Camp Loyaltown Snapshot: Rehearsal for a Session 3 Showcase
The sounds of laughter and music echoed through the air at Camp Loyaltown as campers crafted, went swimming in the adaptive pool, or simply enjoyed some fresh air.
At the Rec Hall, campers were rehearsing for their second showcase of the session. Leading the choreography was Nyle Mohan, Unit Head of Programming. Campers followed his lead from the stage, or from the floor, wherever they were comfortable.
“It’s based on ‘Hairspray’ with a few adaptations of other songs,” Nyle said. “The [campers] have been working so hard all week to prepare this. And this is our last rehearsal before our big showcase tonight at 6:30.”
Among those rehearsing were campers Freddy Rodriquez, Michelle Rudoff and April Kloepfer.
“I like drama,” Freddy said. “I would come back next summer, 2026.”
As they sat on the stage, Michelle and April recounted how they sang an original song written by Nyle at the last showcase.
When asked what her favorite part about performing was, Michelle said “Being with Nyle.”
“Being myself,” April chimed in. “People appreciate us.”
Later in the day, the show went on. The stars of the performance sang numbers from “Hairspray,” including “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” They also sang pop classics like “Raise Your Glass” by Pink and “I Did it All” by Vince Myers.
“Their dance routines are brilliant,” Nyle said. “Their songs are brilliant. They really, really enjoy it when they get the chance to perform.”
The crowd of fellow campers and counselors also enjoy evenings of performances on stage, as people danced in the seats, sang along to the music, or even danced in front of the stage.
And as fun as the evening was, it was also emotional, as this would be the last Showcase of Session 3. Between rehearsing and performing, Showcases bring everyone together as they form deep bonds.
“One of the highlights of camp for me across my nine years here was the element of performance,” Nyle said. “And seeing the joy they get when they sing and they perform, it really, really makes it all worth it.”