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
Inside
this issue of the Lanalog
Contents Pages Skol from Barnes 3 Poem Dedicated to Barnes
4
Greetings from Jeremy
5-6
Greetings from Unit Heads
7 - 12
Lanakila Show News
13 - 14
Peace & Skol from Don
15 - 16
From the Desk of Milo
17
Postcards from Alumni
18 - 19
Lanakila: Resilient People
20 - 22
Lanakila: Past, Present, Future
23 - 24
Carrying Lanakila into Life
25 - 26
Amazing But True 27
www.camplanakila.com Don’t forget to check out Lanakila’s website during the winter, maintained by our very own photographer, Jenn Grossman, and our trusty webmaster, Hans Woehlck. Find pictures of last summer’s tent/cabin photographs, sign the guest book and get in touch with your friends from camp, too. Just remember how to spell the secret word: “council.”Also check out Lanakila on Facebook! Note: Prospective campers or parents, or anyone interested in information on Camp Lanakila and the other camps of the Aloha Foundation, please visit the Aloha Foundation’s official website:
www.alohafoundation.org
Skol
from Barnes Dear Lanakila, I want to thank everybody at camp last summer for making my final year as Director so very special. I felt really humbled by the continual flow of warm wishes and the thanks of all kinds, and the creation of the Highest Ranking Viking shield in the barn—it’s one of the most special things that has ever happened to me. I am immensely grateful for each and every one of you and the special gifts you each bring to Lanakila.
Many people have asked me how I feel about ‘ending my career as Director,’ and like everything that is significant in our lives, I have a mixture of emotions. I feel grateful, proud, sad, excited about the future, wistful about the past, a little empty, and a lot full. I don’t mind the sadness because it reminds me that with every situation in which I invest myself by loving someone or something, I am also investing in the reality that when it ends there will be sadness and perhaps a deep sense of loss. We love our pets deeply, and when they die, we feel pain and sadness we cannot imagine. We love our friends deeply and sometimes when we have to move to another state, we feel that loss at the bottom of our hearts. We love camp, and yet when we get to be 14 and have to graduate, the sadness can feel unbearable. Great love can mean great sadness, but the loving is always worth it. Sometimes people decide that the pain of losing something we love can be avoided by not loving anything at all. They are correct, but what an empty life it is not to love people and pets and friends and camp. I loved being Director of Lanakila with every fiber of my being, and now that I have passed along the torch, I am occasionally sad that it is over. But that sadness is my friend; it lets me know how lucky and grateful I am to have loved something so deeply. And now it is time to find other things to love, because without deep love, I am not really me. Without deep love, I would be an outside without an inside and a body without a heart. I know that love may also lead to pain, but if that is the price, so be it. I send my warmest greetings to each of you in the new year. I will be back first half next summer to play what role I can in the spectacular Summer of 2017. I can’t wait to have Bryan as Director and see all the wonderful things he will do. And, I can’t wait to see you all, too. Love, Barnes Boffey
Page 3
At Lanakila’s 95th reunion, one of the attendees was Chard deNiord, a famous poet who is currently serving as the Poet Laureate of Vermont. Amazingly enough, Chard got his start as a Brooksider in the mid-1960s! (he remembered Barnes as the “Kind King of Brookside”). Chard wrote a poem for the reunion and we have published it below. Enjoy!
On the Occasion of Lanakila’s 95th Anniversary: Dedicated to Barnes Boffey
This is the paradise where as a camper I grew from side to side—Wood to Hill, Hill to Lake, boy to almost man. Those summers are a dream to me now where still I smell the pines and grass and sky. Where still, maybe more than then, I hear the bugler’s call waking me to another day of learning to sail, glaze a shield, hike a trail, string a bow, shoot a rapid, build a fire, capture a flag, fire a rifle, swing a racket, obey the gods: Loki, Tyr, Thor and Odin. Would I could return to start again when Barnes was king of the youngest boys and march with him in line each morning beside the brook beneath the pines to the dining hall and spend those summers I missed in the Kingdom of Barnes. When memory turns to dreams it means you loved those days you lived so fully and fast without your knowing it then, but see so clearly now as forever, or as close as that can come. For 95 years the dragon ship has sailed its summer sea on a lake called Morey that is so small it’s only a drop in any actual sea, but a water still so vast in the hearts of all its crews they hear its waves sing out to the hills like men a thousand years ago. -Chard deNiord Page 4
Greetings from Jeremy
Dear Lanakila, Ah, the winter season. It’s one of my favorites. It’s when we get our first snowfall, and with it the chance to curl up with a good book by the fire. The holidays mean I usually get to see some old friends, which is a true treat. There’s a sharp uptick in baking in my house during the winter months, and what’s better than a warm loaf of banana bread just out of the oven? Plus with the numerous long weekends, I get to take some trips to hike or snowshoe or do other cool explorations. Most importantly, I find that the winter season gives us the most opportunities to compare ourselves to everyone else until it gives us an ulcer and leaves us totally bummed out and terribly irritable. Wait, what?! We were doing so well until we got to that last one! What are you talking about, Cutler? Don’t get me wrong, that last one should NOT be on our list. It’s just that I HAVE noticed that this time of year is when I fall back into some pretty bad habits that are in conflict with the person I am at Lanakila. And I don’t think it’s just me, either. In schools and colleges, this is the time of year when I see a lot of students comparing fiercely with each other. Who got better grades? Who made the top sports team? Who won the most awards? For people at work, we spend a lot of time comparing ourselves to our colleagues, and trying to figure out who made more money, who got better compliments from the boss, who got the best desk or promotion at work. And at home? Sometimes this is the worst of all. This is the time of year of comparing ourselves to siblings to see who got the best presents, who got a bigger dessert, who got more privileges… the list goes on and on. I’m not sure why I get sucked into this “comparing” mindset so much around this time of year. But as easy as it is to get into it, I can also find my way out with a little help. I just need to think of Lanakila. And I mean that quite literally! Any good Lanakilan knows what the name of our camp means: “Victory.” But not just any victory – a Lanakila victory is a victory over oneself. It means that we set our own, personal goals, and measure ourselves against that standard – not by looking at other people and what they are able to accomplish. In school, that might mean we try to improve our own performance, instead of equaling someone else. In work, it might mean we decide to bump up our own quality or come up with a cool new project, rather than stressing and obsessing over what our colleagues are doing. And at home, it might mean that we accept that all family members are different, and that even though we get different amounts of privileges, responsibilities, or treats, it probably all balances out in the end. Page 5
Continued on next page...
