I’m not just sitting around.”
“No sense sitting around,” she agreed.
Okay now this last chunk is early in the story but from the POV of my other lovely main character.
prompts: environment, hallucinations, object
Ignatius waited at the far edge of the town, the one where the land turned rough and rocky where only hearty plants, especially grasses, hung on. In the distance he could see the huge forests, but he wasn’t going there tonight. When Emeric finally showed up, Romulus was with him. “He insisted on coming, I’m sorry,” Emeric said.
Ignatius sighed; Romulus wasn’t the easiest to get along with but they didn’t have time to argue. “Alright, well I’ve got the ropes and the flashlights. Are you two ready to climb?”
“I’m not stupid,” Romulus said, probably rolling his eyes, judging on his tone, but Ignatius wasn’t particularly interested in looking at Romulus’s eyes.
“I’m nervous,” Emeric admitted as they walked through the rough grass, shining flashlight beams to keep an eye out for animals and obstacles. “What if something is actually wrong with this cave?”
“Oh so you’re finally listening to me about how this is a stupid idea?” Romulus scoffed.
Ignatius turned his head back to look at Romulus. “I thought you wanted to come.”
“Please. I came to keep my baby brother from getting himself killed.”
“Excuse me? I am eighteen minutes older.”
“Yeah, but you act like a baby.”
Ignatius put his hands up. “Okay, listen, enough. Fine, only I’ll go in the cave. Okay?”
Romulus crossed his arm. “Your curiosity and Emeric following you around like a puppy is going to get one or both of you killed some day.”
Emeric opened his mouth to say something but closed it, shook his head and just continued walking determinedly. Ignatius followed, soon regaining the lead. Romulus muttered some choice words but followed.
They soon came to the small ravine and Ignatius shone his flashlight around, looking for the path he and Lachlan had found the other day.
“Found it.” He placed the flashlight in his mouth and carefully lowered himself down slowly to the first ledge which had enough room for one person to stand crouched down on. After that it was a straightforward climb down for a few feet. Glancing up he saw Romulus was on the ledge.
“This way,” Ignatius said, slowly moving left, keeping close to the wall of the ravine. The ground was fairly stable here, and there was a bit more of a gradual slope here, but he was still using his hands, though he was now able to take the flashlight out of his mouth.
“Ow,” he heard Emeric mutter around the flashlight behind him. He then probably took the flashlight out of his mouth because his voice was clearer. “Thorns.”
“Just try and be careful,” Ignatius advised lamely.
They moved downward slowly and soon enough the ground had more or less flattened out, though it was still rocky and uneven and there was only room for two people to walk comfortably side to side in this ravine. Naturally, this meant that Emeric and Ignatius had left Romulus behind them.
“You know we’ll die if we get a flash flood,” Romulus muttered.
“Oh wow, it’s almost like I checked the freaking weather to make sure that wouldn’t happen,” Ignatius said loudly. “Also why we aren’t doing this in spring.”
“Honestly, he seems a lot more like a baby right now,” Emeric mumbled, and Ignatius grinned, nodding in agreement. He heard a rustling sound and froze, holding up a hand for the others to stop. He couldn’t quite tell what it was, some mammal a little larger than a rabbit. “Okay, I think it’s safe. Just keep your distance.”
They pressed close to the right wall of the ravine with Ignatius leading the way. They saw more animals as they walked, including some owls swooping down, no doubt to grab small rodents that they didn’t see.
“There it is,” Ignatius said.
“That is a pile of rocks,” Romulus said.
Ignatius grabbed one of the fist sized rocks and pulled it away. “Astute observation. Now help me move them.” Emeric immediately knelt to help clear the cave mouth, but Romulus took a little longer before finally sighing and giving in.
“You know,” Romulus said as they dug. “Maybe there’s a reason they blocked off this cave.”
“You know you didn’t have to come,” Ignatius snapped. “If you want to do your learning in libraries and labs that meet every safety precaution to a T, that’s fine, but I’m going to learn what’s going on in here. I know Gideon Bennet is hiding something down here, hence why he blocked this cave, and you know what I’ve wanted to see what’s in this cave for years and I’m finally going to take that risk. I’m getting answers and if you don’t want to come, fine, but would you just shut up? I’m perfectly capable of weighing the risk and so is Emeric.”
Emeric let out a small surprised laugh, and Romulus was left seemingly searching for a counter argument but unable to find one.
“I’ll keep an eye out for any animals or… Bennets I guess,” Romulus muttered and it got a bit darker with his flashlight beam no longer pointed at the cave mouth.
Ignatius shuddered. “Ugh really I hope Gideon doesn’t actually show up.”
Emeric leaned over, and Ignatius could see by the faint light from the flashlight that reached his face that Emeric was grinning impishly. “Yeah but I bet you wish Lachlan would.”
Ignatius blushed a little and scowled, pushing Emeric away. “Shut up.”
They got the rocks all cleared away and Ignatius took the backpack off. He took the rope out and tied it securely around his belt. Without anyone asking or even suggesting it, Romulus walked over, sighing in annoyance (maybe he had a physical reason for doing that constantly) and adjusted Ignatius’s knot. Ignatius nodded gratefully, but knew it was probably smarter to not actually say thank you. Ignatius then grabbed the headlamp which he’d been saving for the cave.
“Alright, I’m going in. Pull me out after ten minutes or if you feel a sudden tug on the rope,” Ignatius said, lowering himself to the ground on his belly.
Emeric suddenly dropped down next to Ignatius and hugged him. “Don’t get yourself killed because you’re too curious.”
Ignatius smiled a little, leaning into the hug; Emeric was one of the few people he was fine with hugging. “I won’t.”
He squeezed himself into the small opening of the cave. Even with his headlight on at the brightest light, for a few minutes he could only see a few inches ahead of him as he army-crawled through the tiny cave and he started to wish he had a helmet because he kept bumping his head on the low cave ceiling. Finally, after what seemed like several hundred yards, the cave opened up a little more so Ignatius could crawl normally and still have enough space above him that he didn’t bump his head anymore. He took a moment to just shine his flashlight around in awe. He didn’t really know much about rocks, but there was some eerie and ancient beauty in here and stalactites plunged down like icicles of rock. There weren’t quite as many stalagmites, but he did see one part, up ahead and to the left, where stalactites and stalagmites seemed to form fangs in the mouth of a new tunnel. He examined the tunnel closely, but wasn’t sure if he could make his way in there, and it looked even smaller than the one he had entered the cave through, rougher too. The question was though, where would Gideon Bennet hide something…?
Lachlan hadn’t known, and he knew his father better than pretty much anyone, so Ignatius was left guessing. He was going to get answers. Why did so many people in Phantasmagoria say the ravine was haunted? Why was Gideon Bennet so interested in this cave?
Ignatius decided not to enter the tunnel with the teeth, at least not yet, and instead began making his way lower, taking note of how much rope he had left. Foolishly, he had not made up some sort of signal for Romulus to give more or less slack if he ever needed to climb, so Ignatius did the best he could by himself. He frequently looked down to make sure he wasn’t about to plunge to his death and he certainly didn’t move down until he was certain the footing or handhold he had found felt stable. But apparently he shouldn’t have felt as certain as he did, because after having safely climbed down more than ten feet, the rock crumbled under his feet and he fell.
Thankfully the fall turned out to only be a few feet, but landing on the rocks still hurt. He started to look around, but almost immediately felt a tugging and saw the rope losing its slack. Oh right… that would have been a sharp tug. But Ignatius wasn’t ready to leave, so he tugged back, trying to get them to give him more rope. But Romulus still tried to pull him out of the cave. So Ignatius carefully knelt down and found a small, secure looking outcropping. Holding onto the rope with all his strength so he wouldn’t lose it, he untied it from his belt then tied it tightly around the rock.
Ignatius took a breath then looked around. He was about to put the rope back on and look for a way to climb out, when he spotted a small (object. Okay I really can’t decide what it should be. I’ll figure it out later). Ignatius picked it up and quickly recognized it. It was Gideon’s. Whatever he had hidden had to be down here somewhere. Then he saw another opening. It was tiny, but when he shone his flashlight curiously into it he found some blond hair and a bit of torn fabric stuck in a tiny rock crevice.
Ignatius may have been intelligent, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t an idiot. His mind made some semblance of weighing the risks then, without the rope to hold him back or risk him getting pulled out by his well-meaning companions, he squeezed himself into the tiny opening. It was a super tight fit and he held his breath because his lungs could barely expand in here and he was NOT getting stuck, no way. He pushed himself further forward, not even army crawling, he was more like some misshapen snake, and then without warning he tumbled down into water he hadn’t seen and went under.
His eyes bulged in panic, but he had the sense to hold his breath. He tried swimming up but there was no light, so how could he know which way was up? And if there wasn’t light…why could he see so easily?
A snake that seemed to flicker in and out of reality wrapped itself around Ignatius, but he only felt a tickling sensation. He heard a scream and saw a rock that was perfectly rectangular like some altar, and the panic on a woman’s face just before huge scythe-like claws sliced off her head. Ignatius tried calling out for help, but the things kept appearing around him. He saw Phantasmagoria crumbling before his eyes. A man with both reptilian and lion-like features wearing a crown was talking to a crowd of gathered creatures of all bizarre shapes and sizes. Ignatius couldn’t hear them, but the person, or rather not-person, seemed to be rallying them. He saw these creatures fighting what seemed to be stars and saw everything filling with insects, found himself in blood instead of water, and then it was choking and noxious and yellowish.
He saw things he recognized now. Dad’s doctors who couldn’t stop the cancer, the man whom Ignatius had seen kicking his dog when he was just three years old and had almost forgotten about. There was his teacher from second grade who always made him feel small and weak and dumb. He was shoved into a crevice in the rocks, except it wasn’t the rocks it was the closet where the older cousins used to lock him and he could hear their voices now, mocking him loudly. And when he turned around in that closet he saw Kobe, ninth grade before he got expelled, sitting in the school cafeteria, texting someone, grinning viciously. At the same time he saw Emeric, hiding his grin and his phone in class as he texted someone too. He saw himself and Emeric in Emeric’s room, helping Emeric get ready for his date. The visions swirled into chaos. He hadn’t been there when Emeric was beaten up by Kobe and his friends but he was experiencing it now and he felt his blood boiling and anger bursting out of him. Then just before everything went black, he saw Gideon looking down at him.
Ignatius could no longer see, but he could feel that he was back in the water. He could still feel his limbs, though the water was frigid, so that might not last. Also, his lungs didn’t hurt and he wasn’t making any panicked attempts to breathe, so he must not have been down here long. Actually all things considered, he felt surprisingly calm. Besides the cold and a strange urge to kill, he felt fine. He still didn’t know up from down, so he just swam the way that felt right.
He swam in the darkness, and his hands felt something hard and warped by the water, rough with minerals. He couldn’t tell what it was but he felt latches and he’d come too far to give up now. With fingers that were starting to go numb, he tried to undo the latch. But his lungs were running out of air. If this direction was down like he guessed it was, then he figured swimming the opposite way would take him up. His head broke the surface of the water and he gasped for air, drawing in refreshing lungfuls of the subterranean air which right now felt as good as if he were standing in the middle of a forest.
He knew that if he waited too long, or took too long to brace himself, he might never go back in. So almost immediately after he had caught his breath, he plunged back into the water. He could hear voices whispering words he couldn’t discern, but he just shook his head and ignored them. They’re just in my head. That way is up, that way is up and I am going down. He found the object again but even feeling all around it, six feet long at least, he couldn’t figure out what it was. So instead he focused on opening it. It was nearly impossible but finally he managed it.
At this point he wasn’t really sure if he actually thought Gideon was hiding something in here, but like a clearly human made object in such a strange part of the earth with so many local legends surrounding it. He didn’t want to put his hand directly in but he couldn’t find anything to use instead. He considered his shoes, until he realized he’d lost them, probably a while ago. So he took a mental breath and reached carefully into the box.
He wasn’t quite sure what he was feeling. Hard but definitely more fragile than rock. It was round but not quite and there was a dent here, and a slightly curved line of bumps here and a sudden hole and suddenly he realized this was a skull. Disgusted, he quickly put it back in the box which must have been a coffin or a sarcophagus. What was a coffin doing down here? Stop it, you’ve come this far. You can’t be scared of some bones. He reached back into the coffin, desperately wishing he had light so he could have some idea of what it was he was looking for. He knew he had to go back up for air soon. He felt around on the bones and in the coffin itself. Then finally he found something. Some kind of old waterproof fabric wrapped around something hard and somewhat cylindrical. It was tiny, stuck fast in the skull’s eye socket (the one his fingers had not felt around in earlier). Ignatius carefully worked it free. Sorry man, but I don’t think you’re needing that anymore.
Holding tightly to his new treasure, he swam back up and as soon as the water had left his ears he heard shouting. “Ignatius! Where are you!” Emeric shouted. “Are you alive?”
Ignatius couldn’t find his voice to shout back, so he just stumbled in the direction of his friend’s voice. He was realizing now just how cold he was and he was shivering violently, but he was fairly certain his hands still remained locked around that object he’d found in the skull. He saw light and at the same time heard Emeric’s relieved sob. The warmth of his hug was such a welcome feeling that he felt his own eyes welling with tears and he realized he felt warm inside too. The feeling of hatred he’d had earlier had dissipated.
Emeric held him at arms length away, looking at Ignatius’s face while he winced in the sudden light of Emeric’s flashlight (they’d only brought one headlamp which Ignatius had broken.) “What the hell happened? And why is the rope not tied to you?” he demanded.
Ignatius grinned, teeth chattering. “I found something. I’ll tell you about it later, but right now I really want to be above ground with soup.”
Later on, dry and wrapped in blankets in Emeric’s room, the three of them carefully unwrapped the object.
“It’s a stick…” Emeric said. “Hang on, wait a minute.” he turned it over and shook his head. “Just a stick.”
Ignatius was busy carefully peeling something off the inside of the waterproof fabric. It wasn’t quite paper, it was too rough for that. “Romulus, do you recognize that language?” He asked, passing it to him.
“You’re the whole language nerd. I’m STEM, you're Humanities,” Romulus said with a shrug.
Ignatius just nodded and looked at the paper, wondering what had been hiding in this cave so near a town that people said was cursed.
xXFierroOrFalafelXx's submit code: | order of cabins visited: 8, 10, 4, 9, 1, 5, 3, 11, 12, 6, 13, 7, 2 | prompts chosen: 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2 | we love the POLAR BEARS <3
Okay so I used this weekly to actually work on a novel I've been struggling with for a while. So it's kind of in three chunks so the prompts really flow into each other.
Non writing prompts: oobleck, banana snack, baking, puzzle, exercise
Writing: This is all the same book, but different parts of the story. This one uses multimedia, an animal with human characteristics, symbolism, and a location change
David kept checking his pocket to make sure the money Dad had given him for the train was still there. That money was the one thing that actually felt real about that day but no, everything that happened that day had actually been real. Heck, Dad wasn’t even his dad. David shook his head, almost laughing at this. After all, if most of his life was a lie, why not just make all of it a lie? It was a relief of course, to not share blood with that man, but he hated the fact that he had never known and was it really that much better if the man who had raised him still hated him, even if wasn’t actually involved in creating him? He pulled his jacket tighter around himself as the October winds picked up.
The bus stop was empty so he looked up and talked to her. “Mom? Okay so you’re not really my mom, but..” he swallowed, feeling his throat get raw. “Mom I’m sorry you died for me.”
He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, focusing straight ahead again. He wouldn’t cry; instead he would do the unimaginable; he would trust the man who had hated him since he was twelve years old. And though it was disgusting to think of, and though nothing would make up for the death of his mother, he would find some way so that her sacrifice wasn’t for nothing.
The sidewalks started to be filled with more and more people, walking next to the cars streaming this way and that, and David did his best to ignore them. Finally he got to the train, but paused a moment before boarding. God, he’d killed a demon that morning and trains still scared him; what a joke. But honestly then again, it was easier to perform heroics when they had some sort of supernatural feel to them, and this train was definitely real and so were those clips of trains derailing that he had seen.
“Are you getting on or not?” David turned to see a concerned looking old woman, her head tilted slightly. David gave a small nod and marched onto the train, finding an empty car and sitting down. Okay, so right now he was at risk of the train derailing, the train just straight up blowing up, or a demon being on this train. How fun.
His train car didn’t stay empty for long, and soon he was tightly holding the backpack he’d hastily packed that morning, surrounded by strangers. He didn’t meet anyone’s eyes, but he felt a few people watching him and he glared at people’s shoes, brow furrowed deeply. The man across from him dropped his newspaper and something caught David’s eye. A photo of a boy who looked so much like Dex with big black letters spelling MISSING over it. He knew it wasn’t Dex, after all he’d seen him just a couple hours ago and news about him missing wouldn’t make papers that quickly even if something had happened. And he also knew that Dex only looked mostly like that, not fully. But David still sprang from his seat and lunged for the newspaper before the man could grab it.
Ignoring the man’s ahems, and “young man”s and a few comments in the train car about young people, David’s voice gave an automated apology as he quickly skimmed the article.
Shauna Dewhurst held for questioning at the disappearance of her eleven year old son Vincent Barnes… no signs of break in… insists that he was safe in bed last she knew… not the first disappearance in Springfield this week… human traffickers… cult…
Before he could read anymore, the man angrily grabbed the newspaper from him. “Do you mind?”
David looked down. “Sorry sir,” he mumbled, actually apologetic this time, and really wishing he had just ignored it. No one in his family had cared to pay much attention to the news lately.
He went back to looking out the train window but soon became aware of a slight pungent odor. Doing his best to ignore it he forced his mind to focus on where he was going. The church where a man who never actually wanted me decided to pretend I was his son.. He thought to himself. He needed to stop. There was too much crazy stuff going on in the world for him to be self-pitying. Plenty of kids were unwanted after all. He just happened to be unwanted and to be a harbinger of extreme danger apparently. In the condensation he drew a smiley face with angry eyebrows, then he gave it horns and a trident.
By now the smell was getting so bad that he was putting the collar of his jacket up over his nose and he became aware of the other people in the train car talking about it and one woman got up and just walked out of the train car. Maybe to get help or maybe just to get away, David had no idea, but he was certain he didn’t want to be in that train car either. Doing his best not to breathe, he stood up, and reached for the door handle. He was aware of how much terror he was feeling. This was his first time on a train and it just seemed nerve wracking the idea of walking between cars. But he also couldn’t stay here. It wasn’t just the smell, something else in this car terrified him and he couldn’t place what. Then he felt a cold hand on his neck and he realized what that something was, as his terror turned to horror. It was the man who had been reading the newspaper. “Ah ah ah,” he said in a condescending voice as if David were a little child to be reprimanded. “You aren’t going anywhere.”
David tried to free himself, but the man only put more pressure on his neck, causing David to gag. “They’ll stop the train soon and we’ll get off. You’re my grandson and if you try to run, you’ll die. Is that clear?” the man murmured in his ear.
David’s eyes flashed in anger and he kicked and clawed at the man the way a deer fights for its life against a predator because he didn’t trust that this guy wouldn’t kill him even if he went peacefully. Either way he was in danger. The man made a strange gurgling sound and spat at the wall of the train car. Almost instantly a small hole had sizzled right through it. “Do you want that to happen to you boy?”
David’s heart which had been beating like crazy suddenly seemed to go still, he froze and couldn’t do anything. Sure enough as the acid-spitting man had predicted, a conductor came around evacuating everyone. The man wrapped an arm around David, in a way that seemed loving to anyone who did not pay attention and David did not struggle anymore.
“So,” he said quietly. “Are you a demon then?”
The man laughed. “A demon? No my boy I’m human the same as you. It seems you still have your protections… but not to worry we’ll get rid of them soon just like we got rid of the protections on your house and your precious mommy.”
Rage boiled inside David, but before he could burst out, the man said, “Now, ideally the rest of your family will go unharmed but well if you don’t cooperate, we might just have to hurt them you see.”
David’s voice was a growl. “And what do you want me to do?”
“Oh, I can’t tell you that. Now can I?” The man steered David roughly away from the crowd of people gathered near the train. It was rough and rocky here, with not much grass and they were near the edge of a steep hill. David glanced briefly down the hill and then made his choice. While the man did look fit, he still had an old body, and as long as David could avoid the man’s mouth he should be fun. So with all the force he could gather he threw both of them down the hill.
Later on, David would lie and say he had not imagined that as some epic escape. He had. What actually happened though was him getting cut up and bruised by rocks, cursing, and trying to keep the man’s head away from him. He may have surprised the man, but the man still clearly had more athletic prowess when it came to kidnapping. David fought with whatever he could, nails, rocks he grabbed, but mostly he just tried to free himself and above all avoid that acid spit. In short he probably would have died and missed out on a whole lot more terrifying life-threatening situations and severe emotional pain if it weren’t for the wolverine. In that moment David just saw it as a brown furry lump that was viciously attacking the man and giving David a chance to get away. Later when Tae-hyung told him the animal was a wolverine, David would point out, like the genius he was, that Hugh Jackman looked nothing like that.
David pushed himself to his feet, but stopped when he saw a boy dart out from the bushes, with a spear and charge at the man. At one moment the man was trying to kill the wolverine and the next the spear had gone through his body. David found himself choking in surprise.
The boy looked over at David. He wore a bandana around the lower half of his face and his dark monolid eyes looked tired and his dark brown hair was dirty and unkempt. He was shorter than David, skinnier too, but David really had no guess as to how old he was.
“You just killed that man,” he said in surprise.
The boy nodded slightly.
“Hey I helped!” an indignant voice shouted from below. David was too disturbed by the thought that came to his mind to look down, but the large furry creature that had attacked the acid-man clambered onto the boy’s shoulder and spoke. “I helped save you too.”
David nodded, sure, talking animals… “Why did you save me though?”
The boy started walking and gestured for David to follow. “Because they want to capture me too. So for the moment, welcome to the prize meat club.”
David found out the boy was named Tae-hyung though he was left guessing at his age. A bit older than Shep maybe? The wolverine called himself Carnage but pointed out that his actual “name” was his scent.
Tae-hyung led the way into a small abandoned cottage that had seen much better days. David was hesitant, but he decided to trust this kid, so he followed him into the freezing building. Tae-hyung went straight for the counter and grabbed a dry chunk of something that may have once been meat and immediately began eating it.
David put his hands in his pockets, fingers gripping the edges of the fabric anxiously. “I want a weapon. I wanna be able to kill demons.”
Tae-hyung didn’t look over. “I don’t have another. They’re hard to find.”
David frowned. “Oh. I see.”
Carnage climbed onto the counter so he was a little more eye level with David. “So do you know why they’re hunting you?”
David shook his head. “I don’t know. But I do think I’m worth more alive than I am dead.” He didn’t add that this made it even more terrifying.
Later it got dark and David finally decided to sit down. Tae-hyung turned on a small LED lantern, not looking up for the book he was reading, and David decided to talk to carnage. “So um, what are you?”
“I’m a wolverine.” Carnage stretched. “I believe we already established this.”
“Yeah… yeah okay, but like, I mean…”
Carnage looked at him. “You mean why can I talk?”
“Yeah pretty much.”
“I just can. Always been able to. But I can’t understand every human.”
“So what makes us different? Is it the whole prize meat thing?” David’s eyes flashed in annoyance. There really was no good reason for him to be some prize meat.
“Heck if I know. I’m going to sleep. I suggest you sleep too and when you wake up, learn how to fight. Because I’m not going to save your life again.” With that Carnage climbed down and disappeared around a corner.
“Is it alright if I sleep here?” David asked Tae-hyung, but he was absorbed in the large book, tracing over weird circular symbols and sketches of plants, and didn’t respond.
David decided not to bother him and just looked around for a place. He found a pile of old moth-eaten couch cushions. Then he noticed that Carnage was curled up near the edge. “Use some common sense,” Carnage said without looking over. “He will probably kill you if you steal his bed. Find somewhere else.”
“Yeah I know that,” David muttered, though he doubted the wolverine even cared. He turned around and began looking for somewhere else. Eventually he just decided to take a place out of the way where the floor wasn’t super uncomfortable. He wrapped his coat around himself and tried to fall asleep but maybe as a form of self-preservation, his mind was once again preventing him from sleeping.
He felt a cold tickling sensation like insects crawling on him but he couldn’t seem to brush them off. As his vision adjusted a little to the dark, he saw spiders all over him, weaving webs on him. He shouted in surprise and disgust and clawed the webs off of him, scrambling back and trying to brush off the spiders. “Not spiders again…”
The first thing David noticed was that it was raining and that it was dripping off of him, his soaked clothes clinging to his skin and though he did feel lighter, as he always did in this place, he still felt weighed down by rainwater pooled in his shoes. Really? We had to be somewhere it was raining? Is this really the best you could do? David was about to look for a place where he could find shelter, when he heard Malcolm.
“David, glad you found me.” He walked over, wearing a crisp suit and holding an umbrella. “Lovely weather isn’t it?”
“Why did you call me here?” He looked around and noticed the bright and colorful plastic structures, slides, ladders, rock walls. “Are we at a playground? You know that's like, really creepy.”
Malcolm laughed softly. “David, you know you chose this place right?” He gestured for David to follow him. David did, wondering why his subconscious had brought them here. Also, why had Malcolm known to bring an umbrella and he hadn’t?
They sat down at a table under a pavilion next to the playground.
“Well David,” Malcolm said pleasantly. “How are you feeling since leaving home?”
David rubbed his arm. “What are you gonna help with that? I mean, tell me the truth. Are you even real? Can we just say that I had a psychological break when my mom died and I’ve been in a mental institute ever since?”
“Ha. No, you don’t get an easy out. And people are counting on you to embrace this reality and take your part in it.”
David crossed his arm, making himself smaller. “I don’t want people to count on me,” he mumbled.
“Well right now you’re not worth much for counting on.” Malcolm reached over and lifted David’s arm. “You need to get strong and learn how to fight.”
David scowled and snatched his arm away. “Are you going to teach me how to fight?”
This second chunk is much later in the story and only uses the dialogue prompt:
David knelt down, tracing the Ethereal sigil he had painted sloppily on the training room ground a few hours ago. “Part of me gets them wanting us to train longer-” he began.
“I have been training though! Maybe you need to train more but I’ve been training for this since I was born!” Saskia shouted. “Train, train, train. That’s all it is. I want to be out there. I want to be k*lling demons.”
“Yeah well, they actually need me out there,” David snapped.
Saskia crossed her arms. “What makes you so sure?”
“I don’t know, I just, I just know I have to be there. Like the rescue can’t happen without me.”
“You know you sound really egotistical.”
“Really? I was going more for * off. Believe me, I wish I wasn’t needed but I am.”
“Fine. What do you know about these kidnappings?”
David shook his head. “Nothing really.” He hesitated. “I just know that I have a part to play.”
“Would you stop being so cryptic?”
“Would you tell me creepy dreams to stop being so cryptic?”
“I don’t see why you have to be so special; you don’t even seem that powerful but suddenly Dante is all like oh I’ve got to train David, hey David wanna go on a walk with me, David we should talk.”
David’s voice softened a little. “Dante is more than a sword fighting instructor, isn’t he? He’s what, your brother?”
“You mean he didn’t mention it.”
“Not in so many words no. But I guess I should have picked up on the signs earlier.”
Saskia nodded. “My parents adopted him a few years before I was born. And now he’s left me because he doesn’t think I was good enough for the mission.”
“Okay, screw their choices then right? I mean they can’t choose for us. I’m not just sitting around.”
“No sense sitting around,” she agreed.
Okay now this last chunk is early in the story but from the POV of my other lovely main character.
prompts: environment, hallucinations, object
Ignatius waited at the far edge of the town, the one where the land turned rough and rocky where only hearty plants, especially grasses, hung on. In the distance he could see the huge forests, but he wasn’t going there tonight. When Emeric finally showed up, Romulus was with him. “He insisted on coming, I’m sorry,” Emeric said.
Ignatius sighed; Romulus wasn’t the easiest to get along with but they didn’t have time to argue. “Alright, well I’ve got the ropes and the flashlights. Are you two ready to climb?”
“I’m not stupid,” Romulus said, probably rolling his eyes, judging on his tone, but Ignatius wasn’t particularly interested in looking at Romulus’s eyes.
“I’m nervous,” Emeric admitted as they walked through the rough grass, shining flashlight beams to keep an eye out for animals and obstacles. “What if something is actually wrong with this cave?”
“Oh so you’re finally listening to me about how this is a stupid idea?” Romulus scoffed.
Ignatius turned his head back to look at Romulus. “I thought you wanted to come.”
“Please. I came to keep my baby brother from getting himself killed.”
“Excuse me? I am eighteen minutes older.”
“Yeah, but you act like a baby.”
Ignatius put his hands up. “Okay, listen, enough. Fine, only I’ll go in the cave. Okay?”
Romulus crossed his arm. “Your curiosity and Emeric following you around like a puppy is going to get one or both of you killed some day.”
Emeric opened his mouth to say something but closed it, shook his head and just continued walking determinedly. Ignatius followed, soon regaining the lead. Romulus muttered some choice words but followed.
They soon came to the small ravine and Ignatius shone his flashlight around, looking for the path he and Lachlan had found the other day.
“Found it.” He placed the flashlight in his mouth and carefully lowered himself down slowly to the first ledge which had enough room for one person to stand crouched down on. After that it was a straightforward climb down for a few feet. Glancing up he saw Romulus was on the ledge.
“This way,” Ignatius said, slowly moving left, keeping close to the wall of the ravine. The ground was fairly stable here, and there was a bit more of a gradual slope here, but he was still using his hands, though he was now able to take the flashlight out of his mouth.
“Ow,” he heard Emeric mutter around the flashlight behind him. He then probably took the flashlight out of his mouth because his voice was clearer. “Thorns.”
“Just try and be careful,” Ignatius advised lamely.
They moved downward slowly and soon enough the ground had more or less flattened out, though it was still rocky and uneven and there was only room for two people to walk comfortably side to side in this ravine. Naturally, this meant that Emeric and Ignatius had left Romulus behind them.
“You know we’ll die if we get a flash flood,” Romulus muttered.
“Oh wow, it’s almost like I checked the freaking weather to make sure that wouldn’t happen,” Ignatius said loudly. “Also why we aren’t doing this in spring.”
“Honestly, he seems a lot more like a baby right now,” Emeric mumbled, and Ignatius grinned, nodding in agreement. He heard a rustling sound and froze, holding up a hand for the others to stop. He couldn’t quite tell what it was, some mammal a little larger than a rabbit. “Okay, I think it’s safe. Just keep your distance.”
They pressed close to the right wall of the ravine with Ignatius leading the way. They saw more animals as they walked, including some owls swooping down, no doubt to grab small rodents that they didn’t see.
“There it is,” Ignatius said.
“That is a pile of rocks,” Romulus said.
Ignatius grabbed one of the fist sized rocks and pulled it away. “Astute observation. Now help me move them.” Emeric immediately knelt to help clear the cave mouth, but Romulus took a little longer before finally sighing and giving in.
“You know,” Romulus said as they dug. “Maybe there’s a reason they blocked off this cave.”
“You know you didn’t have to come,” Ignatius snapped. “If you want to do your learning in libraries and labs that meet every safety precaution to a T, that’s fine, but I’m going to learn what’s going on in here. I know Gideon Bennet is hiding something down here, hence why he blocked this cave, and you know what I’ve wanted to see what’s in this cave for years and I’m finally going to take that risk. I’m getting answers and if you don’t want to come, fine, but would you just shut up? I’m perfectly capable of weighing the risk and so is Emeric.”
Emeric let out a small surprised laugh, and Romulus was left seemingly searching for a counter argument but unable to find one.
“I’ll keep an eye out for any animals or… Bennets I guess,” Romulus muttered and it got a bit darker with his flashlight beam no longer pointed at the cave mouth.
Ignatius shuddered. “Ugh really I hope Gideon doesn’t actually show up.”
Emeric leaned over, and Ignatius could see by the faint light from the flashlight that reached his face that Emeric was grinning impishly. “Yeah but I bet you wish Lachlan would.”
Ignatius blushed a little and scowled, pushing Emeric away. “Shut up.”
They got the rocks all cleared away and Ignatius took the backpack off. He took the rope out and tied it securely around his belt. Without anyone asking or even suggesting it, Romulus walked over, sighing in annoyance (maybe he had a physical reason for doing that constantly) and adjusted Ignatius’s knot. Ignatius nodded gratefully, but knew it was probably smarter to not actually say thank you. Ignatius then grabbed the headlamp which he’d been saving for the cave.
“Alright, I’m going in. Pull me out after ten minutes or if you feel a sudden tug on the rope,” Ignatius said, lowering himself to the ground on his belly.
Emeric suddenly dropped down next to Ignatius and hugged him. “Don’t get yourself killed because you’re too curious.”
Ignatius smiled a little, leaning into the hug; Emeric was one of the few people he was fine with hugging. “I won’t.”
He squeezed himself into the small opening of the cave. Even with his headlight on at the brightest light, for a few minutes he could only see a few inches ahead of him as he army-crawled through the tiny cave and he started to wish he had a helmet because he kept bumping his head on the low cave ceiling. Finally, after what seemed like several hundred yards, the cave opened up a little more so Ignatius could crawl normally and still have enough space above him that he didn’t bump his head anymore. He took a moment to just shine his flashlight around in awe. He didn’t really know much about rocks, but there was some eerie and ancient beauty in here and stalactites plunged down like icicles of rock. There weren’t quite as many stalagmites, but he did see one part, up ahead and to the left, where stalactites and stalagmites seemed to form fangs in the mouth of a new tunnel. He examined the tunnel closely, but wasn’t sure if he could make his way in there, and it looked even smaller than the one he had entered the cave through, rougher too. The question was though, where would Gideon Bennet hide something…?
Lachlan hadn’t known, and he knew his father better than pretty much anyone, so Ignatius was left guessing. He was going to get answers. Why did so many people in Phantasmagoria say the ravine was haunted? Why was Gideon Bennet so interested in this cave?
Ignatius decided not to enter the tunnel with the teeth, at least not yet, and instead began making his way lower, taking note of how much rope he had left. Foolishly, he had not made up some sort of signal for Romulus to give more or less slack if he ever needed to climb, so Ignatius did the best he could by himself. He frequently looked down to make sure he wasn’t about to plunge to his death and he certainly didn’t move down until he was certain the footing or handhold he had found felt stable. But apparently he shouldn’t have felt as certain as he did, because after having safely climbed down more than ten feet, the rock crumbled under his feet and he fell.
Thankfully the fall turned out to only be a few feet, but landing on the rocks still hurt. He started to look around, but almost immediately felt a tugging and saw the rope losing its slack. Oh right… that would have been a sharp tug. But Ignatius wasn’t ready to leave, so he tugged back, trying to get them to give him more rope. But Romulus still tried to pull him out of the cave. So Ignatius carefully knelt down and found a small, secure looking outcropping. Holding onto the rope with all his strength so he wouldn’t lose it, he untied it from his belt then tied it tightly around the rock.
Ignatius took a breath then looked around. He was about to put the rope back on and look for a way to climb out, when he spotted a small (object. Okay I really can’t decide what it should be. I’ll figure it out later). Ignatius picked it up and quickly recognized it. It was Gideon’s. Whatever he had hidden had to be down here somewhere. Then he saw another opening. It was tiny, but when he shone his flashlight curiously into it he found some blond hair and a bit of torn fabric stuck in a tiny rock crevice.
Ignatius may have been intelligent, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t an idiot. His mind made some semblance of weighing the risks then, without the rope to hold him back or risk him getting pulled out by his well-meaning companions, he squeezed himself into the tiny opening. It was a super tight fit and he held his breath because his lungs could barely expand in here and he was NOT getting stuck, no way. He pushed himself further forward, not even army crawling, he was more like some misshapen snake, and then without warning he tumbled down into water he hadn’t seen and went under.
His eyes bulged in panic, but he had the sense to hold his breath. He tried swimming up but there was no light, so how could he know which way was up? And if there wasn’t light…why could he see so easily?
A snake that seemed to flicker in and out of reality wrapped itself around Ignatius, but he only felt a tickling sensation. He heard a scream and saw a rock that was perfectly rectangular like some altar, and the panic on a woman’s face just before huge scythe-like claws sliced off her head. Ignatius tried calling out for help, but the things kept appearing around him. He saw Phantasmagoria crumbling before his eyes. A man with both reptilian and lion-like features wearing a crown was talking to a crowd of gathered creatures of all bizarre shapes and sizes. Ignatius couldn’t hear them, but the person, or rather not-person, seemed to be rallying them. He saw these creatures fighting what seemed to be stars and saw everything filling with insects, found himself in blood instead of water, and then it was choking and noxious and yellowish.
He saw things he recognized now. Dad’s doctors who couldn’t stop the cancer, the man whom Ignatius had seen kicking his dog when he was just three years old and had almost forgotten about. There was his teacher from second grade who always made him feel small and weak and dumb. He was shoved into a crevice in the rocks, except it wasn’t the rocks it was the closet where the older cousins used to lock him and he could hear their voices now, mocking him loudly. And when he turned around in that closet he saw Kobe, ninth grade before he got expelled, sitting in the school cafeteria, texting someone, grinning viciously. At the same time he saw Emeric, hiding his grin and his phone in class as he texted someone too. He saw himself and Emeric in Emeric’s room, helping Emeric get ready for his date. The visions swirled into chaos. He hadn’t been there when Emeric was beaten up by Kobe and his friends but he was experiencing it now and he felt his blood boiling and anger bursting out of him. Then just before everything went black, he saw Gideon looking down at him.
Ignatius could no longer see, but he could feel that he was back in the water. He could still feel his limbs, though the water was frigid, so that might not last. Also, his lungs didn’t hurt and he wasn’t making any panicked attempts to breathe, so he must not have been down here long. Actually all things considered, he felt surprisingly calm. Besides the cold and a strange urge to kill, he felt fine. He still didn’t know up from down, so he just swam the way that felt right.
He swam in the darkness, and his hands felt something hard and warped by the water, rough with minerals. He couldn’t tell what it was but he felt latches and he’d come too far to give up now. With fingers that were starting to go numb, he tried to undo the latch. But his lungs were running out of air. If this direction was down like he guessed it was, then he figured swimming the opposite way would take him up. His head broke the surface of the water and he gasped for air, drawing in refreshing lungfuls of the subterranean air which right now felt as good as if he were standing in the middle of a forest.
