Are You as Astute as Our Moss Hollow Campers?

One of these things is not like the others: fun, games, vocabulary words. Right?

Now, you might think that vocabulary words do not rest comfortably next to fun and games, but Hope Asterilla, the director of Camp Moss Hollow, disagrees. She thinks it's important that her campers are exposed to things they might have been denied, even if that means words likely to crop up on the SAT, a test that might play a pivotal role in determining their futures.

Each week, different SAT words are posted across the Fauquier County camp for at-risk kids, and campers are encouraged to learn what they mean and use them in sentences. At a recent session, the words were "astute," "quagmire" and "alleviate."

Hope also thinks it's not a bad idea to assign an occasional BCR -- the brief constructed response so common on standardized tests. The following reflections were taken from essays in which campers were asked to finish the sentence, "If it hadn't been for the Hollow . . ."

"I never would have been in a quagmire with a raccoon. I wouldn't have known that people were astute at what they do in their lives off of the camp grounds. I realized I can alleviate one of my habits." -- Ciaira, age 11

"I would have never broken out of being shy. I used to be very shy, so shy that when somebody said I had to go on stage or something I would cry. If it hadn't been for the Hollow, I would have never learned so many great songs. Tim, the music teacher, is so astute, his songs are great." -- LaShae, age 12

"I never would have learned how to build a fire. The reason building a fire is good is because when you are in nature that's how you get warmth, light and cook food. Another thing is that I would have never learned SAT words at such a young age." -- Brandon, age 14

"I would never had s'mores, played Deerhorn (campers) in football, met new friends, met my counselors, saw a snake, learned how to swim, had a good breakfast, lunch and dinner, had a pillow fight, listened to Michael Jackson, collect wood, get close to a campfire, saw a deer, a frog and a salamander, also a crawfish, slept in the woods, saw how to do a mime presentation, be in a talent show, met Ms. Hope, Tom, Will, Harrison, Donte and Neil . . ." -- Marcus, age 9

"I never would have got the chance to meet new people and find who I really am in life. When I first came to Camp Moss Hollow I went to arts and crafts and made bandanas. I thought it was good . . . then I thought it was real good. I have astute talent in designing. So I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grow up." -- Dymand, age 10

"I would not have been as astute at swinging on tires as I am. . . . Overall, this summer I have not gotten in any quagmire and have been astute at everything I do. I have also met some very astute people. This camp is really astute at making kids have fun. I really love the Hollow." -- Tynequa, age 13

"I would have never have experienced new kinds of people that do and like other things than me. I would have never expressed myself to others. I learned new words like 'astute,' 'quagmire' and 'alleviate.' This was my first camp I've ever been to and I had the best experience ever. Coming into Camp Moss Hollow, I was shy and scared to express myself. Now I'm leaving with my head up high ready to express myself." -- Laquanda, age 15

"I would have never been able to be in a cabin. Also, I would not have been able to be in a play. But something else is that I would never have met the friends that I have now." -- Darnell, age 11

Will This Be on the Test?

Now let me try: To alleviate my worry that I will find myself in a fundraising quagmire, would you please donate to Camp Moss Hollow? You were astute to wait until this week, because Clyde's is offering gift certificates to anyone who donates between now and Friday, when the campaign ends. Give $125 and you'll receive a $25 gift certificate for a meal at Clyde's. Give $200 and you'll receive a $50 gift certificate.

What's more, an anonymous donor has offered to match each donation made between now and Friday, up to a total of $75,000. We stand at $303,972.16. Our goal is $500,000. With your help, we can do it.

To make your tax-deductible gift, send a check or money order, payable to "Send a Kid to Camp," to P.O. Box 96237, Washington, D.C. 20090-6237. Or contribute online by going to http://www.washingtonpost.com/camp and clicking on the donation link. To use MasterCard or Visa by phone, call 202-334-5100 and follow the instructions on our taped message.

My e-mail: kellyj@washpost.com.