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Summit Camp, what can I say. I spent 10 wonderful summers here (to be honest, one wasn't so good) and it has been a big part of my adult life. I came to camp when I was 26 (older then most who come to camp) but because of what Summit was, I really fit right in, age wise. The first week at camp before the kids arrived was a bit rocky for me. I wasn't really sure I could do it. When I found out I was going to a camp with kids with ADD/ADHD I'd had my doubts but once we started going to seminars and things the doubts really kicked in but somehow it all worked out.
Camp didn't change much from 2002 - 2008 but then camp was sold and it wasn't quite the same. I still loved going because of the campers and the staff but it could be very frustrating at time with the new owners. My last summer was 2011 and I've always kept in touch with Gene, the senior Director at camp and when I knew we were going to be doing this trip I was in contact to see if we could stay a night.
So here we were, on a bus leaving NYC and heading to Honesdale, around 3.25hrs away. Nothing much has changed in Honesdale it seems and Sally (Gene's wife) was there to pick us up and drive us to camp. It was so good to see Gene. I've missed our chats. For many of my years at Summit, I would always arrive early to work at the winter office before camp starts and stay a few days later to help pack up. I stayed with Gene and Sally a few times as well so they are like family. Just a shame not closer.
Mum and I spent the afternoon chatting with Gene and wandering around camp. Some small changes (now a beach and volleyball court at waterfront and a zipline at Adventure) but overall it was still the same. It was great to see Kelvin who started the same year I did. Still remember catching the bus with him to camp for the very first time when none of us knew what to expect. Also caught up with Lisa & Tony, the resident caretakers. It was actually arrival day for campers who were coming for the last session of camp and it was great to see that same excitement as they jumped off the bus into counselor's arms or ran to friends they hadn't seen since last summer. Brought back lots of memories.
Dinner at camp. Still as crazy as ever and because it was arrival day, it was the traditional Pasta & Meatballs, some things never change. After dinner it is Horseshoe time, when the kids get free time. One camper came up to me to see if I remembered him. As soon as he said his name I remembered Zach. He then started introducing me to his counselors and telling them I was the first person he met at camp as I gave him a tour of camp (which I didn't remember). Not too many campers still here that I do remember as they have all aged out and moved on.
After Horseshoe it was evening activity where the different units go off and do something. I went and watched the teenage boys play British Bulldog and then off they went to write bunk rules. Memories, memories, memories. Spent the evening chatting with Sally, Gene and Maryanne (Therapist on camp who was there my last few years). Talked about life, changes at camp and looking to the future. Never enough time. So peaceful here at camp. I miss that and the amazing friends I worked alongside with but it means that I just have to keep travelling the world to catch up with them!!
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Norma J Memories are always a good thing. Sad or happy, they make up our lives. The good ones give us a fire to warm ourselves by as the years pass.