1962 Lake Fairfield Ripple

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THE LAKE FAIRFIELD RIPPLE CAMP MERRIE-WOODE

AUGUST 22, 1962

Co-editors ..

Lilla Calhoun Elta Posey Feature Editor ....... Lucile McKee Art Editor Susan Linder Business Manager .... Elston Downs Reporters ........... Kathy Swann Mary Judy Susan Spicer Zolly Zollicoffer Janet Martin Judy Edwards Bitsy Mills

EDITORIAL A pebble was thrown into a lake. Ripples formed and. silently grew until the once mirror-like surface was transformed into a myriad of circles. Although the tiny pebble soon sank to the bottom, its effect was long felt through the ripples it had created. Like the pebble thrown into the lake, these articles will cause ripples which will continue to stir our hearts into a sincere realization of what Merrie-Woode means to each of us.

The Ripple is a means of self-expression to all of us at MerrieWoode. Part of the beauty of this place God has so richly blessed is unfolded on its pages. Both the serious and the light part of camp are expressed. The spirit of Merrie-V/oode is deeply entwined in both of these. The Ripple enables us to see with clarity how many different sides there are to camp life. Each camper has the opportunity to write about whatever makes carnp more meaningful to her.

Long after we have stopped returning to Merrie-Y/oode, a glimpse of the spirit may be caught by glancing over these pages.

Experiences that mold the mind, heart, and body are those which will mean the most to us in later years.

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BECAUSE I CAME TO MERRIE-WOQDE Because I came to Merrie-Woode, I have been given a chance to find Just what I can do alone, Since I left my parents behind.

Because I came to Merrie-V/oode, I gained new friends a many; I learned new skills and arts And other things a plenty.

Because I came to Merrie-Y/oode-, I have found a deeper love; A love for Mother Nature, And a respect for God above. - • • • -

Because I came to Merrie-Woode, I have very much to be thankful for; And I hope I have done my best, And will continue to, forever more.

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Bob White, 1st Session

A THURSDAY AT CAMP When I woke up that morning, I felt a wonderful feeling of new adventures awaiting me. I went merrily to breakfast, with a cheerful feeling in my heart. After breakfast, we then went to the Castle for morning devotionals. We went back to our cabin to get all our junk cleaned up for inspection. I then went to my activities which included canoeing and archery first, and then came tennis and tumbling. But before tennis and tumbling, I went to choir to practice for our concert.

I.went to lunch, very hungry, and ready to eat anything that didn't bite me first. After lunch, I led my weary way forward to my cabin to lie down and rest. When rest period was over, I felt much better, and went to the rest of my activities with a merry glow on my face.

Free period came and went during which almost all of us went swimming and had a ball. Dinner is always a happy time and this was one of the most pleasant. It was then time to go to the Castle to elect a chairman of we merry Pages. Then it was time for all the fuia. We all went every which way to get all the stuff that was on the sheets.

After.our weary day at camp, we were all very tired and sleepy, but we still had enough strength to have a real gay and happy time.

Camp is-a wonderful and exciting adventure especially here at Camp Merrie-Woode!

Betty Caskey

THE MERRIE-V/GODE CAMPFIRE The campfire is a. solemn place, A place to listen, too.

A place where friendships grow real strong, And Merrie-Woode's spirit lingers long.

Each year the campfire starts anew When girls rekindle friendships true, Unselfishness, faith, hope, and love Are all rekindled too.

When each joyous season ends, And all comrades part again, Our flames are carried to the lake; Next years friendships will they make.

K. E.

MY HAVEN

NATURE

Merrie-Woode, I love thee, My heart grows ever fond.

Your beauty is a haven, That haven is the bond.

The bond to friends and laughter.

The bond to joy and love That brings me to ray father, God, in heaven above.

Nature with flowers, And nature with showers, Nature's sweet springs, And bird's pretty wings.

Doesn't nature make lot of things, Laura Smith

A SPORT A sport is a person who can play a sport well and do it fair and square. A sport should take the result of the game without madness or disappointment. The meaning of being a sport to me is this -it isn't if I win or lose, it's if I had a good time.

Victory lasts for only a day, but the fun you had you will always remember. So why don't you try to be a sport. I'm even going to try it myself. It's a hard job, but you can do it if you try hard enough.