He knew that if he waited too long, or took too long to brace himself, he might never go back in. So almost immediately after he had caught his breath, he plunged back into the water. He could hear voices whispering words he couldn’t discern, but he just shook his head and ignored them. They’re just in my head. That way is up, that way is up and I am going down. He found the object again but even feeling all around it, six feet long at least, he couldn’t figure out what it was. So instead he focused on opening it. It was nearly impossible but finally he managed it.
At this point he wasn’t really sure if he actually thought Gideon was hiding something in here, but like a clearly human made object in such a strange part of the earth with so many local legends surrounding it. He didn’t want to put his hand directly in but he couldn’t find anything to use instead. He considered his shoes, until he realized he’d lost them, probably a while ago. So he took a mental breath and reached carefully into the box.
He wasn’t quite sure what he was feeling. Hard but definitely more fragile than rock. It was round but not quite and there was a dent here, and a slightly curved line of bumps here and a sudden hole and suddenly he realized this was a skull. Disgusted, he quickly put it back in the box which must have been a coffin or a sarcophagus. What was a coffin doing down here? Stop it, you’ve come this far. You can’t be scared of some bones. He reached back into the coffin, desperately wishing he had light so he could have some idea of what it was he was looking for. He knew he had to go back up for air soon. He felt around on the bones and in the coffin itself. Then finally he found something. Some kind of old waterproof fabric wrapped around something hard and somewhat cylindrical. It was tiny, stuck fast in the skull’s eye socket (the one his fingers had not felt around in earlier). Ignatius carefully worked it free. Sorry man, but I don’t think you’re needing that anymore.
Holding tightly to his new treasure, he swam back up and as soon as the water had left his ears he heard shouting. “Ignatius! Where are you!” Emeric shouted. “Are you alive?”
Ignatius couldn’t find his voice to shout back, so he just stumbled in the direction of his friend’s voice. He was realizing now just how cold he was and he was shivering violently, but he was fairly certain his hands still remained locked around that object he’d found in the skull. He saw light and at the same time heard Emeric’s relieved sob. The warmth of his hug was such a welcome feeling that he felt his own eyes welling with tears and he realized he felt warm inside too. The feeling of hatred he’d had earlier had dissipated.
Emeric held him at arms length away, looking at Ignatius’s face while he winced in the sudden light of Emeric’s flashlight (they’d only brought one headlamp which Ignatius had broken.) “What the hell happened? And why is the rope not tied to you?” he demanded.
Ignatius grinned, teeth chattering. “I found something. I’ll tell you about it later, but right now I really want to be above ground with soup.”
Later on, dry and wrapped in blankets in Emeric’s room, the three of them carefully unwrapped the object.
“It’s a stick…” Emeric said. “Hang on, wait a minute.” he turned it over and shook his head. “Just a stick.”
Ignatius was busy carefully peeling something off the inside of the waterproof fabric. It wasn’t quite paper, it was too rough for that. “Romulus, do you recognize that language?” He asked, passing it to him.
“You’re the whole language nerd. I’m STEM, you're Humanities,” Romulus said with a shrug.
Ignatius just nodded and looked at the paper, wondering what had been hiding in this cave so near a town that people said was cursed.
Last edited by xXFierroOrFalafelXx (Aug. 1, 2024 23:55:08)
- smalltoe
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
Thank-you Notes
And now it’s time for another session to come to a close—July has passed so unbelievably fast, but it’s been incredible, and I have you all to thank for it. So firstly, a huge thank you to everyone participating in this session of SWC, no matter what your role was, no matter how many points you got or words you wrote, you are all a part of this wonderful community—so thank you, to whoever it is that’s reading this <33
Hosts: Of course, I have to kick these thank you notes off with a massive thanks to the ones who keep this camp running—Robin, Sun, Luna, Moonlit, and Moss, you all spend so much time and effort making SWC amazing, and I know I speak for everyone when I say we all appreciate everything you do and can’t thank you enough for it <33
Leading Team: Oh my god, we had such an incredible leading team and cabin lineup this session! I’ve had so much fun stalking the other cabins bahaha, and helping out with some of their storylines—so thank you to all of this session's leaders and cos for all the work they’ve put into their cabins! You should all be so so so proud of yourselves <3
POLAR BEARS: And a massive thank you to the POLAR BEARS activity team! I’ve enjoyed this session’s activities SO MUCH—especially IslandSWC, which is up there as one of my favourite fourth weeklies of all time :starstruck: So thank you so much for all the work you put in to make these incredible activities for us—here’s infinite lasagne donations <33
Judges: Sun, Lio, Mayonnaise, and all of the panelists as well—thank you so much for taking on this job and spending so much time judging the writing competition! We’re all super grateful
MBC Hosts: Reese, Alana, and Summer—you are all incredible! Thank you so much for all your hard work running the memory book committee <33
And to Dystopian: I have had an absolutely incredible time getting to know you all—screaming about pirates and sea monsters together, bonding over our collective hate for white chocolate and hot pink (grrr go away Tickle), answering qotds, slaying cabin wars, the list goes on! I am so glad I got to spend the session with you guys, you are all fantastic <33 Regardless of what place we end up coming, we’ve all done amazing and had a truly epic session—and I really hope you all enjoyed your time in the Sinking City ;D
And most importantly, to my co-leaders—you know where to find yours <33
And now it’s time for another session to come to a close—July has passed so unbelievably fast, but it’s been incredible, and I have you all to thank for it. So firstly, a huge thank you to everyone participating in this session of SWC, no matter what your role was, no matter how many points you got or words you wrote, you are all a part of this wonderful community—so thank you, to whoever it is that’s reading this <33
Hosts: Of course, I have to kick these thank you notes off with a massive thanks to the ones who keep this camp running—Robin, Sun, Luna, Moonlit, and Moss, you all spend so much time and effort making SWC amazing, and I know I speak for everyone when I say we all appreciate everything you do and can’t thank you enough for it <33
Leading Team: Oh my god, we had such an incredible leading team and cabin lineup this session! I’ve had so much fun stalking the other cabins bahaha, and helping out with some of their storylines—so thank you to all of this session's leaders and cos for all the work they’ve put into their cabins! You should all be so so so proud of yourselves <3
POLAR BEARS: And a massive thank you to the POLAR BEARS activity team! I’ve enjoyed this session’s activities SO MUCH—especially IslandSWC, which is up there as one of my favourite fourth weeklies of all time :starstruck: So thank you so much for all the work you put in to make these incredible activities for us—here’s infinite lasagne donations <33
Judges: Sun, Lio, Mayonnaise, and all of the panelists as well—thank you so much for taking on this job and spending so much time judging the writing competition! We’re all super grateful
MBC Hosts: Reese, Alana, and Summer—you are all incredible! Thank you so much for all your hard work running the memory book committee <33
And to Dystopian: I have had an absolutely incredible time getting to know you all—screaming about pirates and sea monsters together, bonding over our collective hate for white chocolate and hot pink (grrr go away Tickle), answering qotds, slaying cabin wars, the list goes on! I am so glad I got to spend the session with you guys, you are all fantastic <33 Regardless of what place we end up coming, we’ve all done amazing and had a truly epic session—and I really hope you all enjoyed your time in the Sinking City ;D
And most importantly, to my co-leaders—you know where to find yours <33
- dolphin786
-
Scratcher
76 posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
when I receive [skog's signal v]
set [all systems v] to [go]
broadcast [arsonmango explosion v]
switch costume to [happy v]
- pepper-and-a-pencil
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
(late) thank you notes
hosts
thank you so much for all that you do for swc <3 we’re all so incredibly grateful for the amount of time and effort that you guys put into hosting and putting up with us ;D
POLAR BEARS
YOU GUYS DID AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING JOB ON THE FOURTH WEEKLY AND ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES <3 THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR WORKING SO HARD FOR US SWCERS SO WE COULD HAVE SUCH A BRILLIANT WEEKLY TO END OFF THE SESSION. THAT WAS HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE WEEKLY, AND IT WOULDN’T HAVE TURNED INTO A REALITY WITHOUT YOU GUYS SO THANK YOU SO MUCH <3
alana
ALANA BANANA <3 i opened my thank you note doc, and all it said was your name in bold, and “i genuinely don’t even know where to start.” so there you go, i literally opened a google doc, began with your thank you note because you’ve probably had the biggest impact on me this session, and then was at an absolute loss for words and gave up. this time there will be no giving up! it’s just over an hour past the end of the session and i have yet to write these so i’ll kick it off with yours ;D you did seriously have a massive impact on me this session (positive ehehe) so i’ll just start by saying thank you for that <3 the day (late at night for me) leader app results were released i was fast asleep lol ;D but let me tell you when i woke up i threw off my blankets and ran downstairs to check my inbox AND THERE WAS AN OFFER SITTING INSIDE OF IT FROM AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND. so i held back my excited screaming and ate perhaps the best bowl of cereal i’ve ever had in my life. as you know, i waited it out a bit, then eagerly accepted!! ever since the very start of planning i’ve had loads and loads of fun, like it’s unreal. our cabin theme was hilarious to me, and even though we had to work out important details, it was amazing bringing up fart guns :> additionally, your graphic designing skills were so so incredibly amazing :0 it was so fun for me to be working on canva and notice your cursor pop on, watching you move stuff around to make it look EPIC. i also loved simply chatting with you in canva (though our conversations were anything but simple)! sharing app ideas, talking about the impact swc has had on us, and the strange fascination we both have for the military :0 (especially tanks ehehe) AND OUR WORD WARS <3 i love the word wars we’ve done in past sessions (just one i think lol) and i’m glad that we were able to continue the tradition ;D AND I FINALLY WON EEE >;D it was so fun warring you, the competitiveness is always a great time and it’s awesome we were able to still be competitive while being in the same cabin <3 this session has been an absolute BLAST and i’m so so so SO grateful i got to spend it with you! your ideas for bi-fi were brilliant, and it was incredibly fun to see your vision come to life, and even more fun to help you do so! this session definitely holds a special place in my heart, and is near the top on my favorites list (if not, the top!) i feel like i’m just rambling on now so i’ll bring this to a close… TANK YOU ALANA <33
summer
you’re such an awesome person to work with and i’m so glad we got to co-lead bi-fi together for the time we were able <3 you’re so sweet and fun to be around, the vibes you give off are A+! cabin planning was a great time, and i loved what you did with scarlet overkill! you gave such good ideas and i always enjoyed reading whatever you’d come up with. i hope you’re doing okay now (hopefully life hasn’t been too hard on you ahh) <3 thank you so much summer!!
bi-fi campers
YOU GUYS ROCKED IT THIS SESSION <3 y’all are so epic it was so much fun to be one of your leaders this session! you all did a great job writing during cabin wars, completing puzzles for the heists, and doing activities in the main cabin. i can’t wait to see us standing high on the podium when results are released ;D thanks for a great session - bi fi for the win <3
hail
first of all i absolutely loved drawing the sun hat on your profile picture :> i’ve been waiting all session to say thanks for requesting that hat because i had a blast working on your pfp haha ;D secondly, you were an awesome camper! i loved the vibes you gave whenever you entered the cabin, and you were very very speedy to our villain changes :0 i had so much fun talking to you this session <3
chuey
CHUEY <3 you were always so bright and encouraging (and rather funny) when i talked to you this session. thanks for always bringing the hype and being a light for our cabin! you also wrote a WHOLE LOT this session, so thanks for helping us out during cabin wars, and congrats on successfully speed writing enough words to meet your word goal ;D
qui
you were so fun to have around this session!! i’m glad you enjoyed my quote choices for that one qotd, hope it inspires you ehehe ;D (though i would never hit you with a chair <3) i enjoyed having you in bi fi this session! it was nice having your mix of chill and slightly chaotic personality with all of our really chaotic personalities haha (we probably needed that mix of chill lol - i don’t know where we would’ve ended up xD)
juice
JUICE <3 it was so fun having you in my cabin again!! (although the last cabin we were in together wasn’t swc - i’m talking about the peace cabin for camp galatians <3) you’re funny and nice to have around, i loved spending time with you this session!!
eevee
like juice, i’m so glad you were able to be in my cabin again! having you in peace for camp galatians was super fun, but it was nice getting to know you more through swc also <3 you’re such a sweet person and brilliant writer, and i had fun drawing your smol little minion pfp ehehe - i hope to see you again next session! <3
raya
eee good job on the heists! you did really well and it was fun to watch for your remixes (a stalker? me? pfft nooo) you are super kind and fun to talk to, and i hope to see you around next session <3
lora + finley
RAMBLING ABOUT CRICKET WITH YOU TWO WAS SO FUN <3 thank you so much for letting me pop in on your conversation and join in on the cheering despite knowing close to nothing about cricket ;D it was a very fun morning to have the house to myself and scream about cricket with some friends haha <3
my soul protector
THANKS FOR PROTECTING MY SOUL MOUSEY <3 i loved talking to you this session and you are an absolutely incredible (co)leader, friend, and person as a whole. thank you so much for putting up with a pepper as strange as me ;D <33
summer
THANK YOU FOR RECOMMENDING LAUFEY IN THE MAIN CABIN SHE SOUNDS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND I LISTEN TO HER MUSIC ALMOST EVERY DAY NOW <3
dystopian + thriller
you guys get a special thank you because your cabin theme was so pretty and i LOVED IT <3 your storylines were so fun and i had a great time stalking ehehe
gothic + mystery
GUESS WHAT YOU’RE THE BEST SIBLINGS OUT THERE <33 WE LOVED BEING SIBLINGS WITH YOU GUYS THIS SESSION I HAD SO MUCH FUN AAA
solarpunk + script + fantasy + horror
thanks for being the best enemies we could ask for this session!! (bi-fi will remain on top though ehehe >;D)
all swc participants
i seriously don’t know what i’d do without all of you <33 this camp means so much to me and i’m so glad i found it here on this little corner of scratch because without it, well first my love for writing would be nothing like it is today, my music taste would be nonexistent, and i would never have found a more caring, chaotic, just plain incredible community of people i love to be around like the swc community. i don’t know where i would be today without swc because of the massive impact it and the people in it have had on my life. i’ve grown more closer with several people in swc than i’m closer with in my offline life. and it’s crazy to think about because “everyone’s a random stranger in a completely different place in the world” (cough timezones cough) but that’s not the case - no one here feels like a stranger, everyone is so inclusive to others, whether they’ve been participating for 10 sessions or just joining. so cheers to the memories, the friends, and the crazy writing prompts we’ve made along the way!! thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart <3
hosts
thank you so much for all that you do for swc <3 we’re all so incredibly grateful for the amount of time and effort that you guys put into hosting and putting up with us ;D
POLAR BEARS
YOU GUYS DID AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING JOB ON THE FOURTH WEEKLY AND ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES <3 THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR WORKING SO HARD FOR US SWCERS SO WE COULD HAVE SUCH A BRILLIANT WEEKLY TO END OFF THE SESSION. THAT WAS HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE WEEKLY, AND IT WOULDN’T HAVE TURNED INTO A REALITY WITHOUT YOU GUYS SO THANK YOU SO MUCH <3
alana
ALANA BANANA <3 i opened my thank you note doc, and all it said was your name in bold, and “i genuinely don’t even know where to start.” so there you go, i literally opened a google doc, began with your thank you note because you’ve probably had the biggest impact on me this session, and then was at an absolute loss for words and gave up. this time there will be no giving up! it’s just over an hour past the end of the session and i have yet to write these so i’ll kick it off with yours ;D you did seriously have a massive impact on me this session (positive ehehe) so i’ll just start by saying thank you for that <3 the day (late at night for me) leader app results were released i was fast asleep lol ;D but let me tell you when i woke up i threw off my blankets and ran downstairs to check my inbox AND THERE WAS AN OFFER SITTING INSIDE OF IT FROM AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND. so i held back my excited screaming and ate perhaps the best bowl of cereal i’ve ever had in my life. as you know, i waited it out a bit, then eagerly accepted!! ever since the very start of planning i’ve had loads and loads of fun, like it’s unreal. our cabin theme was hilarious to me, and even though we had to work out important details, it was amazing bringing up fart guns :> additionally, your graphic designing skills were so so incredibly amazing :0 it was so fun for me to be working on canva and notice your cursor pop on, watching you move stuff around to make it look EPIC. i also loved simply chatting with you in canva (though our conversations were anything but simple)! sharing app ideas, talking about the impact swc has had on us, and the strange fascination we both have for the military :0 (especially tanks ehehe) AND OUR WORD WARS <3 i love the word wars we’ve done in past sessions (just one i think lol) and i’m glad that we were able to continue the tradition ;D AND I FINALLY WON EEE >;D it was so fun warring you, the competitiveness is always a great time and it’s awesome we were able to still be competitive while being in the same cabin <3 this session has been an absolute BLAST and i’m so so so SO grateful i got to spend it with you! your ideas for bi-fi were brilliant, and it was incredibly fun to see your vision come to life, and even more fun to help you do so! this session definitely holds a special place in my heart, and is near the top on my favorites list (if not, the top!) i feel like i’m just rambling on now so i’ll bring this to a close… TANK YOU ALANA <33
summer
you’re such an awesome person to work with and i’m so glad we got to co-lead bi-fi together for the time we were able <3 you’re so sweet and fun to be around, the vibes you give off are A+! cabin planning was a great time, and i loved what you did with scarlet overkill! you gave such good ideas and i always enjoyed reading whatever you’d come up with. i hope you’re doing okay now (hopefully life hasn’t been too hard on you ahh) <3 thank you so much summer!!
bi-fi campers
YOU GUYS ROCKED IT THIS SESSION <3 y’all are so epic it was so much fun to be one of your leaders this session! you all did a great job writing during cabin wars, completing puzzles for the heists, and doing activities in the main cabin. i can’t wait to see us standing high on the podium when results are released ;D thanks for a great session - bi fi for the win <3
hail
first of all i absolutely loved drawing the sun hat on your profile picture :> i’ve been waiting all session to say thanks for requesting that hat because i had a blast working on your pfp haha ;D secondly, you were an awesome camper! i loved the vibes you gave whenever you entered the cabin, and you were very very speedy to our villain changes :0 i had so much fun talking to you this session <3
chuey
CHUEY <3 you were always so bright and encouraging (and rather funny) when i talked to you this session. thanks for always bringing the hype and being a light for our cabin! you also wrote a WHOLE LOT this session, so thanks for helping us out during cabin wars, and congrats on successfully speed writing enough words to meet your word goal ;D
qui
you were so fun to have around this session!! i’m glad you enjoyed my quote choices for that one qotd, hope it inspires you ehehe ;D (though i would never hit you with a chair <3) i enjoyed having you in bi fi this session! it was nice having your mix of chill and slightly chaotic personality with all of our really chaotic personalities haha (we probably needed that mix of chill lol - i don’t know where we would’ve ended up xD)
juice
JUICE <3 it was so fun having you in my cabin again!! (although the last cabin we were in together wasn’t swc - i’m talking about the peace cabin for camp galatians <3) you’re funny and nice to have around, i loved spending time with you this session!!
eevee
like juice, i’m so glad you were able to be in my cabin again! having you in peace for camp galatians was super fun, but it was nice getting to know you more through swc also <3 you’re such a sweet person and brilliant writer, and i had fun drawing your smol little minion pfp ehehe - i hope to see you again next session! <3
raya
eee good job on the heists! you did really well and it was fun to watch for your remixes (a stalker? me? pfft nooo) you are super kind and fun to talk to, and i hope to see you around next session <3
lora + finley
RAMBLING ABOUT CRICKET WITH YOU TWO WAS SO FUN <3 thank you so much for letting me pop in on your conversation and join in on the cheering despite knowing close to nothing about cricket ;D it was a very fun morning to have the house to myself and scream about cricket with some friends haha <3
my soul protector
THANKS FOR PROTECTING MY SOUL MOUSEY <3 i loved talking to you this session and you are an absolutely incredible (co)leader, friend, and person as a whole. thank you so much for putting up with a pepper as strange as me ;D <33
summer
THANK YOU FOR RECOMMENDING LAUFEY IN THE MAIN CABIN SHE SOUNDS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND I LISTEN TO HER MUSIC ALMOST EVERY DAY NOW <3
dystopian + thriller
you guys get a special thank you because your cabin theme was so pretty and i LOVED IT <3 your storylines were so fun and i had a great time stalking ehehe
gothic + mystery
GUESS WHAT YOU’RE THE BEST SIBLINGS OUT THERE <33 WE LOVED BEING SIBLINGS WITH YOU GUYS THIS SESSION I HAD SO MUCH FUN AAA
solarpunk + script + fantasy + horror
thanks for being the best enemies we could ask for this session!! (bi-fi will remain on top though ehehe >;D)
all swc participants
i seriously don’t know what i’d do without all of you <33 this camp means so much to me and i’m so glad i found it here on this little corner of scratch because without it, well first my love for writing would be nothing like it is today, my music taste would be nonexistent, and i would never have found a more caring, chaotic, just plain incredible community of people i love to be around like the swc community. i don’t know where i would be today without swc because of the massive impact it and the people in it have had on my life. i’ve grown more closer with several people in swc than i’m closer with in my offline life. and it’s crazy to think about because “everyone’s a random stranger in a completely different place in the world” (cough timezones cough) but that’s not the case - no one here feels like a stranger, everyone is so inclusive to others, whether they’ve been participating for 10 sessions or just joining. so cheers to the memories, the friends, and the crazy writing prompts we’ve made along the way!! thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart <3
- iinspirqtion
-
Scratcher
1000+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
A Guide to (Co)Leader Applications ⚘ Made With Love <33
Hello everyone! I’m Em, and today I’ll give you a bit of a guide on how to improve your (co)leader applications, especially since SWC is just over, and now is the time to start working on your (co)leader applications. We’ll go over how to answer the questions in applications, whether or not it’s in SWC, and overall how to just start with your application. Since I know that we’re all procrastinators, I hope that you will get at least a bit of a tidbit of information from here and start working on your app.
Let’s do a bit of an overview of me, after all, you’re probably wondering, why should I listen to this person? Well I hope you do, but in terms of experience:
I started Scratch Camps in June 2022, first as a camper in SAC. I have been in 17+ sessions of camps, co-led twice in SWC, been a (co)host in both JWC and SRC and led 6+ times, 2 of those in SWC.
Although I wouldn’t call myself a genius, let’s just say I’m just trying to share information with everyone so that all can improve their apps. The things I’ll be talking about are coming from my opinion and though there is a possibility that people like SWC hosts may have some aligned opinions with me, I cannot guarantee that whatever I tell you to do will confirm a spot as a (co)leader in any camp. This guide is only meant to teach.
⚘ Starting an App ⚘
For me, starting an app is always the hardest. It’s also very scary, after all you want to make sure that you get in, but the only people who will know are the hosts of the camp. All you can do in this situation is try your best on it.
First, you have to think of a theme. Now, this is a very important point and where many people go wrong.
Something you must never do is just remix the project and answer the questions without changing anything in the project. This is guaranteed never to get in, and even if the camp is low on applications, seeing you make a low-effort project is not good for your chances. The only way you could redeem yourself is with stellar answers, but without a good explanation as to why you only have answers and no theme or anything, you may be screwed.
So, if you can’t just remix the project and put your answers in, what should you do? Well, when I first started making apps, I noticed that others put in themes for theirs. This is a very good choice; it adds a spark of personality to your project and allows other people to know what kind of person you are.
But Em, what theme should I make my app? There are so many options. Well, I recommend you choose a theme that represents you. Try to be original, and creative, a theme that no one has ever done before.
Here are some dos and don’ts for choosing a theme:
Dont’s: Don’t choose a generic theme. Here are some examples of generic themes: My Bookshelf, Flowers, Google Docs (Or apps that are just based on an app), Garden, and Art. Of course, there are more, but something in common in all of these themes is that they are too generic. Don’t get me wrong, you can make killer apps with these kinds of ideas, but overall it’s hard to show who you are through these themes. Maybe you made a garden app because you like flowers. This might sound harsh, but cool, you like flowers. So what? Or if you make a Spotify app. Cool, you like these songs, so what? For example, I made a Book Cafe app for an SWC session and worked probably harder on it than any other app I’ve ever made for SWC, including the ones that got in as leader, but the Book Cafe app was not accepted. I’m going to be honest, I was pretty upset when it didn’t. I put so much hard work into it, and it failed. Actually, going back I had a lot of positive feedback from people like Luna and Zai on it, so it was a surprise to me that it didn’t get in. But once the hosts critiqued it and told me why they didn’t necessarily choose mine, it was clear why I didn’t get in. One main reason was that though they did appreciate how much effort I put into the app, they would’ve liked it if my theme represented me and my answers more. Though a ‘Book Cafe’ sounds like a cool theme, it doesn’t say much about you other than “I like books.” which doesn’t show much personality or qualities on my part. They also noted that more effort should be going into the answer than the theme, so make sure that you don’t go too all out on the theme, but put in some effort.
Dos:
Focus on answers, but remember that your theme should represent you, and only you. Everyone is unique, and though we may share interests, it’s best if you could find something different that you have compared to others. For example, if you make an app about Food, it shows you like food, right? But many, many, many people love food. Not very interesting. Let’s say we talk about my first app that got in. Its theme was ‘Bucket List’, which incorporated pulling out different scraps from a bucket that talk about what I want to do in life, for example, skydiving, or making my own font. This kind of theme lets the hosts understand me and allows them to actually be able to contemplate if they want a kind of person like me to be a leader. Some other interesting themes that you can take note of are Forms of Poetry (@PoppyWriter), Skill of Debate (@essayist), and Hobbit Hole (@smalltoe). These three apps will be linked separately in the description and are all apps that got accepted as leaders in the July 2024 SWC session. (Keep in mind there are other awesome apps out there, these three are just three that I chose for this!)
Something good to do is take references from other apps that have been accepted/you admire. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get ideas from them!
⚘ Making the App ⚘
There’s not much I can advise you on with the coding, music or graphics, but here are some tips! Try to learn a bit of basic coding on Scratch, enough to be able to create an app that’s interesting and unique. Follow tutorials, or look at other Scratcher’s codes to get an idea of what you’re going to do for your app. For music, it’s nice to have it in apps, so I’d recommend playing songs that either fit your theme or that you enjoy. Although it’s only there for aesthetic purposes, it’s still nice to have. For graphics, you can either draw them if you’re confident in your skills, or like me you can go on a graphic design website, for example, Canva, which I use. It’s easy to follow and understand, so I really recommend using it, especially for writing your answers in.
⚘ Introduce Yourself! ⚘
For help with answers I will be following the ones that SWC currently has (as of July 2024), these will vary from camp to camp, but I hope the ones I will go over are enough for you to get an idea of what you need to write.
For introducing yourself, please don’t just write the bare necessities. Usually, they ask for your nickname, pronouns, and timezone. Don’t just write them and go to the next question. Imagine you’re in a job interview, except less formal. Again something really important you need to do is share your true self with the hosts. Anything you want to add about yourself, your likes, dislikes, what you do daily, or anything important to you, include it! Though you do want to share a lot about yourself, try not to overshare. For example, it’s not that important that you hate rainy days, it’s just a small note. Instead of that, maybe include that you love crocheting and are thinking of starting a small business where you sell what you make. The hosts don’t want the leader team to be full of strangers they don’t know. Of course, if you’re a first-time leader you may be considered a stranger, but it should be that after they read your about me, the hosts feel as if they know you as a friend, or at least a mutual acquaintance. It’s easier for people to like people who share more about themselves, as long as the information isn’t degrading to that person. If you do not feel comfortable sharing any part of your personal life, that’s totally fine, I understand. Scratch is still an online community, but still, try your best to share anything you can that is relevant to getting to know the real you in your app. You may think that SWC is a professional place, but actually, it’s more of a big happy family. Leaders and their cos should be friends, not a worker and a boss. Sharing more about yourself helps this family become closer, which ultimately is what the hosts want. To get to know you and get to talk to you comfortably. Plus, people tend to trust people they know more, and so then, make people know you more.
⚘ Previous Participation ⚘
For listing participation in camps, try to stick to naming the number of times you’ve been a camper and (co)leader instead of listing all of the camps you’ve been in and your occupation. Consider maybe listing specific bigger camps you have (co)led in, for example, if you’re applying to a smaller camp, you should definitely say that you’ve co-led in SWC, if you have. Make sure to also list in detail each session you were in the camp that you’re applying for. Hosts like to see your past experiences, if you have them in their camp. It tends to convince them that this person likes this camp. For example, if you’re applying for SWC, make sure to give a small overview of each session you’ve been in SWC, it doesn’t have to be long, but share your feelings and tell the truth. If you got a bit inactive, explain why. Though you may think that sharing your weaknesses will dissuade you from getting in, it’s usually the opposite. Admitting your mistakes or missteps is integral to being a leader. If you didn’t acknowledge where you went wrong, then you wouldn’t be a good one. I’m not saying exaggerate your participation or turn it into a whole sob story, but if you did overcome issues while in camps, be sure to share them!
For real-life experiences, you may be blanking. Especially if you’re an introvert. But leading experiences doesn’t have to be big, it could be something like organizing a group project, or working together with your friends to play a piece of music together at an open mic night. If you do have cool leading experiences like student council president, definitely share that. It’s just that if you don’t have that much experience, don’t worry, everyone has definitely led something, whether they know it or not.
A little note to the inexperienced appliers: I would recommend doing a few sessions of different camps if you have never been in any, before trying to get in as a (co)leader, but if you know that you can do it, do it! There have been people who have gotten into SWC first try as a leader before even being a camper or co-leader, but remember not to be too confident. Know your limits, and if you are uncertain that you will be able to lead well, maybe skip out on the apps. Learn a bit more about the camp before actually applying, as it will raise your chances of getting in.
⚘ Preferred Cabins ⚘
I have learned that a simple “I like these cabins and I don’t like these cabins” will not suffice. Choose a few cabins that you really want to lead, and start thinking of a theme/storyline for each of them. Of course, they do not have to be what you have to make the cabin if you get in, but the hosts like to see that you’re a bit prepared before actually becoming a leader of that cabin. Make sure to still note the cabins you wouldn’t like to (co)lead so that the hosts don’t accidentally assign them to you. Here’s an example of a good preferred cabins answer:
I would like to lead Sci-fi, and actually, I have a cool idea about it. The campers are stuck in a laboratory where mutated animals are roaming around after they escape from their test rooms. The campers acting as doctors will have to find cures for each one and make sure to fix everything before something goes wrong.
I would prefer not to lead mystery, horror, or thrillers because I believe that I would have a hard time leading them. I find it hard to write in the genres, and to make a cool theme for them would be challenging for me.
(keep in mind that this is a very simplified version of an answer and you should go in more depth and list more cabins that you’d prefer to lead along with your ideas)
⚘ Writing Excerpt ⚘
Unlike Ris’ guide, I’m not going to say whether or not hosts read these. As a host of JWC, I’ll say that I skimmed over them last session and though they might not seem important, if you’re applying to a writing camp, you have to be decent at writing. Not that you have to be Shakespeare, but the hosts want to know if you can write or not. The more knowledge you have of writing, the better leader you will be, especially when campers have questions. You’re not going to choose someone to be a leader who’s terrible at writing for a writing camp, right? Honestly, just choose a piece that you’re proud of. I’ve been just putting the same excerpt that won a Juniors in SWC for two years whenever I apply.
⚘ Time Dedication ⚘
The most important thing to do here is to be honest. This is also great for self-reflection. Will you really have enough time to dedicate to your camp, or should you reconsider applying? The hosts want to see whether or not you have the time, and though unexpected things happen, this is mostly to avoid (co)leaders dropping out in the middle of the session, which is always annoying because sometimes that means finding another person to replace them, and that team trying to scramble to their feet. The best thing you can do here is list how much time you can dedicate each day or week, and then a scale of one to ten on how busy you are. Make sure to note anything that may impede your time on SWC, for example, vacation or extracurriculars. This allows the hosts to plan ahead of time, just in case something happens.
⚘ Skills and Shortcomings in Time Management ⚘
One main thing that I have learned from an awesome person is that when you’re listing your shortcomings in anything, make sure to say how you can improve them. This is going above and beyond what the hosts are asking, and it gives them a good impression of you. You shouldn’t only state the facts, but you should also find solutions. This is called problem-solving, and it’s something that hosts want to see in leaders. Try to have an equal amount of skills and shortcomings you list, you don’t want to seem like a terrible person, or someone who is overly braggy about themselves, so an equal amount is great for this. If you are stuck and can’t remember any skills or shortcomings, try to look them up, or check other people’s apps usually when you read theirs, you can find that you also have some of them, and you can include that in your answer. Some examples of skills are organization of time, prioritizing, getting things done quickly, and flexibility. Some shortcomings are procrastination, multitasking, and getting distracted easily. Do you have any of these traits? Keep them in mind when you write your answer!
⚘ Strengths and Weaknesses when working with others ⚘
A lot that needs to be said here has already been said for the strengths in weaknesses in time management, so I don’t believe that has to be reiterated. Just think about what you’re proud of in this field, and what you think should be improved. Again, I’ll list some examples of both just to get your brain working. Remember to elaborate on each of them instead of just stating that “I work well with people.” Explain. Are you good at communicating and responding quickly? Are you open to suggestions, or are you not? Are you too controlling or too quiet? Are you too much of a people-pleaser or just the right amount? There are so many questions that need to be put into account, but remember not to spend too much time on any of the questions, including this one.
⚘ One Quality ⚘
I feel like this is the most important part of the questions. This is where you must be as passionate as you can while sharing your thoughts on how you’re going to lead. It’s a bit like: what’s one trait you value in a friend, but more serious. Remember that your answer can’t be weak. You have to elaborate and talk about why this one quality is so important and relay how and why every leader should be able to do this. Is it being respectful, honest, responsible, strong, or friendly? To be honest, the quality doesn’t matter. All that matters is how you’re going to embody this trait, and this question reveals a lot about what kind of leader you want to be if you get in, so keep this in mind while writing.
⚘ Cabin Atmosphere ⚘
This is not as important compared to the other questions and all the hosts want to know here is just what are you planning your cabin to be like, regardless of the genre you get. Do whatever you want here, whether it be storyline-oriented or competitive, everyone is different, which is why it still should be unique to your own person and exactly how you would like to lead.
⚘ Check Boxes + Closing Questions ⚘
The checkboxes currently are not important, just asking for confirmation whether you are going to be applying for (co)leader or only co, the advertisement project is just another responsibility, and if you’re willing to take it, go for it! Remember all it’s going to do is benefit SWC, which in my opinion is awesome, so I would check it, but if you don’t have enough time, you don’t have to.
For question B, just check the FAQ to see if you can’t fulfill any responsibilities, this is a very key answer because if you get in as a leader and say that you can fulfill all responsibilities, but become inactive, this shows that you don’t have responsibility, and if you come next session, the hosts may be hesitant to give you the position of leader, due to your past mistakes. For question C, just do a quick summary of what will happen if anyone is inactive. This just shows the leader that again whether or not you’re responsible, so answer it wisely.
⚘ Closing Tips and Advice ⚘
Making an app can be a very tedious process, so make sure to start it asap, whenever you can because you never know when you won’t have time. Once you’re done with your answers, I’d also recommend running them through a friend, or an experienced leader that you look up to. It’s very useful, after all, two heads are better than one! They can help point out any issues you may have. Definitely proofread your answers before posting your app, grammar and spelling issues are very annoying and the hosts and most people just don’t like them. They decrease the quality of your app, and the hosts may think you just didn’t put much effort into your answers. Try not to be a suck-up. It’s great to respond to any comments on your app once you post it, or go to other people’s apps and comment, but if you’re going to comment on someone else’s, for example, a well-known person who has been a leader for many sessions, be respectful and try to start a conversation. Don’t be like “Omg your app is really good could you check out mine?” Especially after the leaders are announced and you don’t get in. I’m pretty sure that’s against SWC rules too, no self-advertising, and though many people hide it through congratulating others, sometimes, you can tell. It doesn’t help your perspectives either. Leaders will choose cos of the quality of the apps, not whether they complement them. Don’t suck-up to hosts either, because yes they can tell whether you’re just talking to them so they might consider you more or not, and most of the time they’ll stay unbiased no matter what, so don’t even try. Look through past apps for advice on yours. Make sure not to copy anything directly from any, but it’s totally fine if you take some ideas and make them your own. We grow by learning from others.
⚘ Thank you! ⚘
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide by me! I hope you learned a bit, and if you have any questions or would like any critique on your apps, I’m happy to help! Just a little reminder that these are my own recommendations and again do not represent any hosts ideas, I just used the word ‘hosts’ for whenever I stated what I would want to see and what I think they’d want. Good luck to everyone applying next session for SWC or any other camp!
3705 Words
Hello everyone! I’m Em, and today I’ll give you a bit of a guide on how to improve your (co)leader applications, especially since SWC is just over, and now is the time to start working on your (co)leader applications. We’ll go over how to answer the questions in applications, whether or not it’s in SWC, and overall how to just start with your application. Since I know that we’re all procrastinators, I hope that you will get at least a bit of a tidbit of information from here and start working on your app.
Let’s do a bit of an overview of me, after all, you’re probably wondering, why should I listen to this person? Well I hope you do, but in terms of experience:
I started Scratch Camps in June 2022, first as a camper in SAC. I have been in 17+ sessions of camps, co-led twice in SWC, been a (co)host in both JWC and SRC and led 6+ times, 2 of those in SWC.
Although I wouldn’t call myself a genius, let’s just say I’m just trying to share information with everyone so that all can improve their apps. The things I’ll be talking about are coming from my opinion and though there is a possibility that people like SWC hosts may have some aligned opinions with me, I cannot guarantee that whatever I tell you to do will confirm a spot as a (co)leader in any camp. This guide is only meant to teach.
⚘ Starting an App ⚘
For me, starting an app is always the hardest. It’s also very scary, after all you want to make sure that you get in, but the only people who will know are the hosts of the camp. All you can do in this situation is try your best on it.
First, you have to think of a theme. Now, this is a very important point and where many people go wrong.
Something you must never do is just remix the project and answer the questions without changing anything in the project. This is guaranteed never to get in, and even if the camp is low on applications, seeing you make a low-effort project is not good for your chances. The only way you could redeem yourself is with stellar answers, but without a good explanation as to why you only have answers and no theme or anything, you may be screwed.
So, if you can’t just remix the project and put your answers in, what should you do? Well, when I first started making apps, I noticed that others put in themes for theirs. This is a very good choice; it adds a spark of personality to your project and allows other people to know what kind of person you are.
