Alumni News!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Today I`m happy, extremely happy, and I thought that only people from camp could understand my joy.

Paty and Isabella

Last weekend, Katie Gross, Cristina Rives and I (Carmen Rives) flew over to Mexico City to Paty Pietrini's wedding. There, we met with Paty and some members of her family who used to go to camp: Javier Pietrini, Lorena Sayo, Ximena and Marcos Zapata, and Isabella Musi.

We all met at camp. Paty, Katie and I did Quetico 1998 together.

One of the sayings at camp had it that Camp Friends are Forever Friends. I can confirm that is completely true. It was so special for all of us to meet again after so long and remember the amazing time we spent in that wonderful island; camp songs, old friends, bugs, portages, dirt, bears, loons, mooses.... the "how, how" expression, nature appreciation moment!!!!! Wow, we were all about to cry. That camp is so special that I can't describe my feelings. It was all so authentic, healthy, beautiful. Morning bell for breakfast, canoeing in our pajamas over to the main island (I was always late). God, I wish I could go back.

Katie and Cristina

Now, my little nephew and niece go there every summer. When June approaches, I take out my camp pictures and I have to hold my tears. I never go to the airport with them, 'cause I feel like sneaking in their suitcase and being a Shawnee again. Too late, too old.

However, memories and friendship remain. We were lucky and privileged, so privileged!!! I wish kids from all over the world could have the chance to discover the secrets of Canoe Lake. Thank you to everyone that made my camp experience so special.

Carmen and Cristina

Un beso muy fuerte desde Madrid.

Madrid, España
Wapomeo Camper 1993-1998

PS: I forgot to say that I never went back to Camp because I was so passionate about it that my parents feared I would want to become a ranger and move into the Canadian wilderness.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The following is an audio recording made by Burke Van Valkenburg Sr. in 1972 of the 50th anniversary dinner "Final Banquet" for the camps held at the Royal York hotel in Toronto.

It is hosted by Ted Brock and has speeches by Alex Edmison who is introduced by Dr. Harry Ebbs as well as updates on the goings on at camp from Couchie Statten and Dr. Tay.

At the time, the camps were dealing with uncertainty of the lease renewal by the Ontario Government and Dr. Tay talks about the Outpost as a back-up plan.

It's an exciting evening with Doug Barr leading the 1000+ guests in a "Lion Hunt", and several speeches about the early days of camp and the effect of the Chief on young campers' and staff's lives.

Click on the image below to play.

This is very large (60 Mb, 88 minutes) MP3 Audio file. If your audio player is QuickTime, you may have to wait until the entire file downloads. To have playing begin almost immediately, in a Windows environment, let Windows Media Player be your default. This requires you to make QuickTime NOT your default. The following steps should achieve this for you.

Open your Quicktime player. Click on EDIT at the top, go to Preferences, go to QuickTime Preferences, click Browser Tab, click MIME settings, UNCLICK everything. The video line will have to be expanded because Quicktime must be selected. Select OK, then Apply.

You will also want to do the same thing to the File Type tab, which is 3 tabs over from the browser tab. Again unclick all, expand the video line, unclick all except Quicktime... OK, then Apply.

Thanks to Vincent Van Cooten of Van Valkenburg Communications.

Toronto, Ontario
Camper and Staff 1980s, September Camp 2000s

Saturday, August 2, 2008

News from the Ahmek 50 day trip
Eight men making canoe trip north to James Bay

Posted By BRANDON WALKER, THE TIMMINS DAILY PRESS

It's day No. 32.

The eight young men have canoed and portaged through extreme temperatures of hot and cold, as well as rain — lots and lots of rain.

More than a month ago counsellors and campers from the Taylor Statten Camp started their voyage from Algonquin Park.

Their plan is to go to James Bay, an idea thought up by the counsellors. It will be the first time they've made such a voyage.

On Thursday morning their three red canoes sped along the Mattagami River before stopping at the boat launch on Feldman Road.

They were greeted by avid outdoorsman and canoeist Larry Robichaud, who spotted them on the river and came to see who they were.

While the young men toured Timmins, the largest city along their trip, Robichaud worked to secure somewhere for them to camp for the night.

"Everyone has been really friendly," said Johnny Walker, one of the counsellors. "They seem to appreciate and understand what we're doing, although no one can believe we've come this far and plan on continuing."

The young adventurers didn't seem too concerned when Robichaud told them there was nowhere for them to stay in Timmins.

"We could not even find them a place to pitch their tent," Robichaud said, adding he spoke with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, the tourism office and the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority.

"The City with the Heart of Gold should be able to bend the rules a little bit, especially for these guys who have gone through two or three days of rain."

On Wednesday the young men travelled 63 kilometres, the most of any of their days on the water.

The trip "has been fantastic," said Charles Agro, the other counsellor. He said the rainy weather hasn't dampened any-one's spirits.

"The bugs have been fairly bad but we can handle it."

The 15-and 16-year-old campers learn canoeing, portaging and communication, as well as team building and problem solving skills.

"They become adults by dealing with the hardships along the way," Agro said.

"When you get back home you have a new appreciation for food, the microwave and a nice, soft bed," said Mathias Dutil, 15, from St. George.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

I was just reading through this — waiting for T4 to come out here on a visit to go skiing, and thought I'd update the site a little.