Cyndy Montgomery

LIFE'Li RAPIDS The white water is completely surrounding you as you approach the rapid; and you wonder whether or not you will be able to make it through;- The tension builds up and you must decide what path you will take. You might choose to follow the canoe in front of you, but still there is the chance that they won't make it.

As you go through the swirling waters you may have an exceptionally good run, but more than likely you will be interrupted by one or two rocks which could ;ict have been detected until too late. It may take more than just a few strong pulls with your paddle to get you through, but eventually you think you must make it. Finally, though that one rapid is over, and it is time to prepare for another, you know in your heart you have conquered one thing however small it may be.

Jennie Scott

PAINTING THE NIGHT Shrill shrieks were heard both near and far, While laughter pierced the sky.

Merry voices shouting, cooing, calling.

Tired feet were swiftly running.

The night was drawing nigh.

The lake grew still—no ripples showed.

The bright canoes were gone.

A quiet form--so different now.

This lingered on, and would remain Until the coming of the dawn.

The darkness came on, inch by inch.

The light most graciously declined.

Apollo drove his fiery charriot Streaking the graying misty sky, With colors rich and red as wine.

And all at once there was no light As earth and. blackness met.

Man's creations glowed; piercing sharply.

But they could not destroy The glorious beauty of the night.

Lilla Calhoun

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Greater than any one tradition, but composed of many, is the everlasting spirit of Merrie-vVoode pervading those who know and love her. This spirit is evident in the more outstanding traditions such as campfires, the Tajar Tale, the Ripple, and the English tradition of "Follow the Gleam." Yet the Merr-ie-vVoode spirit is more than this. It is the accumulation of emotions resulting from the daily experiences of camping'life.

There are the many activities which are continued year after year and to which those returning campers look forward. Such of these are the water show, the horse show, the boat meet, the competition between green and gray teams on field day and challenge night, and the grand finale -- the banquet at the end of camp. Even more meaningful than these activities is the opportunity for friendship inspired through the close unity made possible through the smallness of the camp. It is promoted in the cabins, en trips, on carnp-outs, and in the friendship circle after taps. Perhaps two of the dearest and most treasured traditions of Merrie-Woode girls are the singing of Shiney-Miney before taps each night and the singing on the truck during trips.

As each of you, an individual, yet a part of a close-knit family group, live these weeks in this little spot of heaven apart from the busy rush of the rest of the world, you will come to know, to love, and to be a part of these traditions as have those of us who return each summer to rekindle that tiny spark of Merrie-Woode spirit which continues to live on in cur hearts.

DAYDREAMS

OVER THE RAINBOW

As I sit in this canoe, And look up at the pretty blue, I think of the wonderful birds, trees, and skies, Then my mind turns to candy and pies, But then if Fritz saw me eating, I know what he'd say, "I will give you a blacklist today!"

I then change quick, and think of all the beautiful mountains And also of the pretty fountains.

Over the rainbow, I wish I could fly, Soaring higher and hip'her through O -.O ti> O the sky.

1 could follow its path, the course due north I would hold.

Then downward, downward to the pot of gold.

Then upward I'd streak to the top of the rainbow.

And gaze upon a Pixie village, watching the children's faces grow.

The bell is always an interrupter, Because it is now time for our supper,

Laura Smith

Pokey Spiner Betty Caskey

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. TO THE TUGALOO (A poem written for all those who never paddled down this green river.)

Swish, splash, Swirl, crash, Over the rocks you go.

Bubble, then slide.

Now smooth as you glide Over the rocks, as so.

The sun, the rain, The laughter, the pain, To guide our canoes safely through.

A gurgle, a dabble, A s softly you babble.

Oh, there's never been a river like you.

God has given us, yes, A thing most rare to behold; And the few of us who have been blessed Feel the thanks so long ^untold.

But then pur happiness was broken On a dreary, rainy day, For we heard the fateful news They were taking you away.

Not laughter, but fears, Not shouting, but tears, As we all begged to hear more.

Heads hung -- a sigh.

For you were to die To hold water safely in store.

Now happiness teams.

We smile and we beam.

For although we had to part, Thfe memory of your' beauty so clear and so true Will forever remain in our hearts.