But Em, what theme should I make my app? There are so many options. Well, I recommend you choose a theme that represents you. Try to be original, and creative, a theme that no one has ever done before.
Here are some dos and don’ts for choosing a theme:
Dont’s: Don’t choose a generic theme. Here are some examples of generic themes: My Bookshelf, Flowers, Google Docs (Or apps that are just based on an app), Garden, and Art. Of course, there are more, but something in common in all of these themes is that they are too generic. Don’t get me wrong, you can make killer apps with these kinds of ideas, but overall it’s hard to show who you are through these themes. Maybe you made a garden app because you like flowers. This might sound harsh, but cool, you like flowers. So what? Or if you make a Spotify app. Cool, you like these songs, so what? For example, I made a Book Cafe app for an SWC session and worked probably harder on it than any other app I’ve ever made for SWC, including the ones that got in as leader, but the Book Cafe app was not accepted. I’m going to be honest, I was pretty upset when it didn’t. I put so much hard work into it, and it failed. Actually, going back I had a lot of positive feedback from people like Luna and Zai on it, so it was a surprise to me that it didn’t get in. But once the hosts critiqued it and told me why they didn’t necessarily choose mine, it was clear why I didn’t get in. One main reason was that though they did appreciate how much effort I put into the app, they would’ve liked it if my theme represented me and my answers more. Though a ‘Book Cafe’ sounds like a cool theme, it doesn’t say much about you other than “I like books.” which doesn’t show much personality or qualities on my part. They also noted that more effort should be going into the answer than the theme, so make sure that you don’t go too all out on the theme, but put in some effort.
Dos:
Focus on answers, but remember that your theme should represent you, and only you. Everyone is unique, and though we may share interests, it’s best if you could find something different that you have compared to others. For example, if you make an app about Food, it shows you like food, right? But many, many, many people love food. Not very interesting. Let’s say we talk about my first app that got in. Its theme was ‘Bucket List’, which incorporated pulling out different scraps from a bucket that talk about what I want to do in life, for example, skydiving, or making my own font. This kind of theme lets the hosts understand me and allows them to actually be able to contemplate if they want a kind of person like me to be a leader. Some other interesting themes that you can take note of are Forms of Poetry (@PoppyWriter), Skill of Debate (@essayist), and Hobbit Hole (@smalltoe). These three apps will be linked separately in the description and are all apps that got accepted as leaders in the July 2024 SWC session. (Keep in mind there are other awesome apps out there, these three are just three that I chose for this!)
Something good to do is take references from other apps that have been accepted/you admire. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get ideas from them!
⚘ Making the App ⚘
There’s not much I can advise you on with the coding, music or graphics, but here are some tips! Try to learn a bit of basic coding on Scratch, enough to be able to create an app that’s interesting and unique. Follow tutorials, or look at other Scratcher’s codes to get an idea of what you’re going to do for your app. For music, it’s nice to have it in apps, so I’d recommend playing songs that either fit your theme or that you enjoy. Although it’s only there for aesthetic purposes, it’s still nice to have. For graphics, you can either draw them if you’re confident in your skills, or like me you can go on a graphic design website, for example, Canva, which I use. It’s easy to follow and understand, so I really recommend using it, especially for writing your answers in.
⚘ Introduce Yourself! ⚘
For help with answers I will be following the ones that SWC currently has (as of July 2024), these will vary from camp to camp, but I hope the ones I will go over are enough for you to get an idea of what you need to write.
For introducing yourself, please don’t just write the bare necessities. Usually, they ask for your nickname, pronouns, and timezone. Don’t just write them and go to the next question. Imagine you’re in a job interview, except less formal. Again something really important you need to do is share your true self with the hosts. Anything you want to add about yourself, your likes, dislikes, what you do daily, or anything important to you, include it! Though you do want to share a lot about yourself, try not to overshare. For example, it’s not that important that you hate rainy days, it’s just a small note. Instead of that, maybe include that you love crocheting and are thinking of starting a small business where you sell what you make. The hosts don’t want the leader team to be full of strangers they don’t know. Of course, if you’re a first-time leader you may be considered a stranger, but it should be that after they read your about me, the hosts feel as if they know you as a friend, or at least a mutual acquaintance. It’s easier for people to like people who share more about themselves, as long as the information isn’t degrading to that person. If you do not feel comfortable sharing any part of your personal life, that’s totally fine, I understand. Scratch is still an online community, but still, try your best to share anything you can that is relevant to getting to know the real you in your app. You may think that SWC is a professional place, but actually, it’s more of a big happy family. Leaders and their cos should be friends, not a worker and a boss. Sharing more about yourself helps this family become closer, which ultimately is what the hosts want. To get to know you and get to talk to you comfortably. Plus, people tend to trust people they know more, and so then, make people know you more.
⚘ Previous Participation ⚘
For listing participation in camps, try to stick to naming the number of times you’ve been a camper and (co)leader instead of listing all of the camps you’ve been in and your occupation. Consider maybe listing specific bigger camps you have (co)led in, for example, if you’re applying to a smaller camp, you should definitely say that you’ve co-led in SWC, if you have. Make sure to also list in detail each session you were in the camp that you’re applying for. Hosts like to see your past experiences, if you have them in their camp. It tends to convince them that this person likes this camp. For example, if you’re applying for SWC, make sure to give a small overview of each session you’ve been in SWC, it doesn’t have to be long, but share your feelings and tell the truth. If you got a bit inactive, explain why. Though you may think that sharing your weaknesses will dissuade you from getting in, it’s usually the opposite. Admitting your mistakes or missteps is integral to being a leader. If you didn’t acknowledge where you went wrong, then you wouldn’t be a good one. I’m not saying exaggerate your participation or turn it into a whole sob story, but if you did overcome issues while in camps, be sure to share them!
For real-life experiences, you may be blanking. Especially if you’re an introvert. But leading experiences doesn’t have to be big, it could be something like organizing a group project, or working together with your friends to play a piece of music together at an open mic night. If you do have cool leading experiences like student council president, definitely share that. It’s just that if you don’t have that much experience, don’t worry, everyone has definitely led something, whether they know it or not.
A little note to the inexperienced appliers: I would recommend doing a few sessions of different camps if you have never been in any, before trying to get in as a (co)leader, but if you know that you can do it, do it! There have been people who have gotten into SWC first try as a leader before even being a camper or co-leader, but remember not to be too confident. Know your limits, and if you are uncertain that you will be able to lead well, maybe skip out on the apps. Learn a bit more about the camp before actually applying, as it will raise your chances of getting in.
⚘ Preferred Cabins ⚘
I have learned that a simple “I like these cabins and I don’t like these cabins” will not suffice. Choose a few cabins that you really want to lead, and start thinking of a theme/storyline for each of them. Of course, they do not have to be what you have to make the cabin if you get in, but the hosts like to see that you’re a bit prepared before actually becoming a leader of that cabin. Make sure to still note the cabins you wouldn’t like to (co)lead so that the hosts don’t accidentally assign them to you. Here’s an example of a good preferred cabins answer:
I would like to lead Sci-fi, and actually, I have a cool idea about it. The campers are stuck in a laboratory where mutated animals are roaming around after they escape from their test rooms. The campers acting as doctors will have to find cures for each one and make sure to fix everything before something goes wrong.
I would prefer not to lead mystery, horror, or thrillers because I believe that I would have a hard time leading them. I find it hard to write in the genres, and to make a cool theme for them would be challenging for me.
(keep in mind that this is a very simplified version of an answer and you should go in more depth and list more cabins that you’d prefer to lead along with your ideas)
⚘ Writing Excerpt ⚘
Unlike Ris’ guide, I’m not going to say whether or not hosts read these. As a host of JWC, I’ll say that I skimmed over them last session and though they might not seem important, if you’re applying to a writing camp, you have to be decent at writing. Not that you have to be Shakespeare, but the hosts want to know if you can write or not. The more knowledge you have of writing, the better leader you will be, especially when campers have questions. You’re not going to choose someone to be a leader who’s terrible at writing for a writing camp, right? Honestly, just choose a piece that you’re proud of. I’ve been just putting the same excerpt that won a Juniors in SWC for two years whenever I apply.
⚘ Time Dedication ⚘
The most important thing to do here is to be honest. This is also great for self-reflection. Will you really have enough time to dedicate to your camp, or should you reconsider applying? The hosts want to see whether or not you have the time, and though unexpected things happen, this is mostly to avoid (co)leaders dropping out in the middle of the session, which is always annoying because sometimes that means finding another person to replace them, and that team trying to scramble to their feet. The best thing you can do here is list how much time you can dedicate each day or week, and then a scale of one to ten on how busy you are. Make sure to note anything that may impede your time on SWC, for example, vacation or extracurriculars. This allows the hosts to plan ahead of time, just in case something happens.
⚘ Skills and Shortcomings in Time Management ⚘
One main thing that I have learned from an awesome person is that when you’re listing your shortcomings in anything, make sure to say how you can improve them. This is going above and beyond what the hosts are asking, and it gives them a good impression of you. You shouldn’t only state the facts, but you should also find solutions. This is called problem-solving, and it’s something that hosts want to see in leaders. Try to have an equal amount of skills and shortcomings you list, you don’t want to seem like a terrible person, or someone who is overly braggy about themselves, so an equal amount is great for this. If you are stuck and can’t remember any skills or shortcomings, try to look them up, or check other people’s apps usually when you read theirs, you can find that you also have some of them, and you can include that in your answer. Some examples of skills are organization of time, prioritizing, getting things done quickly, and flexibility. Some shortcomings are procrastination, multitasking, and getting distracted easily. Do you have any of these traits? Keep them in mind when you write your answer!
⚘ Strengths and Weaknesses when working with others ⚘
A lot that needs to be said here has already been said for the strengths in weaknesses in time management, so I don’t believe that has to be reiterated. Just think about what you’re proud of in this field, and what you think should be improved. Again, I’ll list some examples of both just to get your brain working. Remember to elaborate on each of them instead of just stating that “I work well with people.” Explain. Are you good at communicating and responding quickly? Are you open to suggestions, or are you not? Are you too controlling or too quiet? Are you too much of a people-pleaser or just the right amount? There are so many questions that need to be put into account, but remember not to spend too much time on any of the questions, including this one.
⚘ One Quality ⚘
I feel like this is the most important part of the questions. This is where you must be as passionate as you can while sharing your thoughts on how you’re going to lead. It’s a bit like: what’s one trait you value in a friend, but more serious. Remember that your answer can’t be weak. You have to elaborate and talk about why this one quality is so important and relay how and why every leader should be able to do this. Is it being respectful, honest, responsible, strong, or friendly? To be honest, the quality doesn’t matter. All that matters is how you’re going to embody this trait, and this question reveals a lot about what kind of leader you want to be if you get in, so keep this in mind while writing.
⚘ Cabin Atmosphere ⚘
This is not as important compared to the other questions and all the hosts want to know here is just what are you planning your cabin to be like, regardless of the genre you get. Do whatever you want here, whether it be storyline-oriented or competitive, everyone is different, which is why it still should be unique to your own person and exactly how you would like to lead.
⚘ Check Boxes + Closing Questions ⚘
The checkboxes currently are not important, just asking for confirmation whether you are going to be applying for (co)leader or only co, the advertisement project is just another responsibility, and if you’re willing to take it, go for it! Remember all it’s going to do is benefit SWC, which in my opinion is awesome, so I would check it, but if you don’t have enough time, you don’t have to.
For question B, just check the FAQ to see if you can’t fulfill any responsibilities, this is a very key answer because if you get in as a leader and say that you can fulfill all responsibilities, but become inactive, this shows that you don’t have responsibility, and if you come next session, the hosts may be hesitant to give you the position of leader, due to your past mistakes. For question C, just do a quick summary of what will happen if anyone is inactive. This just shows the leader that again whether or not you’re responsible, so answer it wisely.
⚘ Closing Tips and Advice ⚘
Making an app can be a very tedious process, so make sure to start it asap, whenever you can because you never know when you won’t have time. Once you’re done with your answers, I’d also recommend running them through a friend, or an experienced leader that you look up to. It’s very useful, after all, two heads are better than one! They can help point out any issues you may have. Definitely proofread your answers before posting your app, grammar and spelling issues are very annoying and the hosts and most people just don’t like them. They decrease the quality of your app, and the hosts may think you just didn’t put much effort into your answers. Try not to be a suck-up. It’s great to respond to any comments on your app once you post it, or go to other people’s apps and comment, but if you’re going to comment on someone else’s, for example, a well-known person who has been a leader for many sessions, be respectful and try to start a conversation. Don’t be like “Omg your app is really good could you check out mine?” Especially after the leaders are announced and you don’t get in. I’m pretty sure that’s against SWC rules too, no self-advertising, and though many people hide it through congratulating others, sometimes, you can tell. It doesn’t help your perspectives either. Leaders will choose cos of the quality of the apps, not whether they complement them. Don’t suck-up to hosts either, because yes they can tell whether you’re just talking to them so they might consider you more or not, and most of the time they’ll stay unbiased no matter what, so don’t even try. Look through past apps for advice on yours. Make sure not to copy anything directly from any, but it’s totally fine if you take some ideas and make them your own. We grow by learning from others.
⚘ Thank you! ⚘
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide by me! I hope you learned a bit, and if you have any questions or would like any critique on your apps, I’m happy to help! Just a little reminder that these are my own recommendations and again do not represent any hosts ideas, I just used the word ‘hosts’ for whenever I stated what I would want to see and what I think they’d want. Good luck to everyone applying next session for SWC or any other camp!
3705 Words
- ChueyTheCat
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
Succulents - Chuey's SWC Nov '24 Coleader App
1. About Me
Hello there (oBi wAn kENoBi)! I'm Chuey, but you can call me Chuey. I'm a homeschooled Christian that enjoys writing, chaos, reading, more chaos, art, playing piano, being weird, SWC, and…um…chaos. Yep. That's me.
Some of my favorite books and movies include Pride and Prejudice, Lilo and Stitch, The Emperor's New Groove, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and Lord of the Rings, although I find new ones to love all the time (books, that is. I don't actually watch movies all that often lol). When I'm not immersed in a book or doing school, you can usually find me drawing, practicing piano, baking, doing martial arts, or just plain goofing off. I also love listening to music (like virtually everybody else ahaha), but my favorite genres are a pretty strange mix–mostly rock, metal, folk, and film soundtracks. Guess that fits, as I'm a pretty strange person.
My favorite subject is literature–there are so many good classics! I'm currently reading Les Miserables for school, and I quite enjoy The Scarlet Pimpernel, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables, not to mention Pride and Prejudice.
While I wouldn't call it a hobby, I like playing video games too! My current favorites are Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Animal Crossing, but I also play Super Smash and Mario Kart every once in a while.
Although more than a bit squeamish when it comes to bugs and things that squish and squirm, I love animals and will cuddle up to about anything. I've held snakes, rats, lizards of all sizes, and (briefly) a fish. When meeting new people, the first person I introduce myself to is usually their cat or dog. (Pets are people, change my mind >:0 /j)
Finally, I use she/her pronouns and CST, and am the proud owner of exactly one braincell
2. SWC Experience
I have indeed camped in SWC before! My first session was in July ‘22, in the Dystopian cabin. I had fun, but things got busy, other interests took up my time, and it wasn’t until November of ‘23 that I signed up for SWC again, this time in Real-Fi. Since then, I’ve participated in March and July of ‘24, in Fan-Fi and Bi-Fi. I’ve only been a camper thus far, although I'm not sure “only” does it justice. Being a SWC camper is SO much fun <3 This will be my fifth session, and I can't wait! Other Scratch camps I've previously participated in include a session of JWC and a session of SHC.
As for writing experience, I've been writing for well over a decade now, mostly poems, short stories, and book fragments. I've entered a couple of writing contests, both on Scratch and off of it, but I've never placed in an “official” contest. Then again, I haven't entered an official contest in years. I believe my writing skills have improved since the last time–at least, I hope so!
Finally, leadership experience. Off Scratch, I'm the oldest child in my family, which means I'm often responsible for babysitting or overseeing my siblings. This has been a great experience for me, as it gives me the opportunity to work with different personality types, handle difficult situations where multiple people are screaming at each other (just like real life!), and figure out how to compromise. I also help plan small events with my friends sometimes (many of which end up never seeing the light of day, but are good practice nevertheless).
On Scratch, I was chosen for FPC a while back, and I've done a couple small moderator jobs, such as helping out with a friend's DTA and running my own RP. Other than those, I haven't had too many leadership roles on here, but I hope to change that soon
3. Cabin Preferences
A quick note; none of these lists are sorted by preference! Number one on the YES list is as desirable as number five.
The YES list is composed of the cabins I think would be a blast to colead (to nobody's surprise), the OKAY list contains cabins I would be fine with coleading, and the MAYBE NOT list is a collection of cabins that I've either been in recently or don't think I'd be a good fit for, not being familiar with the genre. (However, quite honestly, I would be thrilled to receive the offer to colead any cabin, even ones on my MAYBE NOT list <3)
If any of the cabins chosen this session aren't in my lists, you can assume they're in the OKAY list.
I lied and said it was a quick note. It wasn't. My deepest apologies.
The YES list:
- SUCCULENT-FI /JJJ
- Pick-the-Plot
- Mythology
- Mystery
- Folklore
- Sci-Fi
- Fairy Tales
- Fantasy
- Poem/Poetry
- Classics
- Epistolary
- Utopian
- Dystopian
the OKAY list:
- Lyric
- Romance
- Script
- Adventure
- Action
- Hi-Fi
- Steampunk
the MAYBE NOT list:
- Horror
- Thriller
- Non-Fi
- Bi-Fi
- Fan-Fi
- Real-Fi
- Lit-Fi
TCTWNW:
I'll be honest: I like the competitive aspect of SWC. However, not having to worry about points would definitely be a plus, and I'm intrigued by the idea of being able to focus more on personal goals. As such, I'd be okay coleading TCTWNW.
4. Excerpt
Rain trickled down like the sky’s plumbing had gone awry, smearing the windshield of his car with fat drops of water that crawled slowly down the glass like so many slugs.
It hadn’t been raining hard enough when he left to worry him, but now he adjusted the windshield wipers and focused intently on the road, glad that he was almost at his destination. It’d been a long time since he’d seen a storm as bad as this one. He wasn’t too worried–there was no ominous boom of thunder, no feral strike of lightning–but the rain was still slicking the roads with moisture, and people, at least in his experience, tended to forget how to drive when faced with unusual weather conditions. He pulled into the parking lot with a sigh of relief, turned the car off and stepped outside onto wet concrete. The rain streamed down the back of his coat, rippling with icy fingers down his spine. He ignored it as best he could, opening the door of the building where he worked and doing his best not to drip all over the carpet.
Aside from the sloppy rain lashing the window panes, it was an ordinary day. He sat down at his desk, arranged his papers, and got to work. The seconds ticked by, then the minutes, then the hours. There were no meetings today, thankfully. He wasn’t sure he could have sat through a meeting of people trying to make two hundred dollars plus three hundred dollars equal seven hundred dollars. A strange restlessness had awoken in him, along with the storm.
He was about to stand and leave to eat lunch when the building trembled and shook, his pens and papers jittering on this desk. Did it have something to do with the storm? Maybe the building was settling or something. That did happen, right?
The shaking got worse, though, and he blinked. His eyes were playing tricks on him now, making him think the bouncing office supplies were floating. Except it really did look like they were floating, and his feet weren’t touching the ground anymore, and there was a spinning moment of chaos and screaming as reality flipped and everything changed. There was a dizzying moment of neither-here-nor-there, and then the building settled, exactly as it had been…except it was now upside down, the top floor resting haphazardly on the ground.
And then, right when things couldn’t get any weirder, the monster arrived.
Looking back on it afterwards, he wasn’t quite sure how to describe it. It was a twisted tangle of flesh and bones and deep-set eyes, glowing malevolently as enormous teeth gaped in a snarl.
Coworkers yelped and scrambled and ran, but he stood stock-still, right where he was. Frozen by fear, perhaps, or maybe something deeper, the tiniest spark of curiosity.
And beneath that, tinier still, a spark of something else.
Something extremely fast and extremely golden whizzed through the air and hurtled into the beast, provoking an earth-rattling roar. His brain struggled to catch up with his eyes, but finally, he managed to make sense of what he was witnessing.
That was a monster.
And that was a superhero.
In movies and books, moments like this stretched on forever, leaving the character with plenty of time to wonder, marvel, think.
In real life, it was a matter of seconds before the creature disappeared with a tiny blip and another furious roar, and the super stopped in midair and floated gracefully back to the ground. She didn’t wear a ridiculous swim-suit outfit, but a normal sweatshirt and leggings, although both were in an almost blinding shade of gold. Her curly hair was pulled back from her face in a simple ponytail, and her smile was as bright as her clothing.
“Hello there,” the super said. “I’ve come to save you.”
Without giving him any time to react, she grabbed his hand and pulled him forward, out of reality and into someplace else and back again. Too disoriented to resist, he did nothing but blink at the sprawling metropolis that was suddenly right underneath his nose. Quite literally–they were flying, or rather hovering, above the sky-high buildings.
“Don't bother thanking me, it was all part of a day's work,” she said smugly.
He didn’t know how to process everything that had just happened. So he didn’t.
The world went dark as his brain shut down.
5. Time Dedication
I expect to be able to dedicate at least a couple of hours to SWC a day, with the possible exception of Thanksgiving. Other than that, I don't currently know of any plans that will affect my activity this fall. Since I do have school, I'll probably be on sometime between 6 pm - 9 pm and/or 1 am - 3 am UTC time during the week, although that may vary depending on my schedule. I also have church on Sunday mornings and Sunday and Wednesday evenings, so I won't be online for at least 2-3 hours during those times.
6. Time Management
weaknesses
When I have motivation, it's blue skies and smooth sailing. When I don't, I tend to want to abandon ship, so to speak. I'll do the task in a few minutes. In an hour. Maybe next week. Or never.
I won't lie, procrastination is something I struggle with, but I'm working to overcome it. One way I do this is by setting deadlines for myself and making myself complete the task in that timeframe, which has helped with things like chores and schoolwork.
A second, smaller issue I've struggled with in the past is pursuing a task TOO far trying to get it done in one sitting, which normally results in headaches and exhaustion. I've learned to see the warning signs and stop working before the crash hits, for the most part, but every once in a while I'll forget and sail my merry little boat off a waterfall. Oops.
strengths
I'm capable of setting and sticking to deadlines, recognizing that I'm pushing myself too much, tuning out distractions, and, well, completing assignments. Once I push past that initial resistance to starting a task, it's normally pretty easy for me to continue working on it, as long as I find my rhythm. As I've gotten better at finding my limits, I've found that it hinges on me being fully “awake” to do things: when I'm a bit foggy or not really invested in my task, I get dangerously close to that waterfall. On the other hand, when I'm aware and interested in what I'm doing, I can work for a couple of hours and still feel fresh afterwards. This is great, because I like to get things done in a sitting or two if possible; after starting, I try not to let the project stagnate for too long, which is something else that has helped me overcome procrastination.
7. Team and Assets
weaknesses
I tend to want to bite off more than I can chew: I like to plan big fancy ideas, when a simpler one would not only suffice but work better. I also lose interest in my little schemes quickly if I'm not truly invested in them, but I find it hard to recognize whether my plans will be “stick-around” ideas or “abandon in the garbage” ideas when they first occur.
Because of this, I would make sure to run things by my team first. I'd confirm that my idea was something we could execute in a timely manner, we were willing to commit to, and was the best fit for the situation. Additionally, I'd ensure that I took a step back and thought, is this really what we need? Are we capable of it? Is this something that I actually want to do?
strengths
I love working with people! I'm good at making connections and forming new friends, and I can get along with a variety of personalities. I know how to cooperate with others to get things done, delegate assignments, and keep calm when facing a difficult or taxing situation (all things, by the way, that I use regularly in real life with my siblings).
I also try to read through each comment before posting it and think about what I'm actually saying or doing before hitting that “share” button. Accidents do happen, but I try to make sure that I say and do things in a respectful manner, remembering that there are real people behind every account (at least, uh, I hope there are LOL).
Making lists and planning things is something else I genuinely enjoy, especially when working with a team. Being able to incorporate other's ideas brings a smile to my face–how cool is it that we're all contributing to one goal, and that I get to be a part of that?
assets
As an extravert, talking to people is one of my favorite things to do. As part of a leading team, I would do my best to reach out to the campers and make them feel welcome, whether they're first-timers or SWC veterans. Communication is an important part of leadership, and I'm ready to do anything from answering questions to chatting to starting chaotic wars in the main cabin
I'm also imaginative, which is a great problem-solving tool! By thinking about possible outcomes, I'm often able to stop potential problems from needing to be solved in the first place. And when they do happen, I do my best to come up with creative and effective solutions.
Last but not least–I'm not just a writer! Art and coding are two of my other hobbies, both of which might come in handy during a session.
8. One Quality
The quality I honor most in a leader is respect. Respect is definitely important when working with others–sometimes it can be hard to remember we're not the only ones who matter! It doesn't cost anything extra to be polite, and it can be extremely helpful in some situations. As a coleader, I would do my best to embody this trait by treating everyone around me equally and with consideration, no matter who they are.
9. Atmosphere
Chaotic, warm, and welcoming, with a focus on personal goals, community, and taking things at your own pace–a place where you can grow and flourish without feeling pressured or rushed.
(156 characters)
10. Checkboxes
a)
✔️ I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp
✔️ I'm willing to share a promotional project for SWC
b)
I don't believe so.
As a quick note, something I feel I should mention is that I don't have access to Canva or offsite chats. However, I have several obscure accounts and old projects here on Scratch where I can upload art and code and you can contact me for private matters.
c)
In the case of inactive leadership by others, I would wait for 72-96 hours from the time I suspected they had gone inactive to verify that it wasn't a temporary dip in activity, and then notify either my leader (if it was a fellow coleader that went inactive) or a host (if it was my leader that went inactive). I would then do my best to help redistribute responsibilities and tasks, as well as following the instructions of the leader or host.
In the case of inactive leadership by myself, I would confirm that my team knew what duties I was performing and how to complete them BEFORE the session started, as well as completing one-time duties as early as possible in the session.
I will do my absolute best to stay active (both if chosen and not chosen lol, I love SWC), but if at all possible, I'd do my best to give warning that I was going inactive.
And that concludes my app! Thank you SO much for taking the time to go through it, and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it <3 I sincerely hope you didn't drown in all the parentheses, I had no idea I was so addicted to them. (I'll just call it “my style” and then nobody can say anything about it because it's how I write /jj)
word count: 2155 (not counting headings or excerpt)
1. About Me
Hello there (oBi wAn kENoBi)! I'm Chuey, but you can call me Chuey. I'm a homeschooled Christian that enjoys writing, chaos, reading, more chaos, art, playing piano, being weird, SWC, and…um…chaos. Yep. That's me.
Some of my favorite books and movies include Pride and Prejudice, Lilo and Stitch, The Emperor's New Groove, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and Lord of the Rings, although I find new ones to love all the time (books, that is. I don't actually watch movies all that often lol). When I'm not immersed in a book or doing school, you can usually find me drawing, practicing piano, baking, doing martial arts, or just plain goofing off. I also love listening to music (like virtually everybody else ahaha), but my favorite genres are a pretty strange mix–mostly rock, metal, folk, and film soundtracks. Guess that fits, as I'm a pretty strange person.
My favorite subject is literature–there are so many good classics! I'm currently reading Les Miserables for school, and I quite enjoy The Scarlet Pimpernel, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables, not to mention Pride and Prejudice.
While I wouldn't call it a hobby, I like playing video games too! My current favorites are Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Animal Crossing, but I also play Super Smash and Mario Kart every once in a while.
Although more than a bit squeamish when it comes to bugs and things that squish and squirm, I love animals and will cuddle up to about anything. I've held snakes, rats, lizards of all sizes, and (briefly) a fish. When meeting new people, the first person I introduce myself to is usually their cat or dog. (Pets are people, change my mind >:0 /j)
Finally, I use she/her pronouns and CST, and am the proud owner of exactly one braincell
2. SWC Experience
I have indeed camped in SWC before! My first session was in July ‘22, in the Dystopian cabin. I had fun, but things got busy, other interests took up my time, and it wasn’t until November of ‘23 that I signed up for SWC again, this time in Real-Fi. Since then, I’ve participated in March and July of ‘24, in Fan-Fi and Bi-Fi. I’ve only been a camper thus far, although I'm not sure “only” does it justice. Being a SWC camper is SO much fun <3 This will be my fifth session, and I can't wait! Other Scratch camps I've previously participated in include a session of JWC and a session of SHC.
As for writing experience, I've been writing for well over a decade now, mostly poems, short stories, and book fragments. I've entered a couple of writing contests, both on Scratch and off of it, but I've never placed in an “official” contest. Then again, I haven't entered an official contest in years. I believe my writing skills have improved since the last time–at least, I hope so!
Finally, leadership experience. Off Scratch, I'm the oldest child in my family, which means I'm often responsible for babysitting or overseeing my siblings. This has been a great experience for me, as it gives me the opportunity to work with different personality types, handle difficult situations where multiple people are screaming at each other (just like real life!), and figure out how to compromise. I also help plan small events with my friends sometimes (many of which end up never seeing the light of day, but are good practice nevertheless).
On Scratch, I was chosen for FPC a while back, and I've done a couple small moderator jobs, such as helping out with a friend's DTA and running my own RP. Other than those, I haven't had too many leadership roles on here, but I hope to change that soon
3. Cabin Preferences
A quick note; none of these lists are sorted by preference! Number one on the YES list is as desirable as number five.
The YES list is composed of the cabins I think would be a blast to colead (to nobody's surprise), the OKAY list contains cabins I would be fine with coleading, and the MAYBE NOT list is a collection of cabins that I've either been in recently or don't think I'd be a good fit for, not being familiar with the genre. (However, quite honestly, I would be thrilled to receive the offer to colead any cabin, even ones on my MAYBE NOT list <3)
If any of the cabins chosen this session aren't in my lists, you can assume they're in the OKAY list.
I lied and said it was a quick note. It wasn't. My deepest apologies.
The YES list:
- SUCCULENT-FI /JJJ
- Pick-the-Plot
- Mythology
- Mystery
- Folklore
- Sci-Fi
- Fairy Tales
- Fantasy
- Poem/Poetry
- Classics
- Epistolary
- Utopian
- Dystopian
the OKAY list:
- Lyric
- Romance
- Script
- Adventure
- Action
- Hi-Fi
- Steampunk
the MAYBE NOT list:
- Horror
- Thriller
- Non-Fi
- Bi-Fi
- Fan-Fi
- Real-Fi
- Lit-Fi
TCTWNW:
I'll be honest: I like the competitive aspect of SWC. However, not having to worry about points would definitely be a plus, and I'm intrigued by the idea of being able to focus more on personal goals. As such, I'd be okay coleading TCTWNW.
4. Excerpt
Rain trickled down like the sky’s plumbing had gone awry, smearing the windshield of his car with fat drops of water that crawled slowly down the glass like so many slugs.
It hadn’t been raining hard enough when he left to worry him, but now he adjusted the windshield wipers and focused intently on the road, glad that he was almost at his destination. It’d been a long time since he’d seen a storm as bad as this one. He wasn’t too worried–there was no ominous boom of thunder, no feral strike of lightning–but the rain was still slicking the roads with moisture, and people, at least in his experience, tended to forget how to drive when faced with unusual weather conditions. He pulled into the parking lot with a sigh of relief, turned the car off and stepped outside onto wet concrete. The rain streamed down the back of his coat, rippling with icy fingers down his spine. He ignored it as best he could, opening the door of the building where he worked and doing his best not to drip all over the carpet.
Aside from the sloppy rain lashing the window panes, it was an ordinary day. He sat down at his desk, arranged his papers, and got to work. The seconds ticked by, then the minutes, then the hours. There were no meetings today, thankfully. He wasn’t sure he could have sat through a meeting of people trying to make two hundred dollars plus three hundred dollars equal seven hundred dollars. A strange restlessness had awoken in him, along with the storm.
He was about to stand and leave to eat lunch when the building trembled and shook, his pens and papers jittering on this desk. Did it have something to do with the storm? Maybe the building was settling or something. That did happen, right?
The shaking got worse, though, and he blinked. His eyes were playing tricks on him now, making him think the bouncing office supplies were floating. Except it really did look like they were floating, and his feet weren’t touching the ground anymore, and there was a spinning moment of chaos and screaming as reality flipped and everything changed. There was a dizzying moment of neither-here-nor-there, and then the building settled, exactly as it had been…except it was now upside down, the top floor resting haphazardly on the ground.
And then, right when things couldn’t get any weirder, the monster arrived.
Looking back on it afterwards, he wasn’t quite sure how to describe it. It was a twisted tangle of flesh and bones and deep-set eyes, glowing malevolently as enormous teeth gaped in a snarl.
Coworkers yelped and scrambled and ran, but he stood stock-still, right where he was. Frozen by fear, perhaps, or maybe something deeper, the tiniest spark of curiosity.
And beneath that, tinier still, a spark of something else.
Something extremely fast and extremely golden whizzed through the air and hurtled into the beast, provoking an earth-rattling roar. His brain struggled to catch up with his eyes, but finally, he managed to make sense of what he was witnessing.
That was a monster.
And that was a superhero.
In movies and books, moments like this stretched on forever, leaving the character with plenty of time to wonder, marvel, think.
In real life, it was a matter of seconds before the creature disappeared with a tiny blip and another furious roar, and the super stopped in midair and floated gracefully back to the ground. She didn’t wear a ridiculous swim-suit outfit, but a normal sweatshirt and leggings, although both were in an almost blinding shade of gold. Her curly hair was pulled back from her face in a simple ponytail, and her smile was as bright as her clothing.
“Hello there,” the super said. “I’ve come to save you.”
Without giving him any time to react, she grabbed his hand and pulled him forward, out of reality and into someplace else and back again. Too disoriented to resist, he did nothing but blink at the sprawling metropolis that was suddenly right underneath his nose. Quite literally–they were flying, or rather hovering, above the sky-high buildings.
“Don't bother thanking me, it was all part of a day's work,” she said smugly.
He didn’t know how to process everything that had just happened. So he didn’t.
The world went dark as his brain shut down.
5. Time Dedication
I expect to be able to dedicate at least a couple of hours to SWC a day, with the possible exception of Thanksgiving. Other than that, I don't currently know of any plans that will affect my activity this fall. Since I do have school, I'll probably be on sometime between 6 pm - 9 pm and/or 1 am - 3 am UTC time during the week, although that may vary depending on my schedule. I also have church on Sunday mornings and Sunday and Wednesday evenings, so I won't be online for at least 2-3 hours during those times.
6. Time Management
weaknesses
When I have motivation, it's blue skies and smooth sailing. When I don't, I tend to want to abandon ship, so to speak. I'll do the task in a few minutes. In an hour. Maybe next week. Or never.
I won't lie, procrastination is something I struggle with, but I'm working to overcome it. One way I do this is by setting deadlines for myself and making myself complete the task in that timeframe, which has helped with things like chores and schoolwork.
A second, smaller issue I've struggled with in the past is pursuing a task TOO far trying to get it done in one sitting, which normally results in headaches and exhaustion. I've learned to see the warning signs and stop working before the crash hits, for the most part, but every once in a while I'll forget and sail my merry little boat off a waterfall. Oops.
strengths
I'm capable of setting and sticking to deadlines, recognizing that I'm pushing myself too much, tuning out distractions, and, well, completing assignments. Once I push past that initial resistance to starting a task, it's normally pretty easy for me to continue working on it, as long as I find my rhythm. As I've gotten better at finding my limits, I've found that it hinges on me being fully “awake” to do things: when I'm a bit foggy or not really invested in my task, I get dangerously close to that waterfall. On the other hand, when I'm aware and interested in what I'm doing, I can work for a couple of hours and still feel fresh afterwards. This is great, because I like to get things done in a sitting or two if possible; after starting, I try not to let the project stagnate for too long, which is something else that has helped me overcome procrastination.
7. Team and Assets
weaknesses
I tend to want to bite off more than I can chew: I like to plan big fancy ideas, when a simpler one would not only suffice but work better. I also lose interest in my little schemes quickly if I'm not truly invested in them, but I find it hard to recognize whether my plans will be “stick-around” ideas or “abandon in the garbage” ideas when they first occur.
Because of this, I would make sure to run things by my team first. I'd confirm that my idea was something we could execute in a timely manner, we were willing to commit to, and was the best fit for the situation. Additionally, I'd ensure that I took a step back and thought, is this really what we need? Are we capable of it? Is this something that I actually want to do?
strengths
I love working with people! I'm good at making connections and forming new friends, and I can get along with a variety of personalities. I know how to cooperate with others to get things done, delegate assignments, and keep calm when facing a difficult or taxing situation (all things, by the way, that I use regularly in real life with my siblings).
I also try to read through each comment before posting it and think about what I'm actually saying or doing before hitting that “share” button. Accidents do happen, but I try to make sure that I say and do things in a respectful manner, remembering that there are real people behind every account (at least, uh, I hope there are LOL).
Making lists and planning things is something else I genuinely enjoy, especially when working with a team. Being able to incorporate other's ideas brings a smile to my face–how cool is it that we're all contributing to one goal, and that I get to be a part of that?
assets
As an extravert, talking to people is one of my favorite things to do. As part of a leading team, I would do my best to reach out to the campers and make them feel welcome, whether they're first-timers or SWC veterans. Communication is an important part of leadership, and I'm ready to do anything from answering questions to chatting to starting chaotic wars in the main cabin
I'm also imaginative, which is a great problem-solving tool! By thinking about possible outcomes, I'm often able to stop potential problems from needing to be solved in the first place. And when they do happen, I do my best to come up with creative and effective solutions.
Last but not least–I'm not just a writer! Art and coding are two of my other hobbies, both of which might come in handy during a session.
8. One Quality
The quality I honor most in a leader is respect. Respect is definitely important when working with others–sometimes it can be hard to remember we're not the only ones who matter! It doesn't cost anything extra to be polite, and it can be extremely helpful in some situations. As a coleader, I would do my best to embody this trait by treating everyone around me equally and with consideration, no matter who they are.
9. Atmosphere
Chaotic, warm, and welcoming, with a focus on personal goals, community, and taking things at your own pace–a place where you can grow and flourish without feeling pressured or rushed.
