Winter Camp

     One of my favorite memories growing up is going to  summer camp. I was a member of Junior Catholic Daughters - an organization similar to Girl Scouts and Camp Fire, and many of us looked forward to making the 75 mile bus ride from  Maywood to Wrightwood, California to spend a week at Camp Teresita Pines.  I can still picture the metal bunkbeds  in our cabin, and screen windows - they looked a lot like the camp cabins in the classic Disney movie, Parent Trap.

 

     All week long we swam, did crafts, played games; went on an overnight hike where campers cooked hamburgers wrapped in tinfoil in a hole in the ground, and attended daily Mass  at what looked like an outdoor amphitheater; We played a lot of volleyball,  sang around the campfire every night, and visited the camp store every afternoon.  I still remember counselors, Miss Sue and Miss Pat, and how I teased Miss Sue by continually calling her Sappy Sue. She took it all in good stride though,  and retaliated by calling  me Looney Cooney.

                                                  

     For most of us our camp experience ends when we reach our teen years ,  and what remains of that special time is only a memory.  That's one reason I looked forward to  Winter Camp.  To make a new camp memory! Although , not the same place or same season, and definetely not the same age ,  it was fun to gather with a group of women who cherish their own camp experience as much as I did.

 

 

   I first met these ladies , who call themselves The Goldens when we paddled the shores of Lake Coeur d Alene last September for PaddleFest . Our 104 mile journey around the lake was  a fund raiser for Camp Sweyolakan in Mica Bay to help bring attention to the camp's unique legacy and present day financial needs. It's the camp these women, now in their 60's attended when they were Camp Fire Girls ,  and later served as camp  counselors.                                              

                                                       

 

     Hearing their stories about camp, and the bond they share made me wish I had been a Camp Fire Girl, too. Several months ago while at a pot luck dinner for the paddlers, I was delighted when Mitch presented me with Honor Beads. Each color represents a particular achievement, i.e. Brown - Outdoors, red-Sports and Games, green - Creative Arts, and so on. They are called Camp Fire honors because when you have done any one of these successfully, you have the honor of wearing a bead. I was proud to wear mine at Winter Camp !
                                                      

 

     It was a great couple days, too !  We  played marathon games of Progressive Rummy and Mexican Train, did some bird watching - even saw a magnificent Eagle glide slowly across Scottie's deck to perch in a nearby pine tree. Some of us  enjoyed a cold, snowy night sitting outside in the Hot Tub.  Huck gave instruction about Tatting, and shared pictures of her talented work. Cooking was no problem as we divided into teams of three, and took turns preparing Brunch and dinner - all the meals were wonderful ! Including,  Miss Jonny's  best ever Blueberry Waffles with her specialty, homemade Blueberry syrup.

     I happily learned during PaddleFest, singing camp songs play a very rich and important part of the Sweyolakan tradition, so was pleased at Winter Camp we continued that tradition by singing the blessing before each meal.
                                             

    What's fun  is the Goldens still call each other by their camp  (counselor) names - Huck, Scottie , Mitch, Miss Margie,  Miss Jonny, Miss Kari, MoJo. These women ,  most of whom are now retired had successful careers, raised families and continue to be active with Camp Fire and Sweyolakan.

     I admire loyalty. Perhaps that's another reason I like The Goldens, not only are they loyal  to Camp Sweyolakan, but are loyal to one another.