Winter 2017
Dear Lanakila,
I am writing with thoughts of green grass and warm evenings, thoughts of the brilliance of summer 2016 and how I hope we all bring the same love and energy to the shores of Lake Morey next summer. As this is my first year as director, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what that means. The biggest question I get asked about my new role is, “what are you going to change?”
The question always surprises me. In my mind, camp is made up of a richness of traditions set forth by generations before us. Camp is so much more than one person’s vision for how things should be. Each summer, campers and counselors rely on Lanakila to remain 90% the same, with 10% new magic interspersed into the mix. The part of camp that stays the same is wonderful because there is a comfort in knowing that our favorite parts of Lanakila will still be there. And the part that will be new stems from the excitement and energy that the entire Lanakila community brings each summer. When I think of these new parts, I can’t help but also think of the leaders that came before us: Mrs. Carol, Dave Buchanan, Paul Pilcher, and Barnes. Each one of them wanted us to preserve the best parts of camp but also to bring our own magic and personality to Lanakila, so that each summer feels both the same AND a little different.
This excitement and energy was never more apparent than during our 95th reunion. As all of you campers headed home, we welcomed over 350 alumni to re-experience
the gift of camp packed into one amazing weekend. The theme for the reunion was “Ho for the Gale,” and it exemplified the philosophy carried by generations of Lanakilans. Decades of alumni looked back on their camp years as the start of a great adventure. I spoke to many of them, from recent campers to some former Vikings from the 1940s! They all told me that the thinking they did at camp about how they wanted to view the world allowed for a framework to follow their dreams. They accepted failure and challenges head on, believing that there were important lessons to be learned in the process. This was powerful to hear because it is the essence of what we aspire to accomplish each summer. Lanakila has always been a place where young boys and men can find their voice, can learn about what makes them happy, and can figure out the ways in which they want to see their place in the world. So to hear alumni reflect on this reality, sometimes twenty-five to fifty years removed from their time at camp, was quite affirming. During this holiday season, I am struck by the excitement of Lanakila 2016. It was a summer of profound kindness and friendship and I thank each of you for adding your own part to that. It was a summer of celebration for the many gifts that Barnes provided all of us. It was a summer of appreciation, trusting in the power of new beginnings.
And these memories make me all the more excited for 2017. I look to the challenges of 2017 with the motto “ho for the gale” at the forefront of my mind. You all play an enormous role in how we approach each summer with energy and enthusiasm, so as your year progress, I wish you all the kindnesses in the world and hope you impart loving acceptance on all those around you. This coming summer promises to be spectacular, and I can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces on opening day! Skol,
Bryan Partridge Director, Camp Lanakila