(156 characters)
10. Checkboxes
a)
✔️ I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp
✔️ I'm willing to share a promotional project for SWC
b)
I don't believe so.
As a quick note, something I feel I should mention is that I don't have access to Canva or offsite chats. However, I have several obscure accounts and old projects here on Scratch where I can upload art and code and you can contact me for private matters.
c)
In the case of inactive leadership by others, I would wait for 72-96 hours from the time I suspected they had gone inactive to verify that it wasn't a temporary dip in activity, and then notify either my leader (if it was a fellow coleader that went inactive) or a host (if it was my leader that went inactive). I would then do my best to help redistribute responsibilities and tasks, as well as following the instructions of the leader or host.
In the case of inactive leadership by myself, I would confirm that my team knew what duties I was performing and how to complete them BEFORE the session started, as well as completing one-time duties as early as possible in the session.
I will do my absolute best to stay active (both if chosen and not chosen lol, I love SWC), but if at all possible, I'd do my best to give warning that I was going inactive.
And that concludes my app! Thank you SO much for taking the time to go through it, and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it <3 I sincerely hope you didn't drown in all the parentheses, I had no idea I was so addicted to them. (I'll just call it “my style” and then nobody can say anything about it because it's how I write /jj)
Credits: Thanks to Lora, Eevee, and Bookie for critiquing! Y'all are awesome <3
Last edited by ChueyTheCat (Sept. 19, 2024 20:11:17)
- pepper-and-a-pencil
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
01 . about me
hello there! my name is pepper (she/her), and i live in the lovely pst timezone. some of my hobbies include reading, painting, biking, playing/listening to music, participating in sports, and, of course, writing! basically any type of art is my jam
i also love being outside and active! it’s a lot of fun hanging out with some friends and/or teammates while playing a game, and i find it’s also a great distraction from whatever stress or frustration i’m having in my life. right now i’m in the beginning of soccer season (my favorite sport ehehe), and i’m super excited to start playing against other teams and creating some more soccer memories with my besties <3 i also play basketball and softball, and when it’s nice outside i enjoy riding my bike around town with some close friends or family.
when i don’t have the opportunity to go outside as a distraction, i love cuddling up under some warm blankets with a flashlight and book in hand. i am a huge bookworm and as of right now, my favorite book is one for the murphy’s by lynda mullaly hunt. my favorite genre is real fi, but i also like to throw in some mystery or action in there sometimes ;D and finally, nothing compares to my joy for writing. i have been writing for a long time now, and it’s my favorite hobby ever. being able to create characters with different personalities and make up new settings and a crazy complex plot with so many twists and turns that the reader never knows what will happen next is what i live for! writing is so fun for me and it’s one of the many reasons i participate in swc (that, and the absolute blast of a session we get every time <3)
02 . previous experience
i’ve been participating in scratch camps for about two years now! i’ve been in 20+ total camp sessions, a camper 10 times, co-leader 5 times, leader 7 times, and a host twice.
i’ve participated in five swc sessions (so this will be my sixth!)
march ‘23 - (hade)script - camper
july ‘23 - tragedy orphanage - camper
november ‘23 - illu fi mushroom village - co leader
march ‘24 - script theatron - co leader
july ‘24 - bi fi minion mania - co leader
i have a large amount of camp experience, but i’d say i have lots of irl leadership experience as well!
i help teach the little kids at church, and once a month i volunteer with the kids who have a disability so they can experience the lesson, we just participate differently <3 additionally, i’ve traveled across the world to teach little kids about the Gospel and led a few lessons while on that trip.
at school, i find myself leading most group projects and making sure everyone knows their job so it runs smoothly, while, of course, doing my part and helping others. i’m also a student assistant of sorts, and help some of my teachers with printing stuff, or running back and forth to the office and/or other teachers to help them get some work done.
in my free time, i like participating in sports and over the past few years i’ve been team captain for nearly all of my teams.
as for writing experience, i’ve been writing since i can remember. my first actual story was written in my early elementary years, and i’ve enjoyed writing since then! i dabbled in the art of writing for a while but it wasn’t until my second session of swc (july ‘23) that i really started working at it and trying to get somewhere with my work. i’ve placed in two poetry contests, one hosted by my school, and one hosted by a national magazine (don’t even judge - magazines are fun lol xD). besides poetry, i’ve also written several short stories, and am currently attempting to publish a novel which has been really fun
03 . cabin preferences
i’d be absolutely thrilled to be offered the opportunity to lead any cabin, but there are some specific genres that i have awesome ideas for
this is an idea i came up with last session, but i still think it would be super fun! <3 basically, campers would work for people such as the tooth fairy, easter bunny, leprechaun, etc. and all come together to get rid of monsters lurking underneath children’s beds. maybe there would be little side quests, but everything would encourage teamwork and cabin bonding! <3 i also enjoy genres such as adventure, dystopian, mystery, real fi, poetry, romance, fairy tales, and sci fi. there are a few cabins i’d prefer not to lead, such as contemporary, steampunk, lyric, and horror, as i haven’t had any experience with these genres and/or am just not a fan of them :’)
as for tctwnw, i’d love to lead it! i think it’d be fun to step away from the competition and hang out with my cabinmates, which would also help us to collaborate and make really good relationships with each other during the session <3
04 . writing excerpt
swc july '24 daily - fast forwarding ten years each paragraph
https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/768651/?page=11#post-8040016
05 . time dedication
getting straight to the point, i’ll be able to dedicate 2-3 hours each day in between classes and practices. school just started so during the day i’ll be busy with that, but i often check my messages and keep up on the chaos in the main cabin during lunch or passing time. i also usually spend at least 30 minutes in the morning before school starts to be on Scratch so i can check in. after school gets out, i set aside about an hour to swc so i can get any leadership responsibilities done and just hang out with the swc community
as for any events that would cause me to be inactive for a day (or multiple), i don’t have any that would be a problem to my activity (though if something comes up i will inform my leadership team and the hosts if necessary). i have a band concert in october, but that will only take a couple hours away from my night, and i will still be able to log on for 2-3 hours that day.
06 . time management
starting off with my weaknesses, i often take on too many tasks, thinking i can do it all, and then struggle with pacing myself. this session, i’m going to work on volunteering to complete something only if i know i have the time. a leadership team is there to support each other, and if i can’t do something, i know i have 1-3 other people who’ve got my back <3 i’ve also been trying to balance out each of my tasks and the time i spend on each of them before their deadline. sometimes, setting mini goals helps me with this. having little checkpoints while working on a project is super helpful, and it feels good reaching them as i progress in my work. this has helped me complete jobs to the best of my ability without struggling with burnout.
something i pride myself on is being able to prioritize certain tasks over others. for example, if we need to submit our cabin atmosphere blurbs within the next three days, get a start on matching profile pictures, and start designing our cabin layout, i know that working on the cabin atmosphere is more important than the others. this makes cabin planning more efficient and smooth, and helps reduce my stress! when multiple responsibilities are staring you in the eyes, it can be overwhelming and slow you down when working on them. prioritizing what needs to be done and getting it done first makes the tasks more fun.
07 . collaboration + assets
i, unfortunately, i’m quite the perfectionist. for me, this means i struggle with completing certain tasks because of fear that it isn’t perfect. this can cause me to delay or procrastinate on that task, which not only hurts myself, but hurts the leadership team as a whole. what i’ve found helps with my perfectionism is asking for critique! especially on a writing piece, hearing another person’s opinions on my work can be super beneficial. going through their critique makes adjusting the project easier for me, because instead of focusing on all the little details, i get another perspective (or multiple) on the main things that need fixing, and/or praise on what’s already looking great. this session, i plan to ask for more feedback on different tasks to avoid the struggles of perfectionism.
a place where i thrive in collaboration is being flexible and open to new ideas. i always have ears to hear, and i love listening to other people’s thoughts. having a set in stone storyline right from the start is BORINGGG. i think i’m good at incorporating new ideas into whatever we’re working on, and making those changes is fun! i’m also not afraid of throwing my crazy ideas out there. the best part about collaborating with people is listening in on their thought process, and seeing what amazing things you all come up with in the end.
as for assets i bring to a leadership team, i really enjoy artwork and graphic design. in my last two sessions, i have drawn the matching profile pictures, and i always contribute to the graphic design portion of planning, and have a lot of fun with it. i also like to have fun ;D i keep the spirits up, and having a great time as a leadership team always creates some awesome memories <3
08 . valued leadership quality
while there are several brilliant traits to have in a leader (responsibility, honesty, empathy, etc.) i keep coming back to having a good attitude. we’ve been taught to have a good attitude since we were little kids, and although it sounds cliché, having a good attitude can have a really big impact on your team and whatever you’re working on!
cabin planning is never perfect, we all can hit a patch of inactivity or a disagreement, but staying positive and spreading good vibes around your team makes a difference. even if your team isn’t struggling, it makes working together so much more fun and memorable when everyone is upbeat and enjoying themselves.
i will do my best to embody this trait as a leader by staying positive no matter the situation our team is in, and making sure to have some fun during planning and the session itself ;D
09 . cabin atmosphere
i aim to create a cabin with an interactive storyline that encourages new relationships and cabin bonding with an overall goal to grow in our writing, while still having a competitive spirit
(159 characters)
10 . final checks
a . checkboxes
✓ i will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp
✓ i’m willing to share a promotional project for swc
b . are there any leadership responsibilities listed in the faq you cannot complete?
nope! i will be able to complete all of them <3
c . in the case of inactive leadership (either by yourself, or by a fellow leader), what steps will you take to ensure that the cabin can still move on smoothly?
if something came up forcing me to go inactive, i would immediately tell the rest of my leadership team and the hosts. if possible, i would stay and help choose another (co)leader and make sure the team is prepared for my inactivity, whether it be for the rest of the session or a shorter period of time.
if someone on my team was forced to go inactive, i would let the hosts know (if that person had not already), and talk to the rest of my team about how to move forward (choosing a new co, sticking together, modifying the storyline, etc).
Last edited by pepper-and-a-pencil (Sept. 20, 2024 23:15:06)
- ziqing11
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
Chinese Calligraphy - Sunny's (co)leader app
WIP
About Me
TBA
Previous Participation
TBA
Cabin Preferences
TBA
Excerpt
This was a special day.
Not the day itself- today was a completely normal Sunday of the month of September and of the year 2024. No. It was the special event that made this completely normal day- special.
Elisa Wagner, a completely normal student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was hurrying along a corridor in the castle's second floor. Today, her hair had been hastily tied up into a messy low bun. That was not totally normal for this particular girl, since she rarely tied her hair.
The girl was carrying a rather stuffed bag under her arms, and was walking towards the study room at a considerable pace. She opened the door and entered the room, which was as she expected- empty. Of course, that was considerably normal as well, since nobody in their right mind (apart from the students who were studying for any Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests) would study on a sunny, Sunday morning.
Elisa set the bag on a table and took out all the things in it. There were a few bottles of paint, a couple paint brushes, and some new badges. Those badges were of a dull, grey colour, because, well, they were meant to be painted.
Now, one may be wondering, what exactly made this day special, apart from the girl's unusual hairstyle and the curious components of the bag? The answer would be unravelled as the girl took out a big, long piece of paper. It was a banner, actually, which said in big, brown letters:
Tʜᴇ Sᴏᴄɪᴇᴛʏ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ Pʀᴏᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ Eʟғɪsʜ Wᴇʟғᴀʀᴇ - 1sᴛ Mᴇᴇᴛɪɴɢ.
And this girl- Elisa Wagner, happened to be the host of this very first S.P.E.W meeting.
283 words
Time Dedication
TBA
Time Management
TBA
Collaboration & Assets
TBA
One Quality
TBA
Cabin Atmosphere
TBA
Checkboxes
A. Check all that apply:
✓ I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp.
✓ I'm willing to share a promotional project for SWC
B. Are there any leadership responsibilities listed in the FAQ you cannot complete? If any, please elaborate.
C. In case of inactive leadership (either by yourself, or by a fellow leader), what steps will you take to ensure that the cabin can still move on smoothly?
Last edited by ziqing11 (Sept. 7, 2024 17:35:29)
- silverlynx-
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
Co-Leader App
1776 words
About me
Hey, I’m Silvi, an 11 year old Bri’ish nerd residing in the wonderful UTC timezone who goes by she/her pronouns! You’ll often find me cooped up in a corner reading a book or busily playing away on the piano or flute.
As you can probably tell, I love art. My favourite things to draw are landscapes but I’ve recently started to enjoy drawing people more and developing my own style with their faces (at last)! I would love to start doing more acrylic or oil painting with canvases and I can’t wait to get started on my second canvas ever! When I’m not drawing in my sketchbook, I also enjoy going out cycling and playing football with my sister. I am in my school football team and I’ve been to two football matches this school year as well as recently joining a squash club and I’ve just left my swimming club ;(
And obviously, I love reading and writing. I spend ages on my kindle or flicking through pages of action, mystery and fantasy, sometimes with a hint of dystopian perhaps My favourite books are ‘The Silver Sword’ by Ian Serrailier, the ‘Percy Jackson’ series along with the ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ series. When it comes to writing, my ultimate favourites to write are hi-fi, poetry and fantasy, although I do really enjoy fan-fi as well. When I’m an adult, my ultimate dream is to write at least 1 book, but hopefully become a fully-fledged author! Soon I hope to start writing my own novel!
I would also love to become better at cooking! I already really enjoy baking, which I don’t do often (and I'm awful at) but I really enjoy it.
I’m Grade 3 on the flute and have just taught myself bass clef for the piano which I also hope to get lessons for soon!
As well as playing music, I love listening to it! My favourite singers/bands are Cavetown, Laufey, Hozier, the Crane Wives and Florence + the Machine.
My latest project has been to learn to crochet, and I've just made a little hat and a few keyrings! I’m currently considering on making a small animal maybe! I’ve also just started to learn how to embroider and hope to make good progress on my first hoop by the end of the year.
I’m currently highly anticipating high school and can’t wait to get started!
SWC has been a huge part of my life for over a year now and has really inspired me with my writing and I have improved massively ever since I joined. I can’t wait for another brilliant session!
Participation
So far, I have participated in 4 wonderful sessions: Tragedy, Steampunk, Hi-fi and Horror all as a camper.
I am currently attempting to write a series of short stories throughout my free time and I have been published a couple of times.
When it comes to leading, I have taken part in leading assemblies, building a sensory garden for my school and organising writing competitions and quizzes for younger children in my old school. On Scratch I don’t have any leadership positions but I would love to find out how I would be as I find it very rewarding working with others.
Cabins
Personally, I would be truly honoured to receive any offer for any cabin, but I would love (not in preference order) to co-lead Poetry, Fairy Tales or Dystopian as I think they would be really fun genres to explore, especially Fairy Tales. However, like I said, any offer would be an incredible opportunity for me and highly appreciated.
For now I’d prefer to stay in the competition that co-lead TCTWNW. This was a hard decision to make as I think a break from the pressure would be nice, but I think for now I quite enjoy that feeling! Who knows, maybe next session I’ll opt for a break from the competition hehe
Time Management
When it comes to time management, I think I will generally be pretty free in November. Despite my school days lengthening by an hour, I think I will definitely be able to make my time work. I don’t expect to be going on holiday or any long trips that could affect my activity! I should be able to dedicate at least 2 hours on weekdays and considerably more on a weekend (especially on cabin wars)! However I expect to be involved in numerous clubs but I will try to make sure I do have enough time to write and to word-adding and things like that as well as being able to enjoy myself at my clubs. Life > SWC!
Strengths and Shortcomings
Strengths:
- I like to plan things out in my day. If I know that I want to do something, then I’ll always make sure what things will get in the way of that and what time would be suitable so I’m not stressed all the time. I make mental notes in my head of what I have to do (e.g homework, chores) and then make sure I have space for everything in my day! Despite this, I do like to do some things at the last minute, so that I’m not always running on a schedule and rushing to do things.
- I’m also proud of my ability to break tasks down. If it's something quite big, and I don’t want to do it all in one go, then I like to put it into parts. Usually I’d just get the worst part over and done with, then have a little break and come back to the easy part, but this all depends on what sort of task it is.
Shortcomings:
- I get distracted extremely easily from my work. It could be an insect trapped in my room, or a dog barking, even a bit of rain! I do this even more when it's work that I don’t enjoy doing. I try my best to not run to the window at every little sound, but I find it quite difficult. This only happens when I’m by myself though (which is probably a good thing lol).
- I’m a perfectionist, through and through. Even if I’ve already finished something and I’ve told myself to do anything else on it, I spot places I think I should have added more description, more speech, more drama. This results in whatever it is becoming ruined (usually). If it’s a drawing, then I might try to make something bolder, make a mistake, but it leaves a permanent mark. In crochet I try to undo a bit and it all unravels. In writing it becomes really
adjective-heavy. Despite this being very annoying, it does mean that I’m able to fix some mistakes, and occasionally it does work out for the better.
Collaboration
When it comes to collaboration, I have some strong and weak points.
Honestly, I love working with other people. It makes me feel included and valued, and I love that sense of satisfaction when you complete a task in a team. However, this feeling of belonging is due to everyone working together and not being unkind. When in a team, you should always listen to other’s suggestions, which I think I’m pretty good at hehe!
It’s always useful to get another person’s point of view, and listening to them makes them feel included.
Another one of my strengths in a team is that I’m good at giving everyone a task according to their interests. This makes them easier to work with and happier!
One of my weaknesses is that I can be a bit pressurising and bossy. I always have a clear vision of how things should go, and if they don’t go that way, I can get a bit touchy and people get annoyed at me.
Another thing is that I act differently around different people. If I know some people in my group, I’ll be more confident and more bossy. If I don’t know them, I’ll become really shy, and let everything go their way, even if I know it’s wrong or there could be another better solution because I just want to please them.
Valued Quality
As a leader, there are many qualities that you require. Each of these qualities slot together like a puzzle, and makes everyone happy and included. I have countless possibilities to choose for this question, however I feel that one really stands out for me, and that is trust. Trusting in your fellow leaders and campers will allow you to work together easily. A leader has to realise that things don’t always have to go the way that they think it should go, and trust in their cabin mates' ideas and thoughts. Trust also helps your campers trust in you, which is extremely important. It’s good to rely on each other and not take all of the problems and situations for yourself.
I will embody this trait by always listening to and taking on what others say as much as possible and always answering their questions and giving them as much support as they need. I will try to be as nice to them as I can and hopefully this will result in a happy cabin!
Cabin Atmosphere
“I aim to have an inclusive, compassionate atmosphere that lets people enjoy lots of friendly competition while working towards their own goals. It will be a safe space to create lasting friendships!”
(198 characters <3)
Checkboxes???
A.
I am applying for both leader and co-leader - no
I am applying for only co-leader - yes
I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC - yes
B. No, I’m pretty sure I can complete all of them! If anything changes, I’ll be sure to tell my leader straight away!
C. If any fellow leaders went inactive, I would probably wait for a little while, maybe 2 days, as it’s understandable that sometimes there can be emergencies and they forgot to tell us. However, if this carried on, then I would inform the other (co)leaders in my cabin and the hosts, as well as maybe sending a message to the inactive leader. I would try to organise with the other leaders who are left what responsibilities to share out, until a new leader is chosen (usually). In the unfortunate situation that I myself would go inactive, then I would immediately tell my leaders and hosts a little while before so they have a heads-up. I would try and help out as much as I could before leaving, and - who knows - I might even come back later in the session! I would also say if I knew that I was coming back!
1776 words
About me
Hey, I’m Silvi, an 11 year old Bri’ish nerd residing in the wonderful UTC timezone who goes by she/her pronouns! You’ll often find me cooped up in a corner reading a book or busily playing away on the piano or flute.
As you can probably tell, I love art. My favourite things to draw are landscapes but I’ve recently started to enjoy drawing people more and developing my own style with their faces (at last)! I would love to start doing more acrylic or oil painting with canvases and I can’t wait to get started on my second canvas ever! When I’m not drawing in my sketchbook, I also enjoy going out cycling and playing football with my sister. I am in my school football team and I’ve been to two football matches this school year as well as recently joining a squash club and I’ve just left my swimming club ;(
And obviously, I love reading and writing. I spend ages on my kindle or flicking through pages of action, mystery and fantasy, sometimes with a hint of dystopian perhaps
My favourite books are ‘The Silver Sword’ by Ian Serrailier, the ‘Percy Jackson’ series along with the ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ series. When it comes to writing, my ultimate favourites to write are hi-fi, poetry and fantasy, although I do really enjoy fan-fi as well. When I’m an adult, my ultimate dream is to write at least 1 book, but hopefully become a fully-fledged author! Soon I hope to start writing my own novel!I would also love to become better at cooking! I already really enjoy baking, which I don’t do often (and I'm awful at) but I really enjoy it.
I’m Grade 3 on the flute and have just taught myself bass clef for the piano which I also hope to get lessons for soon!
As well as playing music, I love listening to it! My favourite singers/bands are Cavetown, Laufey, Hozier, the Crane Wives and Florence + the Machine.
My latest project has been to learn to crochet, and I've just made a little hat and a few keyrings! I’m currently considering on making a small animal maybe! I’ve also just started to learn how to embroider and hope to make good progress on my first hoop by the end of the year.
I’m currently highly anticipating high school and can’t wait to get started!
SWC has been a huge part of my life for over a year now and has really inspired me with my writing and I have improved massively ever since I joined. I can’t wait for another brilliant session!
Participation
So far, I have participated in 4 wonderful sessions: Tragedy, Steampunk, Hi-fi and Horror all as a camper.
I am currently attempting to write a series of short stories throughout my free time and I have been published a couple of times.
When it comes to leading, I have taken part in leading assemblies, building a sensory garden for my school and organising writing competitions and quizzes for younger children in my old school. On Scratch I don’t have any leadership positions but I would love to find out how I would be as I find it very rewarding working with others.
Cabins
Personally, I would be truly honoured to receive any offer for any cabin, but I would love (not in preference order) to co-lead Poetry, Fairy Tales or Dystopian as I think they would be really fun genres to explore, especially Fairy Tales. However, like I said, any offer would be an incredible opportunity for me and highly appreciated.
For now I’d prefer to stay in the competition that co-lead TCTWNW. This was a hard decision to make as I think a break from the pressure would be nice, but I think for now I quite enjoy that feeling! Who knows, maybe next session I’ll opt for a break from the competition hehe
Time Management
When it comes to time management, I think I will generally be pretty free in November. Despite my school days lengthening by an hour, I think I will definitely be able to make my time work. I don’t expect to be going on holiday or any long trips that could affect my activity! I should be able to dedicate at least 2 hours on weekdays and considerably more on a weekend (especially on cabin wars)! However I expect to be involved in numerous clubs but I will try to make sure I do have enough time to write and to word-adding and things like that as well as being able to enjoy myself at my clubs. Life > SWC!
Strengths and Shortcomings
Strengths:
- I like to plan things out in my day. If I know that I want to do something, then I’ll always make sure what things will get in the way of that and what time would be suitable so I’m not stressed all the time. I make mental notes in my head of what I have to do (e.g homework, chores) and then make sure I have space for everything in my day! Despite this, I do like to do some things at the last minute, so that I’m not always running on a schedule and rushing to do things.
- I’m also proud of my ability to break tasks down. If it's something quite big, and I don’t want to do it all in one go, then I like to put it into parts. Usually I’d just get the worst part over and done with, then have a little break and come back to the easy part, but this all depends on what sort of task it is.
Shortcomings:
- I get distracted extremely easily from my work. It could be an insect trapped in my room, or a dog barking, even a bit of rain! I do this even more when it's work that I don’t enjoy doing. I try my best to not run to the window at every little sound, but I find it quite difficult. This only happens when I’m by myself though (which is probably a good thing lol).
- I’m a perfectionist, through and through. Even if I’ve already finished something and I’ve told myself to do anything else on it, I spot places I think I should have added more description, more speech, more drama. This results in whatever it is becoming ruined (usually). If it’s a drawing, then I might try to make something bolder, make a mistake, but it leaves a permanent mark. In crochet I try to undo a bit and it all unravels. In writing it becomes really
adjective-heavy. Despite this being very annoying, it does mean that I’m able to fix some mistakes, and occasionally it does work out for the better.
Collaboration
When it comes to collaboration, I have some strong and weak points.
Honestly, I love working with other people. It makes me feel included and valued, and I love that sense of satisfaction when you complete a task in a team. However, this feeling of belonging is due to everyone working together and not being unkind. When in a team, you should always listen to other’s suggestions, which I think I’m pretty good at hehe!
It’s always useful to get another person’s point of view, and listening to them makes them feel included.Another one of my strengths in a team is that I’m good at giving everyone a task according to their interests. This makes them easier to work with and happier!
One of my weaknesses is that I can be a bit pressurising and bossy. I always have a clear vision of how things should go, and if they don’t go that way, I can get a bit touchy and people get annoyed at me.
Another thing is that I act differently around different people. If I know some people in my group, I’ll be more confident and more bossy. If I don’t know them, I’ll become really shy, and let everything go their way, even if I know it’s wrong or there could be another better solution because I just want to please them.
Valued Quality
As a leader, there are many qualities that you require. Each of these qualities slot together like a puzzle, and makes everyone happy and included. I have countless possibilities to choose for this question, however I feel that one really stands out for me, and that is trust. Trusting in your fellow leaders and campers will allow you to work together easily. A leader has to realise that things don’t always have to go the way that they think it should go, and trust in their cabin mates' ideas and thoughts. Trust also helps your campers trust in you, which is extremely important. It’s good to rely on each other and not take all of the problems and situations for yourself.
I will embody this trait by always listening to and taking on what others say as much as possible and always answering their questions and giving them as much support as they need. I will try to be as nice to them as I can and hopefully this will result in a happy cabin!
Cabin Atmosphere
“I aim to have an inclusive, compassionate atmosphere that lets people enjoy lots of friendly competition while working towards their own goals. It will be a safe space to create lasting friendships!”
(198 characters <3)
Checkboxes???
A.
I am applying for both leader and co-leader - no
I am applying for only co-leader - yes
I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC - yes
B. No, I’m pretty sure I can complete all of them! If anything changes, I’ll be sure to tell my leader straight away!
C. If any fellow leaders went inactive, I would probably wait for a little while, maybe 2 days, as it’s understandable that sometimes there can be emergencies and they forgot to tell us. However, if this carried on, then I would inform the other (co)leaders in my cabin and the hosts, as well as maybe sending a message to the inactive leader. I would try to organise with the other leaders who are left what responsibilities to share out, until a new leader is chosen (usually). In the unfortunate situation that I myself would go inactive, then I would immediately tell my leaders and hosts a little while before so they have a heads-up. I would try and help out as much as I could before leaving, and - who knows - I might even come back later in the session! I would also say if I knew that I was coming back!
Last edited by silverlynx- (Sept. 4, 2024 06:59:06)
- Strawberry-Lemon
-
Scratcher
1000+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
~ Kiara's November '24 (Co)Leader App ~
2,242 words, 3,162 with writing excerpt
01- About Me
Hello everybody! I’m Kiara, an EST teen writer who goes by the pronouns of she/her – and I’m so excited to be applying for both leader and co this session! If you’re looking for me, I’m probably at school, rehearsals, or participating in one of my other extracurriculars, including NJHS, Drama Club, and show choir! In the free time I do have I love reading, writing, listening to music, and hanging out with my wonderful friends <3
Like previously mentioned, two of my main hobbies include musical theater and show choir, as well as basically everything that involves performing on a stage. I have been involved in musical theater since I was eight years old, when I begged and pleaded for my mom to let me participate in a community theater production of Frozen Jr. Since then, I have become an avid theater kid, participating in seven musicals to date, currently playing Maleficent in Descendants the Musical, a role that I am absolutely loving. My favorite part about musical theater, though, is the people. Theater would be nothing without theater kids, and I love each and every one of them like my family. The amount of talented and wonderful people I have met through theater number many, and I look forward to meeting so many more.
I have also been involved with show choir since I was ten years old, but have only developed a true love in the past year. The dancing, the lights, the costumes– all of it makes me simply giddy. The show choir community in my hometown is such a lovely and supportive one, and I hope that as I go into my future, I can find a place in my life for both hobbies that I love so much.
And we simply can’t do an about-me without mentioning music. If you couldn’t tell from all my music-related hobbies, it is something I love. Music is one of my favorite forms of self-expression, from songwriting to singing to simply listening to music. I feel like in music, emotions that are sometimes held in a critical lens in the rest of society are accepted, which is something that makes music a truly different art form. Some of my favorite singer/songwriters are Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Taylor Swift. When pressed to choose a favorite song, it can vary by the day, since one of the greatest things about music is the relatability– if you are feeling an emotion, chances are there is a song that perfectly shows exactly what you can never express. But some songs I am currently loving are ‘logical’ by Olivia Rodrigo, ‘6FT Nothing’ and ‘FBI’ by Jenna Davis, ‘Mad at Disney’ by salem ilese, and ‘best friends with your girlfriend’ by Jessica Baio.
Of course, we must also mention reading and writing, the two things that bring me to SWC in the first place. When it comes to writing, I usually tend to drift towards fantasy writings, normally with strong, bold heroines that end up saving the world. However, I am currently stepping out of my comfort zone by writing a realistic fiction piece about a girl, her best friend, and a ferris wheel. This piece has been taking up brain space for over a year now, and I am so excited to see this story finally come together. When it comes to reading, I love rom-coms (my guilty pleasure), fantasy, and the dabbling of sci-fi. My favorite author of all time is Amie Kaufman – I will read any book she puts out onto this earth – but some of my other favorite books include Six of Crows, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Cruel Prince, and The Sun is Also a Star.
Hence the theme of this application, I am also discovering a love for photography. There is just something so satisfying about being able to capture such a small thing – flower/nature photography is my favorite so far – and immortalizing it, essentially. I am currently watching many videos and reading lots of books, and basically trying to find a style that works for me. All photos in this application were taken by me!
Last but certainly not least, SWC. For the past year and a half, SWC has also been a big part of my life. The people I have met in this camp and the connections I have made have really impacted me for the better. And that isn’t even beginning to touch on the wonderful writing motivation I receive during every session! Because of this, you all get some well-deserved mango sorbet <33
02- Experience
I have participated in SWC 4 times before, making this my 5th session! I have been a camper three times, a co-leader once, and a member of the daily team once! A full list of my cabins is below:
Adventure March ‘23: Camper
Fantasy November ‘23: Camper
Fairy Tales March ‘24: Camper
Thriller July ‘24: Co-leader and daily team member
In real life, I have previously been in student government and the leadership team at my community theater. I am also a current member of NJHS (National Junior Honors Society) at my school, and running for the executive board in NJHS.
03- Genres
While I would be honored to be a part of any genre this session, there are two genres I am particularly excited about. These genres are Bi-Fi and Fantasy.
For Bizarro Fiction (Bi-Fi), I was thinking about a cabin based off of Alice in Wonderland. It would be called Bi-Fi Wonderland, and campers would be citizens of Wonderland. They would be sorted into a Suit (Clubs, Diamonds, or Spades), and have to help stop the Queen of Hearts from taking over the entire world of Wonderland. Along the way, the campers would encounter some of the beloved, wacky, and wonderful creatures of Wonderland, including the Mad Hatter and March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, and maybe even the White Rabbit, who would help the campers solve puzzles and riddles to accomplish their overall goal of defeating the Queen of Hearts.
In Fantasy, I had an idea for a D&D-style roleplay cabin, taking place in a medieval kingdom. (Co)leaders would work as the DMs and the leaders of the Party, which consists of the campers. Campers would be able to choose their character type and traits, and they would take part in a quest involving magic, monsters, and enemy kingdoms.
I love this idea because I feel like it allows for a lot of camper creativity, and lets campers have a say in what happens next in the storyline. The roleplay element also allows campers –and (co)leaders– to have fun creating and learning how to write unique characters.
While I have the most ideas for these two, other cabins I would love to lead include: Steampunk, Mystery, Real-Fi, Sci-Fi, and Dystopian.
However, I would rather not (co)lead my two most recent cabins, Fairy Tales and Thriller. One of the amazing things in SWC is the diversity of genres, and I would love to get to experience new genres before returning to ones I have already done.
Along with that, I would not like to (co)lead TCTWNW this session. While I loved participating in Thriller last session, I have so many wonderful ideas for more competitive cabins this session, and therefore I don’t think TCTWNW aligns with what I want to accomplish in terms of leadership.
04- Writing Excerpt (920 Words)
Find the writing piece ‘Once Upon A Red’ here!
05- Dedication
November is a school month for me, so that would mean the usual conflicts like the school day itself, as well as studying and extracurriculars. Even with that, I would be able to devote 1-2 hours to SWC on the average day, whether it be weekday or weekend. The only exceptions to this rule would be October 12-19th, when I am traveling and will not have access to a device. I also have tech week and performances for my musical from October 28th-November 1st, but that would not hinder my activity too much, as I would still be able to check Scratch periodically during the school day and before rehearsals start!
06- Time Management
Time management is something that I’ve been working really hard to improve on in all spectrums, strengths and weaknesses alike. As I go into 8th grade, I am starting to realize the true importance of balancing and maintaining enough time to do everything, especially with the high school courses I am taking this year as well. Because of this, all areas of my time management are improving drastically, though I still have strengths and weaknesses.
All that aside, my greatest strength in time management is my organization and planning. I am never one to go into a project without a clear goal in mind, and I love making charts and lists. I have recently started reliably using planners as well, and have gotten far better at knowing what is going on when and how to get back on track.
However, my biggest weakness when it comes to time management is delegation. I tend to try to be as helpful as possible, sometimes meaning I am taking on far more projects than I can reasonably handle, causing me to get severely burned out. I am trying to overcome this by learning to rely on other people and noticing when I am starting to get tired by the work I am doing.
07- Collaboration & Assets
When it comes to collaboration, my strength is my flexibility. I am good at contributing my own ideas, while still being able to create a solution to a problem that appeals to everybody and allows everybody to feel valued and respected for their specific ideas. That also ties in with open-mindedness, which is a strength of mine because I am always ready to hear other people’s ideas and see where the project might go when different voices and ideas are brought to the table.
A weakness of mine is that I can often be a people-pleaser. For example, if somebody turns down something I’ve worked very hard on, I can often feel a little upset or anxious. Also if somebody offers to do a job – even if it’s something I’ve really wanted to do and was looking forward to – I will likely say that they can do it instead.
Something I am doing to try to overcome that weakness is just remembering that if somebody turns one of my ideas down, it’s not because they don’t like it, it’s just because maybe it wasn’t the right idea or right time for that specific project. Also, I am focusing more lately on advocating for myself and what I want.
08- Leadership
The quality I value most in a leader is reliability. A reliable leader is someone you can count on, to both be there and give their best effort at everything they do. Those who are reliable take it upon themselves to either know what is going on, or to learn. To me, a person who exemples these traits not only does the work they said they will do on time, but also gives it their best effort.
One of my favorite parts of being a (co)leader, I have learned, is being able to form connections and friendships with the campers placed in my cabin. A leader who is reliable is not only there for the other members of the leadership team, but also for their campers.
Reliability is a huge core value for me, especially because the people in my life have not always shown this trait. I think being reliable shows a lot about a person– that they take what they are doing seriously, and are willing to follow through.
This trait is very important to me, and reliability will be a trait that I will work very hard to exemplify in myself, in everything I do, both as a (co)leader and in other aspects of my life.
09- Atmosphere
“A competitive atmosphere with a focus on team-building and forming friendships that will last a lifetime.” – 109 Characters
10- Checkboxes
a)
✓ I will be available to help add points consistently throughout camp
✓ I am willing to share a promotional project for SWC
b ) I am ready and willing to complete all responsibilities in the FAQ!
c ) In case of inactivity by myself, I will first notify the other members of my leadership team and the hosts, if necessary. An inactive leader is always a big shift for a group, no matter how large or small, so I will try to remain active for as long as possible to try to both help the current leadership team and help the new leader get acclimated to the position.
In case of inactivity by another member of the team, I will first wait a while to make sure they are actually inactive. I will check their other projects and perhaps message them on their profile, seeing if they are just not active on the leader forum or if they actually have gone dark. If it is over a week of activity and they still haven’t responded or told us where they were going, then I will notify the hosts and the other members of the leadership team, and make sure that jobs are divided up accordingly until another member of the team can be chosen.
2,242 words, 3,162 with writing excerpt
01- About Me
Hello everybody! I’m Kiara, an EST teen writer who goes by the pronouns of she/her – and I’m so excited to be applying for both leader and co this session! If you’re looking for me, I’m probably at school, rehearsals, or participating in one of my other extracurriculars, including NJHS, Drama Club, and show choir! In the free time I do have I love reading, writing, listening to music, and hanging out with my wonderful friends <3
Like previously mentioned, two of my main hobbies include musical theater and show choir, as well as basically everything that involves performing on a stage. I have been involved in musical theater since I was eight years old, when I begged and pleaded for my mom to let me participate in a community theater production of Frozen Jr. Since then, I have become an avid theater kid, participating in seven musicals to date, currently playing Maleficent in Descendants the Musical, a role that I am absolutely loving. My favorite part about musical theater, though, is the people. Theater would be nothing without theater kids, and I love each and every one of them like my family. The amount of talented and wonderful people I have met through theater number many, and I look forward to meeting so many more.
I have also been involved with show choir since I was ten years old, but have only developed a true love in the past year. The dancing, the lights, the costumes– all of it makes me simply giddy. The show choir community in my hometown is such a lovely and supportive one, and I hope that as I go into my future, I can find a place in my life for both hobbies that I love so much.
And we simply can’t do an about-me without mentioning music. If you couldn’t tell from all my music-related hobbies, it is something I love. Music is one of my favorite forms of self-expression, from songwriting to singing to simply listening to music. I feel like in music, emotions that are sometimes held in a critical lens in the rest of society are accepted, which is something that makes music a truly different art form. Some of my favorite singer/songwriters are Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Taylor Swift. When pressed to choose a favorite song, it can vary by the day, since one of the greatest things about music is the relatability– if you are feeling an emotion, chances are there is a song that perfectly shows exactly what you can never express. But some songs I am currently loving are ‘logical’ by Olivia Rodrigo, ‘6FT Nothing’ and ‘FBI’ by Jenna Davis, ‘Mad at Disney’ by salem ilese, and ‘best friends with your girlfriend’ by Jessica Baio.
