South Tea Lake, July 28, 1995–Being a Tamakwan is more than a 9 to 5 job. Some of the best moments come AFTER hours, or BEFORE.

Thursday, 9:30 p.m…. At the main camp Fireplace, all eyes are on junior counselors Zach Schram and Matt Leebove as they nurture a small flame with cedar shavings, piece by piece. Gradually they build up with larger splinters into a small log cabin shaped fire. Once it is hot enough, they crown it off with split maple that has been curing for months in the woodshed. Now it’s a roaring campfire, flickering bright hues of orange, red and — closer to the core — deep blue. Alex Orley and Michael Katchen — in true 7 year old fashion — are in the front row, not to miss any of the action before they march off to their cabin for a bedtime story by Junior Tamakwan Director Kristie Shane. In concentric circles around the fire pit is the rest of camp, standing cross-armed and singing taps: “Close beside Tamakwa’s waters, sloping hills of green….” And above them are eight schmillion stars, one of which streaks across the black sky.

Friday, 6:30 a.m…. For Lesley Bishin and Justin Singer, the scene is familiar: Canoe Bay in that early morning chill…. The mist on the water… the sound of wood against wood, paddle against canoe… and the jitters in their stomachs. This is not their first time testing for the coveted “Voyageur” canoeing award, but this time they feel more prepared than ever. As they lean in kneeling position on the canoe floor, their paddles are like extensions of their bodies. They control their canoes effortlessly across the glassy water, performing the prescribed strokes and patterns with the finesse of a figure skater. Only the judges know if the time has come for these two to join the “club” of Voyageur Canoeists, Tamakwa’s finest. Considering their talents, even if their time has not come today, it cannot be far off.

We keep busy BETWEEN morning and night, too. In fact, it has been non-stop since the wonderful Visiting Day last week. In this 60th year, we’re making more history with Tamakwa’s longest canoe trips ever. Three 15 Day trips have already left, with two 13 Day and to 10 Day trips to depart. Activities are running full steam, rehearsals for the upcoming production of “Oliver” resound around camp, and any homesickness has faded. By the time you read this, the Winter Olympics will have come to Tamakwa. Yes, WINTER. For details, tune into your kids’ letters and the stories after camp. One week into the new session, your kids are cheering, singing and laughing, as Tamakwa spirit soars.

Yours,

Vic Norris & Dave Bale
Senior Directors

Jeff Wilson
Camp Director