Dear Miss Manners: I'm feeling left out. A lot of people seem to know each other. What should I do?

MM: Include Yourself!!! Ask for a hug. Volunteer to work on a project or in the kitchen. Ask someone to go for a walk. Why not try being transparent and tell people that you are feeling left out and want to connect.

Dear Miss Manners: Is there a best time to take a shower before the hot water runs out?

MM: Miss Manners highly recommends showering with a friend to save hot water to prevent this very thing. Consideration in sharing hot water is extremely civil and encourages hugs.

Dear Miss Manners: This was advertised as a clothing optional camp. Are there limits to when and where that is OK?

MM: Miss Manners presumes you are asking when is it rude to be nude. Although Miss Manners understands the beauty of nature and our au naturel bodies, she feels it is best if one attends meals with a modicum of covering. Also, if there is a family camping area, one should observe the preferences of the campers there. Without question, one would be clothed where one could be seen from the public road.

Dear Miss Manners: Before my friend was arrested last week, I was able to get 26 hits of Ecstasy. Do you think other Summer Camp attendees would enjoy sharing this bounty with me?

MM: Dear Bountiful, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. However, in spite of her belief in choice, Miss Manners gets VERY, VERY CRANKY thinking that the owners of the land and others could be endangered by such action. Please do not bring this type of bounty to SC. Besides, Miss Manners' friends prefer the natural highs here in our forest, our river, and our loving friends.

Dear Miss Manners: I've heard you do a lot of hugging at Summer Camp. I'm not sure I want that. Will I be rejected and isolated if I don't participate? On the other hand, is it OK to just hug everyone?

MM:. Dear Questioning, Hugs are indeed quite popular at camp. However even more important is the belief that everyone is at choice and needs to take responsibility for themselves. This includes communicating your desire to be hugged or not.

Dear Miss Manners: Can we build fires?

MM: No, No, NO !

Dear Miss Manners: I understand that the campers are very liberal and open to lots of touches and hugs. And do I have to go though the silly politically correct stuff about asking every time before I touch someone?

MM: That's touching, dear, and Miss Manners realizes this can at times be frustrating. However, how can one be sure that the partner of choice is truly at choice if one doesn't communicate one's intent and be welcomed? Unless otherwise agreed, it is quite important to ask (verbally or non-verbally) before touching.

Dear Miss Manners: Strict schedules really get me down. Is it OK to miss meetings or show up late to them - especially morning events?

MM: Dear Missing Camper, Miss Manners reminds you that you are entirely at choice. If you wish to sleep all day and night, I wish you delightful dreams but don't DREAM of asking for a refund on what you missed.

Unless the speaker has requested no one join after the presentation has started, you will be welcome when you FINALLY get there. However, the intention this year is to start presentations on time to honor the speakers. It is also respectful not to expect others to summarize for you what you have missed or to jump in on a discussion that you have heard little of.

Dear Miss Manners: If all meals are vegetarian, does this mean that I will be eating green salads for twelve days? Although I enjoy a good salad, I can't live on rabbit food alone. I believe I need meat for my body to function well.

MM: Dear Omnivore, We have an absolutely delightful and varied menu which will include adequate protein. However, Miss Manners recognizes that some campers believe they need or just really want meat. The camp is officially vegetarian for philosophical reasons in addition to keeping the cost low. However, since we want you to be at choice, you are welcome to supplement your diet. However, you will not have access to cook in the kitchen area so please plan ahead.

Dear Miss Manners: I may wish to participate in sexual encounters. Are there any rules?

MM: Dear Seeker, Miss Manners does not make rules!! However, she highly recommends CONSCIOUS, INFORMED decision making. Having appropriate conversation BEFORE engaging should include sharing appropriate histories, any health concerns, use of safer sex supplies and any boundaries to be honored. (Good campers, like good scouts, should Be Prepared).

Consciousness also includes being aware if there is a "Family Camping" area that includes children. Let the munchkins learn at their own perfect time.

Dear Miss Manners: What is this Kitchen Volunteer stuff? Do I HAVE to volunteer to work in the kitchen?

MM: Dear reluctant, Miss Manners gets VERY cranky when she and a few others have to do all the work and she is too tired to be playful. Good campers work together and play together.

When one gives with a playful spirit, work becomes play. So think PLARK (More PLAy than woRK) as you make your contribution as a kitchen god or goddess.