(Greetings from Jeremy, continued from page 5)
I’m not saying that this is easy – not one bit! But when I remember how fun and productive it is to set “Lanakila” goals, instead of wasting my time comparing myself to everyone else, I not only feel a lot happier, but I also notice all of the Lanakila victories that I’ve had this year! And instead of resenting my friends, family, and co-workers, I can support and cheer them on, since we are not in conflict. So that’s my wish for all of you: tons of well-deserved Lanakila victories throughout the winter and spring, with great stories to tell when I see you again in June. Until then, Peace and Skol,
Jeremy Cutler
Page 6
Greetings from Brookside
Good morning, Brookside!! Since becoming a Vermont resident, I’ve really started to look forward to the first snowfall. Snow signifies the end of warmth for awhile, and suddenly everything gets incredibly still and quiet. When it’s quiet, I get a chance to really listen. And when I start to listen, my mind starts to play tricks on me and I hear things… like the trickle of the brook from the side porch of my house, a truck downshifting on I-91, and Brooksiders chanting. Wait what? It can’t be Brooksiders! It’s December and I know they aren’t here, but I can still hear them chanting, and performing the Haka as they get ready to compete in Brookside Ball. I hear them cheering as the tying run in Brookside Ball comes around to score. Then I start to hear them deciding the rules of the tetherball pole for the next hour, and it starts to get a little too real, so I distract myself with something else. That doesn’t last long because I am a Brooksider as well, so I look out the window of my house and I see the Brookside field. When I see that field, I start to think about the first annual Brookside Bowl, our amazing flag football tournament. Cheers to Henry for being the inspiration behind it all. Now I’m really wondering what is happening with my brain. My attention span doesn’t usually last very long, but something is different about these memories and visions that I am having. Everything feels real and like it’s right there in front of me! I realize that this comes from spending a summer in such a special place. My mind continues on its journey, and I envision myself walking up to Friendship Circle. I can see the fire shining off of everyone’s faces. Next, I’m standing in bench-up circle. I can see someone running to get there on time on a wet day and....well, you guys know the rest. The memories are flooding back now at break-neck speed. I’m experiencing that feeling I get when I walk into the unit after being away on a trip and I’m instantly caught up on all that’s happened in the past two days. And the sense of pride that overwhelms me when I’m sitting in the first few rows of Council Fire and witness Brooksiders get their Loki shields. Now, back in the present moment, I’ve got a huge smile on my face, but I’m still confused: these moments feel so real that I have to ask Oliver to pinch me so that I know I’m actually awake. Ouch! That hurt! So I’m awake… EPIC! I think I understand now: why would I want to forget all those things? Why would I want to forget all the laughs, memories, and new friendships from a summer in Brookside? Can it be summer already? I miss you all and can’t wait to see you back at Lanakila in 2017! Peace & Skol! Ross Cannon
Page 7
Greetings from Woodside
Dear Woodside, Gwen Ifill, a famous American journalist who passed away this fall, spoke at my college graduation. During her speech, Ms. Ifill asked my graduating class to “look up” more as we ventured out into our post-college world. I remember this request, especially when I think about how tempting it is at times to look down at the distraction of a cell phone. Of course phones offer positive benefits, but you can also miss opportunities that are right in front of you if you’re only looking down at your phone. When I think of our summer together, Woodside 2016 did not miss many opportunities; we looked up to each other over and over again. Woodside looked up to each other to share the excitement of camp. Whether it was Jordan Winbourne telling of his latest success in the Ameden League at dinner, Declan Walsh creating a new joke for Alex Born, or Jonah Lentz and Grayson Wileman earning their Loki at Council Fire, we all got to embrace the delights of a Lanakila day through the actions of not just ourselves but our friends, too. If I never looked up this summer, I would have missed Alex Sadie once again forgetting to wear a shirt, Henry DeRuff chasing after the Woodside Ball, and Duncan McRae running from the Woodside Ball. We all contributed our time and energy to these kinds of unique Woodside 2016 opportunities by looking up. Even more than looking up to the excitement of camp, Woodside looked up to each other to learn how to be our best selves. By watching Kenny Medina persevere to pass his swim test, Toby Otting support his tent mates as they prepared for inspection, or Diego Kleinman learn that failure is a prerequisite to success when learning Thor spinnaker, Woodside did not only witness the actions of others, but also the reactions of others. Through looking up to each other, we learned more than simply what to do; we learned how to be our best selves. And while I had to look down occasionally to find Stasia Marnoch this summer, I too, learned from all of you this summer by looking up. Watching and listening to each of you across the Rhombus fire speak about your achievements and aspirations this summer filled me with gratitude for the opportunity of knowing each of you. So, as we head into 2017, do not forget to look up from your phones and embrace the opportunities with the family and friends in front of you. Best wishes for a warm and safe New Year! Skol, Peter Miller
Page 8
Greetings from Hillside