Of course, we must also mention reading and writing, the two things that bring me to SWC in the first place. When it comes to writing, I usually tend to drift towards fantasy writings, normally with strong, bold heroines that end up saving the world. However, I am currently stepping out of my comfort zone by writing a realistic fiction piece about a girl, her best friend, and a ferris wheel. This piece has been taking up brain space for over a year now, and I am so excited to see this story finally come together. When it comes to reading, I love rom-coms (my guilty pleasure), fantasy, and the dabbling of sci-fi. My favorite author of all time is Amie Kaufman – I will read any book she puts out onto this earth – but some of my other favorite books include Six of Crows, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Cruel Prince, and The Sun is Also a Star.
Hence the theme of this application, I am also discovering a love for photography. There is just something so satisfying about being able to capture such a small thing – flower/nature photography is my favorite so far – and immortalizing it, essentially. I am currently watching many videos and reading lots of books, and basically trying to find a style that works for me. All photos in this application were taken by me!
Last but certainly not least, SWC. For the past year and a half, SWC has also been a big part of my life. The people I have met in this camp and the connections I have made have really impacted me for the better. And that isn’t even beginning to touch on the wonderful writing motivation I receive during every session! Because of this, you all get some well-deserved mango sorbet <33
02- Experience
I have participated in SWC 4 times before, making this my 5th session! I have been a camper three times, a co-leader once, and a member of the daily team once! A full list of my cabins is below:
Adventure March ‘23: Camper
Fantasy November ‘23: Camper
Fairy Tales March ‘24: Camper
Thriller July ‘24: Co-leader and daily team member
In real life, I have previously been in student government and the leadership team at my community theater. I am also a current member of NJHS (National Junior Honors Society) at my school, and running for the executive board in NJHS.
03- Genres
While I would be honored to be a part of any genre this session, there are two genres I am particularly excited about. These genres are Bi-Fi and Fantasy.
For Bizarro Fiction (Bi-Fi), I was thinking about a cabin based off of Alice in Wonderland. It would be called Bi-Fi Wonderland, and campers would be citizens of Wonderland. They would be sorted into a Suit (Clubs, Diamonds, or Spades), and have to help stop the Queen of Hearts from taking over the entire world of Wonderland. Along the way, the campers would encounter some of the beloved, wacky, and wonderful creatures of Wonderland, including the Mad Hatter and March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, and maybe even the White Rabbit, who would help the campers solve puzzles and riddles to accomplish their overall goal of defeating the Queen of Hearts.
In Fantasy, I had an idea for a D&D-style roleplay cabin, taking place in a medieval kingdom. (Co)leaders would work as the DMs and the leaders of the Party, which consists of the campers. Campers would be able to choose their character type and traits, and they would take part in a quest involving magic, monsters, and enemy kingdoms.
I love this idea because I feel like it allows for a lot of camper creativity, and lets campers have a say in what happens next in the storyline. The roleplay element also allows campers –and (co)leaders– to have fun creating and learning how to write unique characters.
While I have the most ideas for these two, other cabins I would love to lead include: Steampunk, Mystery, Real-Fi, Sci-Fi, and Dystopian.
However, I would rather not (co)lead my two most recent cabins, Fairy Tales and Thriller. One of the amazing things in SWC is the diversity of genres, and I would love to get to experience new genres before returning to ones I have already done.
Along with that, I would not like to (co)lead TCTWNW this session. While I loved participating in Thriller last session, I have so many wonderful ideas for more competitive cabins this session, and therefore I don’t think TCTWNW aligns with what I want to accomplish in terms of leadership.
04- Writing Excerpt (920 Words)
Find the writing piece ‘Once Upon A Red’ here!
05- Dedication
November is a school month for me, so that would mean the usual conflicts like the school day itself, as well as studying and extracurriculars. Even with that, I would be able to devote 1-2 hours to SWC on the average day, whether it be weekday or weekend. The only exceptions to this rule would be October 12-19th, when I am traveling and will not have access to a device. I also have tech week and performances for my musical from October 28th-November 1st, but that would not hinder my activity too much, as I would still be able to check Scratch periodically during the school day and before rehearsals start!
06- Time Management
Time management is something that I’ve been working really hard to improve on in all spectrums, strengths and weaknesses alike. As I go into 8th grade, I am starting to realize the true importance of balancing and maintaining enough time to do everything, especially with the high school courses I am taking this year as well. Because of this, all areas of my time management are improving drastically, though I still have strengths and weaknesses.
All that aside, my greatest strength in time management is my organization and planning. I am never one to go into a project without a clear goal in mind, and I love making charts and lists. I have recently started reliably using planners as well, and have gotten far better at knowing what is going on when and how to get back on track.
However, my biggest weakness when it comes to time management is delegation. I tend to try to be as helpful as possible, sometimes meaning I am taking on far more projects than I can reasonably handle, causing me to get severely burned out. I am trying to overcome this by learning to rely on other people and noticing when I am starting to get tired by the work I am doing.
07- Collaboration & Assets
When it comes to collaboration, my strength is my flexibility. I am good at contributing my own ideas, while still being able to create a solution to a problem that appeals to everybody and allows everybody to feel valued and respected for their specific ideas. That also ties in with open-mindedness, which is a strength of mine because I am always ready to hear other people’s ideas and see where the project might go when different voices and ideas are brought to the table.
A weakness of mine is that I can often be a people-pleaser. For example, if somebody turns down something I’ve worked very hard on, I can often feel a little upset or anxious. Also if somebody offers to do a job – even if it’s something I’ve really wanted to do and was looking forward to – I will likely say that they can do it instead.
Something I am doing to try to overcome that weakness is just remembering that if somebody turns one of my ideas down, it’s not because they don’t like it, it’s just because maybe it wasn’t the right idea or right time for that specific project. Also, I am focusing more lately on advocating for myself and what I want.
08- Leadership
The quality I value most in a leader is reliability. A reliable leader is someone you can count on, to both be there and give their best effort at everything they do. Those who are reliable take it upon themselves to either know what is going on, or to learn. To me, a person who exemples these traits not only does the work they said they will do on time, but also gives it their best effort.
One of my favorite parts of being a (co)leader, I have learned, is being able to form connections and friendships with the campers placed in my cabin. A leader who is reliable is not only there for the other members of the leadership team, but also for their campers.
Reliability is a huge core value for me, especially because the people in my life have not always shown this trait. I think being reliable shows a lot about a person– that they take what they are doing seriously, and are willing to follow through.
This trait is very important to me, and reliability will be a trait that I will work very hard to exemplify in myself, in everything I do, both as a (co)leader and in other aspects of my life.
09- Atmosphere
“A competitive atmosphere with a focus on team-building and forming friendships that will last a lifetime.” – 109 Characters
10- Checkboxes
a)
✓ I will be available to help add points consistently throughout camp
✓ I am willing to share a promotional project for SWC
b ) I am ready and willing to complete all responsibilities in the FAQ!
c ) In case of inactivity by myself, I will first notify the other members of my leadership team and the hosts, if necessary. An inactive leader is always a big shift for a group, no matter how large or small, so I will try to remain active for as long as possible to try to both help the current leadership team and help the new leader get acclimated to the position.
In case of inactivity by another member of the team, I will first wait a while to make sure they are actually inactive. I will check their other projects and perhaps message them on their profile, seeing if they are just not active on the leader forum or if they actually have gone dark. If it is over a week of activity and they still haven’t responded or told us where they were going, then I will notify the hosts and the other members of the leadership team, and make sure that jobs are divided up accordingly until another member of the team can be chosen.
- unercornshine
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
Rainbow vision - Vicky's co-leader app
#10 - BLONDE
1) About me
*ughhhhhh* yup, that was me groaning because I :ahem: ‘strongly dislike’ about me questions. There are just too many ripples to my personality, too many abrupt turns to simply summarise into a few paragraphs. Last session when I did a 1.2k intro even that wasn't enough. :sigh: it looks like we're doing this then, where to start?…
Greetings (g)hosts, leaders, swc'ers or anyone who just happened to stumble upon this, just like I did around 7 months from now. Greetings to all of you and welcome to my co-leader app. Yes, I am just stalling and I should be doing an about me and not an introduction, but what can I say, as an swc'er procrastination runs high. Your majesty, Vicky, she/her, swaggin' over here in the UTC timezone, hibernating here in Grea' Bri'an and currently realising how long this is going to take me to write! :'D lol. Im an extremely chaotic extrovert, who has waaayyyy too many hobbies to handle at once, but the ones im really into now include: writing, reading, crocheting, drawing, baking, fashion design, learning languages, playing sport and tech stuff (coding, digital art, computing, designing, etc.) Islam is my religion, Allah is my god and prophet muhammad (saw) is not on scratch but I still follow him. ^^! 110% free Palestine. period. I'm a fandom of many, the ones im into recently are: hp, pjo, skz, the spider verse series and avatar/legend of Korra. In terms of reading genres, I do love to read horror, fantasy, romance, mythology and physiologic genres, in terms of writing im currently into writing phycological thrillers & tragedies with a tad of romance and shifts between poetic and story forms. feel free to have a chat with me about anything, I'd love to see if u have anything in common with me! Anyways Vicky out! XP!
#9- Sparks Fly
2) experience
– swc march 24' / script theatron / camper*
– mmap may - June 24' / the ghost team / camper
– ssc may 24' / classical / camper
– swc July 24' / tctwnw thriller / camper**
– src august 24' / thriller escapade / backup camper
– scratch aspiration camp september 24' / mystery the village / camper
… (to be done:)
– scratch art camp October 24' / camper
– wuc October 24'/ camper
* This was my first ever scratch camp and swc session and it was fabulous, perhaps it was the sweetness of discovering the chaos of the swc world, or my crazy activity levels. Whatever it was, it was an amazing session and my best scratch camp session yet.
** This was my second swc session, and I must admit, it wasn't as fun as the last, I was extremely unsatisfied that I didn't achieve most of my goals, and due to 2 crazy coincidences, missed BOTH cabin wars. Also, although writing more words than the last swc session, I didn't complete as many new writing pieces as the last, and I think this was due to lack of motivation due to tctwnw, of course, I cannot blame my faults on that, but I rather enjoy the competitive side of swc and missed saying #scriptftw. XD lol
Irl, I have previously been student council and currently am student council (we just voted recently) well-being leader, prefect, a dymond society member (a society of people who either got a bursary, scholarship or head teachers award in their entrance exam, they meet up with the head of foundation to discuss different matters.) and have co-hosted a talent show for school with 2 other pupils.
#8 - My Heart Just Wants To Be A Star
3) Cabin Preferences
I don't really have a strict cabin preference apart from a few cabins that I would really prefer not to co-lead:
I would rather not co-lead tctwnw, because I rather enjoy the competitive side of swc.
#7 - Look By Natasha
4) Excerpt
The Cursed Mask:
Part 1:
The sound of silence deafens my ears. It echoes and bounces. So loud, yet so silent. So aggressive yet so subtle. I long for it to be broken, to shatter like the glass inside me, for it to disappear and never come back.
Never.
Hot tears began to flow, down my cheeks and onto my blood-stained hands, the water trickling through the gap between my fingers. All the water in every river and sea, every lake and canal, not all the water mustered from every inch, nook and cranny of the world, none of it could dilute the bright, thick blood that stains my hands. A painful reminder of what I did.
Heaves gates rattle open, the bright gold blinds my already-blind eyes, as the angels part for me, heads bowed down in shame. I felt a pang of guilt as I look at what I’m about to leave behind, before remembering all the suffering, embarrassment and heartbreak this place has caused me. An over-advertised propaganda of the fake utopian of heaven.
With new adrenalin, I pick up pace, until I’m soaring through heavens gates, thrill overwhelming me. I let out a light chuckle. Its so good to finally be free.
Free.
But,
That’s when I
Plummeted.
Down.
Down below into
A void
Of
Darkness.
Which swallows you
Whole
And chews you
Until you’re
Inside
Out.
Darkness.
So thick,
So saturated,
So condensed,
You can almost feel it on your
Skin,
Bone
And
Blood.
Darkness.
Which reawakens nightmares
Which were
Buried
So deep,
You never thought they could ever reincarnate
Again.
Darkness.
And that’s all you
Touch,
Breathe,
Smell,
Think,
Feel.
Darkness
Is what
Took me
When I
Plummeted.
Down below,
To a void of…
Darkness…
This is just a draft that I had to put onto forums so the structure isn't as it's supposed to be
#6 - Natvartna
5) Time Dedication
On week days when school is on, between just popping in for 10 mins, to around roughly 1 hour and a half. On a weekend, most of the time flicking in and out for around 5 hours but sometimes drastically less as in just popping in for 30 mins.
In terms of having anything planned, I don't have anything that I am aware of.
#5 - Found my voice
6) Time Management
Skills:
- Improvisation: I’m pretty good at improvising, thinking on the spot, shortening tasks, and cutting of unnecessary things to get the thing done on time.
- I'm also good at planning things out according to the time we have, for example if it's a group project I can designate rolls and make sure everybody is on schedule, if it's a task for only myself, I am good at keeping up to time and schedule.
Shortcomings:
- If a lot of pressure is put on me to finish something on time, I may rush it and it won’t end up turning out the way I wanted it to.
- If i think that I’m very behind on the task I’m completing and there is very little time to complete it, and I no longer am motivated to complete the task, I may give up.
- If something is very minor/insignificant in my eyes, I tend to forget about it easily or not be bothered to do it. I don’t this won’t be a problem as I’m very dedicated to SWC and like to write tasks that I have down.
- I put the ‘pro’ in procrastinate. nothing more to say.
#4 - Fire
7) Working with others
Strengths:
- I’m generally a quite friendly, funny, extroverted person, and I have no problem with instantaneously making friends with anyone, or sparking a conversation.
- I’m good at improvising and I’m also a natural born leader, so I love to get everyones ideas together and make them into one beautiful picture.
- I’m always open to feedback, and whenever working with others, I always try to let other peoples voice be heard, for everyone to have a say.
- I'm very loyal and once I make friends with someone I will stick by them for life.
Weaknesses:
- As I said, I’m born a natural leader: I can get a little fed up or annoyed if I'm left out, but this does not happen often.
- We all have good days and bad days, If I’m having a bit of a moody day I tend to get very easily irritable.
- I can appear a bit, *ahem* extra to some people and may appear to have an overbearing activity to people who can't deal with too much noise and like, attention (idk how to explain). This isn't rlly a problem online but if I seem to be a bit intimidating to you, I will appreciate if you just tell me as I can get a bit carried away sometimes.
*I am good at designating tasks, carrying our my own tasks, organising things and keeping the team up to task. I’m quite creative, funny, positive, and chill, I'm always trying to lighten down the pressure on the task. I’m full of ideas and ready to hear yours as well!
#3 - Heroes
8) Leadership Qualities
I have 3 traits, as I genuinely couldn’t decide between the 3 of them and I think that you couldn’t be a leader with only 1 or only 2, rather for the basic foundation of a leader, you must have all 3 traits.
- Kindness:
Always be kind to everyone, the campers, fellow (co)leaders, and (g)hosts. Respect and tolerate everyone, be compassionate, etc.
- Creativity:
Ability to think on the spot, improvising, being able to answer questions and generally just creating a warm friendly beautiful atmosphere for everyone to be in.
- Discipline:
You cant be a good leader with only the above traits, you can’t be too laid back, things need to be done, there is no laziness in being a leader.
#2 - Hope You're Not Afraid Of The Dark
9) Cabin Atmosphere
A fun, exciting place to hang out and goof around but still set on trashing everyone up up for some :ahemm: ‘friendly competition’.
#1 - Spotlight
10)Checkboxes
a) I can do both.
b) nope.
c) In the case of inactive leadership by myself I would inform the hosts and the other (co) leaders at least 2 or 3 days before hand, and try to get everything organized before that time. In the case of inactive leadership by my fellow (co) leader I would try and organize everything with he/she/them/other before they leave, and try to commence everything as normal, and divide the person’s responsibilities between me and the other (co) leaders.
Thats it from me, Vicky out XP!
1,756 words including excerpt.
#10 - BLONDE
1) About me
*ughhhhhh* yup, that was me groaning because I :ahem: ‘strongly dislike’ about me questions. There are just too many ripples to my personality, too many abrupt turns to simply summarise into a few paragraphs. Last session when I did a 1.2k intro even that wasn't enough. :sigh: it looks like we're doing this then, where to start?…
Greetings (g)hosts, leaders, swc'ers or anyone who just happened to stumble upon this, just like I did around 7 months from now. Greetings to all of you and welcome to my co-leader app. Yes, I am just stalling and I should be doing an about me and not an introduction, but what can I say, as an swc'er procrastination runs high. Your majesty, Vicky, she/her, swaggin' over here in the UTC timezone, hibernating here in Grea' Bri'an and currently realising how long this is going to take me to write! :'D lol. Im an extremely chaotic extrovert, who has waaayyyy too many hobbies to handle at once, but the ones im really into now include: writing, reading, crocheting, drawing, baking, fashion design, learning languages, playing sport and tech stuff (coding, digital art, computing, designing, etc.) Islam is my religion, Allah is my god and prophet muhammad (saw) is not on scratch but I still follow him. ^^! 110% free Palestine. period. I'm a fandom of many, the ones im into recently are: hp, pjo, skz, the spider verse series and avatar/legend of Korra. In terms of reading genres, I do love to read horror, fantasy, romance, mythology and physiologic genres, in terms of writing im currently into writing phycological thrillers & tragedies with a tad of romance and shifts between poetic and story forms. feel free to have a chat with me about anything, I'd love to see if u have anything in common with me! Anyways Vicky out! XP!
#9- Sparks Fly
2) experience
– swc march 24' / script theatron / camper*
– mmap may - June 24' / the ghost team / camper
– ssc may 24' / classical / camper
– swc July 24' / tctwnw thriller / camper**
– src august 24' / thriller escapade / backup camper
– scratch aspiration camp september 24' / mystery the village / camper
… (to be done:)
– scratch art camp October 24' / camper
– wuc October 24'/ camper
* This was my first ever scratch camp and swc session and it was fabulous, perhaps it was the sweetness of discovering the chaos of the swc world, or my crazy activity levels. Whatever it was, it was an amazing session and my best scratch camp session yet.
** This was my second swc session, and I must admit, it wasn't as fun as the last, I was extremely unsatisfied that I didn't achieve most of my goals, and due to 2 crazy coincidences, missed BOTH cabin wars. Also, although writing more words than the last swc session, I didn't complete as many new writing pieces as the last, and I think this was due to lack of motivation due to tctwnw, of course, I cannot blame my faults on that, but I rather enjoy the competitive side of swc and missed saying #scriptftw. XD lol
Irl, I have previously been student council and currently am student council (we just voted recently) well-being leader, prefect, a dymond society member (a society of people who either got a bursary, scholarship or head teachers award in their entrance exam, they meet up with the head of foundation to discuss different matters.) and have co-hosted a talent show for school with 2 other pupils.
#8 - My Heart Just Wants To Be A Star
3) Cabin Preferences
I don't really have a strict cabin preference apart from a few cabins that I would really prefer not to co-lead:
- Non-Fi
Hi-Fi
Folklore
Manga
Contemporary
Illu-fi
Lit-fi
Classics.
I would rather not co-lead tctwnw, because I rather enjoy the competitive side of swc.
#7 - Look By Natasha
4) Excerpt
The Cursed Mask:
Part 1:
The sound of silence deafens my ears. It echoes and bounces. So loud, yet so silent. So aggressive yet so subtle. I long for it to be broken, to shatter like the glass inside me, for it to disappear and never come back.
Never.
Hot tears began to flow, down my cheeks and onto my blood-stained hands, the water trickling through the gap between my fingers. All the water in every river and sea, every lake and canal, not all the water mustered from every inch, nook and cranny of the world, none of it could dilute the bright, thick blood that stains my hands. A painful reminder of what I did.
Heaves gates rattle open, the bright gold blinds my already-blind eyes, as the angels part for me, heads bowed down in shame. I felt a pang of guilt as I look at what I’m about to leave behind, before remembering all the suffering, embarrassment and heartbreak this place has caused me. An over-advertised propaganda of the fake utopian of heaven.
With new adrenalin, I pick up pace, until I’m soaring through heavens gates, thrill overwhelming me. I let out a light chuckle. Its so good to finally be free.
Free.
But,
That’s when I
Plummeted.
Down.
Down below into
A void
Of
Darkness.
Which swallows you
Whole
And chews you
Until you’re
Inside
Out.
Darkness.
So thick,
So saturated,
So condensed,
You can almost feel it on your
Skin,
Bone
And
Blood.
Darkness.
Which reawakens nightmares
Which were
Buried
So deep,
You never thought they could ever reincarnate
Again.
Darkness.
And that’s all you
Touch,
Breathe,
Smell,
Think,
Feel.
Darkness
Is what
Took me
When I
Plummeted.
Down below,
To a void of…
Darkness…
This is just a draft that I had to put onto forums so the structure isn't as it's supposed to be
#6 - Natvartna
5) Time Dedication
On week days when school is on, between just popping in for 10 mins, to around roughly 1 hour and a half. On a weekend, most of the time flicking in and out for around 5 hours but sometimes drastically less as in just popping in for 30 mins.
In terms of having anything planned, I don't have anything that I am aware of.
#5 - Found my voice
6) Time Management
Skills:
- Improvisation: I’m pretty good at improvising, thinking on the spot, shortening tasks, and cutting of unnecessary things to get the thing done on time.
- I'm also good at planning things out according to the time we have, for example if it's a group project I can designate rolls and make sure everybody is on schedule, if it's a task for only myself, I am good at keeping up to time and schedule.
Shortcomings:
- If a lot of pressure is put on me to finish something on time, I may rush it and it won’t end up turning out the way I wanted it to.
- If i think that I’m very behind on the task I’m completing and there is very little time to complete it, and I no longer am motivated to complete the task, I may give up.
- If something is very minor/insignificant in my eyes, I tend to forget about it easily or not be bothered to do it. I don’t this won’t be a problem as I’m very dedicated to SWC and like to write tasks that I have down.
- I put the ‘pro’ in procrastinate. nothing more to say.
#4 - Fire
7) Working with others
Strengths:
- I’m generally a quite friendly, funny, extroverted person, and I have no problem with instantaneously making friends with anyone, or sparking a conversation.
- I’m good at improvising and I’m also a natural born leader, so I love to get everyones ideas together and make them into one beautiful picture.
- I’m always open to feedback, and whenever working with others, I always try to let other peoples voice be heard, for everyone to have a say.
- I'm very loyal and once I make friends with someone I will stick by them for life.
Weaknesses:
- As I said, I’m born a natural leader: I can get a little fed up or annoyed if I'm left out, but this does not happen often.
- We all have good days and bad days, If I’m having a bit of a moody day I tend to get very easily irritable.
- I can appear a bit, *ahem* extra to some people and may appear to have an overbearing activity to people who can't deal with too much noise and like, attention (idk how to explain). This isn't rlly a problem online but if I seem to be a bit intimidating to you, I will appreciate if you just tell me as I can get a bit carried away sometimes.
*I am good at designating tasks, carrying our my own tasks, organising things and keeping the team up to task. I’m quite creative, funny, positive, and chill, I'm always trying to lighten down the pressure on the task. I’m full of ideas and ready to hear yours as well!
#3 - Heroes
8) Leadership Qualities
I have 3 traits, as I genuinely couldn’t decide between the 3 of them and I think that you couldn’t be a leader with only 1 or only 2, rather for the basic foundation of a leader, you must have all 3 traits.
- Kindness:
Always be kind to everyone, the campers, fellow (co)leaders, and (g)hosts. Respect and tolerate everyone, be compassionate, etc.
- Creativity:
Ability to think on the spot, improvising, being able to answer questions and generally just creating a warm friendly beautiful atmosphere for everyone to be in.
- Discipline:
You cant be a good leader with only the above traits, you can’t be too laid back, things need to be done, there is no laziness in being a leader.
#2 - Hope You're Not Afraid Of The Dark
9) Cabin Atmosphere
A fun, exciting place to hang out and goof around but still set on trashing everyone up up for some :ahemm: ‘friendly competition’.
#1 - Spotlight
10)Checkboxes
a) I can do both.
b) nope.
c) In the case of inactive leadership by myself I would inform the hosts and the other (co) leaders at least 2 or 3 days before hand, and try to get everything organized before that time. In the case of inactive leadership by my fellow (co) leader I would try and organize everything with he/she/them/other before they leave, and try to commence everything as normal, and divide the person’s responsibilities between me and the other (co) leaders.
Thats it from me, Vicky out XP!
1,756 words including excerpt.
Last edited by unercornshine (Dec. 3, 2024 19:08:05)
- _click_
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
| - ivory's swc co app - november 2024 - |
i. about me
hey, i’m ivory! i use they/she + any neopronouns, but i tend to lean towards they/them. i’m a scientist (as you can probably tell by the theme of this application), mathematician, dancer, and activist. i’m in the est timezone for most of the year - it’ll only change if i’m on vacation, but that shouldn’t be happening in november so i should still be in est this session.
i was a writer for most of my life until i took a pause last year to focus on my mental health and my passion for science. since then, i’ve been encouraged to restart writing (especially since i’m in an ap/advanced english class this year). i’m mostly into nonfiction, so you’ll catch me writing scientific theories or autobiographical content. i am neurodivergent and often struggle with reading, as my brain is very math-oriented and i’m better with numbers than words. however, i enjoy writing about my own life or about the world around us - it’s all fascinating!
ii. experience
i joined swc this past july as a camper in the dystopian cabin. i took on swc in addition to a summer astronomy course in real life, which made finding time for writing a lot harder, but i managed. in terms of writing, i’d say i spent around 7 years writing - from 2nd to 9th grade - before pausing, and i’ve recently come back to it ever since july. i’ve never won any writing contests, but i’ve gotten to read my writing at some local poetry events.
as for leadership, i’m a manager of the girls who don’t fit in studio on scratch. i was a curator for around 4 years before being promoted, and i’ve learned a lot about managing a studio with over 20,000 people in it. a few other managers there encouraged me to join swc in the first place! in real life, i’m starting 2 clubs in my school (neurodivergence & student activism) and i ran for student council last spring, although i lost the election in the end.
iii. cabin preferences
i haven’t quite gotten the chance to interact with every cabin as i’m still new to swc. however, if i’m selected to be a co leader, i’d like to co lead a nonfiction/realism-oriented cabin. my top choices (in this order) would be sci-fi, non-fi, or real-fi. i don’t currently have any specific storyline ideas, but i feel confident that my interest in science & realism will help me come up with storylines. if i’m asked to co lead a fiction cabin, though, i’d be fine with co leading adventure.
i’m very competitive so i can’t say i’d 100% want to lead the cabin that will not win, but i’m definitely not opposed to it, as i’m also aware that i’m quite busy.
iv. excerpt
an excerpt from the last chapter of my autobiography:
i’ve always thought of infinity as an 8 on its side, which feels fitting. eighth grade has held so much significance- why wouldn’t it be the symbol of infinity itself? it has constantly played on an eternal loop in my mind, and i’m finally not upset about it. learning from my mistakes is part of breaking the cycle of infinity.
in addition, i’ve thought a lot about my reputation. it has been tarnished various times over the past few years. i’ve had to fight every single rumor that has ever been thrown at me, even the ones that turned out to be true. i’ve even begun to own a few of them. i’m not a violent person. however, i do have problems managing my anger, and i’m working on calming myself down in the face of danger. i’ve learned to accept that part of myself. anger can be helpful sometimes, when managed correctly.
surprisingly, my reputation has never been a topic of conversation with anyone. i’ve begun to realize that most of my anxious thoughts are all in my head. nobody seems to perceive me in different ways. i’m the one that has felt different. i’ve been an outcast, but i’ve always been the one that has been excluding myself from every social situation. over time, i’ve learned not to blame other people for my own actions.
i cannot simply summarize every part of my life into an autobiography. what i can do is find the significant parts, the stimulating pieces, and mend the puzzle that has forever broken me. every name, every place, every moment has meaning. i now aspire to find multiple different meanings in every memory that i’ve lived through.
v. timing & plans
i’m a junior in high school, which means taking on a lot of responsibilities. in addition to high school, i am leading and joining clubs, beginning college visits, working at my job, and pursuing other hobbies. as of right now, i haven’t found it too difficult to manage my schoolwork, so i’m waiting for most of my activities to start. my birthday is a week before swc so i’ll probably be spending some time offline around then. i should be able to dedicate a few nights a week to writing, plus weekends.
vi. time management
as a neurodivergent person, i’ve had to work extremely hard on time management, and i’d say i’ve come quite a long way. i keep multiple planners in my room and set reminders for almost everything that comes up. i also keep track of which classes i have each day - if i don’t have a specific class the next day, i choose to wait on that class’s homework rather than burning myself out.
my main weakness is my tendency to start things and then never get around to finishing them. i get a lot of great ideas, but i often struggle to follow through and complete them. i’m definitely working on it, trying to start a task and finish it the same day. i can’t say i’ll be this way with my writing, but i’d like to complete more dailies on time.
vii. teamwork
my main strength is bringing ideas to the table and attempting to cooperate by combining my ideas with other ones. i’m a great listener and i tend to consider other ideas before adding in my own.
a weakness is probably my history with group work and how it has been a struggle in the past. i tend to be very restrictive about criticism, which can often make me seem very off-putting. in order to combat this, i’d like to exchange more critiques with other people and take their feedback to heart.
viii. qualities in a leader
when i think of a leader, i think of someone who is both confident and organized. i can’t quite separate one from the other, as i believe that those two traits together are essential if someone is to be a good leader.
in order to be a good co leader, i will maintain an organized environment in my cabin. i will add up all the points (as i enjoy doing math) and i will attempt to stay on top of cabin competitions. as for confidence, i will present my own ideas very frequently and work with my cabin to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
ix. cabin atmosphere
an all-inclusive cabin involved in friendly competition, yet with very minimal pressure to meet deadlines.
(106 characters)
x. checkboxes
i will be available to help add points - i’d enjoy doing that, as i like math.
not sure if i’m willing to share a promotional project as i’m not sure what that entails, but i’ll consider it.
i can complete all co responsibilities.
in the case of inactive leadership, i will reach out to the other members of my cabin and ask them for feedback on how to move forward. i will try to make arrangements ahead of time, ensuring that we don’t fall behind if one of us happens to go inactive. in general, i’d like to have a backup plan at the ready just in case.
i. about me
hey, i’m ivory! i use they/she + any neopronouns, but i tend to lean towards they/them. i’m a scientist (as you can probably tell by the theme of this application), mathematician, dancer, and activist. i’m in the est timezone for most of the year - it’ll only change if i’m on vacation, but that shouldn’t be happening in november so i should still be in est this session.
i was a writer for most of my life until i took a pause last year to focus on my mental health and my passion for science. since then, i’ve been encouraged to restart writing (especially since i’m in an ap/advanced english class this year). i’m mostly into nonfiction, so you’ll catch me writing scientific theories or autobiographical content. i am neurodivergent and often struggle with reading, as my brain is very math-oriented and i’m better with numbers than words. however, i enjoy writing about my own life or about the world around us - it’s all fascinating!
ii. experience
i joined swc this past july as a camper in the dystopian cabin. i took on swc in addition to a summer astronomy course in real life, which made finding time for writing a lot harder, but i managed. in terms of writing, i’d say i spent around 7 years writing - from 2nd to 9th grade - before pausing, and i’ve recently come back to it ever since july. i’ve never won any writing contests, but i’ve gotten to read my writing at some local poetry events.
as for leadership, i’m a manager of the girls who don’t fit in studio on scratch. i was a curator for around 4 years before being promoted, and i’ve learned a lot about managing a studio with over 20,000 people in it. a few other managers there encouraged me to join swc in the first place! in real life, i’m starting 2 clubs in my school (neurodivergence & student activism) and i ran for student council last spring, although i lost the election in the end.
iii. cabin preferences
i haven’t quite gotten the chance to interact with every cabin as i’m still new to swc. however, if i’m selected to be a co leader, i’d like to co lead a nonfiction/realism-oriented cabin. my top choices (in this order) would be sci-fi, non-fi, or real-fi. i don’t currently have any specific storyline ideas, but i feel confident that my interest in science & realism will help me come up with storylines. if i’m asked to co lead a fiction cabin, though, i’d be fine with co leading adventure.
i’m very competitive so i can’t say i’d 100% want to lead the cabin that will not win, but i’m definitely not opposed to it, as i’m also aware that i’m quite busy.
iv. excerpt
an excerpt from the last chapter of my autobiography:
i’ve always thought of infinity as an 8 on its side, which feels fitting. eighth grade has held so much significance- why wouldn’t it be the symbol of infinity itself? it has constantly played on an eternal loop in my mind, and i’m finally not upset about it. learning from my mistakes is part of breaking the cycle of infinity.
in addition, i’ve thought a lot about my reputation. it has been tarnished various times over the past few years. i’ve had to fight every single rumor that has ever been thrown at me, even the ones that turned out to be true. i’ve even begun to own a few of them. i’m not a violent person. however, i do have problems managing my anger, and i’m working on calming myself down in the face of danger. i’ve learned to accept that part of myself. anger can be helpful sometimes, when managed correctly.
surprisingly, my reputation has never been a topic of conversation with anyone. i’ve begun to realize that most of my anxious thoughts are all in my head. nobody seems to perceive me in different ways. i’m the one that has felt different. i’ve been an outcast, but i’ve always been the one that has been excluding myself from every social situation. over time, i’ve learned not to blame other people for my own actions.
i cannot simply summarize every part of my life into an autobiography. what i can do is find the significant parts, the stimulating pieces, and mend the puzzle that has forever broken me. every name, every place, every moment has meaning. i now aspire to find multiple different meanings in every memory that i’ve lived through.
v. timing & plans
i’m a junior in high school, which means taking on a lot of responsibilities. in addition to high school, i am leading and joining clubs, beginning college visits, working at my job, and pursuing other hobbies. as of right now, i haven’t found it too difficult to manage my schoolwork, so i’m waiting for most of my activities to start. my birthday is a week before swc so i’ll probably be spending some time offline around then. i should be able to dedicate a few nights a week to writing, plus weekends.
vi. time management
as a neurodivergent person, i’ve had to work extremely hard on time management, and i’d say i’ve come quite a long way. i keep multiple planners in my room and set reminders for almost everything that comes up. i also keep track of which classes i have each day - if i don’t have a specific class the next day, i choose to wait on that class’s homework rather than burning myself out.
my main weakness is my tendency to start things and then never get around to finishing them. i get a lot of great ideas, but i often struggle to follow through and complete them. i’m definitely working on it, trying to start a task and finish it the same day. i can’t say i’ll be this way with my writing, but i’d like to complete more dailies on time.
vii. teamwork
my main strength is bringing ideas to the table and attempting to cooperate by combining my ideas with other ones. i’m a great listener and i tend to consider other ideas before adding in my own.
a weakness is probably my history with group work and how it has been a struggle in the past. i tend to be very restrictive about criticism, which can often make me seem very off-putting. in order to combat this, i’d like to exchange more critiques with other people and take their feedback to heart.
viii. qualities in a leader
when i think of a leader, i think of someone who is both confident and organized. i can’t quite separate one from the other, as i believe that those two traits together are essential if someone is to be a good leader.
in order to be a good co leader, i will maintain an organized environment in my cabin. i will add up all the points (as i enjoy doing math) and i will attempt to stay on top of cabin competitions. as for confidence, i will present my own ideas very frequently and work with my cabin to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
ix. cabin atmosphere
an all-inclusive cabin involved in friendly competition, yet with very minimal pressure to meet deadlines.
(106 characters)
x. checkboxes
i will be available to help add points - i’d enjoy doing that, as i like math.
not sure if i’m willing to share a promotional project as i’m not sure what that entails, but i’ll consider it.
i can complete all co responsibilities.
in the case of inactive leadership, i will reach out to the other members of my cabin and ask them for feedback on how to move forward. i will try to make arrangements ahead of time, ensuring that we don’t fall behind if one of us happens to go inactive. in general, i’d like to have a backup plan at the ready just in case.
- cinammcnx
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
mabel's swc leader app || november 2024 || 2,874 words (excluding excerpt)
—————————————–
About me
Hii! I’m Mabel, I go by pronouns she/her and as of right now, I’m not comfortable with sharing my time zone. (I used to share it) You can often find me huddling up in a corner playing video games, jumping up and down or being Mabel-like. ;D Sport-wise, I love playing badminton! It’s one of my extracurriculars outside of school. Another one of my hobbies is crafting and arts I love painting, and recently I’ve been making a bunch of beaded bracelets and charms! I have a huge - probably around the size of a mammoth, passion for writing! Speaking of writing, I’ve written a song before! I take vocal lessons and I play both the ukulele and piano. Singing gives me a way to express myself like never before and I hope to write more songs in the future. Music I like to listen to is different. My preferences vary. My favorite artist of all time is Lyn Lapid! <3 I love her music so much. I have 3 favorite songs and in no specific order, they're called Room For You (A collab with gerentperez), My Little Island and pick your brain. A hobby I’ve always wanted to learn is crocheting. It seems so fun and useful so I hope I’ll be able to learn some day! Now, you might be wondering why I chose this theme. I’m not a super fan of cats and nor do I have one, but overall I love cats and I really want to visit a cat cafe one day. My family used to have cats and though I was way too young to remember before they died - I've heard about cats and they seem like me. Sometimes peaceful, other times aggressive and sort of seem like they have a secret side. Like a superpower but no one knows what it is. I can be silent and have nothing to say sometimes but other times I'll be my full self with the ones I enjoy spending time with. I chose this theme since I feel like cats and I are alike because of our similarities in personality traits. Last year, on vacation (not stating where) I saw a animal cafe and I realized that cat cafes are a thing. Since I adore cats and I LOVE food. <3 Some of my favorite snacks are frozen grapes, cookies and mangoes!
