In an effort to reprogram the way Americans look at the CIA. Many loving, affluent, patriotic parents, are now able to send their kids to CIA summer camp.
Located at an undisclosed location, in the mountains of Western Maryland, this camp is simply refered to, by the administrators as, "The Other Farm"
Two of these "parents" are Seth and Eileen Flannery, who own a small, sign business, in Fairfax, Virginia. The Flannery's have not seen or heard from their 11 year old daughter, Mary Katherine, since, three days after they sent in their final payment, for this summer's camp. Mr. Flannery stated that "we had sent her to acting camp, which she loved, last summer. But we were late signing her up for that camp, this year, and we were unable to get her in. So a neighbor of ours suggested this camp. After looking over the brochure, we thought this might be an interesting life experience for her." Mrs Flannery said "our only regret we have was not being able to say goodbye to Mary Katherine because they came, unannounced, in the middle of the night, to pick her up."
Upon arrival at "The Other Farm", you quickly realize, this is not your mom and dad's summer camp. The camp sports many unique admendities, the first of which you land on. Their very own airstrip, the "Thomas Hale Boggs Airstrip", where the campers are taught the basics in small aircraft care and maintenance. They can also earn their pilots certification over the course of the summer. For the camp traditionalists, there is canoeing and swimming offered at the "William E. Colby Aquatic Sports Pier". A competitive marksmanship badge can be earned at the "John F. Kennedy Riffle Range", as well.
On the day that I was there, they were having their annual camp carnival. Hamburgers, hotdogs and apple pie were quite tasty and plentiful. Amongst the typical carnival attractions, the "Dick Cheney dunking and information extraction booth" was the most popular. The lines were long but enthusiastic, the entire day.
Although I was never allowed to speak to any of the campers directly. They were always Waving at me, trying to get my attention and in kind, I would wave back at them.
In conclusion, I think the CIA has hit upon something positive here. Even though the $20,000 price tag is on the high end of summer camp, the Mrs. and I are considering sending our 13 year old there next summer.
Cheers