Oh hi, Hillside! Good grief… I miss you guys! I’ve been re-playing a daydream: I envsion walking my way up to Hillside. As I pass the washhouse, I hear Ethan Arrowood teaching an advanced class titled, “Tick-Check Procedure and Toilet Decloggification.” Then, I make it through an ambush of “you talkin’ trash!?” and McDonalds jingles from Emile Seidman and Matt Sincerbeaux, and then I arrive in the middle of the unit just in time to watch Emmett Chapman crank a homerun through my cabin window. Each time I replay this scene, the same spot in the unit tends to grab my attention. I always end up finding myself on the bench beneath Cabin 2. From that bench, you can: steal a homerun from Martin Wright, sing “Party in the USA” with Nigel Baynes and Matt Peterson, make a flute out of literally anything with Seabass Cole, design your shield with Rachel Steyer, and cheer on Elvis McIntosh as he goes for the slack-line distance record. Based on how you are feeling in any given moment, you can choose to be anything between a quiet observer and an active participant. Either way, you’re still participating in the energy of the unit 100%. I’ve made a habit of visiting camp during the winter months each of the last few years. Camp looks different in the winter, but hidden everywhere are hints and tones of summer. The ground is cold and quiet, but if you listen carefully you can feel the energy pulse through the ground like an approaching freight train. That energy lives there year-round and its impact can be felt by anyone who steps foot on Lanakila’s property. I work at a high school during the year and by a stroke of great luck, I was able to take 20 of my favorite students to Fairlee for a few days in November. Nick Wood, Ross Cannon, Amar Langsdorf, and the entire Hulbert Outdoor Center crew played host to my school’s group. Watching these Lanakila legends help my students learn to appreciate lessons like stepping outside of your comfort zone, working together, and persevering through challenges was awe-inspiring. They helped my students tap into previously unexplored versions of themselves, and the impact was immediately noticeable. If those guys can harness that Fairlee energy in just 2 days, imagine what we can do in 3 ½ or 7 weeks! I hope the well of positive energy that you tapped into last summer is still running strong. In a few short months we’ll meet again in Fairlee and I can’t wait to see every one of you. Skol! Tommy Reynolds
Page 9
Greetings from Lakeside
Oh wow! It’s already December, my friends. As I write this letter, my mind is experiencing a flood of so many incredible memories from Lakeside 2016 – a flood that rivals the inundation of facial hair that our Washhouse endured from Harry Alderton before the 4th of July. Since we all left each other in August, I have made the migration across the country to begin teaching at a school in the San Francisco Bay area. In this new job, I have found myself constantly comparing my current experiences with the impactful and, at times, absurdly juvenile acts of love, humor, and comradeship that permeated our Lakeside community. There are times where I wish my students were as flexible and innovative as you all were when a Unit afternoon gone awry turned into a two-hour long tournament comprised of simply rolling Luke Galford down a grassy hill led by Avery Klotz, Ben Born, and many others. My students’ commitment to reminding me of the most current and popular Justin Bieber song (I’ll admit it, I do love it) occasionally makes me wish I could harness the diplomatic abilities that inspired Peter Klisiwecz to petition for the greatly appreciated ban of kazoos in Lakeside. Teaching and living in a state so far from our Lake Morey’s shores has granted me an appreciation and gratitude for Lakeside that will never be satisfied by my daily harassment of and from Ben Smith at our current job. There always remains a missing element of total comfort in expressing one’s humor, pride, and passion that was so commonplace in Lakeside. I’m talking about your “Counselor-Crow,” Cabin 1, or Lakeside Cabin 2’s daily affirmation of JD Kennedy as their only hope during inspection, or the Gillespie and Egger twins’ heartwrenching one-hit-wonder “Some say love (it is a tractor).” At my current job, I am often asked, “What inspires your students to keep learning?” and time after time I find myself describing experiences from Lanakila. From Mustapha Kay’s inspirational auto-tuned taps to Jackson Oppenheim’s ever-timely stories to close out our evenings in Valhalla, we were so constantly reminded of our capability to express ourselves. It’s clear that this summer was an amazing opportunity for so many of us to express ourselves in such a variety of ways. What we need to remember is that this was all possible through the incredible community we built together. My hope is that when faced with a difficult situation this year, you all know you can turn to someone in our Lakeside community for help. Trust me. Skol, Jimmy Gerrity
Page 10
Greetings from Bridge
Dear Bridge, Since I am at camp all “off-season,” there is rarely a day that I am not thinking of our time hanging out around the Bridge or looking out the office window where I can clearly see where the bonfire stood. I’m sure you’ve all received your calendars, and looking at the goofy face on the front of the Bonfire seemed to best represent the Bridge of 2016. Clearly, the tongue hanging out of the smile and the joking nature of the face remind me best of Arthur and Abnet. Between the fun they had decorating the clubhouse and the amusing podcasts they were making, their lighthearted spirits were like a child sticking their tongue out in joking defiance. The surprised-looking eyes remind me of everyone’s face during the first few days of precamp, but especially Tim Peterson as he braved entering the counselor living room (though shortly became a legend himself). If you look carefully at the photo there is an old wagon wheel on the side of the fire (I’m sure several of you remember moving that). That symbol of burden is a constant reminder of Ben Doule, who always seemed elbow deep in a terrible job with a smile on his face. Adding the rest of the face in general brings to mind the creativity of Charlie’s song about Don McIntosh, or the wacky humor of Rutger during van rides. Finally, the high dive. To me, this represents the way that everyone seemed