—————————————–
Experience
This session will mark my 9th session of SWC! I have participated in 8 so far, 6 times as a camper and 2 times as a co-leader. All camp experiences are in a separate project, linked in the description. The SWC sessions I have participated in so far are:
Poetry - July 2021
Adventure - November 2021
Horror - March 2022
Non-fi - Nov 2022
Contemporary - July 2023
Mystery - November 2023
Utopian - March 2024
Gothic - July 2024
My first session was in July 2021 and that session I learned that you actually have to read the FAQ to know what’s going on and NOT just sign up for a random camp and expect to be able to do really good. I actually didn’t end up reading the FAQ not until I got chosen for co-leader in November which was only 3 sessions ago. Since then, I’ve learnt to follow instructions when given and don’t take a shortcut, because you probably won’t understand a thing. So many out of my 9 sessions I wasn’t very active mostly because of school or summer break. I am really mad about why I signed up since I basically did nothing the whole month and the important part is to contribute to your cabin, but slowly I’m learning from that and making sure if I do sign up I know ahead of time if I’m not going to be active and tell my (co)leaders or host (if I’m a (co)leader). The two sessions that I participated in that I was a co-leader in were November 2023 and March 2024. I can’t believe it’s been almost a whole year since I co-led mystery — which is the cabin I’m going to be talking about right now! Mystery 2023, led by Finley (@essayist) and co-led by both Clever and I. This session is probably my favorite session at the moment. It was my first time experiencing what being a co-leader was like and was unbearably fun from planning storylines and to helping make in-cabin activities. I finally got a ‘behind the scenes’ sort of view and co-leading makes me so much more motivated! I love planning, and I was not an organized person but recently I’ve started to keep things clean like my school supplies, my desk and room. It taught me so many new things and I really enjoyed motivating and helping campers. A little later on, I got accepted as a co-leader for Utopian, TCTWNW that session. Now, I will say that session was a bit messy – mostly because all of us weren’t the most active, in the end we sort of pulled it off but reflecting back on that session, I think I should’ve done better. I believe I was the most active of the 3 of us and I think that how I reacted to Luka and September being quite offline wasn’t how a responsible co-leader would’ve been. I was online and had the responsibility of completing those tasks that were given when I was very aware
that the two probably wouldn’t be online any soon. Which is why, since I’ve realized I need to be more organized, I’ve created myself an online calendar/planner to write down everything I need to get done, even if it’s SWC related things! If I get chosen as a leader this session I will make sure all my tasks are down on the calendar and since I check it quite often, I most likely will remember. It’s not just getting due dates down, but also just being more active in general. I personally was lacking and in my application I knew when I was accepted I would be committed to being as active as possible. Not much actually got in the way, I was just lazy. I had so many opportunities but I was just too lazy to do anything, which is also why I’ve created not a schedule but mostly a bare minimum of what to do everyday. So I will make sure to check in at least once a day, unless emergencies of course and notify the hosts! That session I said I would, but I didn’t just because I thought it wasn’t necessary, but now I realize that both September and Luka were inactive, I should’ve done something. Moving on from that session, some experience of leading I have had outside of scratch is planning/leading games for a group I have. (Not a group of friends) I have led some games and helped plan many too! (It is optional to join the committees) I’ve never actually taken any course of leading anything, but in terms of leadership I sometimes find myself leading different groups. These groups could be anything from family, friends and sometimes classmates. Occasionally I’ll volunteer in class to help out, even if it's really small things. I also am good with helping others with things like schoolwork. I usually try to help people when I am done with work first.
—————————————–
Cabin Preferences
For cabin preferences this session, I would not like to lead or co-lead TCTWNW, although it is really fun and relaxing, I really enjoy the competitive aspect of SWC and the last time I co-lead it one of my mindsets were ‘I don’t HAVE to be online, it’s TCTWNW so I’m just going to do _____ instead’, and I really love SWC and I want to be more active in TCTWNW or not. I am currently in the process of changing that mindset but for now I would like to stay out of the cabin. Some specific cabins I wish to lead particularly are fantasy, fairy tales, and sci-fi. To start, my idea for fantasy is to create
an elemental enchanted forest where campers over the weeks collect different elements. The reason behind the storyline is probably will be something about a legend of some sort they overheard and wanted to find out. For fairytales, my idea is having 2 fairytales collide with each other and campers have to separate them back into their own universes by collecting some sort of currency! If I led sci-fi, the storyline would probably take place in the future with robots and self-driving cars. The plot would be about the campers being in a normal timeline (2024) but somehow get teleported to the future and have to try and escape by doing tasks, and in the end they find out who was the traitor amongst them that sent them to the future! The current cabin I would like most is fantasy. Other cabin genres I don’t specifically have an idea for but I am open to leading are: thriller, mystery and adventure. I
adapt pretty quickly so even if I don’t get one of these cabins I would like in mind, I would be grateful to get any cabin and all. I am great with leading almost any cabin.
—————————————–
Time Dedication
I am willing to dedicate at least 5 minutes everyday. It usually will be much more than 5 minutes but I am setting a bare minimum for myself to make sure that those couple of days in camp, the ones where I’m really lazy or tired that I at least check for 5 minutes. Usually though, every day you can find me spending up to 2 hours on SWC & writing. In November, I don’t believe I have anything that can affect my activity level. I have school, but other than that I am not going on any sort of vacation. Most of my activity levels throughout November will range from 4-9/10. If I am not active this session, I will make sure I notify the hosts and my co-leaders to make sure they are aware.
—————————————–
Time management:
My skills and shortcomings in time management vary. One of my skills is that I am great with being on time because I have recently created a schedule.. I have been learning how to separate each part of my day and make sure I don’t zone out for too long. The schedule will also help me keep myself finishing things on time and not being late. I can also avoid distractions pretty well, once I start something, I should finish it before doing something else. Say for example I’m writing a story and I get a text from my friend, I know that I don’t need to reply right away. I’m not necessarily going to finish writing the entire story either. I could leave the text for later and I would write on a sticky note to remember to reply, but it shouldn’t feel like it has to be immediate. As for shortcomings, one of the ones I have is multitasking. Now before you say ‘that doesn’t make sense, you just said you know how to focus well.’ The reason behind this is both of them are something I do at times. I usually multitask when I’m in a rush. I will rush and try to get all these things done at once because they're all due soon or a similar concept. Most of the time, I will be focused on one particular task but occasionally I will just start doing a lot of things at once especially if I HAVE to get them done. To make sure I don’t do this, I will make sure to follow the times of my schedule and see what they think, or if it's completely off topic and something about the daily I’ll post it in the main cabin and see what others think. I will try and block anything that will stop me from being the most active I can be.
—————————————–
Collaboration:
To start off, one of my strengths in collaboration is coming to a compromise. I’m pretty good at combining 2 ideas and meeting somewhere in the middle to make it fair, for example if we were choosing color palettes, instead of having majority rule win I’d equal out both palettes. (E.x. yellow stays the same, switches out the green, etc.) I would make a palette that all of us are happy with. Obviously, on some occasions I might be forced to keep the decision like if our storyline were done and a co-leader suddenly suggests to change it completely. I could implement some ideas, but I probably won't do anything big if our storyline is already set. Another strength I have is listening. I'm great at actively listening, sometimes you’ll see me fidget but that’s not because I’m not listening. (And since this is on Scratch, you can’t really see me… ) I’m good at paying attention to others, sometimes I can’t maintain eye contact for too long but to me, that doesn’t mean I’m not listening. Now onto weaknesses, one of my main weaknesses is always taking too much work and having unequal responsibilities. I used to be that one smart kid in grade 3 sitting at the back of the classroom keeping everything to herself (If you know what I mean ), I was used to being, or rather WORKING alone. I was sometimes paired up with kids who didn’t like to work and they just didn’t and I was used to doing it by myself. Sure I’ve gotten a bit older, but sometimes I’ll still be used to doing a lot of work to myself. Another fact is that when I’m chosen to do something like this, I get so excited I want to try all of it. I want to help with the storyline, in cabin activities, and practically do everything myself. But eventually I just get overwhelmed and my plate gets spilled. So, to overcome that shortcoming, this session to equally distribute the work, I will check in every once in a while to make sure I’m not taking too much. I will try my best to split the work in equal parts and also make sure at the same time my co-leaders aren’t doing too much/little. I will make a list of all the things we need to get done, and the ones
that are individual tasks I will distribute them equally. If there’s a task that more than one of us wants, I will make it work out and get both of them to contribute to the task. One example is, if I wanted to make matching profile pictures but so did my co-leader, maybe one of us could draw the backgrounds and the other could draw the people. We could give ideas to each other like shirt design suggestions, etc.
—————————————–
One quality
The trait this session I will try my best to embody is kindness. This trait is so special, it makes the world - well the world! Without the kindness people share from their hears everyday, the world would be a sad, sorrowful place and no one likes that. The same thing with SWC, SWC is the great community it is everyday because of the kindness each and every person shares. Whether its the congratulating people for becoming leaders, or cheering others on when they feel down. They do that because of the kindness in their hearts and that's what I love about SWC. I probably wouldn't have ever found an interest in SWC if all we did was write and make fun of each other. This trait gives life to practically everything, which
is why I love it. This session I will embody being kind by striving to make sure everyone feels safe here. That everyone feels welcomed. I will make sure I am a kind person, even if I'm not a leader! I will motivate others, make sure no one gets left out and my real goal this session if I get chosen as a leader will be just trying to make sure everyone has some sort of fun and be the kind person I want everyone else to be.
—————————————–
Atmosphere
A cabin atmosphere equaling both personal goals and competitiveness. A kind, loving community where you can make new friendships and bonds.
(141 characters)
—————————————–
Checkboxes
Part A:
I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently
throughout camp:
I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC:
Part B:
There are no responsibilities I will not be able to complete.
Part C:
I will notify the host and my (co)leader(s). If I don’t have any time, I will make sure to notify at least one host. I will make sure all my co-leaders have everything they need to continue running the cabin and go to the hosts for any advice. If one of my co-leaders is active, I will tell the hosts if they have been inactive for more than 5 days and move a couple of things around to make sure the cabin can still run smoothly.
—————————————–
Excerpt:
“But you can't leave me! You promised that you would stay until we graduated!” I whined, my best friend, Rose weakly smiled.
“I'm sorry. I really didn't want to, but I have no say,” she softly replied. My hanks shook in fear but also in sadness.
Rose patted my shoulder, we walked to my front porch, where as little kids, we used to lay down on the grass, and not care about a single thing. I met Rose in my childhood, she was the first girl that caught my eye when I was only in grade 2. I told my mom, she would end up laughing over and over again, as a little kid I questioned it, but now I understand. I chuckled to myself a little.
I grew up with Rose, she was like a part of me. To have to hear the horrible news that she would have to return back to her hometown crushed me. It was like a part of my heart getting destroyed and would never be restored. I knew this would happen eventually, but Rose and I promised each other we wouldn't separate until we graduated.
We're in grade 11 now, we were so close. But not close enough.
Rose's mom found a buyer for her house way earlier then expected. I knew that she was selling her house at the start of grade 11. Her mom thought it would probably take around a year. But, in a couple months someone was willing to pay even more then what they expected, so of course – they accepted it.
It's almost summer, and Rose would be taking a plane back to her homeland. We both decided to lay in the grass one last time, the tingling feeling of small bugs on my back itched me. I really tried to not have a care in the world, just like how we always used too. But I cared about Rose, deeply in my heart and I couldn't let her leave so soon.
But Rose had no say in this, and most definitely neither did I.
Time flied and as soon enough, it was time for departure day. I decided to be there at the airport to say goodbye to Rose.
A tear or two shed down my eye, we hugged each other for what felt like hours. The years had flew by so fast. I never knew that I would be here, saying goodbye to my best friend. But again, here I was. I frowned. When we stopped from our warm embrace, I shot my hand up into the air and waved goodbye.
It was like the other half of me disappeared as soon as I saw her walk down the aisle and disappear from my sight.
It was one ride. My life was partially broken.
But soon enough I found happiness, no Rose. I was still disappointed, but I had to get used to it. Until she moved back.
—————————————–
About me
Hii! I’m Mabel, I go by pronouns she/her and as of right now, I’m not comfortable with sharing my time zone. (I used to share it) You can often find me huddling up in a corner playing video games, jumping up and down or being Mabel-like. ;D Sport-wise, I love playing badminton! It’s one of my extracurriculars outside of school. Another one of my hobbies is crafting and arts I love painting, and recently I’ve been making a bunch of beaded bracelets and charms! I have a huge - probably around the size of a mammoth, passion for writing! Speaking of writing, I’ve written a song before! I take vocal lessons and I play both the ukulele and piano. Singing gives me a way to express myself like never before and I hope to write more songs in the future. Music I like to listen to is different. My preferences vary. My favorite artist of all time is Lyn Lapid! <3 I love her music so much. I have 3 favorite songs and in no specific order, they're called Room For You (A collab with gerentperez), My Little Island and pick your brain. A hobby I’ve always wanted to learn is crocheting. It seems so fun and useful so I hope I’ll be able to learn some day! Now, you might be wondering why I chose this theme. I’m not a super fan of cats and nor do I have one, but overall I love cats and I really want to visit a cat cafe one day. My family used to have cats and though I was way too young to remember before they died - I've heard about cats and they seem like me. Sometimes peaceful, other times aggressive and sort of seem like they have a secret side. Like a superpower but no one knows what it is. I can be silent and have nothing to say sometimes but other times I'll be my full self with the ones I enjoy spending time with. I chose this theme since I feel like cats and I are alike because of our similarities in personality traits. Last year, on vacation (not stating where) I saw a animal cafe and I realized that cat cafes are a thing. Since I adore cats and I LOVE food. <3 Some of my favorite snacks are frozen grapes, cookies and mangoes!
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Experience
This session will mark my 9th session of SWC! I have participated in 8 so far, 6 times as a camper and 2 times as a co-leader. All camp experiences are in a separate project, linked in the description. The SWC sessions I have participated in so far are:
Poetry - July 2021
Adventure - November 2021
Horror - March 2022
Non-fi - Nov 2022
Contemporary - July 2023
Mystery - November 2023
Utopian - March 2024
Gothic - July 2024
My first session was in July 2021 and that session I learned that you actually have to read the FAQ to know what’s going on and NOT just sign up for a random camp and expect to be able to do really good. I actually didn’t end up reading the FAQ not until I got chosen for co-leader in November which was only 3 sessions ago. Since then, I’ve learnt to follow instructions when given and don’t take a shortcut, because you probably won’t understand a thing. So many out of my 9 sessions I wasn’t very active mostly because of school or summer break. I am really mad about why I signed up since I basically did nothing the whole month and the important part is to contribute to your cabin, but slowly I’m learning from that and making sure if I do sign up I know ahead of time if I’m not going to be active and tell my (co)leaders or host (if I’m a (co)leader). The two sessions that I participated in that I was a co-leader in were November 2023 and March 2024. I can’t believe it’s been almost a whole year since I co-led mystery — which is the cabin I’m going to be talking about right now! Mystery 2023, led by Finley (@essayist) and co-led by both Clever and I. This session is probably my favorite session at the moment. It was my first time experiencing what being a co-leader was like and was unbearably fun from planning storylines and to helping make in-cabin activities. I finally got a ‘behind the scenes’ sort of view and co-leading makes me so much more motivated! I love planning, and I was not an organized person but recently I’ve started to keep things clean like my school supplies, my desk and room. It taught me so many new things and I really enjoyed motivating and helping campers. A little later on, I got accepted as a co-leader for Utopian, TCTWNW that session. Now, I will say that session was a bit messy – mostly because all of us weren’t the most active, in the end we sort of pulled it off but reflecting back on that session, I think I should’ve done better. I believe I was the most active of the 3 of us and I think that how I reacted to Luka and September being quite offline wasn’t how a responsible co-leader would’ve been. I was online and had the responsibility of completing those tasks that were given when I was very aware
that the two probably wouldn’t be online any soon. Which is why, since I’ve realized I need to be more organized, I’ve created myself an online calendar/planner to write down everything I need to get done, even if it’s SWC related things! If I get chosen as a leader this session I will make sure all my tasks are down on the calendar and since I check it quite often, I most likely will remember. It’s not just getting due dates down, but also just being more active in general. I personally was lacking and in my application I knew when I was accepted I would be committed to being as active as possible. Not much actually got in the way, I was just lazy. I had so many opportunities but I was just too lazy to do anything, which is also why I’ve created not a schedule but mostly a bare minimum of what to do everyday. So I will make sure to check in at least once a day, unless emergencies of course and notify the hosts! That session I said I would, but I didn’t just because I thought it wasn’t necessary, but now I realize that both September and Luka were inactive, I should’ve done something. Moving on from that session, some experience of leading I have had outside of scratch is planning/leading games for a group I have. (Not a group of friends) I have led some games and helped plan many too! (It is optional to join the committees) I’ve never actually taken any course of leading anything, but in terms of leadership I sometimes find myself leading different groups. These groups could be anything from family, friends and sometimes classmates. Occasionally I’ll volunteer in class to help out, even if it's really small things. I also am good with helping others with things like schoolwork. I usually try to help people when I am done with work first.
—————————————–
Cabin Preferences
For cabin preferences this session, I would not like to lead or co-lead TCTWNW, although it is really fun and relaxing, I really enjoy the competitive aspect of SWC and the last time I co-lead it one of my mindsets were ‘I don’t HAVE to be online, it’s TCTWNW so I’m just going to do _____ instead’, and I really love SWC and I want to be more active in TCTWNW or not. I am currently in the process of changing that mindset but for now I would like to stay out of the cabin. Some specific cabins I wish to lead particularly are fantasy, fairy tales, and sci-fi. To start, my idea for fantasy is to create
an elemental enchanted forest where campers over the weeks collect different elements. The reason behind the storyline is probably will be something about a legend of some sort they overheard and wanted to find out. For fairytales, my idea is having 2 fairytales collide with each other and campers have to separate them back into their own universes by collecting some sort of currency! If I led sci-fi, the storyline would probably take place in the future with robots and self-driving cars. The plot would be about the campers being in a normal timeline (2024) but somehow get teleported to the future and have to try and escape by doing tasks, and in the end they find out who was the traitor amongst them that sent them to the future! The current cabin I would like most is fantasy. Other cabin genres I don’t specifically have an idea for but I am open to leading are: thriller, mystery and adventure. I
adapt pretty quickly so even if I don’t get one of these cabins I would like in mind, I would be grateful to get any cabin and all. I am great with leading almost any cabin.
—————————————–
Time Dedication
I am willing to dedicate at least 5 minutes everyday. It usually will be much more than 5 minutes but I am setting a bare minimum for myself to make sure that those couple of days in camp, the ones where I’m really lazy or tired that I at least check for 5 minutes. Usually though, every day you can find me spending up to 2 hours on SWC & writing. In November, I don’t believe I have anything that can affect my activity level. I have school, but other than that I am not going on any sort of vacation. Most of my activity levels throughout November will range from 4-9/10. If I am not active this session, I will make sure I notify the hosts and my co-leaders to make sure they are aware.
—————————————–
Time management:
My skills and shortcomings in time management vary. One of my skills is that I am great with being on time because I have recently created a schedule.. I have been learning how to separate each part of my day and make sure I don’t zone out for too long. The schedule will also help me keep myself finishing things on time and not being late. I can also avoid distractions pretty well, once I start something, I should finish it before doing something else. Say for example I’m writing a story and I get a text from my friend, I know that I don’t need to reply right away. I’m not necessarily going to finish writing the entire story either. I could leave the text for later and I would write on a sticky note to remember to reply, but it shouldn’t feel like it has to be immediate. As for shortcomings, one of the ones I have is multitasking. Now before you say ‘that doesn’t make sense, you just said you know how to focus well.’ The reason behind this is both of them are something I do at times. I usually multitask when I’m in a rush. I will rush and try to get all these things done at once because they're all due soon or a similar concept. Most of the time, I will be focused on one particular task but occasionally I will just start doing a lot of things at once especially if I HAVE to get them done. To make sure I don’t do this, I will make sure to follow the times of my schedule and see what they think, or if it's completely off topic and something about the daily I’ll post it in the main cabin and see what others think. I will try and block anything that will stop me from being the most active I can be.
—————————————–
Collaboration:
To start off, one of my strengths in collaboration is coming to a compromise. I’m pretty good at combining 2 ideas and meeting somewhere in the middle to make it fair, for example if we were choosing color palettes, instead of having majority rule win I’d equal out both palettes. (E.x. yellow stays the same, switches out the green, etc.) I would make a palette that all of us are happy with. Obviously, on some occasions I might be forced to keep the decision like if our storyline were done and a co-leader suddenly suggests to change it completely. I could implement some ideas, but I probably won't do anything big if our storyline is already set. Another strength I have is listening. I'm great at actively listening, sometimes you’ll see me fidget but that’s not because I’m not listening.
(And since this is on Scratch, you can’t really see me… ) I’m good at paying attention to others, sometimes I can’t maintain eye contact for too long but to me, that doesn’t mean I’m not listening. Now onto weaknesses, one of my main weaknesses is always taking too much work and having unequal responsibilities. I used to be that one smart kid in grade 3 sitting at the back of the classroom keeping everything to herself (If you know what I mean ), I was used to being, or rather WORKING alone. I was sometimes paired up with kids who didn’t like to work and they just didn’t and I was used to doing it by myself. Sure I’ve gotten a bit older, but sometimes I’ll still be used to doing a lot of work to myself. Another fact is that when I’m chosen to do something like this, I get so excited I want to try all of it. I want to help with the storyline, in cabin activities, and practically do everything myself. But eventually I just get overwhelmed and my plate gets spilled. So, to overcome that shortcoming, this session to equally distribute the work, I will check in every once in a while to make sure I’m not taking too much. I will try my best to split the work in equal parts and also make sure at the same time my co-leaders aren’t doing too much/little. I will make a list of all the things we need to get done, and the onesthat are individual tasks I will distribute them equally. If there’s a task that more than one of us wants, I will make it work out and get both of them to contribute to the task. One example is, if I wanted to make matching profile pictures but so did my co-leader, maybe one of us could draw the backgrounds and the other could draw the people. We could give ideas to each other like shirt design suggestions, etc.
—————————————–
One quality
The trait this session I will try my best to embody is kindness. This trait is so special, it makes the world - well the world! Without the kindness people share from their hears everyday, the world would be a sad, sorrowful place and no one likes that. The same thing with SWC, SWC is the great community it is everyday because of the kindness each and every person shares. Whether its the congratulating people for becoming leaders, or cheering others on when they feel down. They do that because of the kindness in their hearts and that's what I love about SWC. I probably wouldn't have ever found an interest in SWC if all we did was write and make fun of each other. This trait gives life to practically everything, which
is why I love it. This session I will embody being kind by striving to make sure everyone feels safe here. That everyone feels welcomed. I will make sure I am a kind person, even if I'm not a leader! I will motivate others, make sure no one gets left out and my real goal this session if I get chosen as a leader will be just trying to make sure everyone has some sort of fun and be the kind person I want everyone else to be.
—————————————–
Atmosphere
A cabin atmosphere equaling both personal goals and competitiveness. A kind, loving community where you can make new friendships and bonds.
(141 characters)
—————————————–
Checkboxes
Part A:
I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently
throughout camp:
I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC:
Part B:
There are no responsibilities I will not be able to complete.
Part C:
I will notify the host and my (co)leader(s). If I don’t have any time, I will make sure to notify at least one host. I will make sure all my co-leaders have everything they need to continue running the cabin and go to the hosts for any advice. If one of my co-leaders is active, I will tell the hosts if they have been inactive for more than 5 days and move a couple of things around to make sure the cabin can still run smoothly.
—————————————–
Excerpt:
“But you can't leave me! You promised that you would stay until we graduated!” I whined, my best friend, Rose weakly smiled.
“I'm sorry. I really didn't want to, but I have no say,” she softly replied. My hanks shook in fear but also in sadness.
Rose patted my shoulder, we walked to my front porch, where as little kids, we used to lay down on the grass, and not care about a single thing. I met Rose in my childhood, she was the first girl that caught my eye when I was only in grade 2. I told my mom, she would end up laughing over and over again, as a little kid I questioned it, but now I understand. I chuckled to myself a little.
I grew up with Rose, she was like a part of me. To have to hear the horrible news that she would have to return back to her hometown crushed me. It was like a part of my heart getting destroyed and would never be restored. I knew this would happen eventually, but Rose and I promised each other we wouldn't separate until we graduated.
We're in grade 11 now, we were so close. But not close enough.
Rose's mom found a buyer for her house way earlier then expected. I knew that she was selling her house at the start of grade 11. Her mom thought it would probably take around a year. But, in a couple months someone was willing to pay even more then what they expected, so of course – they accepted it.
It's almost summer, and Rose would be taking a plane back to her homeland. We both decided to lay in the grass one last time, the tingling feeling of small bugs on my back itched me. I really tried to not have a care in the world, just like how we always used too. But I cared about Rose, deeply in my heart and I couldn't let her leave so soon.
But Rose had no say in this, and most definitely neither did I.
Time flied and as soon enough, it was time for departure day. I decided to be there at the airport to say goodbye to Rose.
A tear or two shed down my eye, we hugged each other for what felt like hours. The years had flew by so fast. I never knew that I would be here, saying goodbye to my best friend. But again, here I was. I frowned. When we stopped from our warm embrace, I shot my hand up into the air and waved goodbye.
It was like the other half of me disappeared as soon as I saw her walk down the aisle and disappear from my sight.
It was one ride. My life was partially broken.
But soon enough I found happiness, no Rose. I was still disappointed, but I had to get used to it. Until she moved back.
Last edited by cinammcnx (Sept. 8, 2024 23:40:25)
- bewilder_ed
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
vi's swc leader application
+957 words (excluding the excerpt)
about me
Hello there! My name is Vi (she/her) and I am a highschool sophomore located in the EDT region.
I have been telling stories since I was little, and it is my dream to become a published author some day. This year I have started several novels, all of which have ended as an unedited rough draft, and I have also written numerous short stories. My current work in progress is about two ghosts who fall in love, and the amount of support it has gotten just from friends I met through SWC fills my heart.
As with other SWCers, reading is a huge part of my life. My favorite book is Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and I may have the 2005 movie adaptation memorized by heart… Anywho, “Powerless” by Lauren Roberts and “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli also have a special place in my heart.
Of course, I have other passions such as music and art. I love making seasonal playlists (with plenty of Taylor Swift, of course) to listen to as I pursue my hobbies, and lately I have been spending some time in kitchen baking!
Everything I loved has shaped me into the person that I am, and I am so glad that SWC plays a role in my life.
experience
This upcoming session will be my sixth with SWC, and I have been a camper each time. Although I have not participated in other Scratch camps, I am the president of a small writing club that includes my brother and best friend. This club has just concluded its second year, and I would not be where I am today without it.
SWC Sessions
March 2023 - Folklore
July 2023 - Historical Fiction
November 2023 - Literary Fiction
March 2024 - Poetry
July 2024 - Poetry
Outside of writing, I was a school safety patrol during the 2019-2020 school year, and I was voted Patrol of the Year for my leading skills and positive influence on children. I have also led a group of four-year-olds in June 2023 for Vacation Bible school.
cabin preferences
My cabin preferences for the November 2024 session are Fantasy, Mystery, or Thriller.
I have a fully developed theme for Fantasy, centering around the Harry Potter franchise. Campers would be students at Hogwarts with the cabin being the Great Hall and the word count groups being the houses. The session of SWC would equal one year at Hogwarts, and to form some inner-cabin competition, the word count group with the most words by the end would be the winner of the house cup.
For Mystery or Thriller the cabin would be inspired by “The Inheritance Games” where the campers inherit a large fortune of eternal mangoes (which are hidden somewhere in the house) and are sent to Hawthorne House. The leaders would represent the Hawthorne siblings and help the campers find the mangoes before the enemy does. This is still underdeveloped, but I would work with my leadership to finish the idea if I was chosen for this cabin.
I am willing to lead TCTWNW as I strive for a more chill session this November.
excerpt
There were thirteen pieces of cereal in my bowl, just like my age, and I was thinking of this along with the glow of the laptop while I stared out the window, wondering if I would be someplace new by the following morning.
I knew from the sound of the keys clacking. Not the usual typewriter sounds that filled our small Arizona home, but the sounds of a laptop keyboard. They were unusual sounds to hear. I mean, I heard them all the time in school, but not as fast as my mom typed.
Anyways, when I heard the sounds of the keyboard, I crept silently from my room and tiptoed down the hall. When I peered around the doorframe, there was my mom. The typing had stopped and had switched to scrolling. I thought of only one thing.
We were moving.
I didn’t know where, but I had seen my mother go through this process enough times in her life to know what it meant. By the end of my last day of school tomorrow, I would be gone from Arizona. I had finally made it one year in one place, and that streak would be broken. (198 words)
-from “Sea Salt”
time dedication
I can dedicate half an hour to two hours a day to SWC. I will be participating in NaNoWriMo, but SWC is my priority when it comes to writing. I am also homeschooled, which allows for a flexible schedule.
time management
I am a very organized person as long as I have a system in place. Then I can complete things in a timely manner. Sometimes I lose sight of my priorities, and may focus on one thing instead of balancing my time amongst everything. This is why I have dedicated periods of freetime in my days, and I will put that time towards SWC with the understanding of life (and sleep) > SWC always. However, if I become leader or co-leader, SWC will be a bigger priority than it was in other sessions because I will have people depending on me.
collaboration and assets
In collaborative settings I am effective with organization. I can create a schedule and divide the time needed to work on things to make everything easier for a group. However, I tend to obsess over making said schedule perfect. This perfectionism leads to procrastination and stressing over turning things at the last minute. These challenges are things I work through everyday to better myself as a person and a leader. I try to allow spontaneity and embrace change and mistakes. Another strength I have is perseverance. This came to be cultivated through struggles with my anxiety, and it has led to putting my best effort into something all the way through. Of course, I can still get tired by a task, but I do my best to romanticize and enjoy everything to the fullest! I also have dedication towards doing the things I love, which is in this case SWC. My dedication can tie back to perfectionism because I want everything to run perfectly, but again, it is something I work through frequently.
one quality
The quality I admire most in a leader is communication. Communication forms an understanding between the leaders and campers so that things function smoothly even when something comes up. Communication is important to me because it forges trust and a sense of comfort to know that people are at an understanding. I also believe that communication leads to organization, creating an enjoyable experience for everyone.
cabin atmosphere
I aim to create a relaxed cabin that focuses on personal writing goals (such as NaNoWriMo) and building community. (114 characters)
checkboxes
(✔) I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp.
(✔) I'm willing to share a promotional project for SWC
I will be able to complete all of the responsibilities listed in the FAQ.
In case of inactive leadership, I will notify the host and my leadership team along with the members of my cabin so that everyone is aware and understanding of the situation.
Last edited by bewilder_ed (Sept. 7, 2024 15:09:17)
- -BookDragon-
-
Scratcher
500+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
۩ Graveyard: Mouse's SWC Leader App
Approximately 2323 words, not including excerpt or ghost blurbs <3
Dragon Ghost
If you know me, you know I love dragons! Not only are they incredible, but they’re also a staple of my favorite genre: fantasy! Any media with dragons in it immediately has my attention, so if you have recommendations, please let me know!
۩ About Me
Hey! I’m Mouse(y)! I use any pronouns and I’m in the wonderful timezone of CST. When my head isn’t in the clouds, you can usually find me spending time outdoors, talking to people, listening to music, or doing one of my many hobbies, which include theater, drawing, reading, singing, and–of course–writing!
I'm a very kind, energetic person–I've always been extroverted, and I love talking to people, both online and off! One of my passions is helping people–I volunteer at my local senior center and I always find myself smiling while I do so <3 Some other things I enjoy are history, doing flying trapeze, completing logic puzzles, listening to music, and getting lost in the worlds I create!
My current novel has no title, but it’s about a girl named Crystal who manifests powerful magic but doesn’t want it and a demon named Mira who’s loyalties aren’t as they seem… (I promise there’s more to it than this, but if I go into it this will get very long ahaha)
I am so obsessed with this project–please do ask me about my novel. I have so much to rant about!! I am planning on doing NaNoWriMo in November to complete another draft because my eventual goal is to get my novel published, and with every draft I get closer to my dream <33
I found SWC two and a half years ago, and have never regretted it since. Through SWC I have improved my writing, found incredible friends, gained much better leadership and communication skills, and have really become a better person because of this wonderful, chaos-filled writing camp, and I plan on participating in it for years to come!
Writing Ghost
I got into writing when I was extremely young. I had always loved stories and I have been telling them to myself in my head long before I thought of writing them down. They are–and have always been–magical to me. The power to create your own worlds with a brush of your fingertips and breathe characters to life with a thought is something everyone has, but not many use <3
۩ Experience
November will be my 8th session of SWC! I have participated in every session since I joined in March 2022, and in every session since November 2022 I have been as active as I can be, exceeding my word count goals, checking in almost every day, and having so, so much fun!
Here’s my full list of SWCExperience:
March 2022 - Real-Fi - Backup Camper
July 2022 - Script - Backup Camper
November 2022 - Hi-Fi - Camper
March 2023 - Horror - Co-Leader, MBC member
July 2023 - Action - Co-Leader
November 2023 - Sci-Fi - Leader, MBC member, Daily Team helper
March 2024 - Dystopian - Leader, Daily Team helper
July 2024 - Gothic - Co-Leader, Daily Team helper
This session, I’m a Daily Team Polar Bears coordinator, which has been absolutely amazing so far!
I’ve also had roles in other camps across Scratch–in total, I’ve participated in 26 sessions of various camps (including my sessions in SWC)–out of those sessions, I’ve been a camper 16 times, a co-leader 3 times, and a leader 6 times! I have also hosted two camps in the past–Camp Jewel Peak and Mangoes & Mayhem Arson Prompts–both of which are currently inactive but were a lot of fun to plan and run, and taught me a lot in the process.
I am one of the hosts of Mangoes & Mayhem (the SWC Podcast!!), which I run with Bella (@-Wraiith)–M&M has taught me a lot about time management, planning, and organization!
Outside of Scratch, I’m very active in my community! I have around 150 volunteer hours, which I’ve collected mostly by volunteering at the senior center <3 I’ve also organized and run several large (easily 100+ people) events, I’m on my local advisory board, and I’m in Girl Scouts and Scouting America, which both have a heavy focus on building leadership skills.
As for writing experience, as I mentioned before I’ve been telling myself stories for as long as I can remember <33 In recent years I’ve put much more of a focus on improving my writing by practicing, completing multiple high-level writing courses, and attending workshops by published authors in my area!! I’ve also entered my writing into several competitions on and off Scratch, and I’m working tirelessly on getting my novel written, polished, and published <33
Spooky Ghost
Autumn is my favorite season and Halloween is my favorite holiday… so whether it’s real things like spiders and snakes, Halloween decorations, or special effects, it goes without saying I love spooky things
۩ Cabin Preferences
I would cherish the chance to lead any cabin! Each one has endless, incredible possibilities, and I’d love to explore and experiment with all of them.
That said, the cabins I would like to lead most this session are, in no particular order: Paranormal, Adventure, Fantasy, Thriller, Myth, Tragedy, Fairy Tales, Hi-Fi, Mystery, Steampunk, and Solarpunk <3
Out of the cabins I listed above, my top three choices would be Paranormal, Hi-Fi, and Fantasy!
As I’m sure you can tell from the theme of this app, I have a very strong love and obsession for ghosts, so Paranormal would absolutely be filled with them!! I have a very rough idea for this of a Paranormal Haunted Mansion, where campers are working together to uncover the secrets while protecting themselves from anything else that might be out there…
For Hi-Fi, I have a very ambitious idea of a witch coven set in 1692, where campers can level up their powers on their own in a project while learning spells as a cabin, avoiding witch hunters, and having a whole lot of fun together <33 I have been sitting on this idea for nearly a year now, and I have an entire google doc detailing how everything could work–I’m absolutely willing to elaborate on this idea if you’d like me to!
I have endless ideas for Fantasy. It’s my favorite genre and my dream cabin to lead one day! This session I have two main ideas for it, the first is very loose but one thing that will be included is (unsurprisingly) dragons, most likely in the form of something like the Gothic Rooftop Garden project, and the second one is a spiderverse cabin!! ✨✨
As for the rest of them, I have brief summaries of plot ideas–if you’re interested in hearing them, just ask!!
I would rather not co/lead TCTWNW, as I adore the competitive aspect of SWC and hope to incorporate it into my cabin <3
Reading Ghost
Just like I love writing stories, I love reading them too! Stories can transport you to other worlds, let you live other lives, let you play in a world of your own making, or they can bring awareness to important issues. They’re little portals, giving you an escape from the world. I’ve been reading for a very long time, and my current favorite book series is a tie between Artemis Fowl and Six of Crows–both of which I highly reccommend!
۩ Excerpt
The city was silent and almost breathless as the sun began to sink towards the horizon. Everyone was waiting. Not even a bird’s cry rang out, but if you listened closely, you could hear the sounds of terrified sobs. Those who were crying could not be blamed, of course.
It takes a lot not to cry at the end of the world.
All the news stations were displaying the same prerecorded message, saying over and over again that the world would end when the sun set.
The entire population was caught off-guard. The news had come just that afternoon, after all. Waking up this morning, Zayden hadn’t thought that this would be the day he would die.
Or would he? Would he just continue to exist in the vacuum of space? He might be a god, but he didn’t really have experience with the whole world-ending kind of thing. Staring at the sky, he watched the sun creep lower. Silently, he wondered where his friends were. If Nick was watching them now, if Alexander had gotten better, if Rebecca was okay. He especially missed Rebecca.
And Owen…
The kid was naive and stupid, overconfident and stubborn, but the idiot had grown on him. It was refreshing to have a conversation with someone as innocent and foolish as Owen, he was always optimistic and believed in himself–probably more than he should.
It was, after all, Owen that had led them to the situation where…
Zayden shook his head, ridding his mind of the thought. Better to not think about such tragedies. He looked back to the sky, wondering how much more time they had left.
“Hey.” A dry, flat, shockingly familiar voice came from behind him, “We’ve got roughly thirty minutes left. Are you going to stand there, or are you going to help me try and stop whatever’s going on?” He recognized to voice the second he’d heard it, but he was still surprised to see Alexander when he turned around. Alexander looked… confident, with a bit of a smirk tugging at his mouth–which shocked Zayden out of speaking for a moment. Two people were standing behind him–a tall man and a Drelsh woman, and all three of them were armed. Ready. Not willing to stand in silence while the threat of death loomed heavy. Zayden’s brain caught up with itself, and he conjured a sword.
“I think I’ll help. Better go out strong and fighting than in defeated silence.”
Alexander smiled a full smile then, which Zayden thought looked so strange on his face–but also so right. Like he was an entirely different person. Like he was…
Realization hit, but Alex had started striding away from him, leading them into the battle.
“Wait!” Zayden exclaimed, chasing after him, “Hold up. Are you–?”
