Summer Camp: Stories From Around the Campfire by Megan Potts

Stories From Around the Campfire EDITED BY MEGAN POTTS

Summer Camp: Stories From Around the Campfire Copyright ÂŠ 2016 Megan Potts Edited and designed by Megan Potts www.meganpotts.com Copyright ÂŠ 2016 by the authors of this book. The authors retain sole copyright to their contributions to this book Photographs courtesy of Jasmine Sommer Photography (pg. 14, 30, 38, 44, 48) and personal content of authors First edition Printed and bound in Canada

Introduction

Heather

Camp Hermosa

Lola

Camp Katonim

Meredith

Blaze Day Camp

Evelyn

Ryde Lake Camp

Jaimie

Camp Widjiitiwin

Clarissa

Blaze Day Camp

Samara

Camp Katonim

Elisabeth

Camp Hermosa

Tom

Camp Katonim

Jasmine

Blaze Day Camp

Acknowledgements 52

This book is so much more than just a book. It holds memories and friendships that have been formed at summer camps across Ontario that will last a lifetime beyond the pages of this book. This collection of stories from individuals who have been lucky enough to spend time at summer camp is a way for them to share their experiences with you. To give you a glimpse into the life that is camp. Camp is an entirely different world for many. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place where we can escape all of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worries and only worry about being ourselves. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an oportunity to try new things and meet new people. It becomes a safe place that always draws us back, either physically or mentally as we remember all the good times and laughs that were shared with good friends. No matter how much time one spends at camp, whether it be 1 week, 10 years or an entire lifetime, it is clear from the stories in this book that camp has the ability to be a life-changing experience, one that will forever be cherished and never be forgotten.

Camp Hermosa GODERICH, ONTARIO

1973-1984

HEATHER, CAMPER, COUNSELOR & KITCHEN STAFF

When I was a little girl, I attended camp with my parents who were “Pilot” and “Co-pilot,” otherwise known as the camp directors. I don’t remember these days other than in pictures but I guess they set the foundation for what would be one of the most influential experiences in my life. One word to describe camp for me would be ‘relationships.’ I started attending summer camp on my own at the age of 9. My first summer I met my lifelong friends Barb and Sandy. Between summers where we were always cabin-mates, we would travel between each other’s houses by train, as I lived in London, Barb lived in Kitchener, and Sandy lived in Guelph. One time I was going to Kitchener but fell asleep on the train and didn’t wake up until Guelph. Lucky for me, Sandy’s parents were willing to drive me back to Kitchener without hesitation. Barb eventually moved out west with her parents and as letters became more scarce, we lost touch for a while.

But in recent years we have reconnected as adults and share life’s events through Facebook. Sandy and I lost touch during university years but reconnected shortly after as though no time had passed. Our families went camping together when our children were young and she and her husband, Jeff (also an old camp friend) have celebrated our children’s weddings with us.

Camp was where I first met my 7 foot friend named Randy. Camp was where I first met my 7 foot friend named Randy. In the early years, I’ve been told he had a crush on me but somehow our friendship evolved more into a brother-sister relationship that I cherished so much more. Camp often led to a new boyfriend and some of these boyfriends happened to be from Sarnia. I wasn’t allowed to go stay the weekend at a new boyfriend’s parents’ house but I was allowed to go stay with Randy and his mom. They became my weekend home and Randy and I spent many hours talking about our latest girlfriend/boyfriend problems. One summer when I was working at camp in the kitchen, I attended a wedding as Randy’s guest because he was without a girlfriend at the time and didn’t want to show up alone. Because we arrived back at camp late, he simply pulled out his sleeping bag and slept on the floor of my cabin - noting that the cabin design was a tri-plex with open rafters

that you could both see and hear over. My co-kitchen staffers Jenny and Kathy didn’t have a problem with the new temporary tenant, however when Jenny and I applied to work at camp the next summer we were declined citing that we had too much fun (we did sing and dance while chopping food and washing dishes just to make a boring job a little more interesting), didn’t take our job seriously, and that I “entertained boys in and around my cabin.” If they only knew what a joke that was. I was devastated because my once safe summer haven was now taken from me. I blame the head cook and her business manager husband, a couple who I kind of still dislike to this day, some 3 decades later.