to push themselves to new heights this summer. I have memories of John DeRuff serving as a full-time intern under Hans; Matt Smith working hard to avoid the wrath of the head chef; Andrew Rodgers leading groups of kids around camp and saving reptiles from his bridge colleagues; Michael Nelkin pushing himself to learn the ins and outs of teaching woodworking; Henry Huang and Simon Lentz putting in hours of work on the archery range under the blazing sun; Theo Grayer being chased around Brookside like a wild goose; and Eli Crippen impressing some of the toughest evaluators in camp (Sheehan and Miller) with his sailing prowess. But the fact of the matter is that ALL of you exceeded expectations in many ways, and for that I am so proud. All those superficial pieces to the fire were fun, but the deeper meaning comes from how strong the fire was, both before and after it went up in flames. The strength of the structure and how quickly it went up are intricately linked – much the same way that the strength of your friendships and teamwork are linked to your successes last summer. Both the bonfire and the success of B’16 required your time, energy, and caring approach, and that’s just what you gave them. Thanks for an exceptional summer 2016, and here’s to new heights and challenges in 2017! Peace and Skol! Nick Wood Page 11
Greetings
from 2nd Year Bridge
Dear 2YB, What a fabulous and memorable summer! Unfortunately, however, there was one important detail that seemed to get swept under the rug and forgotten. You know what I’m referring to, right? I tried talking to Kaelia about this matter via Skype, but she quickly changed the subject to how much the 2YB accomplished at camp and the collective maturity that the group utilized in solving problems. I spoke to Stu as well, but he made me forget my nagging concern when he mentioned the 2YB Café, which saw every last lobster paid for and gobbled up. He went on to reminisce about the evening out, which entailed the 10 of us laughing and enjoying each other’s company while gathered around the hibachi table in West Lebanon. It wasn’t until Stu brought up the awesomeness of the 2YB game that I suddenly remembered what I had been so preoccupied with. The cliffhanger of the summer came crashing back into my consciousness… Cottrill, Westcott or Mandelson? We never declared a winner. It seemed like one minute, three teams were duking it out across campus in support of their directorial candidates, and the next, we were announcing that Ridge had been vindicated from his criminal charges. Although Ridge was legally cleared to become Lanakila’s next director, it’s rumored that he and Cutler are stepping down before next summer. They apparently want to open a small comic book shop in a remote Viking region of Hawaii. For those of you unfamiliar with the business arrangement, Cutler is the subject of the comics and Ridge the artist. I think it’s safe to assume this venture will fail and the duo will resurface in time for Lanakila 2018, but we are likely to need interim leadership in the meantime. We have no choice but to go back over the results of the 2YB game with a fine-tooth comb. I suggest we meet as a group at Alex Katz-Berger’s house on Super Bowl Sunday. There we can determine which candidate will be Lanakila’s interim director. Whoever the new leader is — Cottrill, Westcott, or Mandelson — will be informed of their duties following the Super Bowl so he or she can begin to get their ducks in a row. See you then, ABoff P.S. Please bring the following: • Ethan Arrowood: Chips • Ethan Dhamodharan: Dip • Blake Himes: Salsa • Alex Katz-Berger: Hummus • JD Kennedy: Wings • Daniel Mulno: Soda • Tom Nasr: Tater Tots
Page 12
ow h S 16
20
Charlie Brown
Dear Good Men of Charlie Brown, So who’s seen The Peanuts Movie? (November 6, 2015. And no, I didn’t Google that, I just checked my Dickipedia ;) Because guess what? I’m ashamed to say, I never got around to seeing it until a few weeks ago! But what a great flick! Well, a scene in the movie resonated for me in a way that illuminated something that we truly nailed in our own production. For those who have seen the movie version, remember the sequence in which Snoopy imagines himself as a fighter pilot battling the infamous Red Baron? His imagination runs so deep that suddenly the roof of his teeny tiny doghouse literally becomes an airplane soaring through the air? That sequence is magical, and is an emblem for how strong imagination can be, and the stories that can be deeply pictured and felt if we let ourselves see the details, however fictional. As I watched that scene from my own living room, my mind began to wander, and I started to picture moments from our show that didn’t even happen! I saw Miles Skove bringing Beethoven to life at the piano. I saw the arrows fly through the air by the Nottingham Movement Ensemble during Book Report. I saw Tobi Wolf catch a baseball and drop it, and Alex Ecker catch a ball in his baby-blue blanket. I saw a line of backup blanket dancers that I always pictured free-styling to Alex’s overzealous beat behind him. I saw the intricate clouds that Louis Barton-Biegelsen, Ethan Hall, Jackson Boffey, Pierce Brookins, Quinn Hampson, and Oliver Egger spotted overhead through the back of the barn. I saw the cloud of dirt constantly swarming around J.Boff’s Pigpen. I saw Nate Lentz gobbling up bowls & bowls of dog food (though he might actually do that). I saw the nighttime stars that our lead cast spied in the precious dusk sky towards the end of the play. And I saw the kite that Henry Mali flew over our heads. (Oh wait, that last one actually happened! Thanks to resident mad-scientist Justin Cottrill.) I sat on my couch, confused. I felt like I could truly picture those images on our barn stage; and yet I knew that wasn’t possible, since those moments were only imagined, and hadn’t actually taken place. And then it dawned on me: my confusion was actually the magic of theater. Theater allows us to let go of reality and suspend ourselves, for a moment, for a minute, for an hour (or three) in pure imagination. Page 13
Continued on next page...