Swish, splash, Swirl, crash, Over the rocks you went.

Bubbles you wrought, And you laughed as you thought Of all the joy you had lent.

JLilla Calhoun

Merrie-Woode occupies a permanent spot in the hearts of those who love her. Year after year this spirit binds closer those who return to experience wonderful times, to exchange varied ideals, and to establish firm foundations for life-long friendships.

But our days at Merrie-Woode are numbered, and all too soon the happy experiences of today will fade into the unforgetable memories of tomorrow. The essence of these memories as souvenirs of our camp life depends upon the depth of our thoughts and deeds while dwelling in our little home nestled beneath Old Bald.

Our present is today, the beginning of a new week and a new season at Merrie-Woode. With each coming day of this new season, we, the chosen few, who are able to develop in mind and body in this place of rarest beauty, should strive to make the most of this valuable opportunity by living each day to the fullest in unselfishness, love, and faith. Thoughtfulness of others, unselfishness, and tolerance are little traits which display the interest and the ideals for which Merrie-V/oode stands - which each girl, working individually, should strive to match. This is the Merrie-77oode we love, that "composite thing made up of all those who through the years have loved it and given it their best. " Having put the whole of our selves and our love into Merrie-Woode, we will reap many intangible and inexpressible emotions, causing in years to come our thoughts to turn back to Merrie-Woode. Then our eyes will shine, our hearts will yearn, remembering Merrie - \7oodeÂť

A MERRIE-WOODE CAMPER She's friendly, unselfish, Loyal, and true.

Through all circumstances She knows what to do.

Of herself and her love, .Asking nothing in return.

For deep in her, Always will burn.

Forgiving and trusting That's what she is.

Though she hasn't much, She knows she can give,

That spirit of Merrie-Woode, Her highest ideal, And where 'ere she turns, Others do feel,

A little bit better, For they have seen By her many kind deeds, That Merrie-Woode gleams.

Lilla Calhoun

SPRING Spring is such a pretty time, When all the leaves turn green.

As I look at the mountain side, I." see a gorgeous scene.

With all the pretty flowers, And all the birds so sweet, It, makes me feel so happy To see them fly so fleet!

MY THOUGHTS As I sit here writing, I wonder about my friends. I wonder what they are thinking. When I think again, Lwonder why I am thinking about other's thoughts when I have many of my own. I think about the nature roundup and hope Jetta and Scottie can be proud of us. I think about the salamanders my friends are trying to catch. Jet is trying to get everyone to eatch a salamander for Ross Allen. The thing I think about most is my cabin*. At first I felt new and strange but now I feel like one of the gang.

That makes me feel as if I could live in camp for ever and ever more.

Blayney Fox

We of the Ripple Staff thought you'd be interested in seeing how many campers and counselors had mothers who came to MerrieWoode.

Julia Stout'-- Mildred Lee Melissa Waterman -- Helen Jemison Gary Davis -- Sylvia Saunders Deboria Ziegler -- Deboria Carroll Lanier and Kabby Wilson -- Katherine Lanier Holly Cochrans -- Jean Beasley Kappy and Bitsy Mills --Georgia Theveatt Vieve and Jane Minor — Gevevieve Kay Cyncy Montgoemry -- Cynthia McConnell Kay Howe -- Kathern Theveatt Gray Emory -- E-mma Gray Trigg

A SUNDAY AT CAMP We woke up Sunday morning with the 8 o'clock bell. By the second bell we w e r e ready to go to breakfast in our white uniforms. After breakfast we came back and cleaned the cabin 'til 11 o'clock.

At 11 o'clock the bell rang for church and we all went quietly to our church by the lake. First we had announcements by-Fritz and_othe.r .counselors, a£ter,which Hugh read the scripture and Ray Eaton gave the.me.ssage of the morning. .., After church we all. .went .down to .the. Nature Nook and played with the .guinea pigs and..hamsters. .. The.rvwe cleaned up the Nature Nook.. '. ,.,^ /:; . , "...

At one o'clock we.,had our big. Sunday lunch. Then we went back to the cabins for a peaceful rest hour.

