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by Judy Talbot
I am fortunate enough to, for less than the cost of a monthly car payment,
lease a 12- by 20-foot piece of heaven on a pristine lake in Upstate New
York. My one-room escape is rustic, but not primitive; it has electricity
and hot and cold running water for this cabin was formerly the health
center of a children’s camp.
Unfortunately, the laughter and activity at this camp died many years
ago. Fortunately the camp buildings rest in the midst of thousands of
lakeside woodlands owned by a foundation more interested in preserving
the natural than in development. We privileged few are able to rent and
maintain the remaining buildings.
My father spent his childhood summers at this camp, both as a camper
and counselor. As a child, I was spellbound by his accounts of friendships
and adventures. I fondly recall visiting the camp when the ravines echoed
with laughter and the waterfront bustled with sailors. The enchanting
evenings my family spent as honored guests at the council ring are etched
deep in my memory. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to go to camp
myself!
Now, not one summer passes when several unexpected visitors make their
way down the rutted, neglected road to the deserted waterfront. They come
from Michigan, Florida, Maryland, and all points in between. Their ages,
professions and hometowns are diverse, but their purpose is singular:
they come with loved ones in tow to share this very special place from
their youth. Some aren’t sure they have returned to the right place
— it looks so different with trails overgrown, footbridges and tent
platforms in disrepair, and it is so quiet . . . .
Once they know they have found “camp”, the memories are
readily shared. A proud Floridian leads his children in a rousing rendition
of a favorite camp song. All are eager to hear about owners “Bud”
& Nan. (Although Bud has passed, Nan now in her mid-eighties still
makes annual pilgrimages from the South.) Each camper gives a glimpse
of the inner self — uncommon among strangers, but not uncommon among
people who share something very special.
Why do these people travel hundreds, even thousands of miles to this
place? The nearest town, over 4 miles away, boasts a booming population
of 2,500; the closest interstate is 25 miles away, there is no airport
or train station. They come because camp gave those kids a world of good!
Camp DOES give kids a world of good — always has and always will.
Keep the fire burning.
Originally published in the 2004 September/October
issue of Camping Magazine.
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