I “entertained boys in and around my cabin.” If they only knew what a joke that was. Over the years I was not only a camper, a staffer, but also a camp counsellor. I always remembered what I loved about my favourite counselors over the years as a camper. One of those leaders just happened to be Randy’s older sister. They were fun, they shared juicy details from their love letters they received during the week from their boyfriend at home, and they spent time with us. All in all, they were invested in our lives and showed that they cared. I wanted to be like that

and I think on many levels I succeeded. I was pen pals for years with Liz who was one of my campers, who in later years also became my sister-in-law. I went to the banquet with a young male camper who said he was going to marry me one day. That never happened, although I did end up babysitting Chris and his little sister Lisa and then reconnected this year. I think he did okay as he now has a beautiful wife and 3 daughters of his own.

The many memories flooded back...both happy and sad. Because my husband and family moved away from London, our girls never attended the camp that I grew up at. However, all 3 have experienced â&#x20AC;&#x153;campâ&#x20AC;? in Muskoka in different capacities. A few years ago, I attended a family camp weekend at my old stomping grounds with my sister-in-law and 2 nieces. The many memories flooded back...both happy and sad. There are too many memories to share but there is a mutual feeling that takes us right back to those days whenever we run into an old camp friend.

Camp Katonim ROCHES POINT, ONTARIO

2014-2015

LOLA, COUNSELOR

The most important part of any story about the camp that I worked at is explaining how it works, because my camp is a little bit different than most. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a day camp for the kids; they come at 9am and leave at 4:30pm. The staff, on the other hand, live there through the week, arriving on Sunday night and staying through to after camp on Friday. Due to the nature of a group of 16 to 23 year olds living together, it leads to some less than G-rated after camp activities. Of course that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that once the kids go home, we get to do whatever we want all summer. One of the most exciting weeks of camp is the last week of July, when we have Colour Wars. The entire camp, staff and campers, are split up into two teams and we have a day and a half filled with cheer offs, group challenges, and camp wide games. Most nights the week of Colour Wars are full of drinking and writing cheers. This past summer during Colour

Wars there was a boy in my regular cabin that had recently had a serious surgery, which made him kind of fragile. His mom trusted me to keep him safe during camp, however, for some reason when the teams were made, we were put on opposite sides.

I was running around camp going from team to team making sure that my camper felt comfortable. It immediately freaked me out that I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to be able to keep an eye on him, which sent me into tear-filled anxiety attacks with the head staff trying to figure out a way to make sure he stayed safe and keep my mind at peace. We eventually came up with a plan to have two staff members on his team to pay extra close attention to him during the big games like capture the flag, and I would supervise the individual activities that he was a part of. While in between anxiety attacks I did manage to have fun with my team writing cheers and coming up with strategies to win, it was one of the most stressful weeks of the summer for me. So when it came time for Colour Wars to start, I felt like I was running around camp going from team to team making sure that my camper felt comfortable and that the staff knew what to do if anything bad happened. Of course nothing bad did happen and he told me it was his favourite week at camp! And any stress that I had to deal with didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter anymore because it meant that he had a great time!

Blaze Day Camp HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO

2005-2015

MEREDITH, PROGRAM DIRECTOR

I think I could probably think of a story for every year of camp if I sat down and thought about each of the themes, but I think one thing that stands out for me most is just the fact that something came out of something we dreamed of doing! My husband Dave and I always wanted to be able to run a camp, so when we got the farm we knew instantly that we were going to incorporate camp into the plans. 10 years later and we are still going strong. I think our team of students who have had a heart for kids and a willingness to volunteer their time has made a huge difference, they have brought joy in so many ways by just giving and not having to worry about being perfect in everything they do. Camp lets us be us, without having to fit into a mold that society dictates on a regular basis. As God wants us to be us, to be what he created us to be without feeling we have to conform to the ways of the world. Camp helps

with this! Parents have told me many times over that they feel safe in sending their kids to camp, they are exhausted and fall into bed at night but with a smile on their face and a jump in their step for the next day.

