Jasmine Calvert with Grandma Buffy

By Jasmine Calvert

Why on Earth do I come to Andes every single summer? The reason in the beginning was definitely the fact that most of my cousins spent their summers here with Grandma and Grandpa. Our summers began after the official meeting when we formed teams that had assigned jobs (or, in other words, chores) and rough guidelines of rules.

Our days started at about 8 or 9 with breakfast and swim lessons at the pool. I, of course, somehow weaseled out of the swim lessons along with Ana. By 11:30, everyone was expected to be dressed and ready to eat lunch. This is what my grandma Buffy calls the “Turnaround Time.” With about maybe…lets say 6,7 to 8 people (varying every summer) having to eat, pack stuff in the car, grab a pair of shoes and get in the car, things got forgotten, uneaten or worse. We piled in to the car, on top of people munching on cookies and sandwiches. By the time we arrived at West Kortright for Shakespeare in the Valley; we spilled out ready to act (or in my case, make costumes).

At five o’clock, we start home, making a stop at the supermarket in Delhi. We separate into our teams: one group makes supper, another sets the table, the third cleans up and does the dishes (by hand). Following a good 2-hour dinner and dessert, we play board games and then we get ready for the play rehearsing and sleep. That was our typical day.

These days, I am the only one who isn’t at camp, college and/or working, so I have time on my hands. I came up to Andes as early as I could, by car. The day after, I make sure to notice the new benches dotting the street and to say hi to everyone I knew. My days are more or less filled. Whether it’s going swimming at Perch Lake or the pool, to the library, taking walks, visiting the unique stores, cooking and baking, I am happy with the chance to do what I love to do. I always hate goodbyes to Andes.

Without my cousins, I have made friends for life with teens who live in Andes and elsewhere. Andes is a magnetic place that allows people to have a great time visiting or the pleasure of living in Andes full-time. Andes is always welcoming and ready to celebrate with a grand Community Day. See you next summer, on my bike or by foot! ~