Fond Memories of
o k a n a T p Cam
This summer, Camp Tanako celebrated its 70-year anniversary. Over the years, the camp has meant many things to many different people, but the overall feeling toward the camp has held consistent throughout generations of campers: a place where people can grow in their faith by experiencing the beauty of God in nature. We’ve gathered some of the fond memories from past campers -- and current camp deans -- along with pictures from the past to attempt to capture what this camp means to so many United Methodists. All photos courtesy of the Rev. Hammett Evans.
Mackey Yokem When did you attend Camp Tanako, and did you attend as a camper or as a volunteer? I began attending Tanako in 1963, first as a camper in Junior High Camp and then Senior High Camp and Conference Camp. Later, as a young pastor in the Little Rock Conference, I began leading camps and then as the Conference Youth Coordinator I was responsible for planning and leading Conference Camp (a camp for local church UMY leaders). What are some of your best memories of Camp Tanako? My favorite memories are the people that I met and the lifelong friends made while at Tanako. (Gladwin Connell, John Miles Sr., Ed Matthews, Don Riggin, Billy Boyd Smith) These are people that helped me make significant life decisions and have nurtured me my entire life. I still see people today that were fellow campers at Tanako. We laugh and remember our time together. I do remember the camp songs, skits and the jokes we played on each other. But I guess the most significant thing is the foundation that Tanako gave me for a life long ministry in the church. What are one or two stories from your time at camp that you would like to share? No stories, just memories: Chuck’s singing “You done stomped my Heart flat!” 19
ARKANSAS UNITED METHODIST
