Along with 4 of my oldest friends, I am attending Tamakwa’s 75th anniversary Post camp. I’m as excited as I was when I was 10, counting down the days until I saw my girls. I’m happy to say those camp friendships have proven to be life real-lifelong ones, and the idea of going back to the place it all started thrills each and every one of us.

We’re doing our old day off rituals in the surrounding area for a few days, and then heading to the place itself – Tamakwa. Our little Island home away from home for all those years. I have to stop thinking about it or I won’t get any work done between now and then…

In honour of my upcoming trip to Tamakwa next week, here’s a clip from the camp’s promotional video.

Cheezy? Yes. But I love every second. Counting down the days….

I’ve been writing a large website from scratch in two weeks. Since I write for a living, sometimes I just don’t have the energy to blog when I get home.

I guess this is the time in my life I should be totally dedicated to my career anyway, pouring all my energy into it. I’m in my twenties, I don’t have any kids yet, and I’ve still got the energy to throw myself into anything heart and soul. I really do love my work, but more than that, I get emotionally attached to anything I’m doing. As a result, when I’m working on something at work I don’t really leave it at work.

On that note, today the labour ended and I gave birth to a beautiful baby website. Did I just say that? I can’t help it, it’s true. Clearly I need to go out and socialize with humans this weekend.

I just got home and I haven’t seen any life forms yet except the dogs – not that they’re not absurdly cute. The boy’s not home yet – girly music time!

I started listening to Ani Difranco for the first time in 10 years. Not sure what made me pick that old CD, but I can’t get enough of her tonight. I remember why I loved her music so much as a teenager, though I now get it on a whole different level.

It reminds me of my camp girlfriends. I can’t wait to plan our next rendez-vous, most likely this summer in Vermont. Time to stop blogging and make some calls to old friends. Maybe I’m still human after all… Thanks Ani.

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