What is a Tlirgin?
Is it your first time at camp? Perhaps a “Virgin” at “Tluda”? Then you are a Tlirgin.
What Does it Take to be Tlirgin of the Year?
The vote is left to a series of judges: the current year’s camp counselor, the previous year’s Tlirgin of the Year, and the Camp Director. Sunday morning they gather to vote based on 4 various categories:
Caring - you are caring, kind and thoughtful to your fellow campers. There is no space for mean bullies.
Attitude - you have a positive attitude and are eager to try new things, play games, and be part of the community.
Memorable - you have left your mark, and we can’t imagine camp without you! We still talk about you to this day.
Proactive - whether it’s setting up lawn games, helping clean up or others unpack, you’re a proactive member
Get ready - we look forward to seeing you bring your best CAMP to Camp Tluda!
Winners of Tlirgin of the Year
The concept of “Tlirgin of the Year” was instituted in 2017. The camp director has retroactively voted for previous T.O.Y. based off longevity and impact. Many of the retro winners have yet to miss a session, and have become camp counselors.
2024: Sonya
When Sonya boarded her flight in California to head to Camp Tluda, she had no idea she would be crowned Tlirgin of the Year. From gathering Hello Jellos to welcome new campers to the signature Code Red, Sonya was more than memorable. A great attitude and willingness to help her counselor and cabinmates, you wouldn’t think this was her first time at camp. We’re not saying picking up 15 bags of ice on the way to camp tipped the votes, it just happened to show what was natural in Sonya as a Tludan.
2023: Nicholi
The hardest year in Tlirgin of the Year voting history, Nicholi was crowned champion. His caring nature to ensure he spoke and got to know everyone, from bringing the keg and set up to passing out pizza to share and crafting up breakfast cocktail, Nicholi also showed his positive attitude. Everyone left camp with great memories of Nicholi, as well as invites to visit him in Yakima. It has been said he will return to claim his Tlegacy.
2022: Winston
Winston was the remaining Tlirgin who stayed until Monday after he had already won. Whether it be cooking, loading a truck, or carrying heavy items or doing dishes - he always offered to help. Winston also participated in all activities and games, showed enthusiasm in Musical Chairs - almost too much - and even tried to swindle some Jenga players. A memorable kiss at skit night, Lhasa as his companion - Winston definitely left a mark in the hearts of Camp Tluda.
2021: Glenn
“Glenn, One, Drinking” is what he said. He took a knee, and drank the shot the fastest. Continued playtime with the rest of camp while joy and enthusiasm, He made jokes, he spent a good chunk of time in the communal amphitheater, always participating - even some fast footing in Balloon Pop. Glenn’s first time at Camp Tluda was a success.
2019: Kinsley
Yes - he guzzled that boot like no human ever could, and finished it with infinite cheering. Kinsley made amazing food with fresh bread form Macrena, and chipped in to help make dinner Sunday night when alumni didn’t have the capacity. Kinsley also participated in all the games, helped the Camp Director run the store Sunday morning, and always had a positive attitude. His one handed clap didn’t hurt either.
2018: Jake
There was no doubt Jake showed up to camp like a hurricane with an amazing amount of energy. He got into all the games, including bubble soccer and was a champ at the keg stand - even with a knee brace. He gathered the crowd to play Queen’s cup and led a late night gaming session, followed by an impromptu dive competition into the kiddie pool after Sunday breakfast. Sultan breakfast may have been a struggle, but he definitely gave 110%.
2017: Evan
Also known as “Even Flow”, Evan’s first year was definitely memorable. Besides being married to one of the best ladies in the world, he also gives the best hugs! He showed up at skit night with some crazy celebrity impression, and quick wit banter allowed him to make friends and influence people rather quickly. One of the best rules in King’s cup was brought to you by Even Flow: “If you say someone’s name, you have to kiss ‘em!” Thank you Evan for being Evan.
2016: Allie
Starting with one of the best applications, Allie showed her electrifying excitement for camp before even meeting the Camp Director. She came with bells on, and never gave anything less than 100%. Allie continues to periodize her attendance at camp, including as a camp director - which made the retroactive voting so easy in selecting Allie as the T.O.Y. of her class. [Retro Winner]
2015: Alisha
It’s like she had been to camp before - no one could tell she was a Tlirgin. 2015 was actualy when the term “Tlirgin” was coined, and Alisha gave the word a run for her money. Upbeat energy, quick whips, and running around pouring fireball shots into people’s mouths, she was an excellent cinnamon whiskey host of things. Alisha has been a camp counselor every year thereafter, and has shown impeccable Tluda spirit. It wasn’t a difficult decision to select her as the Tlirgin of the Year. [Retro Winner]
2014: Hilary
Hilary left a lasting impression - attending camp without knowing a single person beyond the Camp Director, who she had worked with in 2011 and haven’t met up since. It was a bold move to arrive to camp in that manner, however Hilary came prepared with Korean short ribs, and a platter of grapes, cheeses and snacks for all to share. “I needed to make sure people liked me!” she confessed. Hilary’s humor attached her fur coat allowed her to be one of the more memorable campers of Tluda. [Retro Winner]
2013: Heather
From her first year in 2013, Heather has been a counselor and has never skipped a session. Hse always volunteers to be part of the bacon sizzling crew (see picture right) and willing ot help prepare crafts and needs for all campers. She puts her heart and soul into her cabin, and comes blazing with energy, jokes, and the ability to rally to ensure not only her campers but all fo camp, is continuously playing games and having a good time. [Retro Winner]
2012: Brian
Brian became “Brian O” in a few years, but in 2012 he was a Tlirgin and only knew his coworker. He came to meet a bunch of strangers and has never missed a year of camp since - this was the main driving factor to voting for Brian retroactively. He was even a counselor in 2017! Brian shows commitment to his love and devotion to Camp Tluda and for that - he is our very first “Tlrigin of the Year” and one of two remaining campers who have not missed a year since they joined. [Retro Winner]
2011: All of Camp
June 10, 2011 was the inaugural day of Camp Tluda. We were all Tlirgins, knowing nothing of what was to come. Wallace Falls was a different place, and all we had were shirts, 2 nights, 80% of the cabin, a keg of beer and one set of donkey balls. the rest, was up to our pure imagination.