He glanced back and gave a wink before turning back. The four of them ran towards the sunset, determined to change the fate set before them.
If they were to die, Zayden was glad to go out fighting.
Flying Ghost
Flying trapeze was introduced to me in May 2023, and I’ve been doing it ever since. It’s an incredible experience to fly, and it’s harder than you might imagine–once you start to get more advanced, there are a ton of technical details that you have to remember :’)
۩ Dedication
I have no plans and no life so I will be able to dedicate 24 hours a day to SWC. /j
Okay, so maybe I do have some plans :zany:. But it’s nothing major! I will be able to dedicate at LEAST an hour every day to SWC, and even more time to writing. Since I’m doing NaNoWriMo, a chunk of time every day will go into hitting that word goal, but it shouldn’t impact my activity at all. School is probably the biggest thing in my schedule, but aside from my various weekly activities (that are only an hour or two each), the other thing eating up time in my schedule is campouts! My campouts are usually on the third weekend of the month and are for 2-3 days, and I will have access to my phone and (hopefully) the internet, so I’ll be able to check in, but of course I will be prioritizing having fun on the campout!
I don’t expect anything else to come up that will impact my activity, but if it does, I’ll make sure to notify my leadership team and the hosts <33
Headphones Ghost
Music is such a huge part of my life. If I’m at my desk, you can bet I have my headphones on–listening to music is such a habit of mine that I find it incredibly hard to work without them on XD The music I listen to varies widely, but I love the genres of Rock, Pop, Metal, and Alternate, my favorite bands currently being My Chemical Romance, Set It Off, Sleep Token, and The Score! If you have any music recommendations please let me know–I’d love to hear them <33
۩ Time Management
I am so much better at time management than I used to be. I’ve worked to improve my skills, and I can proudly say I have! However, there’s still plenty of room for improvement, and I’ll always be working on my skills this session and in the future <33
The two skills I believe I’ve improved on the most recently are efficiency and planning!
I try to be efficient with my tasks so I can get more done in less time. I do this by limiting distractions so I can focus on my task and settling with ‘good enough’ instead of being a perfectionist. I’ve developed a workflow where I work on one task for half an hour, take a short break, work on a different task for half an hour, take another short break, and repeat. This method really works for me and I find myself getting the most done when I know I only have half an hour to try and finish it–overall enabling me to be as productive as I can be!
I also plan out the things I need to do so I can actually get them done! My main strategy is making to-do lists of everything I need to get done throughout the day to prevent me from forgetting anything, and it is SO satisfying to check off the boxes! Before I make my to-do list, I try to make a priority list, sorting the things I need to do by actual importance before writing them down in that order, so I tackle the biggest, most important things first.
However, I’m definitely not perfect at any of this, and a lot of the time I find myself struggling with time management. I’d say my biggest weakness is distraction–it is so easy to get distracted, and I constantly lose focus on my tasks, especially if I don’t want to do them. I’ve worked on this by trying my best to notice when I am distracted and getting myself back on track, usually by turning on music or taking a short break! My second biggest weakness is overestimating myself–I will take on task after task and then quietly drown in my pile of work, pretending everything is fine and I’ve got it under control until it’s clear I don’t. Now, I try to make sure I complete my current tasks before taking on new ones and I ask for help. I’ve found countless times that the assistance of others is priceless, and more often than not they’ll help you finish the task easily and quickly with minimal stress for everyone!
Friendly Ghost
Flying trapeze was introduced to me in May 2023, and I’ve been doing it ever since. It’s an incredible experience to fly, and it’s harder than you might imagine–once you start to get more advanced, there are a ton of technical details that you have to remember :’)
۩ Collaboration & Assets
Working with amazing people from all over the world is one of the main reasons I always apply for a leadership position in SWC!!
My first strength in collaboration is I always do everything I can to create a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable to share their ideas and be themselves. Another strength of mine is that I treat everyone as an equal, and make sure everyone on the team is heard and is contributing to the whole of the project, and that everyone is happy with what we’re headed towards.
However, I am a people-pleaser. I’m afraid of making people unhappy or upset with me, and if I do end up accidentally getting on someone’s bad side, I’ll feel absolutely terrible and do everything I can to redeem myself. So to avoid this, I’ve ended up going along with things that make other people happy, even if I’m not, and I’m usually too anxious and scared to voice my discontent.
Another thing I struggle with is telling someone no. At some point, especially if you’re a cabin leader, you’ll have to say no to someone’s idea, usually because there’s no way to do it in the time you have left or it just doesn’t fit with the plot at all. And for the same reason as above, I struggle with shooting down people’s ideas, no matter how nicely I phrase it.
I’ve worked on dealing with both of these. I try to phrase everything as kindly as I can whenever I have to say no. I also make sure that I voice my opinions and that I’m happy with what’s being planned. I have a long way to go, but it’s definitely less terrifying than it used to be ahahaha ^^”
One final thing that can be counted as both a strength and a weakness (depending on the situation) is that I usually take everyone’s ideas and combine them into something everyone’s happy with and excited about; something that’s a little bit of everyone <3
However, this can lead to the team having an unclear plan and too much to accomplish, and I’ve been working on figuring out when and when not to do this
Finally, the assets I’d bring would be a fun-loving, friendly individual who is skilled in art and graphic design, is overflowing with ideas, and has an endless love of writing and of SWC <3
Drawing Ghost
Art has been a big part of my life since I was very young. I’ve been drawing for most of my life, and while I mainly draw people, animals and scenery are also things I’m working to improve on. I’ve also worked on doing more digital art and animations, which is on display in my app
۩ One Quality
There are so many qualities to value in a good leader. But to me right now, the most important thing is a leader who can create and maintain a community. Having a community makes everyone feel welcome, more comfortable, and builds lasting friendships!
I will embody this trait by creating a strong community and a plotline that’s interactive and moving but not overwhelming. I want to make a place where campers can be themselves and have fun, bonding over the storyline and joking competitiveness, similar to cabins I’ve seen in the past like Thriller Escape Rooms (March 2023), Mystery Mansion (November 2023), and Fairy Tales (March 2024)! Another thing I want to place a huge focus on is the enjoyment of writing. Writing is something everyone who writes should have fun doing, and I really want to make sure that’s at the core of the cabin <3
Nature Ghost
I’m a very outdoorsy person. I grew up exploring outside, and I know a lot about the natural world that surrounds us <3 I collect rocks and grow/study plants, and recently I’ve gotten into stargazing–on a clear night, I could point out several different stars and constellations! I also love insects and arachnids (although not as much–I’m still getting over my arachnophobia ahaha) but my biggest passion is for animals, whether they’re domesticated like my two dogs and two cats or wild like snakes and squirrels they all have a special place in my heart <3
۩ Cabin Atmosphere
A fun and welcoming cabin with a focus on in-cabin bonding and a dynamic storyline, (cabin) is a place where you’ll make new friends, forge new memories, and have an experience you’ll never forget!
(198 characters)
Dream Ghost
I have always had big dreams! My current biggest one is publishing my novel, but I also dream about being a singer/songwriter, being better at aerial arts, and getting a brand new iPad ✨
۩ Checkboxes & More
(x) I will be able to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp
(x) I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC
I can complete all leadership responsibilities!
In the event of inactivity by someone on my cabin’s leadership team, I will discuss and figure out the best way for the team to move forward–this could look like trying to reach out to the inactive person, and if that fails, dividing up the inactive person’s responsibilities, or asking the hosts for permission to get a new co. In the event of my own inactivity, I’ll do my best to let the hosts and my leadership team know that I’m going to be inactive, how long I will be inactive, and if I can still complete my responsibilities or if I’ll need to step back for a bit or drop out.
Last edited by -BookDragon- (Sept. 20, 2024 23:25:12)
- -KenzieCamps-
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
Logic Puzzles ~ Kenzie's SWC Leader Application
approx. 2,662 words
approx. 2,662 words
About Me
Hello! My name is Kenzie (she/her) and I reside in the land of CST. This upcoming session will be my seventh session, and I’m very excited for it! <3 My hobbies include reading, writing, babysitting, and learning.
Something you may have noticed when you first opened my application is that the theme is logic puzzles, which requires critical thinking skills. I enjoy anything that makes my mind think, like my dad’s questions or math.
My passion for learning has really strengthened my faith this past year. I have come a long way since I first started my walk of faith with Jesus. My goal is to inspire the younger generation with my passion for Jesus, so that they someday will learn to trust and follow Him.
One of my favorite things to do is read and write! My favorite genres are fantasy and Christian fiction and my favorite book series are Millie Maven, Out of Time, and Keeper of the Lost Cities. I have been working on improving my writing skills by practicing a lot and discovering what I can use my imagination for, such as ideas or other creative things.
Other things that I enjoy doing in my free time include playing with my two German Shorthaired Pointers, studying my Bible, talking to my friends (both online and offline!), and playing volleyball!
Experience
I have had many leadership opportunities, both offline and online! Here is just an overview of what I have accomplished over the year of 2022-2024.
Online
- November 2022 - Fan-fi Time Agency, Camper
- March 2023 - Thriller Escape Room, Camper
- July 2023 - Dystopian Spy Society, Camper
- November 2023 - Horror Funhouse, Camper
- March 2024 - Dystopian Ruins, Co-leader
- July 2024 - Fantasy Chocolate Shop, Camper
Outside of SWC, I’ve participated in over 40 different camp sessions from November 2022 to now. I’ve been a camper 35 times, four as a co-leader, and one as a leader. I have also hosted a Christian camp called Camp Galatians.
Offline
- 300+ volunteer hours (from mid 2022 to now). I earned these hours by volunteering in my community, church, and more. Overall one of my favorite things that I did to earn the hours is by serving in my church, both in Multimedia and with kids.
- A leader to a small group of 5-6 girls (ages 6-12) for a year in 2023-2024 in a weekly activity.
- Held a leadership role in a weekly activity that I’m in for two years from 2022-2024.
- Volunteered at a Church Camp for two weeks and did various work jobs such as cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes, and small work projects around camp with a team of four to five people the same age as me.
- The oldest sister to two younger brothers for over 10 years.
- Babysitting and being a mommy’s helper for over 6+ different families, from 2021-2024.
- Led three hours of my youth group’s middle school campout, which included breakfast, an activity, and a Bible lesson.
Writing:
- Co-op writing classes for two years (2020-2022) using IEW.
- SWC and various other writing camps for almost two years (since November 2022).
Cabin Preferences
I would be fine with (co)leading any genre that the hosts/leaders ask. Although there are certain genres that I haven’t written in as much/don’t know how to write in, I’ll be willing to take a step out of my comfort zone and try them out <3 Any cabin can be made into a wonderful one with just an idea and some activities, no matter the genre.
My first preference would be hi-fi, which my idea for the cabin is Hi-Fi Museum: Campers were taken to a museum for a trip, but they stayed too late and got trapped inside. After finding a note from an unknown source, they need to build an old machine in order to escape. By visiting different time periods in history, and possibly even the future, campers will gather parts using teamwork, their writing skills, and logical thinking.
For my second preference, steampunk, my idea is The Steampunk Industrial Force. When a city run by wheels, cogs, and flying inventions starts malfunctioning, the only people that are qualified to fix it are the apprentices of the Industrial Force Masters. Using teamwork, their imagination, and wits, the apprentices—under the supervision of their masters—will find the problem, figure out a solution, and find out who caused the malfunction in the first place.
Aside from hi-fi and steampunk, I would also enjoy leading mystery, sci-fi, fairy tales, poetry, adventure, and myth! I would prefer to not (co)lead fantasy, dystopian, thriller, horror, and fan-fi. Although those genres are wonderful (and I would lead them if absolutely necessary), I would prefer not to be in them since I’ve been in those cabins in past sessions.
For TCTWNW, oh my goodness I would be delighted if I was offered the chance to lead it, because I am a very non-competitive person. I have many ideas for TCTWNW, from ideas for activities to ways I can help my cabin bond.
Excerpt
“Come on Augustacia, we’re going to be late for bracelet making,” my friend Aimee called to me. At Camp Horizon, campers got to make bracelets on Tuesday night. It was the thing that all of the campers looked forward to.
Finally, I grabbed my belt bag and water bottle and we walked down to the pavilion. My counselor said that legends say some of the bracelets in the bins were perhaps as old as 60 years old, around the time when my grandma was a camper.
Ever since I’d been coming to camp, I’d come to the spot where my grandma had written her name and year right in the corner. One of my favorite daydreams was in the 1960s, when my grandma was my age. I was obsessed with it. I loved visiting my grandma and asking to hear stories about when she was younger that I had heard millions of times.
We arrived at the pavilion and pulled out a bin with string and beads. Today I was planning on making a neon bracelet for black light night tomorrow. But before I got started, I had to visit my grandma’s handprint and name. Her hand was just a little bit smaller than mine, painted in a blue paint and next to it her name, Barbara.
60 years earlier
“Barbara,” my counselor called, “it’s bracelet making time!”
The pavilion was brand new and had just opened, and our cabin was the first to get to make bracelets there. We walked by a group of kids listening to The Beatles. But me, I honestly preferred Elvis Presley. My friend Kathy waved me over to the pavilion.
It was a wooden pavilion with fresh wood that was newly painted a few days ago. The picnic tables were brand new and on top of one of them was a few buckets of paint, to leave our mark on the walls. I took a deep breath in, breathing in the smell of fresh wood.
I walked over to the bucket of paint and dipped my hand in the paint. It was cold and wet on my hand, and when I pressed it onto the wood it felt wonderful. After doing that, I decided to write my name next to it and the year, 1964.
It felt exciting to see my name and handprint fresh on the wall, maybe when people come here in the future and look at it and think “Wow, this handprint is old!”
The bin of string and beads was fresh with lots of colors from all of the rainbow, even pastel and neon! The string hadn’t been tangled yet, but knowing kids it would probably be tangled in a week.
Dedication
During the month of November, I will be doing NaNoWriMo alongside SWC and so that will take up to an hour of my time daily. Other things that could influence my activity on a weekly basis is co-op on Mondays and Fridays, and youth group on Wednesday nights. Although I do have lots of activities throughout the month of October and November, I’ll still be able to dedicate about 1-2 hours a day to SWC while still balancing IRL life.
For trips or events that I may not have much access to Scratch, I’ll be taking a hunting trip (my family hunts pheasants!) sometime at the end of October for about five days (before the week of Halloween) and a youth group fall retreat on the 11th-13th of October.
Of course I understand that I should prioritize my IRL life over SWC. If I do happen to need to take some time off on something IRL, I’ll notify my leadership team, a host, and my campers about how long it’ll be. I will also make some arrangements so that my leadership team will be able to manage the cabin for however long I’m gone and the campers will still have an amazing experience.
Time Management
Strengths
- One strength that I have is that I like to use to-do lists when getting things done, and I’ll get the to-do’s done by the deadline. For example, when I’ve been working on this application I made a to-do list (with the items colored by their type) and I’ve been checking off things when I accomplish them. It helps to remember what I have to do.
- I take my time when going through the task to make sure that I’m getting it done efficiently as well as in a timely manner. When I’m working on a task, for example I’ll say a math problem, usually I’ll go through and do the task like normal, taking my time to get it done, and then after I like to double check that I did all of it correctly and efficiently.
- Prioritization is something that I can do, which basically means managing the order that you’ll do things depending on factors like deadline, time it’ll take, and importance. One way that I use this when working on multiple tasks is by assessing how long the tasks will take, when I’ll need it done, and making sure that I get it done. I’ll show this to my leadership team by completing tasks in a timely manner.
Weaknesses
- I get distracted easily when I’m supposed to be working on a task, and this causes me to take longer than necessary to complete the task. A way that I have been working on changing that up is by putting on music to focus, putting aside distractions, and remembering why I’m supposed to be on that task.
- I can be bad at completing things when they don’t have a deadline. Most of the time I’ll procrastinate or forget about them. But to combat that and get better at it, I set my own personal deadlines for when I want to get things done.
- I’ve noticed that my dedication is a little flimsy, I’ll roar big with all of my might into a task but then I’ll get burnt out in the middle of it, or right after, and it’ll be hard to continue it. I’ve noticed this when I’m working on daily tasks, SWC, or other things. Instead of putting all of my energy into one thing, I split up the task into even smaller ones and make sure to take breaks in between, so that I don’t get burnt out.
Collaboration
Strengths:
- One of my strengths that I’m most proud of is my ideas. I’ve always found myself having many ideas for many different things, and I really love making lists with all of my ideas or even implementing them in my everyday life. This skill is a huge asset to a leadership team for if we’d ever have a brainstorming session or even just to brainstorm fun storyline and activity ideas.
- I’m very flexible and that means I’m always willing to switch plans, change tasks, or start over. I can switch quickly and efficiently, so if my leadership team needs to make last minute changes, I’m willing to do so.
- And finally, I’m able to handle criticism in a calm manner. I am willing to receive it so that I can then further change and improve. It’s a very important skill to have
Weaknesses
- One weakness of mine is that I struggle with working in a team. I’ve always found myself loving independence and that means sometimes (although I may not show it) I find it hard to work in a team. Recently, I served at a local Church Camp with a group of teens my age and that experience had drastically changed how I view working as a team, in a good way. I do still struggle with working with others, but lately I have been working on improving that.
- I also have a hard time thinking ahead. Sometimes when I’m working on a project, I’ll start something but then once I reach a certain point I’ll realize that I’m not always prepared for the next task. To combat this, I have been working on planning my project out ahead of time so that I’m prepared for any bumps or turns.
- Also, I have a hard time accepting that others do tasks differently than me. For example, when another member does a task sometimes I don’t always like the way it turned out or how they did it. I’ve been working on accepting the fact that things others make may not always be made the way I want it or turn out how I’d like it to.
Assets
- I have many wonderful ideas to offer for my leadership team, from storyline ideas to activities.
- I’ve been coding on Scratch for a while now (since 2021). If any coding is needed, I’m willing to help!
- Although my Canva skills could still be improved on, I’m absolutely willing to create a design whether it’s a thumbnail to slides.
- One of my favorite things to do is math, so if any mathematical equations need solving I will be the one to ask.
Quality in a Leader
One quality that I value in a leader is integrity, which means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
A few ways that I will show integrity while leading would be by being honest (telling the truth about something) with my leadership team, following through on commitments (finishing something by the deadline), taking responsibility (If I made a mistake, I’d learn from it so that I wouldn’t do it again), and being hardworking (giving a task my all).
Cabin Atmosphere
I plan to create a creative and welcoming cabin that will help you improve in your writing skills, make many friendships & memories, and learn how to be the best writer you can be.
(180 characters)
Checkboxes
A: Check all that apply.
(✓) I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp.
(✓) I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC.
B: Are there any leadership responsibilities listed in the FAQ that you cannot complete? If any, please elaborate.
Nope!
C: In the case of inactive leadership (either by yourself, or by a fellow leader), what steps will you take to ensure that the cabin can still move on smoothly?
If I have to go inactive, I’ll notify my leaders and the hosts. I will also take some steps to transfer studio ownership, complete tasks that I was assigned or ask someone else to fill in for me, and make sure my campers are aware of what’s going on.
If a leader of mine goes inactive (whether they told us or they didn’t), first I’ll try contacting them. If they don’t respond, I will notify the hosts and make any new studios, reassign tasks, and possibly get a new (co)leader to replace that one.
Last edited by -KenzieCamps- (Sept. 20, 2024 14:45:36)
- wolfiebear-
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Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
maia's november 2024 swc app
well, here we are again, folks! welcome to my second swc app, this time new and improved! | total words: 1710
about me
Hey, I'm Maia, and you might know me as the person who randomly appears sometimes, but I have a personality, I promise! I use she/they pronouns and am an EST-er. When I'm not doing something Scratch Camp-related, I'm usually drawing, reading, crocheting, or watching Netflix. I'm also a pretty average band kid I'd say, and I spend a ton of time playing music (I don't regret it though, anyone reading this should play an instrument if they have access.)
I also listen to an insane amount of music, some of my current songs on repeat are emails i can't send, right where you left me, Wish You Were Sober, 17, and Mess It Up! I love Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Laufey, and Conan Gray <3 (Please rec songs though I need more music in my life!) That's about it for talking about myself for now. Please please please (I'm so funny) talk to me about my hobbies if you like them too, I love yapping about them!
previous participation
I've gotten a lot more experience both on Scratch and off since the last time I applied, and hopefully I'll keep learning <3 I've co-led once in SWC (Script Podcast ftw!!), and am currently a host for SAC! I’ve taken part in four sessions of SWC so far, and I’ve loved all of them! I've also led several times in SRC and SAC.
Outside of SWC on Scratch, I've gotten involved in community helping (all thanks to Nat, you slay!) I've been in two SDSs where I've learned a lot about being patient with younger Scratchers and being kind and helpful! I improved my critiquing skills as well from reviewing all the projects. I also joined the other SWC, the Scratch Welcoming Committee, and I've improved my ability to explain things well when making the slideshow!
Offline, I'm usually a good leader in group projects for school, especially with getting everyone to work together. Last year I did a program with a local elementary school that helped kids become better leaders, and I hope to continue with it.
cabin preferences + ideas
The genres I would most prefer to lead would be Poetry, Bi-Fi, and Lyrics! I have storyline ideas which is why I’d like to lead them, but I also wouldn’t mind something like CYOA, Fantasy, or Sci-Fi. I would rather not co/lead more dark genres such as Mystery or Tragedy since I’m not very interested in those and probably wouldn’t fit the vibe well.
My favorite of the ideas is the Poetry Studio (the name is still up in the air) where the campers are poets and throughout the month they’re given choices that will determine the course of the poem! As they create the poem together, the aesthetic of the cabin will change to match it, as an ever-evolving representation of the poem. (Whether the campers, the leading team, or someone else would write most of the poem, I’m still not sure.)
The second idea I have is Bi-Fi Dreamhouse, a Barbie-themed cabin–need I say more? The Kens have taken the Dreamhouse over and the campers will have to save it. They’ll create their own Barbie identities and help take back the Dreamhouse by completing activities together. The leaders, however, will be the Kens! There will be other activities as well, once I come up with them <3
My idea for Lyrics would be the Lyrics Haven where campers are in an escape from reality camp type thing in the woods where they’re all hippies and each week would focus on a different artist or band/decade in music and in those lyrics would be a secret message they slowly uncover that will give them the answer to life, the universe, and everything! (Where are my Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fans at?)
I would rather not lead TCTWNW since I love competition, but I think the Poetry Studio idea could be easily adapted for it so I wouldn’t mind too much!
excerpt
I drift up the worn stones towards a large, flat home on the edge of town. It’s surrounded by coarse grasses and acacia fences, and there are animals all throughout it, from giraffes to…is that a hippo in the pond? It’s Serrie’s Safari, and she’s about to be way too happy.
“Serrie!” I call out, afraid to step too close to her property without her there.
“Coming!” a voice calls out from the distance, and after a few minutes and a lot of clatters, Serrie appears. “What’s up?”
“I’m here to tell you your role!”
“Oh okay,” she says and looks at me expectantly.
“You’re the…” I make a drumroll in the air. Serrie’s unimpressed. “Poisoner!”
Serrie’s face immediately lights up. “REALLY?!”
“Yep, and your demon is Lee.”
“Oh. My. Gosh.” Her smile grows wider. “This is going to be SO FUN!”
I laugh, expecting this to be pretty entertaining. “I hope you know what you’re doing. Remember, you can poison someone tonight.”
Serrie’s devious grin makes me sure she’s aware.???After taking a ten-minute bus ride out into the farmland surrounding Ravensbluff, I walk up the path to Fi’s house. It’s a one-story farmhouse, nestled between a small hill and a stream. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place, and I feel calmer already.
I pause and sink to a crouch next to the stream, poking my fingers in the water. The cool liquid flows over my hand and I peer at the small stones at the bottom. I’m about to stand back up when a voice behind me speaks.
“Hey there…whoa, who are you?” I’m so startled I slip backward—into the creek. I can feel my back getting wet. I groan inwardly.
“Hey Fi…” I mumble as I stand up, trying to look presentable.
Fi is totally laughing, and I have to admit it must’ve been pretty funny to watch. “Um…Maia, what brings you here?”
I roll my eyes. “I’m supposed to give you your role, not to go swimming, or whatever that was.”
“Which is…?” Fi looks at me, curious.
“Ravenkeeper,” I say without a flourish. I reach around in my pack and pull out a birdcage with a large raven inside. It’s soaking wet and looks furious at me. I look away and hand it to Fi before the bird can murder me. “This is your raven. If you’re nice to it, it’ll give you information across the borders of time and space if you get killed.”
“Oh cool,” Fi holds up the bird. “Does it have a name?”
“Nope,” I think for a second. “Maybe…Fee?”
“Yes! Of course. Fi and Fee, the dream team.”
I laugh. “Well, I’ll leave you to that. I have to…change before all the action starts.”
“Can ghosts even get wet?” Fi asks.
I glare at them. “What do you think?” Then I smile and walk off. Fi watches me go, and I hope it’s so they can save me if I fall into another body of water.
Full fic here: https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/768651/?page=31#post-8069853
time dedication
My conflicts in September mostly involve extracurriculars like marching band and tennis, but that should only affect my ability to make my app on time (and if you're reading this, I probably did!) I have some football games in October but those are only for a few hours on Friday/Saturday/Thursday evenings, though I'll be unavailable during them.
I have a family reunion from October 11th to 14th (please save me) but knowing my family I should have a fair amount of free time, I just won't have my laptop. (Also, I'll be unavailable on the flight there and back) I have little going on in November, except for an orchestra concert on 11/9, which should only take away a few hours that afternoon!
Of course, I'll have school this whole time, but my classes seem relatively easy so I shouldn't have to worry too much about that a lot. (I'll make sure to keep everyone updated though if it seems like too much!) I’ll usually be able to dedicate at least an hour every day to SWC, and I can sometimes spend more if there’s anything extra for me to do.
collaboration
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with collaboration! I used to think that collaboration was simply group projects in school with the annoying kids who didn't like to do work, which taught me to dislike it. Now, however, I've learned that collaboration is so much more than that and so beneficial and important!
I think my strengths lie in being able to delegate work and my confidence in my ideas. When I work in a group setting, I prefer for each person involved to have a different “job” that will all come together to complete the final task. I think I'm pretty good at assigning roles that will fit people and keeping an eye on them to make sure everything gets done. Since my last application, I have drastically improved my confidence as a leader and in group settings. I used to worry about correcting others and putting my ideas out there. Since then I’ve gotten lots of new collaborative opportunities and learned from them, and it has helped how I work with others.
I still have some things to work on in terms of my collaboration skills, especially being flexible and not micromanaging. I think these go hand in hand, which is probably for a reason. Sometimes when I have a vision for how I want something to turn out, I don't want to let it go. This can be an issue because I might not consider another person’s ideas. I'm trying to become more flexible, but I’m still a perfectionist at heart.
Also, because of this, I might worry that someone I'm working with will not complete something at a high enough level and could judge something I don't think fits my vision. I'm learning to trust others more and accept that everyone's trying their best and people's standards and abilities vary a lot!
time management
I think overall I'm quite good at time management, but there are some things I can improve on! First, I'm very organized and I love to make to-do lists so I don't forget stuff. (And it makes everything less stressful!) I'm working on remembering to do little things such as submitting a cabin summary, for example, because if I am told to do something and don't write it down I'll immediately forget. I started a new section in my notebook dedicated to tasks I need to follow up on, so hopefully that will help me! (It'll take a while for me to remember to use it though)
I also make sure I balance things I need to do, like homework, with stuff I enjoy doing, like SWC. I usually prioritize homework over SWC so I might run out of time for it on some days. Also, sometimes I'll get caught up in something, usually coding or writing, and spend hours on it when I have more important stuff to do. This leads to stress and procrastination which I would rather not deal with. I'm trying to set timers to help with that so I may need to take breaks from SWC if it's taking too much time from schoolwork or other important things.
leader quality
I think the most important quality for a leader to have is patience. A good leader should always be patient with the people they're working with. For example, if someone's taking a long time to submit something, they could kindly ask if anything's wrong and help work with them instead of yelling at them to complete their task. Patience would make everyone work together more smoothly and enjoy the process more as well! They should entertain others' ideas and often let people do things their way.
I would embody this by making sure I'm understanding and patient with my co/leading team, and that I always listen to others' ideas and let everyone take their time with their tasks! I would also make sure I offer help if anyone's struggling.
cabin atmosphere
My cabin would focus a lot on making friends while also being competitive since some amicable rivalry can bring people together! I'd also have a storyline that emphasizes working together. (196 characters)
checkboxes
X I am applying for both leader and co-leader
_ I am only applying for co-leader
X I am willing to share a promotional project for SWC
B. Nope! I can do them all <3
C. If I knew I would be inactive in advance I would make sure to notify my leading team and the hosts if it would interfere with more than just my cabin. I would make a plan for how the rest of my team would take over my duties and figure out what I can do before I leave to prepare. I suddenly could not get on, I would try to let my co/leaders know that I can’t be active and profusely apologize when I get back as well as taking on some extra work afterward. If someone else on my team went inactive, I would make sure the rest of us found an even and fair way to take over for them, but still ensure no one’s doing too much even if it means we can’t continue with the storyline for a bit.
Last edited by wolfiebear- (Sept. 15, 2024 17:46:36)
- Eeveedonut
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Scratcher
1000+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
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ł₦₮Ø ₮ⱧɆ ₴₱łĐɆⱤł₴-VɆⱤ₴Ɇ - ₳₦ ₴₩₵ ₦ØVɆ₥฿ɆⱤ 2024 ⱠɆ₳ĐɆⱤ ₳₱₱
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1.
Hi! I’m Iris (or Ris)! I use she/her pronouns and live in CDT (or CST, whichever it is- I can never keep track sobbing). I’m Christian and I volunteer at my church whenever and however I can! I’ve volunteered with set up, take down, preschool Sunday School, middle school camps, and the check in table! Being a Swiftie is a huge part of my personality and who I am. I got to see Taylor in Dublin last June! Fun fact: I was in Ireland when SWC started in July! My top three favorite albums would have to be Speak Now, The Tortured Poets Department, and reputation. I’m also on my school’s Speech Team! I joined last year and it’s so much fun. My category last season was Humorous Interpretation and this year I hope to continue that but also possibly do a Duo Interpretation with my friend. Another key fact about me is that I love music. I’ve been told music follows me everywhere and the person who said that sure isn’t wrong. I write songs, sing, play a bit of guitar, a bit of piano, and I play the viola! This will be my sixth year playing viola and, at the time of me writing this, I’ll find out tomorrow if I’m chosen for section leader. I doubt I’ll get it, but I know I’d be kicking myself the rest of the year if I hadn’t applied. I love writing (I hope I would, since I’m in a writing camp) and I also love reading. Currently, I’m reading Crooked Kingdom! It’s been a long overdue read and I’m so happy I finally found the time to start Six of Crows and now this. That’s just a snapshot of who I am, but it does show the main parts of who I am.
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2.
I have participated seven times before- ever since July 2022! I’ve been a camper four times, co-leader one time, and a leader twice!
I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, so that’s at least ten years of experience. I’ve always loved creating stories in my mind and then bringing them to life- some more alive than others. Writing is a way for me to express myself and not feel as vulnerable as I would telling someone how I feel. It’s become a way for me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. It’s an escape from reality that I couldn’t be more happy to have.
Other experience leading on Scratch includes hosting and (co)leading other camps! I’ve linked my whole camp history in the description if you’d like to see. To keep it simple, I’ve been a camper 14 times, honorary once, co-leader five times, leader seven times, co-host twice, and host three times.
As for off Scratch, I’m going on my fourth year as a Sunday school volunteer at my church. I lead a class of preschoolers (the age has varied year to year) along with another volunteer. The first three years I was an assistant leader, but this year I’m a full leader for the first time ever, and I’m so excited for this opportunity. Furthermore, this year I am also the junior team captain of my high school’s speech team! This means I get to help plan practices and run them, help coach, and also accept any team awards my team receives at meets. This year I’ll also be a student leader at my church’s middle school youth group. I’ll be helping set up and take down, as well as check people in and set out snacks.
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3.
My top choices- in no order- would be Dystopian, Thriller, Fan-fi, Mystery, and Script. Second to those, Horror, Sci-fi, and Fantasy. I have been in them before, so that’s why they’re lower on the scale. However, I’d still love to lead them! I would be honored to lead any other cabin, these are just my top preferences
I would be open to leading TCTWNW, although I’d rather lead a cabin with a more competitive aspect.
I also have some cabin ideas! Firstly, a reality tv dating show where the contestants slowly go missing… It's up to the campers to find out what happened to them and put an end to it in hopes of saving the show. Next, a royal mystery. When the heir to the throne goes missing, the kingdom is left in chaos. The campers must find out who kidnapped the heir before someone comes for the king or queen next… I’ve recently been obsessed with The Inheritance Games series (although I haven’t read the latest two books so no spoilers please!). With this cabin based off of the series, the campers are separated into groups and must complete tasks to prove why their group should win the hundred million dollar inheritance that an elderly man has left them. But the further they get into the competition, the more that gets uncovered…
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4.
In the description, I’ve linked “Veinless”- an SWC Fanfic about a very iconic thread (iykyk ;D).
…and I have also linked “Sonnets From a Hopeless Romantic”, to prove that I can write seriously.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1050314872/
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/932796716/
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5.
I expect to devote at least two hours a day to SWC. This includes cabin planning and interacting with campers and participating in camp during November as well.
As for plans, September 28 is my friend’s homecoming dance and I’ll be going to that, but in the morning I’ll be free. Every Sunday I’ll be at church and every other Sunday I’ll be volunteering with preschoolers at Sunday School. So, Sunday mornings I’m busy, but in the afternoons and evenings I’m not. From October 4th to 6th, I’ll be at church camp and won’t be active at all that weekend. From October 10th to the 13th I’ll be at church camp but this time as a student leader, so again I won’t be active at all that weekend. The last weekend of November I’ll be less active since my cousins will be coming to spend Thanksgiving with us. I also have various Speech leadership meetings and practices starting September 23. I also have school everyday and youth group on Wednesday evenings. Overall, I will still be able to devote enough time to my cabin.
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6.
Time management is something I do struggle with, but I also know I’m improving at it, no matter my faults. For my most prominent skills, I would have to say my punctuality and knowing when to take a break. And for my most prominent shortcomings, procrastination and overbooking myself.
I always get really nervous when a deadline is coming up and I’m not done yet. Even if someone says the deadline is flexible, to me it’s not. I’m never late to class and I hate being late even with permission. This is why I will get things done on time, no matter what. I never like to ask for extensions unless absolutely necessary and even then I feel guilty asking. But Ris, how does this relate to time management? Well, it makes me really good at managing my time. Even if I procrastinate, I promise you I will get my tasks done before the deadline. I’m also good at knowing when to take a break. Overworking myself into burnout is something I do way too often, but I’ve become better at knowing when I need to step away for a little bit and do something for myself. This could be working hours and then taking a break to watch a show or play a few rounds of Dress to Impress. I will never fully put anything off but I do know how to make sure I’m efficient and get things done on time as well as knowing how to not burn out. And I’m still improving on this! I’m certainly not perfect but I take steps in the right direction every single day.
As for my shortcomings, you can’t say you’ve been in a real session of SWC unless you’ve procrastinated. I’m joking, I’m joking. But hey, am I really all that wrong? Even though I fear deadlines, I will still push things to the last minute possible. I truly am trying to get better at this and since the school year started I’ve made some improvements! I’m certainly not the best at not procrastinating, but even if I do, I will still get things done on time. Somehow, deadlines motivate me. The closer I am to a deadline, the more motivated I am. Now onto overbooking myself. I will always want more. More tasks. More jobs. More work. Sometimes it’s a good thing to want, but not in my case. In my case, I make myself take on too many things, and then I end up leaving them incomplete or burning myself out. It’s why I’ve dropped most of the other camps I’ve been a part of, other than SWC and JWC. With school starting and also Speech practices starting up in just a few weeks, I’m limiting myself for what I do online and off. I didn’t audition for the musical. I’ve stopped doing theater all together. I’ve dropped book clubs. I really am trying hard to not overbook myself this year, so I can fully focus on school, Speech, and SWC. I’ve also known myself to overbook too much online to the point where I put that above my offline activities. I’m trying to improve and grow and not overbook myself as much so that way I can devote all the time needed to each of my activities. No one is perfect and I’m not an exception. But it’s the part of how we try to become perfect that truly matters.
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7.
My most notable strengths are the ability to trust, the ability to include, and the ability to be understanding.
I will go further into the ability to trust in the next question, as it’s the one quality I value most in a leader. But for a short summary, my trust is easy to gain and hard to lose. If you do lose it, it’s never completely lost. You can easily regain my trust. I hope that whoever I am (co)leading with feels the same. Inclusion is something very important in our lives. Simply including someone in groups, projects, or hang outs can make them feel so happy. Even if they say no, at least trying to include them is a wonderful thing a person can do. I will make sure that whoever I’m working with gets their ideas shared and somehow incorporated into the results of whatever cabin we make. This is also important when it comes to campers, as well. Making sure you get to know every camper and that they feel welcome there is such an important thing to do. Things happen in life off the screen. I’m pretty sure we can all think of at least one time where we had something come up in life and had to pull back from our online lives. I know I can. It’s the people who understand that things happen who matter in a cabin planning environment. This is just one example of being understanding. Understanding that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Understanding why someone acts the way they do. Being able to understand is so important in a leader and in collaboration because of all of this. Your cabin planning team becomes so close with each other, but it can’t if you don’t understand where someone’s coming from.
As for weaknesses, I have too many to name. But for the most notable: my procrastination, controlling personality, and desire to work alone.
My procrastination is something I’m sure I’m not alone in. Everybody faces procrastination at one time or another in their lives. I will be the first to admit that I procrastinate a lot. Whether it be giving myself five more minutes to play Dress to Impress which then turns into ten… fifteen… twenty… I think you can see where I’m going with this. I’ll wait until the last possible minute to do something. But! I am doing my best to get better at managing my time. For example, this year I’m trying to do my best to get all of my homework done as soon as possible. I will always make sure whatever I’m working on gets done on time, whether or not I procrastinate. I know in the past I have been rather controlling and have tried to take lead over everything, even if I am a co. It’s something I still do. This isn’t the best choice for a cabin planning environment. It doesn’t make people feel included. I can recognize when I’m feeling more controlling and I’m trying to not let that get in my way of letting other people share their ideas. I’m learning to take a step back while still helping out where I can. It’s hard, but I know I’m making progress. Working alone is something I take so much joy in. In school, I will always choose the work alone option if I don’t have a friend in my class. When cabin planning, working alone isn’t exactly acceptable. You have a team for a reason. So even as much as I would like to plan an entire cabin on my own, that’s way too much work for just one person. My desire to work alone is something I will have to put aside when cabin planning. Whoever my team will be is there to plan as well, and it’s not fair to them if I work on everything myself.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
8.