Without having to fit into a mold that society dictates on a regular basis. Seeing my own 2 kids, who 10 years ago would roll out of bed and go to camp as campers in their own backyard, now act as leaders within our camp, is especially rewarding as a mom. Hearing them talk about how much Blaze has been a positive impact in their lives, and knowing that we have provided the same opportunity for so many more young people in our community, truely does make my heart happy.

Ryde Lake Camp GRAVENHURST, ONTARIO

2006-2013

EVELYN, CAMPER & KITCHEN STAFF

When I say I went to sleep away camp growing up people get this idea in their head. They think of the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movies, co-ed cabins, pranks, free-for-all food fights and activities, etc. Then I explain how it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like that at all. I went to an all girls camp, specifically a CGIT camp (Canadian Girls in Training). This gives people a whole other idea. Traditionally, CGIT camps and programs are for young teenage girls to grow up, making lasting friendships and become closer with God. That last one is held loosely in my eyes though, as I am not what you would call a religious person. Similar to most of the girls who went to camp and even those who were leaders. To me Ryde Lake Camp was a place where I came into my own. I personally inferred being close to God as more close to nature and learning about yourself. About knowing the difference between good and bad, how to treat people the way you wanted to be treated and

how to be a generally positive person in life. This last one is definitely significant, can you imagine living with 6 other 15 year old girls for a week in one cabin, you have to learn patience, and fast. Most of all, Ryde gave me faith, it gave me grounding and it gave me piece of mind.

Lack of cell reception, meaning you were totally cut off from the rest of the world. This was a good thing. Ryde Lake, located north of Toronto around Gravenhurst, was a place I looked forward to every summer. It was a place I could just forget about reality for a week after the end of school. It started each time with a car ride blasting the radio and singing along with my mum. Then finally turning down that long winding road, which still meant you were at least 10 minutes away from the actual camp ground. Then finally a clearing, and lack of cell reception, meaning you were totally cut off from the rest of the world. This was a good thing. The gravel road. Over the 7 years I was at camp, as both camper and leader, this road holds some of the greatest memories. From late night hikes looking at the stars, walks from the water back to the cabin in bare feet (ow!), adventures to the garbage bins in the golf cart and almost driving into a ditch, sneaking into the kitchen for late night brownies, and sitting at the

bonfire roasting marshmallows. These are just a few of the memories. As a kid I didn’t really fit in, and camp was a place where I finally felt at home. There were so many people coming from different places. Everyone was new, and then year after year, everyone was familiar. The friends you see once a year, for that one week, you love them dearly, more family than friend. And when you leave you know you will always have that bond that is Ryde, and you will always seem them again. Maybe not the next year, but in time. Because Ryde always draws people back. It’s like an itch you can’t scratch. It pulls on your heart in a way you can never truly forget. Ryde was introduced to me by one of my best friends growing up. She gradually didn’t come back, but I continued year after year. It was a place that introduced me to and taught me many different things about life and myself. Ryde is where I learned to steer a kayak/ canoe, where I learned how to make friendship bracelets (I became an expert), shared my love of singing and dancing (I can sing basically every camp song known to man), improved my chopping skills with a hundred baby carrots, found out I am great at dish washing (I worked in the kitchen). It was how I first got introduced to comic books, got over my first heartbreak, finally came to terms with my sexuality and where I met one of my closest friends to this day. Ryde changed my life, and for the better. Without it I would not be the women I am today, and it will always hold a dear place in my heart.

