Memories
of a Twin Fir Camper
On
the occasion of Jean Carmichael's 90th Birthday 2 May 2003
lac
Sarrazin
Dear
Jean,
I
have known you many years going all the way back to Twin Fir Camp. It was
a great lesson in my life and I have fond memories of many wonderful summer days
there.
I
remember Morning Councils at the top of the hill under the trees looking out at
the lake. They were inspirational although I doubt if I ever told anyone
that. We sang alot and I enjoyed those hours singing whether they were
outside or in the lodge on a rainy day.
I
remember Hike Day with a bag lunch marching off to some special place - a waterfall,
a woodsy area. The wood of the hidden deer totally captured my imagination
and I have carried that concept with me all these years...I still remember the
quiet wood, the filtered sunlight, the damp moss underfoot and early in the
season those lovely Indian Pipe hiding behind a rotten log. I remember
wild strawberries growing on the hill and later Indian Paint Brush and daisies
gracing the landscape with their wild beauty.
I
remember the climb from Intermediate and Senior camp to the Dining Hall. I
could never seem to make those large steps fit a pattern of movement that seemed
to me to an efficient use of energy...Years later when I had my own cabin in the
woods I would use the same step construction idea to get us to and from the
shore more easily.
1945
Rowboat on the beach
I
remember hot hot days when the waterfront became the focus of the
afternoon. In and out of the water all afternoon. What a great way
to while away the hot hours of the day.
I
remember the Hillside Chapel and the climb to get there. I remember the
ruggedness of it, and the dappled shade that bathed the assembled group. I
don't remember much of what was said or done at the service but the atmosphere
left a profound impression on me.
I
remember Bon Fires on the beach - big fires I thought at the time. There
was a magic in that blaze as I sat and watched the lake at sunset through the
flames of the fire.
I
remember Laundry Day. I now wonder if anything really got clean but we
tried and learned as we went along. After all the washing I remember the
camp became a clothesline for socks, underwear, shorts, shirts, etc.
I
remember La Petite Suisse. I loved that view be it a sunny day or
overcast. I remember the rumble of the thunder rolling across the hills
noisily interrupting a perfectly beautiful day. I have a picture which I
took one time on a cookout on La Petite Suisse which your mother attended.
She looked very spry in a big straw hat.
I
remember a rain overnight and the retreat to the cabin across the lake.
Somehow or other the verandah floor got awfully hard about 3 am as the rain
trickled down and the air grew damper by the minute.
1945
Pump in center of camp
I
remember basin baths in the fireplace end of the dining room when it was too
cold to swim. Looking back on the experience, I wonder if any of us really
got any cleaner. I remember rubber boots on rainy days. I remember
the squeaky pump where we fetched water for the cabin's use. I remember
honing my canoeing skills under the careful eye of an interested
counselor. Those skills have served me well all these years.
And
who could continue without reference to the end of camp banquet. It was a
Big Thing in a camper's life. As I look back on it I think the themes were
well chosen and presented. I am sure they carried other campers as they did
me into a new realm of imagination and adventure.
I
remember the tennis courts, the archery range and softball in the parking lot
all of which I enjoyed. I made some good friends at Twin Fir camp and my
family said I talked camp all year long. I only know that summer camp for
me was the highlight of those growing up years. I learned, grew, and in
all the years since I am still deeply appreciative of the happy times and
growing up lessons I learned there.
Again,
Jean, may this birthday milestone be your best ever.
