the A-Hut. More importantly, he has spread the ideals and spirit of Camp Dudley to the farthest corners of the globe; specifically, to the Christian Aboriginal Parent Directed School in Coolgardie, Western Australia - https://www.caps. wa.edu.au - where he serves as principal, teacher, and coach. Kurtis and wife, Rowena, have been responsible for bringing multiple students and student/ athletes from down under to Westport as both summer campers and winter basketball players. This talented educator continues to be a favorite among our boys and his co-workers. While I can’t take credit for Kurtis Leslie’s life lived in devotion to others, I do know that in this case, sending a child has changed many lives.
Change a Life: Send a Kid to Camp
By #11264 Mark Davenport
W
hen our family was still living full-time in Harlem, the highlight of the fall season was Willie’s visit to The Henry Street Settlement House on the The summer of 2019 will present yet another opportuLower Eastside of Manhattan for the offseason Renity to change lives by sending a child to Camp. union - now the Open House. The gracious hosts were #9106 Greg and Cathy Farrell and the auditorium was always packed with young alums who were now work- Pictured above: Kurtis and Rowena Leslie and family with Mark and Cathy Davenport ing in New York City, the Leaders and campers who had just spent the “best summer ever” in Westport, NY, and those young men hoping to get their chance to attend. Willie would finish his slide show schtick and then interview the prospects - much like Marnie and Matt do to this day. I vividly remember the first time I brought a boy to be interviewed by the boss. The lad and his mom lived in “our building” in an apartment on the third floor and he was an ideal candidate for Dudley - inquisitive, polite and ready to grow. I must admit to being a bit nervous as he went off to the side seats for his Willie interview. The guests finished up the cider and donuts and it was time to head back uptown when I sidled over to the director. I asked him, “How’d he do?” Willie showed me his notes. There, next to his name it read, “Davo - TAKE!” My little buddy made the cut and spent the next five summers at Camp. My old downstairs neighbor returned to Westport for his second summer on staff in 2018. Along with his lovely wife and three young future campers, #14253 Kurtis Leslie has earned his summer stripes for us in
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Marketplace
Prova Design #22941 Jonathan Damico web: provadesign.com Prova is a backpack company created by two students who couldn’t find a backpack designed for them. They took it upon themselves to design and manufacture the best bag in the world for students. They launched Prova while still in high school.
The Camp Dudley News