Camp Widjiitiwin HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO

2009-2012, 2014

JAIMIE, COUNSELOR, HEAD COOK & GIRLS CHIEF

Summer camp is probably one of the greatest places on earth. As a kid going to camp it is sometimes our first taste of freedom from our parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watchful eye. It is a place to do some crazy things and have so much fun making so many memories. Those of us who are the lucky ones, in my opinion, get to grow up and keep going to camp! I have spent sixteen years of my life going to camp, six of those as a staff member, all of them at Camp Widjiitiwin and all of them being summer memories that I will never forget. Camp as a whole has shaped who I am over the years, through the lessons learned and friendships made. Some of my best friends in life are ones that I made at camp. One in particular stands out, and over the years he has gone by many names. First it was weird guy who is working at camp and has a funny haircut, but in his defense most of the guys got a mohawk for fun. Next he was the nice guy who I like to hang out with

and talk to. After that he became the guy that I totally had a crush on. Then after we had a DTR (determine the relationship) conversation he took on the title of my boyfriend. A couple years later he got promoted to fiancé. And then finally husband!

It wasn’t until the fourth week of the summer that things began to change. Jordan is a guy that if it weren’t for our summers spent together at camp I would have never met. And while he does have his weird moments he is still a pretty great guy. We met the summer of 2011. It was my third summer working at camp but the first one for him. I was working in the camp kitchen that year as the head cook and he was working as one of the leaders for the leadership program that our camp offered. So even though it was a small camp of only forty or so staff we didn’t have much reason to be crossing paths and therefore I didn’t really know him at all in those first couple of weeks. It wasn’t until the fourth week of the summer that things began to change. I couldn’t tell you who was in his cabin that week but I can say that they are the reason that we first started to talk. During that week he and I had had a brief conversation about nothing important I am sure as I have no recollection what it was about and no memory of it, but apparently it was a big deal because his campers saw it and were

convinced that he and I were dating. So as the week drew to an end he came up and sat down next to me outside and said, “So apparently you are my girlfriend.”

I have to thank those campers in his cabin who saw something in that conversation, because after that day we ended up talking a whole lot more. I remember looking at him and being like “Is that so?” He then proceeded to tell me what his campers were saying about us to which we had a good laugh at, considering we had talked to each other maybe twice all summer. However I have to thank those campers in his cabin who saw something in that conversation, because after that day we ended up talking a whole lot more and became good friends as the summer went on. Eventually that friendship blossomed into something more and while we didn’t start dating until after the summer was over I will always remember that summer when it started and the place where it all began.

Blaze Day Camp HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO

2008-2013

CLARISSA, COUNSELOR

I was a daycamp counselor for 6 years and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotta say those 6 summers were the best of my life. The memories we made were unforgettable. Making a positive impact on kids that are now in university is something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll definitely cherish. One of my favourite memories that stands out and grabs my attention is from the summer I was co-counselors with my best friend. We had different activities that we went to with our cabin every morning, and one of the activities that summer was theatre. We chose randomly from a hat what our theatre production was going to be, and the theme that would go with it. It just so happened that our theatre piece was rap, and our theme was never giving up, so naturally we chose to style our rap around Justin Bieber and his song Never Say Never. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget those gut busting laughs as we tried to create lyrics and accompanying dance moves; to see the kids light up and be creative without

feeling like they would be rejected made this theatre piece unforgettable.

Our theme was never giving up, so naturally we chose to style our rap around Justin Bieber and his song Never Say Never. When it came time to perform our rap for the entire camp, costumes and all, our kids were so ready to shine. All in all the performance was a hilarious success, and we won first place. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotta say out of all of my summers that is one of my favourite memories by far. I highly recommend for everyone to work at a summer camp or any camp at least once. I can say without a doubt that it is a very rewarding experience.