(Charlie Brown, continued from page 13)
Thank you all for joining me in the journey of creating a world in which 500 people could spend an hour suspended in collective imagination. We couldn’t have done it without your imaginations, every one of the 35 of you. I had a blast this summer, and I hope you did too! Can’t WAIT for 2017. Skol & jazz hands,
Tommy Dickie
Page 14
Peace & Skol from Don McIntosh
Happy New Year Lanakila! And, wow, this one will be an exciting “new year” for Lanakila; this will be Ridge’s first year as Director. I have mixed feelings as I know I will miss Barnes but I also know that Bryan is going to be a great Director and that Barnes will be around this summer to see all of us! So, I decided to make a list of things that I will miss about Barnes’ 20+ years as Director. See if you agree with any of the items on my list. 1. I will miss trying to get into or across Barnes’ office without tripping over piles of important stuff on the floor. I know that Bryan will keep a tidy office. 2. I will miss Barnes’ unconditional and unlimited love and trust with his huge smiles, special hugs, and great jokes. But, as I said, he will still be around camp to provide us with his special “love.” And I know that Bryan is like a clone of Barnes when it comes to love, trust, hugs, and smiles. Like Barnes, Bryan also has that wild yell when he gets the time to go to Athletics. 3. I will miss Barnes’ “Green Grow” with him throwing camper shoes and socks out the Barn window (sometimes even a chair) and ripping his shirt to pieces with the word “SING” written on his bare chest. Maybe Bryan could start a new tradition? How about singing “Barges” with Cutler on the drums? 4. I will also miss riding with Barnes as he drives the electric golf car around camp. He has never gotten over his wish to be a stock car racer! 5. I will miss Barnes at his table on his July birthday. The amazing cake, hat from Arts, the song sung by the Ladies of Lanakila, and the excitement of all of us. Maybe we can keep that tradition alive. 6. Finally, I will miss the inner feelings and emotion that Barnes shows and gives to all of us when he talks about kindness and gratitude and especially “How We Treat Each Other” and how we should take that with us into the world outside of Lanakila.
Page 15
Continued on next page...
(Peace & Skol from Don, continued from page 15)
I know that we will all miss Barnes as Director but now he will be free to see us in all areas of camp. I’m going to try to get Barnes to come to some early morning swims. Some of you probably don’t know that Barnes is a very good swimmer and back flipper off the diving tower. Looking forward to Summer 2017,
Donnie Mac (Don McIntosh)
Page 16
FROM THE DESK OF MILO Hey guys, Milo here! A lot has happened since I last saw you guys: I had my first birthday, and I learned to walk, scream at the top of my lungs, stack blocks, and attempt to ride my dog Morgan, which I haven’t been able to do successfully, but I’ll keep trying and let you know it goes… So, last summer was the best summer of my life. I mean, it was the only summer of my life at the time, but still. My favorite things were sitting on the front lawn and pawing at people’s faces, screeching while eating at the tables because I was so excited to be hanging with the campers, and making noise during inopportune times while Dada was trying, badly, to make announcements. Funny right? Anyway, I loved camp and it got me thinking: I don’t think I can wait 8 years and 10 months to be a camper! I mean, what’s the big deal, really? I can walk, I can say some words, I can yell really loud. I know I can’t walk long distances and I know I’m not potty-trained, but those are very small obstacles. So, with that in mind, I propose Lanakila create a new unit called Squirts! Squirts will be a unit for 3 to 5 yearolds. Since we cannot walk long distances, each group of 3 Squirts will be issued a Radio Flyer red wagon in which our counselor will transport us around camp. Some Squirts will need to have warm milk before bed. Squirts will have 2 Rest Hours per day. The Squirts will live in groups of 10 Squirts and 2 counselors in teepees surrounding the Director’s Cabin. Squirts will add a much-needed “cuteness” factor to camp that cannot be matched by Brooksiders. Seeing a group of Squirts being pulled in a wagon by Uncle Ross Cannon will bring warmth to even the coldest heart, like Uncle Nick Wood. On your way down to crafts, you might even see a Brooksider with a Squirt on their shoulders. Seriously, how adorable would that be? If you’re not convinced, write me a postcard and send it to 96 Brushwood Road in Fairlee, VT 05045, and my elves will respond with more information. Thanks for listening and considering my proposal. I can’t wait to see you all in June and play on the front lawn. Hopefully, Ridge will grant my proposal and I’ll be a camper in 2018! Until then, Love, Skol and Candy Nights,
Milo Pilcher
Page 17
Postcards
from Lanakila Alumni
Dear Lanakila, It has been nea rly 20 years sin ce I spent a full strange crew o summer on Lak f Ridge, Cutler e Morey. A ver , Bucky, Pilcher amok at Lanak y and ABoff seem ila. Seems like yesterday they to be running basketball on th w ere all just Lak e new hoops co esiders playing urt behind the afternoons at T clubhouse and ucker Mountain chilling on unit . Once a year I Employee for th come back as a e Day (thank y Foundation ou Chris Over instructors duri tree) and teach ng pre-camp. I the new archer love that no m you marched at y atter how long Council Fire, y it has been since ou are always of Lake Morey. welcome back I remember lear to the north sh ning that a Lan oneself,” but I’ ores akila Victory is ve also learned a “Victory over that revisiting skills makes th the place wher e winter victori e we learned th es easier to ach Skol, Simon H ose ie ve. oldaway (Lanak ila*87-95*97, Horizons*08*0 9, Hive*10)
To: Lanakila Lake Morey Fairlee, VT
