An op-ed recently appeared in the New York Times that affirms the value of the wilderness (i.e. Keewaydin) experience: Blissfully Lost in the Woods
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Beyond the coup system: Kicker editor, Kyle Sauer, reflects on the value of earning coups and doing things for the sake of merely doing them.
PERSONAL COUP
by Kyle Sauer
Ah, the Keewaydin Coup system. With two weeks into the summer, it’s in full swing. Next to our names, those flat little trophies are being lick’d and stick’d for all of history to see what we’ve accomplished during the summer of 2012. And they’re more than just a square of paper; they’re tangible symbols of finally achieving a perfect dock landing after days of work, or learning enough in swimming to move up a level. It’s a reward for life skills that are rewards in and of themselves. But what happens with an accomplishment that isn’t, on paper, coup–‐worthy? On myovernighttriptoSilverLake,Iheardthequestion“Isthereacoupforthis?”many times, and I had to respond negatively. Somehow the Bush whacking Coup, the Stung by a Stinging Nettle Coup, and firsts in Golden Marsh mallow–‐Making have fallen between the coup system cracks. But if you achieve a feat commendable enough to receive a coup, yet the coup is non–‐existent, I hereby grant you the right to award yourself a “personal coup.” Because you always set the tables right, you get a Waiter’s Coup. Because you broke up an argument on the playing field, you get a Referee Coup. And for knowing that the work you do is for a cause and not applause, because you can be proud of yourself without bragging, and because at the end of the day you don’t really need a coup to legitimize what you’ve learned and experienced, you get… well, do you really need anything more?
Expedition 2012’s Return in the Addison Independant
Remembering Tony Schulte ’40
Dear Keewaydineesi,
It is with great sadness that I bring you the news of Tony Schulte’s (’40) passing at the age of 82. He died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 17 at his summer lake home in Maine.
Tony was a camper at Dunmore from 1940-1944. He maintained close ties to Keewaydin throughout his life, sending his son Peter to camp in the 1960s- and 70s, serving on the Foundation Board from 1997-2006, and spending a few summers as a visiting staff in the 2000s. He was one of Keewaydin’s greatest promoters, responsible for recommending dozens of boys to camp.
Arrangements for a service are yet to be determined, but indications are that a memorial will take place in New York City in September. Tony is survived by his wife, Liz, son Peter and daughter Lucy Danziger. Liz Schulte’s address is 1220 Park Ave., Apt 13 D, New York, NY 10128.
Here is a link to an obituary in Publisher’s Weekly.
Keewaydinly,
Acclaimed Child Psychologist and Keewaydin Alumnus, Michael Thompson ‘61, Pens New Book
Michael Thompson’s new book will be in stores May 1, 2012! Entitled Homesick and Happy: An insightful and powerful look at the magic of summer camp—and why it is so important for children to be away from home . . . if only for a little while, the book includes a chapter, “Passages,” highlighting Keewaydin Temagami’s 7 week trip to Hudson Bay, as well as interviews with campers and staff from all the camps.
In an age when it’s the rare child who walks to school on his own, the thought of sending your “little ones” off to sleep-away camp can be overwhelming. But parents’ first instinct—to shelter their offspring above all else—is actually depriving kids of the major developmental milestones that occur through letting them go—and watching them come back transformed.
In Homesick and Happy, renowned child psychologist Michael Thompson, PhD, shares a strong argument for, and a vital guide to this brief loosening of ties. A great champion of summer camp, he explains how camp ushers children into a thrilling world offering an environment that most of us at home cannot: an electronics-free zone, a multigenerational community, meaningful daily rituals like group meals and cabin clean-up, and a place where time simply slows down. In the buggy woods, icy swims, campfire sing-alongs, and daring adventures, children have emotionally significant and character-building experiences; they often grow in ways that surprise even themselves; they make lifelong memories and cherished friends. Thompson shows how children who are away from their parents can be both homesick and happy, scared and successful, anxious and exuberant. When kids go to camp—for a week, a month, or the whole summer—they can experience some of the greatest maturation of their lives, and return more independent, strong, and healthy.
Tanya McCubbin Hired as New Ojibway Director
After an extensive search and interview process it is a great pleasure to announce Tanya McCubbin has agreed to become the next manager of the Ojibway Lodge. While no one will be able to replicate the leadership, warmth and historical knowledge Sandy Chivers possesses, Tanya will bring her own expertise and familiarity to the job. Tanya’s experience on Devil’s Island is deep. Her first year on the island was in 1995 when she worked as Assistant Cook under Glen Toogood. Nine summers later, in 2004, Tanya returned as Head Keewaydin Cook and has returned every summer since. In 2009 Tanya took on the duties of Keewaydin business manager. In addition to her intimate understanding of island operations, Tanya brings other hospitality skills: a degree in Culinary Arts and the experience of having been the owner of Mood Food from 2000-2008, a company which produced and marketed a retail line of food products and offered catering to groups under 100. Her boys, Malcolm, 16, and Hudson, 13, join her on the island every summer. Malcolm will be in Section B this year and Hudson is heading out for his first season at the Evans Outpost. Tanya’s husband Rob, a dramatic arts instructor in North Bay, uses the island as summer base camp. When he is not off for workshops brushing up on his teaching skills, he works bringing campers up from Toronto, settling accounts in the business office, or even painting floors. We are fortunate to have Tanya join the team in this new role. She will begin work in September of 2012.
Remembering Dick Harter:
Songadeewin and Keewaydin legend, Dick Harter, died on Monday, March 12 at the age of 81. His father, “Doc” Harter, was the original owner and Director of Songadeewin on Lake Willoughby in Vermont. Dick was a camper at Dunmore from 1941-1944, including one summer in Cabin 1 with Waboos Hare. In addition to being a renowned college and professional basketball coach, he helped run Songadeewin, along with his brother Jack and sister-in-law Aline, in the 1960s and 70s.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/obituary.aspx?n=dick-harter&pid=156473361
Expedition 2012 in the news!
The January edition of Canoe and Kayak magazine has an article about Expedition 2012 and the canoe building process. Check it out! http://expedition2012.com/media
Oct 24: Keewaydin Service Award Presented to Joe Fogg ’60
Earlier this week, Joe Fogg was presented the 2011 Keewaydin Service Award at the annual New York Keewaydin Alumni Reception.
Hosted by Roger Smith Hotel owners Sue II and Jimmy Knowles, the party included a large number of Joe’s family, close friends, the Keewaydin camp directors and the Foundation Board, all on hand to celebrate Joe and all he’s done for Keewaydin. Joe was a camper at both Dunmore (’60) and Temagami (’61-’62), Temagami staff (’63-’65, ’67), parent (’86-’92, ’99-’04), Co-Owner of Keewaydin Temagami (’90-’01), and a member of the Keewaydin Foundation Board (’01-’07). In 1999 Joe, with his partner Lew Lehrman, started Songadeewin for girls on Devil’s Island. In 2001, Joe and Lew generously donated Keewaydin Temagami to the Keewaydin Foundation, bringing back together the two camps after more than 60 years apart.
A copy of Joe’s remarks are here. Congratulations Joe!