Helllooo Camp Takajo!  Our first foray into Maine was INCREDIBLE.  We were introduced to Camp Takajo in Naples, ME by the staff and campers with the warmest of welcomes.  We headed over to the camp the night before the show to check out the grounds and make arrangements for the Camplified event the next day – it’s a good thing as Camp Takajo is definitely off the beaten path.  We were lucky as we got to see the grounds at sunset – and before all the carnival events were set up for the following day.

On show day we arrived early with the sound crew to get the event set up – we arranged for one set before lunch, then the Camplified activities, followed by another set in the afternoon.  The first set opened with Alexa and Natalee Falk and they brought the house down!  I’ve never seen it before, but they did an a cappella version of MJ’s “Black & White” that the boys loooooved.  Next up was Kicking Daisies who got the crowd ready to rock while Loomis & The Lust kept the energy flowing.  The crowd was pumped up….and it wasn’t even lunch time!

Alexa and Natalee Falk (of Faces Without Names) start the show off right

After a short break we set up the activities with Rockband using the acoustics of the theatre while Cartoon Network videos and Yu-Gi-Oh! set up next door in a connected building.  Both spaces were gorgeous and it was a good thing – although the Camp Takajo carnival was taking place outside, all of our “stations” were packed!  The day’s musicians joined the campers for some rowdy Rockband “shows” while the Yu-Gi-Oh! experts introduced and trained some excited campers in the art of Konami-goodness.  PLUS (as if that wasn’t enough) the Cartoon Network videos and previews were a huge hit!  The Andrew WK video in particular – the kids went wild!  And, as they made their way outside, the campers picked up their Cartoon Network balls and turned the carnival grounds red with their CN kickballs.  It was pretty crazy!

The campers had a lot of fun with their Cartoon Network balls

The bands that played am sets also hung out and signed some autographs for some very excited campers!

the guys from Loomis & The Lust made some campers very happy during the autograph session

Then it was time for the second set and 2am Club closed up the night.  2am Club has a unique blend of “funk, pop, rock, blue-eyed soul, hip-hop, new wave, and electro” (I couldn’t describe it if I wanted to, so I’m quoting their MySpace page!) that the kids really responded to.  They put on a really good show and everyone had a great time.

Although we were only in Naples, ME for just over a day we had the best time.  Not only because we were able to bring all of these great activities and music to the campers but also because the campers and staff were so gracious and welcoming to US!  It was a great day for everyone involved in Camplified!

Posted by Jess Fontaine, Crew Member