Dear Lanakil a, My life has changed in m any ways sin Lake Morey ce I last spen but I am alw t my summe ays drawn b These days I r on the shore ack to the w am dressing s of o n derful place in a very dif It is an imm we call Lana ferent uniform ensely reward kila. , working as ing career th complex pro a police offic at constantly blems in fro er. th nt of me. Wh rows new op me to act as enever I com portunities a a counselor n e upon a situ or mediator, learned to re ation that req d I think back solve differe u ir to es Camp and th nces; what I has certainly e ways that I learned as a given me an c a m per and coun advantage. I also remem selor at Lana ber fondly th kila e summers sp teaching a n ent on the C ew camper h a mp rifle rang ow to handle To: through the e. Whether a rifle or tak intricacies o in g f b a a more experi llistics and ri Lanakila always be so enced campe fle maintena me of the m r nce, the time ost precious L time on the ra ake Morey memories I h s I spent the nge with poli re a v w e il . And I can sa l Fairlee, VT ce rifles, tha ago, still guid t what I learn y after spend es what I do ing ed as campe today. I continue to r so many ye reflect on ho ars w no matter we find ours where we fin elves doing d ourselves a in life, Lana to shape us a nd no matter kila and the nd help us to le what ss ons imparted be better peo I wish every to us will co ple. one returnin ntinue g to Camp in minute of it. 2017 the best Try new thin summer poss gs, take on n and take joy ible. Enjoy e ew challeng in being in o very e s, climb moun n e of the best Peace and S tains, canoe places in the kol, Joe Kam ri vers, world. p (L’98-01*0 3*04*11-13 ) Page 18
More Postcards from Lanakila Alumni
Greeting fellow bold, bold Vikings! from Lanakila, the more relevant the It’s funny – every year I spend away my life. lessons I learned at camp become to ool year living in Tunisia, pursuing sch I spent almost the entire 2015-2016 the st part are far poorer than people in a Ph.D. The people I met for the mo and ss dne kin ditions. But I experienced a US and live in far more difficult con stayed with me. While Lanakila creates an openness from people that really people are created all over the world, fine people, it’s nice to know that fine of ckenzie is still the world champion and there is good everywhere. Neil Ma Campcraft in my book though. marginalized young men about the I’ve spent a lot of time talking with those challenges inspire them to take challenges they face in life, and how re have been so many times when I’ve action to change their situations. The how much more peaceful the world thought back to camp and wondered they can choose to be the kinds of people y the t tha ned lear ple peo if be uld wo how they feel about things. While I’ve want to be and that they get to decide t, like gh, cruel place – I also have seen tha now seen that the world can be a tou the re ncil fire, we have the power to sha the candles that burn at the final cou light of Lanakila everywhere. 9-03*05-08*10) Peace and Skol! Mike Marcusa (L’9
To: Lanakila Lake Morey Fairlee, VT
ountains, the San Juan m f o y tr a, n il u ak co k an L ac Dear rs at an ed the b celebrated 2 yea rs, I have board & ea , y o 2 ic R st la to e er th u not least, P In st, but certainly and beaches of la le d g n n A ju s. e th rm d have fa explore g hydroponic t couple years in as n p ig e es th d y, y sa an p to eedless amazing com heels in love. N er v o d ea h en ll I have fa gs of the same feelin of excitement. h it e w ag e rt o m s sh ll o fi rey n had eate a life that res of Lake Mo cr o sh to e d th ar h to k ed ac rk us all b d how I have wo ship that draws I want to be an w o o h ll w fe lf d se an y g m in k belong ing to as n able to ain. By continu ions, I have bee ag at e tu m si ti le d ab an rt e d fo tim lt and uncom , empathetic an cu fi ed if at d v ti le o d m an , h g n w I want to munity of cari myself, to kno m h it co w a t h es it n w o h lf e ances t me to b surround myse e not missed ch p always taugh ar am ey C th . le at p th eo w p o e and to kn innovativ nd myself ents that I fail, g so I have fou m in o o m d e In th t e. p v ce lo and ac very and unities for disco rt o p p o ew anakila. n t u b -06*08-14) I owe it all to L d an , er ev an 8, Lanakila’01 9 th s’ n zo ri o happier (H L, Derek Baker Peace and SKO Page 19
To: Lanakila Lake Morey Fairlee, VT
Lanakila: ResilienT People by Alex Lipoff
Dear Lanakila, Boy oh boy, life can be hard. Really hard. And I know that all Lanakilans can relate to what I’m saying. Of course, life is also silly and amazing and funny and joyful and smelly a lot of the time. But there are no two ways about it, life can be difficult. Every single one of us out there is dealing with something hard right now; some of us are having disagreements with friends or family, some of us just miss camp, and some of us got stuck in the math class with the hardest teacher ever who seems to hate us for no good reason and never gives us credit for showing our work even though we DEFINITELY showed all of our work, AND we never will need to know how to factor polynomials EVER. UGH! But, here’s a thing to remember. The hard experiences that we have can actually make us stronger afterwards, as they help us remember that when hard times come, we have the skills, toughness, and confidence to get through. This idea – that we have the ability to bounce back after difficult experiences – is called “resilience,” and it’s a pretty popular word in schools and camps right now. The point that I’m making here is that getting through one tough thing is like mental weightlifting that prepares us to be resilient when the next tough thing comes along. So, I talked to some of the most resilient people you and I know, and I asked them a simple question: “What difficult experiences have you had, gotten through, and now look back on as examples of how strong you are?” RACHEL STEYER: I’ve struggled through so many difficult pieces of art. At the beginning, I have a vision and everything is perfect, and then, somewhere along the way, it all changes, I get frustrated, and I start thinking I’ll never fix it. But, then I tell myself that I’ve been through this before, and I know that I can handle it. After all, inventing new colors (even by accident) is what makes art, well, art! STEFAN KUNZ: When I first got a puppy, within a week she had an accident and broke one of her legs. I was devastated seeing my new puppy so miserable, and the vet told me she may never walk properly again. I was very sad and my first thought was that things would never get better. My attitude was quite pessimistic and a bit negative. When the cast finally came off, it was true: she could only limp around at first. But then I thought about camp and I remembered that progress takes time and hard work, as well as a calm and patient approach. I also began to adjust my expectations for the future. With this new attitude, I was much happier and I could really help my puppy. Eventually she was walking and running just like before! Page 20 Continued on next page...