Our kids are getting bigger and bigger — and ready to head to camp in a few years. Hopefully they can carve their names next to mine in some of the cabins! Check out our site - www.spaces.msn.com/members/tristankrohn

Seattle, WA
Ahmek Camper and Staff 1970s and 1980s

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

I am the mother of Wapomeo camper Bailey Davis O'Connell. She told me about this site. I was a counselor in 1959.

I am looking for Jane Hamblin. She and I were inseparable. She was a bridesmaid in my December 1963 wedding in New York. If anyone knows Jane's whereabouts, please contact me.

Middleburg, Virginia
Wapomeo counselor late 50s to early 60s

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

After all these years, I still dream about Wap and my days. I met the most wonderful people there — 3 of which I still am in contact with. My mom was a counselor and when I was on Senior Island I found her name in a rosie. I hope it's still there.

I think I remember all of my counselors: Heather Jack, Kitty O'Shea, Janet Stephenson, Sue Ecceles, Wendy Robinson. I'm missing a few I know. Those summers left an awesome imprint on me.

So I live in Chicago with my husband, have 2 stepkids, 1 dog, 1 cat & 2 gerbils and long to be in Algonquin Park.

I have to give my sincere thanks to Taylor Statten Camps for giving me such an unbelievable opportunity. As a dwarf, I know it was a risk — but the best risk you and I have EVER experienced! Thanks!! If there are any alumns that recognize me - please contact me!!

Go Crazy, Go Nuts!! (our Quetico '88 slogan)

Peace...

Chicago, Illinois
Wapomeo camper 80s, Quetico '88

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

I am trying to find out who my section head was. We went by "Hamo's Hustlers". The shirt depicted a busty woman holding a canoe. Would someone be able to tell me what year that was, and what and where Mr. Hamovitch might be?

Best,

Toronto, Ontario

Monday, June 18, 2007

It's been thirty years since I was last on staff at Wapomeo! (The best four summers of my youth.) I'm thrilled to say that our daughter Annie Featherstone (Wap camper '99 to 2001/September Camper '97 to present) is working in the Wapomeo office this July!

We're also attending September Camp August 29 to September 2. Looking forward to it all.

Bracebridge, Ontario
Wapomeo Staff 1974 to 1977 September Camper 1977 to present

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

1992 July Tuscie outpost trip (I was the counsellor). L-R: Lindsay ?, Carrie McNaughten and Alison Pearce.

As for alumni news...

I was married to Patrick Gay in 2003 (wedding attended by TSC alums Sarah Lawrence (maid of honour), Sarah Gibbons (née French), Mike Conradi, Frances (Archery) Juriansz, Mary Hassard and Vicky Frizelle) and we moved immediately thereafter to beautiful Sydney, Australia.

1992 August Tuscie park trip. L-R: Marion ?, Katie Gross, (not sure about the obscured girl) and Pati Pietrini under the water at Joe Lake Dam on the last day of trip.

Here, Patrick and I welcomed a future Wap camper, Grace Kathryn (now 2) into our family. Alas, we'll have to let her skip school to attend camp because there is no long holiday in the middle of winter.

For the latter half of 2007, we will be located in Geneva Switzerland for work. Alumni friends who find themselves in Sydney are always welcome to join us for a barbie at the beach. There's not a lot of canoeing tripping opportunities down here (darn drought), but the surf is great!

Regards,

Sydney, Australia
Wapomeo camper and staff 1980s and 90s

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

I went to Ahmek from 1967 to 1981. I was a camper, counsellor and canoe instructor. I still go back to Sept Camp every year.

What people are saying:

"Through his wisdom, compassion, and humour, Tim inspires you to never lose sight of the childlike wonder within you. This is a critical ingredient for a happy and fulfilling life. A great read!"

Taylor Statten, M.D.
Chairman of the Board, Taylor Statten Camps

"Most of us know what we want in life, but only a handful have learned how to get it. Tim's Straight A's philosophy of Attitude, Aptitude, and Action will help you achieve extraordinary results in your business and personal life. I love it!"

Raymond Aaron
New York Times Top Ten Best selling Co-author Chicken Soup for the Parents' Soul

"With Tim Cork as your teacher, it's easy to learn to score Straight A's in life and you'll be entertained in the process."

Wallace Immen
Career Columnist, Globe and Mail

Toronto, Ontario
Please visit www.timcork.com

Thursday, May 3, 2007

HarperCollins website has more - www.harpercollins.ca

Toronto, Ontario
I worked at Wap from 1991-1992
(Shawnee counsellor to Lyndsay Borschke!)
Please visit www.claire-cameron.com

Zoe

Zoe is niece to Robin Smith-Stephens and granddaughter to Libby Stephens and Michael Smith of TSC fame (or infamy depending on your point of view).

Being only a week old, Zoe has yet to develop a Kiwi accent. As a proactive measure I have the movie "Strange Brew" being projected against the wall in her bedroom in a constant loop.

At the very least, it will assure her love for Canadian beer and the sound of loons.

Arohanui, eh.

Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand
September Camper 1984 - 2002
Camper 1987 - 1995
Staff 1996 - 2000, 2002