Mandatory fun fills campers’ evenings

By Brook Joyner and Sam Oldenburg

Most evenings, VAMPY campers take part in a range of fun activities referred to as mandatory optionals. The term comes from it being mandatory that campers sign up for an activity but optional which activity they select. Each day counselors come up with creative optionals ranging from active to relaxing.

Cayce Jones of Versailles competes in a game of ping pong Wednesday, June 29. Other campers played air hockey, foosball, and card games in the den on the top floor of Florence Schneider Hall. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Teague Howell tosses a frisbee to a teammate while playing Ultimate Frisbee on South Lawn during optional time Monday, June 26. (Photo by Sam Oldenburg)

Elizabeth Rexroat of Columbia draws with sidewalk chalk in front of Florence Schneider Hall Tuesday, June 27. Each evening, campers participate in optionals, giving them the opportunity to try out a variety of activities. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Sydney Schulten of Fayetteville, Ga. helps Kamrin Green of Bowling Green apply a temporary tattoo during optionals Wednesday, June 28. Counselors Maddie Hamblin and Sara Rastoder led BG Ink, where campers applied temporary tattoos and face paint. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Sarah Pedersen of Barbourville gets a butterfly painted on her face at the BG Ink optional Wednesday, June 28. Campers applied face paint and temporary tattoos to one another. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Hannah Bachrach of Brentwood, Tenn., listens to counselor Aaron Bard explain rules for Magic: The Gathering during the Magic for Beginners optional Wednesday, June 28. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Abby Adams-Smith of Bowling Green chases after another camper in a game of Humans vs. Zombies during optional time Monday, June 26. Humans used pool noodles to defend themselves from zombies. (Photo by Sam Oldenburg)

Counselor Aaron Bard teaches a camper how to play Magic: The Gathering during optionals Wednesday, June 28. The trading card game is popular among the campers. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Campers watch "American Ninja Warrior" during optionals Wednesday, June 28. After watching the video, they competed in an obstacle course set up outside. (Photo by Brook Joyner) — Campers watch “American Ninja Warrior” during optionals Wednesday, June 28. After watching the video, they competed in an obstacle course set up outside. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Counselor David Brown teaches campers how to play Magic: The Gathering during the Magic for Beginners optional in Florence Schneider Hall Wednesday, June 29. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

optionals-011 — Susanna Moore of Junction City shows Brock Kessinger of Louisa how to braid a friendship bracelet during an optional called Create the Friendship Monday, June 26. (Photo by Sam Oldenburg)

Laine Hirn of Louisville passes the frisbee during the ultimate optional Tuesday, June 27. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Bailey Richardson (left) and Chloe Cox, both from Clarkson, look at pictures on Bailey's camera during optionals Tuesday, June 27. Since campers aren't allowed to have phones, many bring digital cameras with them to take pictures. (Photo by Brook Joyner) — Bailey Richardson (left) and Chloe Cox, both from Clarkson, look at pictures on Bailey’s camera during optionals Tuesday, June 27. Since campers aren’t allowed to have phones, many bring digital cameras with them to take pictures. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

W.P. Hurt of Edmonton watches "Phineas and Ferb" during the Naptown USA optional Wednesday, June 28. Campers brought blankets and pillows and had the option of watching TV, reading, or sleeping. (Photo by Brook Joyner) — W.P. Hurt of Edmonton watches “Phineas and Ferb” during the Naptown USA optional Wednesday, June 28. Campers brought blankets and pillows and had the option of watching TV, reading, or sleeping. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Claire Pinkston of Versailles and counselor Sam Kernohan fight for the bal during a soccer optional Tuesday, June 27. (Photo by Brook Joyner) — Claire Pinkston of Versailles and counselor Sam Kernohan fight for the ball during a soccer optional Tuesday, June 27. (Photo by Brook Joyner)

Jacob Conway of Georgetown hangs out with other campers at the chalk drawing optional Tuesday, June 27. Optionals allow give the campers a break after spending the day in class. (Photo by Brook Joyner)