Camp Katonim ROCHES POINT, ONTARIO

1999-2013, 2015

SAMARA, CAMPER & COUNSELOR

I was 10 years old and super excited that I was finally part of senior camp. Once you turn 10, you were a senior camper, the coolest thing possible since crocs. As a senior camper, you have more privileges at camp; access to more boondoggle at A&C, the choice of where you want to sit for lunch, overnight camping trips at different camp sites, and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky you can get fruit loops for breakfast. My best friends and I were ecstatic when we got the dates for our first overnight at Sibbalds Point as senior campers. After impatiently waiting, the day finally arrived. With our bags full and smiles on our faces, we loaded the buses and went on our way at 8:30 in the morning. We got there just before 10 am and unloaded all of our gear. Grey clouds started to form in the sky and we used the shade to our advantage to set up all of our stuff without being troubled by the bright sun. Once we finished setting up all of our tents, sleeping bags, hanging flashlights,

and hiding our snacks from our counselors, we built a fire to make some lunch. As we were finishing our hot dogs and hamburgers, it started to slowly drizzle.

The lightning and thunder was louder and brighter than Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever heard it before. Our counselors told us to wait inside our tents until the rain passed. Within 10 minutes, it was pouring rain and the lightning and thunder was louder and brighter than Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever heard it before. Inside our tent, we had to move everything into the middle of the tent to avoid getting wet. After 2 hours of straight down pour, all the campers and staff were in one tent with all of our stuff in another, soaking wet. Our camp site, uneven with bumps and holes all around, looked like a huge mud pool with floating foam and charcoal from the bonfire. Eventually we decided to go outside to play in the mud and rain. Around 3 pm, our counselors made the call back to camp explaining the situation. It was decided that we would have to go back to camp and reschedule our camping trip. Muddy and wet, we loaded up the bus with soaking wet tents, and dripping bags. We drove back to camp and made it back right before the end of the day. As we stepped off the bus and walked over to the rest of the camp, the sun was shining as if it had never rained. It was a camping trip like no other.

Camp Hermosa GODERICH, ONTARIO

1980-1995, 2013-2016

ELISABETH, CAMPER, COUNSELOR & FAMILY CAMPER

When I was 12, my church sponsored me to attend Camp Hermosa on the shores of Lake Huron for the first time. I never could have imagined that one of my counsellors that week would one day become my sisterin-law. Heather was an awesome leader and we wrote letters to each other for a number of years after camp. Some of those letters, I have even kept all of these 35 years. She provided such great encouragement for me as a young teen. In her first letter to me, on her way back up to camp to lead again, she writes, “After last week I don’t think this [week] could possibly be as good. Last Sunday after I said goodbye to you I was just about ready to cry.” Well, I did cry all the way home after that week because I had such a great time. Her words, “I’m sure praying hard for you…love ya and miss ya too. You’re a great kiddo!” were very important to me at a difficult point in my life. To be valued by a slightly older person who provided a role model for fun

(roasting marshmallows over candles in our cabin) and faith was crucial. Several years after we met, we were still writing to each other and she ended one letter with some encouraging words: “The more we love, the better we are, and the greater our friendships are, the dearer we are to God.” Those words sum up the two main ideas that camp holds for me – friendships and God.

Well, I did cry all the way home after that week because I had such a great time. It was through camp that I met my husband and best friend, Heather’s youngest brother Greg. I did not meet him until 4 years after I met his sister and it actually took us a little while to figure out the connection; however we also became very close friends and eventually fell in love. There are so many precious memories associated with camp - of being campers, then leaders together, then as a Program Director. It was important to both of us to serve God by mentoring other kids and sharing God’s love with them. When Greg died unexpectedly 4 years ago, it was many of our lifelong camp friends who rallied around me and gave me and our children support. The connections that I have with people that I met at camp are some of the deepest connections that I have in my life.

Now, as a family camper with my two girls, going to camp continues to be an important part of my life and my spiritual journey. When I walk on the property, I can sense God in a very tangible way.

