Introduction by AddictA 50-something woman sporting walking shorts and a cap walks through the door, beaming from ear-to-ear. This must be Sara Summers, the director of the new Happy Hills summer camp being advertised all over town. Today, however, the pitch will come from you as you work to become the chief landscaper, architect and designer for the camp.
Sara shakes your hand before taking a seat. Though it's only May, she seems to have a tan already. You think to yourself how glad you are you wore long sleeves today.
"I am so glad to hear of your interest in the project," she begins. "It is an undertaking with four different lots, I know, but Summer HIll just offers so many opportunities."
"So let me be sure I'm correct. You mentioned a girls' camp, boys' camp, pond for watersports and fishing, and an ampitheater. Those are the four you're referencing, correct?"
"Yep. The same. I'd like the pond on the middle lot, between the two camps to keep the boys and girls a little separated for most of the day-to-day activities. The end lot will serve as both an ampitheater for talent shows and common gatherings while also functioning as a social place for the occasional dance."
"How rustic are you thinking? They'll obviously know it's new."
"I'd like wooden structures with a somewhat lighter/brighter wood. Nothing too light, of course, as it will get dirty, but also nothing too dark, as I want it to remain cheery, too. I'd like the girls' camp primarily with deep blue accents and the boys' with dark greens."
"And what kind of structures would you like on each?"
"Well, for the two camps, I'd like at least three cabins: one for the younger children and one for the teens with another, smaller one with all of the amenities for each head counselor. Each of the campers' cabins should sleep 8. We'll also need a bath house, mess hall, and small clinic on each, too, of course."
"What about the pond area? Any plans for that?"
"I'd like a nice dock area. And maybe some seating to watch the events. That lot should have its own restroom and a couple of showers for boys and another couple of showers for girls. For the ampitheater lot, I'd like the open-air theater, of course, but I'd like the area around it to be a little wooded. Maybe with a little trail or something? It will need its own restroom as well, as we'll host events there. An area with picnic tables and some grills would be great, too. And it will definitely need to have great lighting for nighttime events."
"It sounds like the kids will have a lot of fun! Any other requests?"
"Hmm. Well, this is probably the toughest part, but the Summer Hill area is just so FLAT. I'd really like it if the camp could have a little more character with some small hills and a real woodsy feel. It shouldn't just feel like the valley but instead like the kids are really getting away. The only other thing is I'd really like all four lots to blend. They shouldn't look the same, but you should be able to tell they go together through similar building materials like the woods you use. I hope that's not too much?"
"I'm confident we can do it. You're giving us a little extra time, so that should definitely help!"
"As far as budget, I'll sock whatever I need to into the landscaping, terraforming, and all of that. The camp should be nice, but rustic. They should not feel like they're at The Ritz or something, so adequate and nice, but not too over-the-top on luxuries and furnishings would be nice, too."
“Wonderful. Well, I think I’m all set. Please let us know if you think of anything else.”
Ms. Summers stands, shakes your hand, and walks out.
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As she leaves, I make a note to contact her so I can see the site later that week. I have a lot of work ahead of me.