(Resilient People, continued from page 20)
HENRY HUANG: In the 2014 Lake Morey Marathon, I lost my breath halfway through the race, and almost quit. I began crying from the pain in my lungs and watching many others run past me. But I didn’t quit the race, and I decided that if I couldn’t run, I would at least walk. Although it took me much longer than I planned, I learned about the true support of camp friends, as many people stopped to see if I was okay. That day, I found a drive from within to compete, no matter what, and that experience is a constant reminder to me of what I can do. CHRISTINA COBB: This past Fall, I studied abroad in Brazil, and had to spend a whole month separate from my friends in a remote, rural town. At the beginning of that month, I was begging to leave; I felt entirely on my own and like I knew no one. But, I decided to tough it out, and I’m so glad I did. This experience helped empower me to be independent, to be okay with being alone, and to persevere through the challenging times. I gained a sense of confidence that I believe that I would not have gained without pushing through that difficult first week.
CHARLIE KELLOGG: You might not know this, but over the last few years I’ve struggled with my health. For some time, I couldn’t go to school or spend time with my friends, and I was worried that it would stay that way for the rest of my life. But, I worked my way back slowly but surely, and I’ve learned that even though this struggle has been the toughest thing in my life, it gives me the knowledge that I can eventually get through anything.
Continued on next page...
Page 21
(Resilient People, continued from page 21)
CALEB DONOVAN: When I was 14, my older brothers moved out of the house. I felt abandoned by the people who I cared for the most. Everything was changing, and I felt like I didn’t know how to handle the transition. But I learned that change isn’t bad. Since that time, we learned how to be happy and proud of each other wherever each of us are, and that transition has been the most incredible experience of my entire life. I wanted to share with you these answers because, if you’re anything like me, hearing that amazing people have to work their way through tough things just like the rest of us inspires me to hang in there. So, there are really two things I want you to remember as we all enter into 2017: 1. You’ll make it through the difficulties you are experiencing right now; and just maybe, you’ll look back on them as times that helped shape you into the strong, amazing person you are. They’ll be the times you’ll call on when you have to decide how to handle new challenges in the future. 2. You’ve already made it through so much, just by virtue of being who you are. You’ve conquered boat landings, learned to pass inspection, settled disagreements with tent or cabinmates, and challenged yourself to live without Instagram for an entire summer. I can’t imagine what challenges you can’t tackle now. Wishing you a resilient new year, and can’t wait to see you in Fairlee in 2017! Skol,
Alex Lipoff
Page 22
Lanakila: Past, Present, and Future by Doug Pilcher
into the future. Campers, although you may not have known the founding Lanakilans – Mrs. Carol, Clint Leonard, Dave and Ruth Buchanan, Paul Pilcher, and Bob Love – you are connected to them through the belief that Lanakila is an idea more than it is a physical place. Although over the years, new structures may be built, taken down, or moved; new songs written or old songs sung; the enduring spirit and traditions of the place remain the same. You are the current generation carrying that on, and frankly, you’re doing an incredible job. Dear Lanakila past, present, and future, The weekend after camp ended Lanakila held its 95th Reunion. Lanakila alumni, family, and friends poured into camp by the hundreds. So many people, in fact, that we couldn’t all fit in the dining hall! After some deliberation, the decision was made to put up a large, open-air tent that covered most of the Brookside Field to fit and feed over 400 people. Lanakila alumni came back to camp to reminisce about their years at camp, share stories, connect with old friends, go to their favorite department, and have their little slice of camp as they remembered it. But more than that, they came to make sure we are holding up our end of the bargain; that we are being the stewards of Lanakila and preserving the tradition of creating fine people. I’m confident that all of these alumni were reassured that we can be trusted to carry Lanakila Page 23
Counselors, to you we owe the greatest gratitude. You are the foundation upon which Lanakila survives. And after devoting huge amounts of time and energy to the summer of 2016, you worked even harder and longer (if that’s possible) during the reunion than you had during the previous seven weeks – probably more than is allowed by the State of Vermont during a single period of time. It was a tireless effort, but you made it look easy, and you allowed people to experience their special piece of Lanakila. The Reunion also allowed alumni the chance to honor Barnes after his last summer as Director. Alumni and current counselors held a Carol’s Concert event that included some classic and lengthy stories about Barnes during his years at Lanakila. The weekend marked the final ceremonial passing of leadership from Barnes to Ridge. Continued on next page...
