The Camp Special Renaming Project

This post was written by myself and my two roommates, Josh “JD” Davis and Joe Chandler.

The History of Camp Special

In the year of our Lord two thousand and one, real estate mogul Dave Wirgau completed his third foray into the Tallahassee housing market and purchased a home on Bellevue Way. This home was quickly dubbed Camp Special by James “Jimbo” Munson, a young padawan learner of Joel Helms, Jedi Master. Jimbo observed the unique sleeping arrangement in the home: all three of the beds were in the same bedroom, lending a camp-like atmosphere to the abode. Historians disagree as to the origin of the name of the camp, the prevailing view being a desire for pretentious elevation above their neighbours (a sentiment that carries on to this day).

These humble walls have housed a veritable who’s who of great men. This cast of characters includes “Sergeant” Joel Helms, “Brother” Brent Kanyok, “Vertical” Rob Hodges, Kyle “Mr. White” Snyder, Byron “Byronneus” Blount, John “Huggies” Hughes, Matt “Tex” Miller, Todd “You’re Killin’ Me” Smoyer, Joe “Big Pappa” Landon, Josh “Don’t Call Me Jimi” Hendrix, “Crazy” Andy Larkin and Jason “Corner Pocket” Campbell.

Camp Special served as the birthplace of Big Breakfast (“Cheese on four!”), a vatic precursor to present-day Breakfast with a Disney Movie. Other landmark events include the 2003 Navigator Christmas Party, the First Annual Big Pig Ping Pong Tournament (it only happened once), countless Praise & Shakes, and the finish line for the Raise the Barr 5K. Most recently, Camp Special played host to the Stuff Give, a quarter acre of boxed friendship freely given to passers-by. All items were graciously and unknowingly donated by the aforementioned previous tenants.

Through the lead of Brent Kanyok, Camp Special initiated a community revival. Roommate dinners, beef nights, and shared possessions, along with the shared bedroom arrangement, fostered a sense of humility and service. Many, and in some cases all, of these practices spread to a number of other homes, such as Villa Special, The Projects/The Fort, The Lighthouse, 210, June Heights, Meadowbrook House, The Bridge, The Castle, The Cavern, and The Opera House.

Our Request

We are still continuing in the pursuit of God-honoring community. But in lieu of the traditional “camp” room arrangement, we have each taken our own bedroom. Therefore, we can no longer in good conscience call this home Camp Special. It’s as if each waking moment of our daily lives is spent in silent agony, an aching void that can only be filled with a new name. Bereft of said identity, the Nothing will destroy us all. That includes you.

We hereby commission you, the fellow stakeholders of this fine establishment, to suggest a new name for our house. We have worked out an elaborate ranking system that shall not be publicaly disclosed by which the winning name will be selected. In your suggestion, please include the following:

1. Your suggested name for our home
2. An explanation as to why you believe yours is a fitting name
3. If you choose, a fond memory experienced at this location

All submissions are encouraged and welcomed. (JD and Andrew have agreed not to silently judge anyone for their inappropriate or counterproductive ideas.) All entries must be submitted by Friday, October 10th by 11:59 PM. We look forward to reading your ideas.