In a record census Sunday, camp staffers were shocked to find that the number of pieces of luggage has finally surpassed the number of campers.

The 22nd year of Satori began on Sunday, with campers coming from all corners of the country. However, it was the sight of tiny 12-year-olds lugging bags and boxes that attracted most of the attention. Campers were generally accompanied by two or three suitcases and some very exhausted parents. Most had enough belongings to prepare for a year of living in the dorms (or residence hall - where more happens than sleeping!).

With the excess of our culture, comes the expectation that we need certain things to live. This fact was reiterated many times over with the sight of campers and parents alike, red-faced from lugging bags up three flights of stairs. However, although some of these things may not be needed, there are many things that make the week of Satori even more enjoyable.

Music seems to be one thing that campers can't live without. On Sunday morning, music could be heard coming from Robbie Finnigan's room, where he was playing his bass guitar. A wide assortment of music, from Pink Floyd to Led Zeppelin, floated from the record player of Nina Neff. An iPod and accompanying speaker, belonging to Chelsea Sky-Link, welcomed parents and campers at check-in.

Other students did more in the way of decorating. In room 355, streamers criss-cross the ceiling and a piñata awaits a cruel fate. One room contains two desks stacked on top of each other, making a stereo console and storage shelves. Camp director Mike Cantlon found his door beautifully decorated on Sunday morning, with balloons and streamers galore.

Of course, with camp occurring during what always seems to be the hottest week of the summer, fans are a must. Some lucky campers receive air conditioning on the second floor, while the third floor campers are forced to sweat it out. A variety of fans are brought to serve as more than just a simple decoration. Box fans are a popular choice, with upright fans "taking a stand."

In this day and age, excess is common. However, it's the little things that make living at Satori more comfortable.