(past, present, and future, continued from page 23)
Reconnecting with family and friends reminds you that connections made in weeks can last the test of time. We often talk about the Lanakila dream, and after this latest reunion, we can safely say that “The Dream is Alive at 95� and continues to be realized each June. Be grateful for all that you have, for the people you love and who love you, and for the gift of Lanakila. Lucy, Milo and I wish you the best year yet. See you in June! Skol,
Doug Pilcher
Page 24
Carrying Lanakila into Life Stirring Lanakila Voices
Dear Lanakila Vikings, I’d like to take a moment to share a story with you from my fall. As many of you know, I spend a large portion of my winter training with ROTC, a program where students train to become commissioned officers of the US Armed Forces while they go to college. My story begins with the Army’s Ranger Challenge, an annual competition amongst ROTC cadets. Each ROTC battalion puts together its own Ranger Challenge team of 10-15 cadets. At the end of October, that team goes on to compete against all the other teams in its state. And the teams that come in first place within their states go on to compete against West Point’s Ranger Challenge team in the Spring – an incredible honor. The tryouts for the team and the preparation for the Challenge itself are extremely physical. If you make the team and survive the competition, you are awarded the coveted Ranger Challenge Tab to wear with your uniform, which is meant to separate you from your counterparts. It’s supposed to mean that you have trained harder and longer than most of your fellow cadets, and have gone through many arduous obstacles to make the team. This week was tryouts for my battalion. There were between 35 and 40 cadets on the first day. Only 14 made it to the last day, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of that squad. There was a moment this week when I was really struggling. I was tired of waking up every day at 4:30am to go on seemingly-endless distance runs. I was humbled at the inappropriate amount of push-ups and sit-ups we were ordered to do. I was questioning the sanity of our leaders, who were
constantly developing new ways to try and break us. There wasn’t a single part of my body that was not in pain - and my brain hurt from just thinking about what was in store for the next day. And at this moment, I found myself with the other cadets running up a mountain. We were all tired, and this wasn’t the first or the last exercise for the day. I was hurting and fighting to keep up. I wanted to just stop running, and stand to the side and be sick. I wasn’t the only one that felt this way, but our First Sergeant told us that such weakness is unacceptable, so we all kept moving. Again, I started questioning myself and my reasons for being in that place. I started to ask myself whether or not the military truly was for me. And then I started to think about where it all started. I realized that the first time I ever started thinking about joining the military was at camp as a Woodsider. My first time ever meeting a serviceman was in Hillside, when Kit Zipf visited my unit during rest hour. The first person I ever really spoke to about my aspirations was Barnes while sitting at his table during that same summer. And when I said I wanted to join the military and be an officer, he said “You can do it. You’ve got the jazz.” And I remember trying to get better at fitness by going to Corporal Lipoff workouts every chance I could. And with those thoughts, I found my motivation coming back to me. I pushed on and made it up the mountain. And I told myself that I could make it up every mountain from then on, because camp had prepared me for this. Because at a young age, I Page 25
Continued on next page...
(Zion Reid, continued from page 25)
learned that Vikings never give up and that Lanakilans lead people. I’m thankful for all my experiences at camp. The overnights and trips that taught me how to live outside. The humbling CIAs that taught me to get the job done no matter how tedious and gross they may seem. The long conversations with my counselors who I looked up to as leaders who I could follow and would help me grow into the man I am today and the better man I want to be tomorrow. Now, with the understanding that I won’t be able to come back to camp, and the prospect of my fast approaching military career, this man is afraid. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about trading in a summer of fun and Skol for the barracks and drill instructors at Fort Benning, GA. But I know I am prepared for all the training and the hard work ahead of me as a cadet, and eventually as an officer. I owe this feeling of preparedness to you all, and all that you have done for me at camp. Thank you. Very Respectfully and Skol, Cadet Private Zion Reid University of San Diego, Aztec Battalion ROTC
Page 26
Amazing But True: A Little Lanakila History by Barnes Boffey
When you realize that Lanakila was founded just 4 years after the end of World War I, it’s pretty clear that over 95 years, there have been many ways of doing things that might not be effective or even tolerated in 2017. Here are two: Scheduling:
Smoking Cigarettes:
At camp these days, we decide each morning or afternoon what we want to do. But up until the mid-70’s, campers followed a daily schedule which was established for two-weeks at a time, with no variations. The assistant director would first talk with each camper to see what he wanted his priorities to be. There were two things about which you had no choice: everyone did swimming, and then, you had either Campcraft three-times a week or Exploring (then called Nature) three-times a week. Those were your required assignments. After those were listed on your scheduling card, you could request other activities, and your schedule card was filled in by the assistant director, accordingly. Today, we see it as our right to have lots of choices about our schedule, but back then? Not so much.
In the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, cigarettes were much more widely accepted than they are today. It would not be unusual for 50% of the staff (or more!) to smoke. We were never allowed to smoke during the day or as part of the program, with one exception: meals. Counselors could smoke in the dining room at the table, and ashtrays were even part of the tablesetting routine. No one thought it was outrageous that counselors would smoke in front of campers; even Mrs. Carol smoked. Although there was one exception: counselors could smoke at the table at during breakfast and dinner, but not at lunch. They had to go to the counselor living room after the meal, where coffee was served and all smoking took place. There was about 20 minutes between the end of lunch and the beginning of rest hour. The room was totally filled with smoke, and even non-smokers participated; there was no public awareness then about second-hand smoke. Can you imagine that today?
2017 Dates: Full Session: Wednesday, June 28 to Wednesday, August 16 Show Weekend: July 23 & 24 Page 27
Non‑Profit Org. U.S Postage
Paid
Permit No. 86 White River Junction, VT
Camp Lanakila 2968 Lake Morey Road Fairlee, Vermont 05045
Printed on recycled paper THE ALOHA FOUNDATION, INC. Tel.: 802‑333‑3400 Fax: 802‑333‑3404 www.alohafoundation.org
Peace & Skol