A hike went out after rest hour to Cow Rock. They climbed to the first rock face overlooking the mink farms and the fish . hatcheries. There they stopped, for "water, and .candy. . , - ."., ' . , ' , , . We, had bag. suppexs r for-dinner.which were iea,ten" in "..various places. After this, many went out in. free boats/ ,.,., -, . ' , , , , ; - . ; : . At-8 o'clock the bell for vespers irang and', everyone sat quietly through ; a very, meaningful .service. At the ;.end.of vespers we sang taps,and then went back to our cabins for a night of. restful sleep. ;-._.,...:....... ; r •,- : --, ; ... , .. r . ..K.. ,.. r ,,-,-.-:

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I shall remerriber then . ; . ., , ....,,.

At twilight tirne or in the hush, of dawn ' ; Or yet, when flowing, on a.straying wind The scent of hemlock, or when Some strain of camping songs startle and is gone.

Old dreams, old times, all so far behind, Campfires and guitars — a n d the whispering trees refrain, The peaceful sunset, the gentle pattering of rain, And campers frolicking beneath a summer sun, i Will they too come, they who in our world so dear, Walked the .same paths and heard the .same bells ring, And .shall I hear : , ....

Their distant voices murmuring?

I shall remember then . , ... ...

When our Merrie~Woode days, are 4one, Our happiness and sorrow amongst the green and gray; And moved between that time which sends Our thoughts to camping days far away, Still linger old dreams, old times .... old friends.

Adapted from "Youth" by T.S. Jones

By Zolly Zollicoffer

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TOXAWAY HUNT Not many weeks ago the elite ..of Camp Merrie-Y/JOode took a most intere'sting overnight horseback trip. 'Some socialites included the lovely Madam Carla of Birmingham, the elderly Marguerite, and the frivelous L.ouisville girls. All of these fascinating? women live on the hill above Wits End. Others on the grand excursion -we're many of the Doxology girls. : The merry group began on their fantastic? outing immediately after their n6on siesta. They^all arrived at the stables in varied habits.- Many wore original outfits such as fishing hats, rainboots, Levi's, and ponchos. Everyone looked lovely. Soon the mother of the group urged her babies on their noble steeds which would take them to their destination. Madam: Carla argued that her pony was too large arid that she needed a smalle'tf yet more fierce beast. JOne of the better riders from that Rest .on the Hill wanted a larger and more spirited animal so that she could jump everything in sight.

The group, finally situated on their mounts, began the long journey. The trip set a mad pace until they reached the beautiful top of Toxaway Mountain. Immediately the chief chef began to prepare his special spaghetti sauce and to mix his special greens for the grandio salad! After finishing the meal of many courses, some of the elderly ladies began to prepare their traveling boudoirs for the night. While these ladies were preparing their beds, the younger chefs w'ere making, preparations for the morning feast.

The breakfast consisted of many different foods. After eating, the more horsey members of the group went out to care for the steeds. Miss Patrick Thornhill was in charge of caring for the horses because of her true love for them.

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• Soon after they all mounted, they began the long journey.

A few of the more advanced ones took the jump course. The jump course being a one-lane affair, the talented few decided to take it hunt style -- rather, horse beside horse. The course was enjoyed by all and proved to be more than exciting. On the path on the way back, the chorus of Ghug-a-Wurnp was heard.

All in all it was a very pleasant journey and made a great impression both physically and mentally.

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A PRAYER God of the Hills, grant me Thy strength to go back into the cities without faltering, strength to help my neighbor who has no hills to remember. peace and Thy restfulness.

God of the Lake, grant me Thy Restfulness to carry to the tired

one whom I shall meet every day; content to do small things with a freedom from littleness, self-control for the unexpected emergency and patience for the wearisome task; with the deep depths within my soul to bear with me through the crowded places; and the laughter of the sunny waves to brighten cheerless spots in a long winter.

God of the Stars, may I take back

the gift of friend-ship and love for all.

Fill me with a great

tenderness for the needy person at every turning. Grant that in. all my perplexities and every-day decisions I may keep an open mind.

God of the Wilderness, with Thy pure winds blow

away my pettiness; with the harsher winds of winter drive away my selfishness and hypocrisy; fill me with the breadth and depths and the height of Thy wilderness.

May I live out the

truths which Thou hast taught me by every thought and word and deed.

Amen (By Dammie and Ruth)