Camp Echo Weekly E-Newsletter May 26, 2002 The Camp Echo E-List is now at 438 members. Spread the word! If you want to be removed from this list, reply and let me know. ***** Staffing Update: Signed, Sealed, and Delivered ---------------------------------------------- SCs: Bartosz Bartoszewicz (DEF); Jessica Anderson (CD) ACs: Joe Geni Ass't CIT/LIT Director: Peter Frankel Maintenance/Mechanic: Ben Woods Ass't Health Officer: Missy Walk (E) This Week at Camp ----------------- Getting ready for Family Camp filled the week. We rigged the Rock (our largest sailboat); added the blue rope to the swimming area and anchored the raft; launched the pontoon boat; set up a pair of horseshoe pits; repaired and painted the ping pong tables; and moved the second War Canoe to the small craft area. A final inventory of the program areas was completed, the lawn was mowed, the cabins and KYBOs were cleaned, the dining hall was swept, and we were ready to go. The most exciting event of the week was a 1:30 am (Friday) visit from the Sheriff, claiming that someone had called to report a raccoon trapped in the dining hall. After our insistence that nobody on the Echo staff would make such a call, and his discovery that the only animal in our dining hall was a moose, he checked with headquarters and found out that the call had come from Camp Henry (5 miles away) and not Camp Echo. Oops! Memorial Day Family Camp saw rain on Saturday, but an impromptu Talent Show kept everyone entertained until the weather cleared. Sunday was bright and sunny and all areas were up and running, including special events like Yoga for adults and Tool Time for the kids. Great food, a terrific staff, and plenty of songs put everyone in touch with the Echo Spirit. The closing campfire saw the inaugural "Burning Triangle" and log dedications for the 2002 season. Kudos to Katie Tucker Trippi for planning and coordinating a great weekend. Coming up: Teen Staff Training. We look forward to the Wednesday arrival of our Trip Guides and Wilderness Site Directors who will spend the next ten days learning the ins and outs of high ropes, trip logistics and safety, and wilderness first aid under the leadership of Echo Alum and Trip Guru Todd Israelite. Alumni Notes (Send in your news!) ------------ Carolyn "Matt" Morby writes, "This is from a real OLD Echo person. My first year at Echo was 1956; my last was 1974. When I walked into camp in 1956, I looked around and said that one day I would run or own the place. As I got older I knew that I wouldn't ever own it but I was the Director for a few years. I just couldn't leave the lake, so in 1974, while at camp I took a morning off and marched myself into Gerber Products Company. "After working there for 21 years I have retired to my dream house on Long Lake, not far from camp. Canoe trips across the lake go right by my house. I enjoy seeing the kids and often ask them where they are from, and they tell me about camp. I then tell them that I was there a long time ago and they wonder how such a silver haired lady could ever have been young. "A few years ago I was at camp and saw a few of the ladies from my years; it was great, camp friendships ARE forever. I still see Kansfield, and of course the Grand Lady of Echo Zenol. I'd love to hear from anyone of my vintage via email or via snail mail to 4297 Chippewa Trial, Fremont, MI 49412. Kim's Girls (7 & 8 years old) are real fans of Peg Leg Pete and always want to help tell about his adventures. Yes, Echo lives in our hearts forever." Alumni Opportunities -------------------- Helpers to hand out bus passes: Contact Anne Connelly . Town Run Driver: June 23-June 29 and June 30-July 6 Second Health Officer (MD, RN, LPN, or EMT): June 16-22, June 30-July 6, July 7-12 First Timers Camp (Counselors and Area Heads): August 11-15 Song of the Week ---------------- CIRCLE GAME (Written by Joni Mitchell, 1966) (Covered by Tom Rush) Yesterday a child came out to wonder Caught a dragonfly inside a jar. Fearful when the sky was full of thunder. And tearful at the falling of a star. And the seasons they go round and round And the painted ponies go up and down. We're captives on a carousel of time. We can't return, We can only look behind from where we came, And go round and round and round in the circle game. Then the child moved ten times round the seasons. Skated over ten clear frozen streams. Words like "when your older" must appease him And promises of someday make his dreams. Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now. Cartwheels turned to car wheels through the town. And you tell him "take your time it won't be long now." Till you drag your feet to slow the circle down. So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true. There'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams, and plenty. Before the last revolving year is through. Echo History Tidbit of the Week ------------------------------- This summer will mark the 40th summer of the horseback riding program at Echo. It was started in 1963 when Neil Featherstone was Director. Feel The Spirit! -- Rob Grierson Camp Echo Director rg@mcgawymca.org