Sick

I am so sick today. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with bronchitis. here's a memory of camp from way back - Aunt Polly. She wore her stiff white uniform everyday and that nurse's hat. it was a cross between a dixie cup and a coffee filter with a black velvet ribbon around it. She was one scary lady - you had to be really sick to subject yourself to her. When Prof took over, his daughter Sandy got the job and was much friendlier. I think Sandy was a nurturer. She came as a package deal with her husband and two kiddos. She made the infirmary a much nicer place! I wish I had Sandy to nurse me now.

Sunset Knoll

Today is Palm Sunday. Our opening hymn was Lead On O King Eternal. I was taken back to Sunset Knoll. It was such a spiritual place within camp. It was filled with peace and tranquility. We would have vespers there and that hymn was one that was sung with regularity. i think it was a favorite of Prof. There are many hymns that were sung with regularity at camp. On ceremonial night, we all marched in to Onward Christian soldiers and recessed to We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder. Those songs are forever linked to Camp Wampatuck and take me back to my childhood.
When I was a very young camper, we had vespers on a regular basis, but as I grew older, they occurred less frequently. I believe we all have our own spiritual pathways. Music has always worked for me as has nature. The combination of the two is beautiful. How can we find our own Sunset Knoll in our lives? I believe we need to take the time to free ourselves of everything and let God speak to us. I need to take the time each day to have that conversation with God.
I hope that Sunset Knoll is still there, that it is still a place of solace and peace, and that someone, somewhere uses it to find inner peace.

I am finally back online. The counselors at Camp Wampatuck had such a powerful influence on me.  I could name many.  My first one was elaine.  She was the director's daughter and was there in 1956 and 1957, my first years.  She was so nice and probably the only one I remember from that time.  I do remember Anna Marie also.  She taught camp craft and I think became a nun.  Elaine ran the waterfront.  That pond was so gross!   Peggy was probably my favorite.  I wish I knew what has become of the camp.  I remember autographing the cabins.  I believe I made to every cabin at one time or another.  My two weeks at camp each summer was my personal summer vacation. 

sounds of camp

do you remember reveille  playing at 7:30?  the graces sung before each meal?  gathering at the flagpole for morning pledge and flag raising.  these sounds of our past helped to build the character of so many campers.  sunset knoll, the most beautiful of all, looking out over lake wampatuck in the evening as the sun cast its coral shadow over the lake.  how about the first night of each session when the counselors would serenade us to sleep.  having been both camper and counselor, i don't know which was better, hearing the serenade or participating.  we were so blessed to be part of it all.  

Where are you?

Fellow Campers,

I have set up this blog as a way for any member of the  Camp Wampatuck family to keep in touch.  I heard from Karen Switzer years ago and it brought back so many memories.  I know you are out there with memories to share, counselor hunts, campfires, ceremonial night, favorite songs and counselors.  How about Mrs. Carlson, Prof and his entire family?  Switz sent me some pictures and I will try and upload them sometime soon.  This is a great time to share memories with each other.  I hope to hear from some of you soon.