By remembering Greg at camp, it sort of keeps him with me in a sense and brings me comfort. Going to camp has built new memories, but it has also been key to helping me grieve a great loss in my life. By remembering Greg at camp, it sort of keeps him with me in a sense and brings me comfort. My girls have come to love camp as much as I do and we look forward to our week there each summer. Soon they will go on their own and make their own terrific memories.

Camp Katonim ROCHES POINT, ONTARIO

2013-2015

TOM, COUNSELOR & HEAD STAFF

In the camp I worked at there was a group of children collectively known as “The Jones’.” These children were the complete opposite type of child that this camp usually attracted. Generally speaking, the type of children we got at our camp were small, relatively wealthy and came from a stereotypical Jewish family, with Jewish family values and a long time family connection to the camp. These Jones boys (and girls) in comparison were big, loud, boisterous and liked to speak their mind. This particular story involves those boys trying to train some of the other smaller boys in softball, getting ready for an inter-camp competition that we had coming up. We were all out in the baseball diamond just playing some friendly games when one of the staff members decided to “chirp” a camper on the opposing team, something vaguely suggesting that the young child was so bad they should consider playing softball with a tennis racquet; we all laughed at this - it was funny

after all. The Jones boys, however, had taken this as an excuse to begin mercilessly hurling insults at everyone; staff, their own family, younger children who had come over to have a try, nobody was safe.

Staff, their own family, younger children who had come over to have a try, nobody was safe. Trying to get them to stop was pointless, the boys had seen the other staff members and myself crying with laughter and it only encouraged them. My favourite part of this day was when one Jones boy made a joke about another boys mother being ‘large’ and ‘not very educated,’ after which another Jones pointed out he had just insulted his brother, with the same mother. I learned this day that children are very impressionable and laughter fuels their mischievous side.

Blaze Day Camp HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO

2005-2015

JASMINE, CAMPER & SUPPORT STAFF

Camp has been a huge part of my life. I’ve grown up a lot through Blaze. I’ve met amazing people and made lifelong friends, and God has shown me many important life lessons. Learning to be patient and be a good teacher and instructor with kids, and learning leadership skills while leading the LIT program are just a few of these lessons. Camp has also led to some pretty hilarious memories. I will never forget the year when our theme was the Red Green Show, which meant that there was always a bunch of duct tape laying around all week. Every morning there is a little race between the cabin groups to see what everyone’s chores were for the day. Our camp lifeguards, or as they called themselves, the Waterboys, were always the ones to drive the camp van to the finish line to see who placed where. As the campers were arriving for the day, the Waterboys were behind the van being all mysterious, but nobody

thought much of it. When it came time to drive to the finish line, they started driving at full speed, turning the van around and revealing Waterboy #2, Justin, as he was duct taped to the side of the van. The entire camp burst out into laughter. There was literally no point in doing this. They just saw a bunch of duct tape and thought, why not? Spontaneous moments like this is one of the things I love most about camp.

Because of events that happened through Blaze, things in my future have started to fall into place. Overall though, I think the biggest impact Blaze has had on my life is that I met key people who have become mentors and very important people to me. This has lead to opportunities to fulfill my dreams like traveling to Kenya twice and sharing Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love overseas, leading to the opportunity of a missions internship last summer in Arkansas and then while in Arkansas meeting the love of my life. Blaze was the beginning of the tapestry of my life and because of events that happened through Blaze, things in my future have started to fall into place. I thank God every day for the blessings he has given me and one of the main vessels he used to deliver those blessings was Blaze Day Camp!

To all the wonderful writers and contributors of this book, thank you. This book would not have been possible without you. Thank you for so willingly opening up by sharing your stories and personal memories from your experiences at camp. Each one has put a smile on my face. Thank you to my parents for seeing the value in sending me to camp as a kid. My love for camp has been the inspiration for this book. And thank you to my best friend, Anna, for seeing that my love for camp, along with other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for camp, would make a pretty cool book. Lastly, I want to thank Zab and my YSDN classmates for helping me with the design of this book. I have learned so much in the last 4 years of YSDN and I have my professsors and peers to thank for that.