Trust. This summer in church, we had a series about trust. It helped me realize just how important it is in our lives. You trust your parents to pick you up, you trust the airplane not to fall out of the sky, you trust your car won’t explode while you drive. There are billions of examples I could list, but why do I value this in a leader? Trust is something hard to gain but easy to lose. A leader should make their trust easy to gain and hard to lose. Leaders choose their co’s by trusting that they’ll fulfill the needs of their cabins. Some leaders choose people to co that they’ve never met before. By placing your trust in someone, you give them confidence that they can do it. If a leader trusts a co, they help raise them for a future of leading. Now yes, there are co’s who have led before. But it always fills a person with so much joy to get an offer to co-lead, and that’s all because of trust. When someone trusts you, it makes you feel so good. You cling to that glimmer of happiness. That happiness can get you through the hardest times- that’s what happens to me, at least. I know I still haven’t answered why I value this in a leader. I value the ability to trust most in a leader because leaders help raise the next generation of SWC. After the leader is gone, who’s there to take over? Who will lead next? By placing your trust in someone, it creates confidence, as I said before. Confidence will be what someone needs to try. To apply. Trust is so important when it comes to life, let alone a leader.
As for how I’ll embody this, I will place my trust in my co’s. They can have it because I know whoever I choose will do an amazing job. If I’m chosen for a co, I will prove to the leader that they can trust me and I won’t do anything to lose their trust. If someone breaks my trust, it may take a bit for me to trust them again but I won’t ever not trust them.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
9.
I aim for my cabin to be comfortable, inclusive, with a dash of competitiveness. Everyone would get to know each other and hopefully become close. A place where everyone is welcome and feels known.
(197 characters)
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
10.
check
check
no.
If I’m the one inactive, I will notify the hosts and my fellow (co)leaders as soon as I can, as well as help make arrangements for my absence. If it’s a fellow (co)leader, after five days of unexplained inactivity, I will tell the hosts and start making arrangements for taking over whatever roles are needed of the person who is inactive. I have had cases of inactive (co)leaders before, so I feel much more confident about what to do if someone does go inactive. I sincerely hope no one will be inactive but I do understand that things do come up.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
ł₦₮Ø ₮ⱧɆ ₴₱łĐɆⱤł₴-VɆⱤ₴Ɇ - ₳₦ ₴₩₵ ₦ØVɆ₥฿ɆⱤ 2024 ⱠɆ₳ĐɆⱤ ₳₱₱
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
1.
Hi! I’m Iris (or Ris)! I use she/her pronouns and live in CDT (or CST, whichever it is- I can never keep track sobbing). I’m Christian and I volunteer at my church whenever and however I can! I’ve volunteered with set up, take down, preschool Sunday School, middle school camps, and the check in table! Being a Swiftie is a huge part of my personality and who I am. I got to see Taylor in Dublin last June! Fun fact: I was in Ireland when SWC started in July! My top three favorite albums would have to be Speak Now, The Tortured Poets Department, and reputation. I’m also on my school’s Speech Team! I joined last year and it’s so much fun. My category last season was Humorous Interpretation and this year I hope to continue that but also possibly do a Duo Interpretation with my friend. Another key fact about me is that I love music. I’ve been told music follows me everywhere and the person who said that sure isn’t wrong. I write songs, sing, play a bit of guitar, a bit of piano, and I play the viola! This will be my sixth year playing viola and, at the time of me writing this, I’ll find out tomorrow if I’m chosen for section leader. I doubt I’ll get it, but I know I’d be kicking myself the rest of the year if I hadn’t applied. I love writing (I hope I would, since I’m in a writing camp) and I also love reading. Currently, I’m reading Crooked Kingdom! It’s been a long overdue read and I’m so happy I finally found the time to start Six of Crows and now this. That’s just a snapshot of who I am, but it does show the main parts of who I am.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
2.
I have participated seven times before- ever since July 2022! I’ve been a camper four times, co-leader one time, and a leader twice!
I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, so that’s at least ten years of experience. I’ve always loved creating stories in my mind and then bringing them to life- some more alive than others. Writing is a way for me to express myself and not feel as vulnerable as I would telling someone how I feel. It’s become a way for me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. It’s an escape from reality that I couldn’t be more happy to have.
Other experience leading on Scratch includes hosting and (co)leading other camps! I’ve linked my whole camp history in the description if you’d like to see. To keep it simple, I’ve been a camper 14 times, honorary once, co-leader five times, leader seven times, co-host twice, and host three times.
As for off Scratch, I’m going on my fourth year as a Sunday school volunteer at my church. I lead a class of preschoolers (the age has varied year to year) along with another volunteer. The first three years I was an assistant leader, but this year I’m a full leader for the first time ever, and I’m so excited for this opportunity. Furthermore, this year I am also the junior team captain of my high school’s speech team! This means I get to help plan practices and run them, help coach, and also accept any team awards my team receives at meets. This year I’ll also be a student leader at my church’s middle school youth group. I’ll be helping set up and take down, as well as check people in and set out snacks.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
3.
My top choices- in no order- would be Dystopian, Thriller, Fan-fi, Mystery, and Script. Second to those, Horror, Sci-fi, and Fantasy. I have been in them before, so that’s why they’re lower on the scale. However, I’d still love to lead them! I would be honored to lead any other cabin, these are just my top preferences
I would be open to leading TCTWNW, although I’d rather lead a cabin with a more competitive aspect.
I also have some cabin ideas! Firstly, a reality tv dating show where the contestants slowly go missing… It's up to the campers to find out what happened to them and put an end to it in hopes of saving the show. Next, a royal mystery. When the heir to the throne goes missing, the kingdom is left in chaos. The campers must find out who kidnapped the heir before someone comes for the king or queen next… I’ve recently been obsessed with The Inheritance Games series (although I haven’t read the latest two books so no spoilers please!). With this cabin based off of the series, the campers are separated into groups and must complete tasks to prove why their group should win the hundred million dollar inheritance that an elderly man has left them. But the further they get into the competition, the more that gets uncovered…
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
4.
In the description, I’ve linked “Veinless”- an SWC Fanfic about a very iconic thread (iykyk ;D).
…and I have also linked “Sonnets From a Hopeless Romantic”, to prove that I can write seriously.
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1050314872/
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/932796716/
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
5.
I expect to devote at least two hours a day to SWC. This includes cabin planning and interacting with campers and participating in camp during November as well.
As for plans, September 28 is my friend’s homecoming dance and I’ll be going to that, but in the morning I’ll be free. Every Sunday I’ll be at church and every other Sunday I’ll be volunteering with preschoolers at Sunday School. So, Sunday mornings I’m busy, but in the afternoons and evenings I’m not. From October 4th to 6th, I’ll be at church camp and won’t be active at all that weekend. From October 10th to the 13th I’ll be at church camp but this time as a student leader, so again I won’t be active at all that weekend. The last weekend of November I’ll be less active since my cousins will be coming to spend Thanksgiving with us. I also have various Speech leadership meetings and practices starting September 23. I also have school everyday and youth group on Wednesday evenings. Overall, I will still be able to devote enough time to my cabin.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
6.
Time management is something I do struggle with, but I also know I’m improving at it, no matter my faults. For my most prominent skills, I would have to say my punctuality and knowing when to take a break. And for my most prominent shortcomings, procrastination and overbooking myself.
I always get really nervous when a deadline is coming up and I’m not done yet. Even if someone says the deadline is flexible, to me it’s not. I’m never late to class and I hate being late even with permission. This is why I will get things done on time, no matter what. I never like to ask for extensions unless absolutely necessary and even then I feel guilty asking. But Ris, how does this relate to time management? Well, it makes me really good at managing my time. Even if I procrastinate, I promise you I will get my tasks done before the deadline. I’m also good at knowing when to take a break. Overworking myself into burnout is something I do way too often, but I’ve become better at knowing when I need to step away for a little bit and do something for myself. This could be working hours and then taking a break to watch a show or play a few rounds of Dress to Impress. I will never fully put anything off but I do know how to make sure I’m efficient and get things done on time as well as knowing how to not burn out. And I’m still improving on this! I’m certainly not perfect but I take steps in the right direction every single day.
As for my shortcomings, you can’t say you’ve been in a real session of SWC unless you’ve procrastinated. I’m joking, I’m joking. But hey, am I really all that wrong? Even though I fear deadlines, I will still push things to the last minute possible. I truly am trying to get better at this and since the school year started I’ve made some improvements! I’m certainly not the best at not procrastinating, but even if I do, I will still get things done on time. Somehow, deadlines motivate me. The closer I am to a deadline, the more motivated I am. Now onto overbooking myself. I will always want more. More tasks. More jobs. More work. Sometimes it’s a good thing to want, but not in my case. In my case, I make myself take on too many things, and then I end up leaving them incomplete or burning myself out. It’s why I’ve dropped most of the other camps I’ve been a part of, other than SWC and JWC. With school starting and also Speech practices starting up in just a few weeks, I’m limiting myself for what I do online and off. I didn’t audition for the musical. I’ve stopped doing theater all together. I’ve dropped book clubs. I really am trying hard to not overbook myself this year, so I can fully focus on school, Speech, and SWC. I’ve also known myself to overbook too much online to the point where I put that above my offline activities. I’m trying to improve and grow and not overbook myself as much so that way I can devote all the time needed to each of my activities. No one is perfect and I’m not an exception. But it’s the part of how we try to become perfect that truly matters.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
7.
My most notable strengths are the ability to trust, the ability to include, and the ability to be understanding.
I will go further into the ability to trust in the next question, as it’s the one quality I value most in a leader. But for a short summary, my trust is easy to gain and hard to lose. If you do lose it, it’s never completely lost. You can easily regain my trust. I hope that whoever I am (co)leading with feels the same. Inclusion is something very important in our lives. Simply including someone in groups, projects, or hang outs can make them feel so happy. Even if they say no, at least trying to include them is a wonderful thing a person can do. I will make sure that whoever I’m working with gets their ideas shared and somehow incorporated into the results of whatever cabin we make. This is also important when it comes to campers, as well. Making sure you get to know every camper and that they feel welcome there is such an important thing to do. Things happen in life off the screen. I’m pretty sure we can all think of at least one time where we had something come up in life and had to pull back from our online lives. I know I can. It’s the people who understand that things happen who matter in a cabin planning environment. This is just one example of being understanding. Understanding that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Understanding why someone acts the way they do. Being able to understand is so important in a leader and in collaboration because of all of this. Your cabin planning team becomes so close with each other, but it can’t if you don’t understand where someone’s coming from.
As for weaknesses, I have too many to name. But for the most notable: my procrastination, controlling personality, and desire to work alone.
My procrastination is something I’m sure I’m not alone in. Everybody faces procrastination at one time or another in their lives. I will be the first to admit that I procrastinate a lot. Whether it be giving myself five more minutes to play Dress to Impress which then turns into ten… fifteen… twenty… I think you can see where I’m going with this. I’ll wait until the last possible minute to do something. But! I am doing my best to get better at managing my time. For example, this year I’m trying to do my best to get all of my homework done as soon as possible. I will always make sure whatever I’m working on gets done on time, whether or not I procrastinate. I know in the past I have been rather controlling and have tried to take lead over everything, even if I am a co. It’s something I still do. This isn’t the best choice for a cabin planning environment. It doesn’t make people feel included. I can recognize when I’m feeling more controlling and I’m trying to not let that get in my way of letting other people share their ideas. I’m learning to take a step back while still helping out where I can. It’s hard, but I know I’m making progress. Working alone is something I take so much joy in. In school, I will always choose the work alone option if I don’t have a friend in my class. When cabin planning, working alone isn’t exactly acceptable. You have a team for a reason. So even as much as I would like to plan an entire cabin on my own, that’s way too much work for just one person. My desire to work alone is something I will have to put aside when cabin planning. Whoever my team will be is there to plan as well, and it’s not fair to them if I work on everything myself.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
8.
Trust. This summer in church, we had a series about trust. It helped me realize just how important it is in our lives. You trust your parents to pick you up, you trust the airplane not to fall out of the sky, you trust your car won’t explode while you drive. There are billions of examples I could list, but why do I value this in a leader? Trust is something hard to gain but easy to lose. A leader should make their trust easy to gain and hard to lose. Leaders choose their co’s by trusting that they’ll fulfill the needs of their cabins. Some leaders choose people to co that they’ve never met before. By placing your trust in someone, you give them confidence that they can do it. If a leader trusts a co, they help raise them for a future of leading. Now yes, there are co’s who have led before. But it always fills a person with so much joy to get an offer to co-lead, and that’s all because of trust. When someone trusts you, it makes you feel so good. You cling to that glimmer of happiness. That happiness can get you through the hardest times- that’s what happens to me, at least. I know I still haven’t answered why I value this in a leader. I value the ability to trust most in a leader because leaders help raise the next generation of SWC. After the leader is gone, who’s there to take over? Who will lead next? By placing your trust in someone, it creates confidence, as I said before. Confidence will be what someone needs to try. To apply. Trust is so important when it comes to life, let alone a leader.
As for how I’ll embody this, I will place my trust in my co’s. They can have it because I know whoever I choose will do an amazing job. If I’m chosen for a co, I will prove to the leader that they can trust me and I won’t do anything to lose their trust. If someone breaks my trust, it may take a bit for me to trust them again but I won’t ever not trust them.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
9.
I aim for my cabin to be comfortable, inclusive, with a dash of competitiveness. Everyone would get to know each other and hopefully become close. A place where everyone is welcome and feels known.
(197 characters)
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
10.
check
check
no.
If I’m the one inactive, I will notify the hosts and my fellow (co)leaders as soon as I can, as well as help make arrangements for my absence. If it’s a fellow (co)leader, after five days of unexplained inactivity, I will tell the hosts and start making arrangements for taking over whatever roles are needed of the person who is inactive. I have had cases of inactive (co)leaders before, so I feel much more confident about what to do if someone does go inactive. I sincerely hope no one will be inactive but I do understand that things do come up.
⊱ ———✘——— ж ✘ ж ———✘——— ⊰
Last edited by Eeveedonut (Sept. 19, 2024 03:05:01)
- starr-light
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
just turn on the light ~ river's swc leader application
about me ~
hey there, i’m river, your average logophile who resides in the lovely realm of est. nice to meet you, or if i already know you, hi again!
a few things to know about me: i play classical piano, though i’ve been trying to learn the piano scores for various taylor swift songs. i run track and field and cross country (gosh, all those ands look quite strange) and my event is the 1500 m / 1 mile. i also enjoy listening to music, and a few of my recent favorites have been clairo, sabrina carpenter, and gracie abrams, and i’ve always loved taylor swift and boygenius.
i love reading, too — i think that’s what got me into writing in the first place! reading and writing, to me, are both ways to escape into another world. some of my favorite books are six of crows by leigh bardugo and the gilded wolves by roshani chokshi.
participation ~
a quick rundown of my five (!!!) previous swc sessions:
november ‘21 | celestial poetry grove | led by elfie, sun and poem | honorable mention in the writing comp | 15000 words
november ‘22 | mystery express | led by fae, veni, rockie, and syze | honorable mention in the writing comp | 26000 words
march ‘23 | fantasy wishing well | co-led with lio and soki | best perspective in the writing comp | 48000 words
november ‘23 | dystopian mirrorverse | led with skye and niamh | panelist in the writing comp | 36000 words
march ‘24 | tragedy: the clearing | co-led with em and willow | third place in the writing comp | 31000 words
in addition to this, i’ve been accepted several times to my school’s literary magazine and participated in several writing programs, both inside and outside school.
genres ~
this session, the cabins i’d be most interested in leading are adventure or bizarro fiction. i’d theme them off of the wizard of oz / wicked, where campers would travel down the yellow brick road and meet all sorts of creatures and people along the way. i’d particularly like this theme because of the upcoming movie adaptation of wicked!
other cabins i have themes for are the fairytale / folklore scriptorium, in which campers would work together to reconstruct old texts before they vanished completely, and a magical realism tearoom / coffeeshop, in which every camper would be making a unique and slightly magical drink by adding an ingredient each week. (base, milk, syrups, etc.)
other cabins i’d be interested in leading but have no themes for are gothic, hi-fi, steampunk, lit-fi, and mythology. i’d prefer not to lead poetry, mystery, fantasy, dystopian, and tragedy as i’ve already been in them before. the cabin that will not win also does not appeal to me, as i’m looking for a more competitive feel in my cabin.
excerpt ~
a snippet of my writing comp entry from march ‘24, “forget me not” — you can find the whole thing in the description.
“you’ll remember me, won’t you?”
ayana stares at her, and munira sees the twisted irony. the two of them, begging each other to never forget.
then her sister smiles, blue eyes soft with what could be tears.
“i will,” she says. “if you’ll remember me.”
“i—you got a soul exchange! i remembered a little girl who was a full head shorter than me!” the words spring from her before she can stop them.
“no,” ayana says. “remember me for the right reasons. remember a little girl who longed for adventure. remember a woman who wanted to take care of everything. remember me, munira, the person i am.”
between sobs, munira manages, “i will, little sister.”
time management ~
i think i do a fairly good job managing my time. one of my strengths is that while i do sometimes procrastinate, i stick to deadlines — rarely, if ever, do i need extensions on tasks or not finish them. however, my actual work style tends to be fairly sporadic — all too often, i start the weekly on the first day, do nothing for five days, and speedrun the rest in 24 hours. this session, i will use schedules and similar aids to complete work in a more even manner.
despite this, i believe that time management is not a huge weakness for me — ultimately, my work style does not matter as much as whether i simply get things done.
time dedication ~
this fall, i’ll have a fair amount of time to dedicate to swc. i have afterschools most days until 5:00, as well as the standard heaping of homework, but i will be active each weekday for around 30 minutes to 1 hour, perhaps more. and from 1 hour upwards on the weekends.
the only commitment i currently know of is my family’s thanksgiving celebration; i don’t think it will affect my activity levels very much, and if anything else comes up, i will be sure to let my fellow co/leaders know.
collaboration and assets ~
i have two main weaknesses in collaboration. one is my tendency towards huge plans — all too often, i want to do everything! this session, i’ll continue to scale back grand plans for something simpler. in addition, while i do have some issues with things going past deadlines — i always want to be on time — i’m confident this won’t be an issue, as this annoyance tends to mostly happen inside my head. just to be clear, i’m not bottling up my emotions, simply saying that i can work through frustrations without them reaching the screen. i’m perfectly competent at that. and that brings us to my strengths!
collaboration strengths of mine are my warmth, reliability, passion, and creativity. i am a friendly and open person, and i believe that collaboration is so much better when you’re friends with your colleagues — knowing that both of you want to help each other reach a goal is very rewarding. i am also a reliable person — as mentioned in the time management section, i can always be trusted upon to complete a task; part of working in a successful team is making sure that everyone is on relatively the same timetable. thirdly, i have a great amount of passion for swc, and i always approach a task with determination; i can certainly be counted on to raise the spirits of and encourage my colleagues on the leading team. finally, i am a creative person. writing is a creative pursuit, but i also add out-of-the-box ideas to discussions and help to create interesting, fun storylines.
as for assets, i’m fairly competent with drawing in the somewhat realistic style i use for humans as well as the cartoonish lights i drew for this app! i am also pretty good at using canva and graphic design in general.
one quality ~
for me, this session, the most important quality in a leader is passion. it’s all very well and good to be a capable, effective leader, but what’s the point if your heart isn’t in it? passion for writing is what drove all of us (well, most) to sign up for swc in the first place, and my love of it is why i’m now applying for the fourth time. when you’re passionate about something, you put work into it — determination is also useful in a leader. passion leads easily to happiness, and good vibes are important to leading and working with people. when you feel passionate about what you’re doing, people around you will catch on, leading to a powerful chain reaction. finally, passion leads to resilience during stumbles; if you love something enough to keep going even when small things — or big things — go wrong, i believe you’re a leader.
atmosphere ~
a cabin where community leads to competition, as campers see themselves as allied against the wilds of swc. having fun with friends — preferably near the top of the leaderboard — means winning.
checkboxes ~
◻︎ i will be able to add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp.
☑︎ i’m willing to share a promotional project for swc.
no.
in the event that a co / leader from my cabin went inactive without notice, i would give them a few days’ grace period, then inform the hosts. i would also do so if a co / leader let me know that they were going to be inactive. in both cases, i would work with my remaining co / leader and look for a new co / leader if the two of us felt it was necessary. were i to go inactive, i would let the hosts and my fellow co / leaders know, then transfer any studio ownership over if necessary and make sure everyone had at least a vague plan before leaving completely.
thanks so much for reading <33
- surfdudewave
-
Scratcher
100+ posts
swc megathread ⌘ july '24
Surf's (Co-)Leader Application–Smooth Sailing (https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1069309900/): 1923 words (including the excerpt)
About me:
Hi! I’m Surf and I use they/she pronouns. My timezone is EST, and some of my hobbies other than writing include reading, drawing, and playing tennis. My favorite author is Brandon Sanderson, and I also enjoy books by Andy Weir and Rick Riordan. My favorite genres to read are fantasy and science fiction, and I enjoy writing in all genres and styles! I’ve always loved to write when I was younger, and my dream job was to be a writer, since I loved creating new worlds and stories. I’m a Ravenclaw-Slytherin, as I'm both very ambitious and introspective, though I’m also friendly and creative. One of my other hobbies is coding, and I’m learning data science in Python right now. I’m also trying to improve my HTML and CSS skills, and hope to learn another coding language this year.
Experience:
I’ve participated in three sessions of SWC so far; I was a sci-fi camper for November 2023, a sci-fi camper for March 2024, and a solarpunk camper for July 2024. I’ve never had a leadership role inside of SWC, but I was a leader for WUC in April. I have also participated in multiple sessions of SAC and SRC.
Past experience I’ve had with writing include completing the National Novel Writing Month challenge last November, which I’m planning on doing again this year. I’ve also submitted various stories/poems to my school’s writing magazine.
Leadership positions I’ve held outside of Scratch include those in school clubs, working as a tutor, and helping teach others to play tennis for my job. I’m a dedicated member of my school’s science club and quiz bowl club, among others, and am forming a geography club this year and will be its president once it is hopefully approved.
Cabin Preferences:
Cabins I’d be open to leading include Sci-fi, Steampunk, Dystopian, and Fantasy.
My first and favorite idea for a cabin would be the Sci-Fi Files, which would have a similar format to the Illuminae Files (a science fiction series I recently read that was a mix of audio transcripts, text messages, emails, etc.). As campers earn keys, they can unlock more files in the Archive. Campers will have to solve challenges and puzzles in the files, collaborate to find clues, and work towards uncovering the truth of a catastrophic disaster involving quantum realities that was suppressed by Earth’s government.
Another cabin idea I have is the Dystopian Dreamscape. In it, people hidden deep under Earth’s surface have spent their entire lives inside of a dreamscape, unaware the world outside had been devastated by a horrific world war a hundred years ago. When the Dreamscape’s mechanism begins to fail, campers must figure out how to escape the crumbling world and return back to reality through a mixture of group activities and tasks to complete in an interactive storyline.
Cabins I would prefer not to lead include Fan-Fi, Horror, and Bi-Fi, since these are some of my least favorite genres. I would also prefer not to lead the Cabin that Will Not Win as I really enjoy the competitive aspect of SWC.
Excerpt: (Three paragraphs from my short story “by the time April comes around”)
She looked out the window to the frail, bare branched trees, clinging to their few remaining leaves the best they could, their empty, hollow bones bending in the wind. The trees groaned and creaked against the frigid winter air which seeped into their trunks. The blustering gale would linger until April, when it would be liberated by rain showers. In April, the breeze would thaw the dormant earth that had been solid for months in its hibernation. The steady drip of the melting icicles was like intravenous therapy, and soon, in the colder months, there would be thawing spires hanging off every overhang.
She rubbed her hands together, as if the friction could spark something other than the resignation that permeated the air. Her eyes flashed behind her for a second, to the white sheets that might as well have belonged to a ghost. A hollow husk, held suspended between life and death. She looked back to the ruddy glass window with an empty sigh. At least there was comfort there, in the everlasting oaks, forced into their perpetual cycle of abscission.
The dirt ground was firm, the needle ice below the uneven and clumped-up surface that was dotted with frozen crystalline lattices. Frost lined everything; the grass sparkled, along with the telephone pole and the metal hand bars on the accessibility ramp up to the main entrance. Each glittering blade and sheath, rigidly attached to the sod, were illuminated in turn by flashing rays and headlights. Everything was studded with shining diamonds, gelid and bitter in their frozen form. Gemstones so sharp that they’d leave your hands raw and numbed by the intoxicating beauty. Soon there would be delicate snowflakes, their ephemeral allure melting at the slightest touch; a memory, nostalgia attached to a forgotten sensation. Maybe the monochrome photos she’d find when emptying her mother’s bedside drawers, bent at the corners and stained with homemade jam from a family reunion.
Dedication:
This November, I’ll be able to dedicate a minimum of forty minutes solely to SWC on weekday afternoons (excluding time for writing), and will be more active on the weekends, usually about ninety minutes or more. I’ll also check in throughout the day between classes when I have school, and will do so for an additional thirty minutes every morning. The one major time commitment I have is school and homework (which I manage well), and additionally I will be doing NaNoWriMo, though SWC will be my main focus throughout the month. I also might travel for a few days (somewhere around the 2nd to the 9th) during the session, though this is only an idea and it might not happen. If so, I’ll have internet connection and be able to write, be active, and fulfill leadership duties during the potential trip.
I will also have tennis matches until the third week of October (14-18, unless some are canceled, and then they might extend into the week after), though they won’t greatly impact the time I’ll have for planning as they are spaced out–these are primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Time management skills and shortcomings:
I’m good at planning whenever I have deadlines or tasks I have to do. I use a bullet journal and a checklist to make sure I’m working on something at a reasonable pace, and use checkpoints along the way to keep me motivated and productive. Keeping my list of commitments organized allows me to complete everything I have to do on time, without procrastination. It’s especially helpful for larger projects like posters or essays, and my planning strengths can easily transfer over to being a leader for SWC.
One of my shortcomings for time management is overcommitment. Sometimes I plan on doing too many things at once, so sometimes I become overwhelmed with a large workload consisting of a large number of tasks. A time this happened was during finals in eighth grade–I was studying for my end-of-the-year math test, while also working on a personal poster, an essay, and doing a large capstone project with my group. I managed this by reconfiguring my priorities; I set aside the personal project, and made sure I wasn’t over-committing myself to the group project and that the workload was even between everyone. I’m working on this by making sure I delegate appropriately by considering the amount of other commitments I have at the same time.
Collaboration and assets:
When working with others, one of my major strengths is that I’m reliable and will always follow through with what I commit to, and if for some reason I’m unable to do so, I will make sure to let others know with ample time in advance. I put in maximum effort for the tasks I complete and finish them on time, so that the entirety of the cabin’s leadership team can progress, and I always will reply to messages in a reasonable time frame. I’m also adaptable, and can easily work around any challenges that may pop up in the course of planning and during the session, which is something I’ve perfected as I’ve gotten used to last-minute lineup changes on the tennis team.
One of my shortcomings in collaboration is that I sometimes aim for perfection. This usually happens when I put forth an idea or something for the session–while this generally makes me put forth a more quality product, sometimes I hold off on finalizing things and spend too much time worrying about inconsequential details or small errors. I am working on this by worrying less about whether something is perfect and finalized while still being proud of what I create and do.
Some of my assets for a leading team include that I enjoy graphic design and art, so I’d be able to design profile pictures and create the aesthetic for the cabin, and can make banners as well. I also have a lot of experience with creating interactive storylines, which I like to do with my cousins. I also love to make puzzles, which can be incorporated as part of the storyline.
Leadership:
I most greatly value the quality of being able to communicate effectively in a leader. I believe leaders should always work to understand others and connect with the members of their leadership team, and by doing so, it furthers connectivity and understanding. As part of the tennis team, something that has really made this season great is the communication between the captains and the players, which is something I aim to replicate in leadership positions I have. Strong communication also creates a more open and friendly space that, personally, is one of the things that comes to mind when I think of SWC’s atmosphere.
As a leader, I will work towards effective communication through valuing others’ ideas, creating an inclusive environment, and promoting collaboration, which is something I also apply to my leadership roles outside of Scratch.
Cabin atmosphere:
“A friendly, creativity-geared cabin focused on personal improvement, while also encouraging collaboration among campers and amicable competition.” (145 characters)
Checkboxes:
() I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp.
(✔) I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC.
(✔) I’m applying for both leader and co.
Note: I’ll be able to help add points whenever I can, but on busier schooldays and if I am traveling I will not be able to do so.
There are not any leadership requirements I will be unable to complete.
If for some reason I become inactive without notice, I will notify my cabin’s leadership team and see if they can temporarily take over my responsibilities, though in September I would lay out all the posts and responsibilities beforehand to make it easier to prepare for unpredictable events.
If I will be inactive with advance notice, I will make sure that everything I’m responsible for is planned out for the rest of the cabin’s leadership team, and I will notify both them and the hosts in case I will be inactive for a prolonged and significant amount of time.
If a fellow (co-)leader becomes inactive without advance notice for more than ~5 days and won’t respond to messages, I will help divide up their work in a reasonable and fair manner with the rest of the cabin’s leadership team to ensure the rest of the session runs smoothly.
About me:
Hi! I’m Surf and I use they/she pronouns. My timezone is EST, and some of my hobbies other than writing include reading, drawing, and playing tennis. My favorite author is Brandon Sanderson, and I also enjoy books by Andy Weir and Rick Riordan. My favorite genres to read are fantasy and science fiction, and I enjoy writing in all genres and styles! I’ve always loved to write when I was younger, and my dream job was to be a writer, since I loved creating new worlds and stories. I’m a Ravenclaw-Slytherin, as I'm both very ambitious and introspective, though I’m also friendly and creative. One of my other hobbies is coding, and I’m learning data science in Python right now. I’m also trying to improve my HTML and CSS skills, and hope to learn another coding language this year.
Experience:
I’ve participated in three sessions of SWC so far; I was a sci-fi camper for November 2023, a sci-fi camper for March 2024, and a solarpunk camper for July 2024. I’ve never had a leadership role inside of SWC, but I was a leader for WUC in April. I have also participated in multiple sessions of SAC and SRC.
Past experience I’ve had with writing include completing the National Novel Writing Month challenge last November, which I’m planning on doing again this year. I’ve also submitted various stories/poems to my school’s writing magazine.
Leadership positions I’ve held outside of Scratch include those in school clubs, working as a tutor, and helping teach others to play tennis for my job. I’m a dedicated member of my school’s science club and quiz bowl club, among others, and am forming a geography club this year and will be its president once it is hopefully approved.
Cabin Preferences:
Cabins I’d be open to leading include Sci-fi, Steampunk, Dystopian, and Fantasy.
My first and favorite idea for a cabin would be the Sci-Fi Files, which would have a similar format to the Illuminae Files (a science fiction series I recently read that was a mix of audio transcripts, text messages, emails, etc.). As campers earn keys, they can unlock more files in the Archive. Campers will have to solve challenges and puzzles in the files, collaborate to find clues, and work towards uncovering the truth of a catastrophic disaster involving quantum realities that was suppressed by Earth’s government.
Another cabin idea I have is the Dystopian Dreamscape. In it, people hidden deep under Earth’s surface have spent their entire lives inside of a dreamscape, unaware the world outside had been devastated by a horrific world war a hundred years ago. When the Dreamscape’s mechanism begins to fail, campers must figure out how to escape the crumbling world and return back to reality through a mixture of group activities and tasks to complete in an interactive storyline.
Cabins I would prefer not to lead include Fan-Fi, Horror, and Bi-Fi, since these are some of my least favorite genres. I would also prefer not to lead the Cabin that Will Not Win as I really enjoy the competitive aspect of SWC.
Excerpt: (Three paragraphs from my short story “by the time April comes around”)
She looked out the window to the frail, bare branched trees, clinging to their few remaining leaves the best they could, their empty, hollow bones bending in the wind. The trees groaned and creaked against the frigid winter air which seeped into their trunks. The blustering gale would linger until April, when it would be liberated by rain showers. In April, the breeze would thaw the dormant earth that had been solid for months in its hibernation. The steady drip of the melting icicles was like intravenous therapy, and soon, in the colder months, there would be thawing spires hanging off every overhang.
She rubbed her hands together, as if the friction could spark something other than the resignation that permeated the air. Her eyes flashed behind her for a second, to the white sheets that might as well have belonged to a ghost. A hollow husk, held suspended between life and death. She looked back to the ruddy glass window with an empty sigh. At least there was comfort there, in the everlasting oaks, forced into their perpetual cycle of abscission.
The dirt ground was firm, the needle ice below the uneven and clumped-up surface that was dotted with frozen crystalline lattices. Frost lined everything; the grass sparkled, along with the telephone pole and the metal hand bars on the accessibility ramp up to the main entrance. Each glittering blade and sheath, rigidly attached to the sod, were illuminated in turn by flashing rays and headlights. Everything was studded with shining diamonds, gelid and bitter in their frozen form. Gemstones so sharp that they’d leave your hands raw and numbed by the intoxicating beauty. Soon there would be delicate snowflakes, their ephemeral allure melting at the slightest touch; a memory, nostalgia attached to a forgotten sensation. Maybe the monochrome photos she’d find when emptying her mother’s bedside drawers, bent at the corners and stained with homemade jam from a family reunion.
Dedication:
This November, I’ll be able to dedicate a minimum of forty minutes solely to SWC on weekday afternoons (excluding time for writing), and will be more active on the weekends, usually about ninety minutes or more. I’ll also check in throughout the day between classes when I have school, and will do so for an additional thirty minutes every morning. The one major time commitment I have is school and homework (which I manage well), and additionally I will be doing NaNoWriMo, though SWC will be my main focus throughout the month. I also might travel for a few days (somewhere around the 2nd to the 9th) during the session, though this is only an idea and it might not happen. If so, I’ll have internet connection and be able to write, be active, and fulfill leadership duties during the potential trip.
I will also have tennis matches until the third week of October (14-18, unless some are canceled, and then they might extend into the week after), though they won’t greatly impact the time I’ll have for planning as they are spaced out–these are primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Time management skills and shortcomings:
I’m good at planning whenever I have deadlines or tasks I have to do. I use a bullet journal and a checklist to make sure I’m working on something at a reasonable pace, and use checkpoints along the way to keep me motivated and productive. Keeping my list of commitments organized allows me to complete everything I have to do on time, without procrastination. It’s especially helpful for larger projects like posters or essays, and my planning strengths can easily transfer over to being a leader for SWC.
One of my shortcomings for time management is overcommitment. Sometimes I plan on doing too many things at once, so sometimes I become overwhelmed with a large workload consisting of a large number of tasks. A time this happened was during finals in eighth grade–I was studying for my end-of-the-year math test, while also working on a personal poster, an essay, and doing a large capstone project with my group. I managed this by reconfiguring my priorities; I set aside the personal project, and made sure I wasn’t over-committing myself to the group project and that the workload was even between everyone. I’m working on this by making sure I delegate appropriately by considering the amount of other commitments I have at the same time.
Collaboration and assets:
When working with others, one of my major strengths is that I’m reliable and will always follow through with what I commit to, and if for some reason I’m unable to do so, I will make sure to let others know with ample time in advance. I put in maximum effort for the tasks I complete and finish them on time, so that the entirety of the cabin’s leadership team can progress, and I always will reply to messages in a reasonable time frame. I’m also adaptable, and can easily work around any challenges that may pop up in the course of planning and during the session, which is something I’ve perfected as I’ve gotten used to last-minute lineup changes on the tennis team.
One of my shortcomings in collaboration is that I sometimes aim for perfection. This usually happens when I put forth an idea or something for the session–while this generally makes me put forth a more quality product, sometimes I hold off on finalizing things and spend too much time worrying about inconsequential details or small errors. I am working on this by worrying less about whether something is perfect and finalized while still being proud of what I create and do.
Some of my assets for a leading team include that I enjoy graphic design and art, so I’d be able to design profile pictures and create the aesthetic for the cabin, and can make banners as well. I also have a lot of experience with creating interactive storylines, which I like to do with my cousins. I also love to make puzzles, which can be incorporated as part of the storyline.
Leadership:
I most greatly value the quality of being able to communicate effectively in a leader. I believe leaders should always work to understand others and connect with the members of their leadership team, and by doing so, it furthers connectivity and understanding. As part of the tennis team, something that has really made this season great is the communication between the captains and the players, which is something I aim to replicate in leadership positions I have. Strong communication also creates a more open and friendly space that, personally, is one of the things that comes to mind when I think of SWC’s atmosphere.
As a leader, I will work towards effective communication through valuing others’ ideas, creating an inclusive environment, and promoting collaboration, which is something I also apply to my leadership roles outside of Scratch.
Cabin atmosphere:
“A friendly, creativity-geared cabin focused on personal improvement, while also encouraging collaboration among campers and amicable competition.” (145 characters)
Checkboxes:
() I will be available to help add points in the main cabin consistently throughout camp.
(✔) I’m willing to share a promotional project for SWC.
(✔) I’m applying for both leader and co.
Note: I’ll be able to help add points whenever I can, but on busier schooldays and if I am traveling I will not be able to do so.
There are not any leadership requirements I will be unable to complete.
If for some reason I become inactive without notice, I will notify my cabin’s leadership team and see if they can temporarily take over my responsibilities, though in September I would lay out all the posts and responsibilities beforehand to make it easier to prepare for unpredictable events.
If I will be inactive with advance notice, I will make sure that everything I’m responsible for is planned out for the rest of the cabin’s leadership team, and I will notify both them and the hosts in case I will be inactive for a prolonged and significant amount of time.
If a fellow (co-)leader becomes inactive without advance notice for more than ~5 days and won’t respond to messages, I will help divide up their work in a reasonable and fair manner with the rest of the cabin’s leadership team to ensure the rest of the session runs smoothly.
Last edited by surfdudewave (Sept. 18, 2024 23:56:00)
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