AUTHOR’S CORNER
Ogontz White Mountain Camp: A History By Elizabeth B. Payne ’69 Published by Sherwin Dodge Printers, Inc., October 2013 ISBN: 978-0-615-83649-2 Elizabeth B. Payne ’69 (affectionately known as Libbie) has compiled a beautiful history— complete with photos—of the Ogontz White Mountain Camp in Lisbon, NH, which opened in 1923. Libbie, who was a camper, counselor and assistant director of the camp, begins with the story of Abby A. Sutherland, the camp’s founder and headmistress of The Ogontz School in Pennsylvania. The eight-week summer camp for girls offered an extensive catalog of activities including riding, tennis, arts and crafts, archery, riflery, nature and hiking, boating, sailing, aquaplaning, swimming, field hockey and golf, on its own six-hole course. Ogontz campers participated in competitive poetry reading, Gilbert and Sullivan productions, and church services held in a wooded glade high atop a hill overlooking the lake. Ernest Thompson Seton, founder of the Woodcraft League of America, built the Ogontz Woodcraft Circle where Ogontz girls drew the feather that would make them a Green or Brown team member for the rest of their days. Today, Ogontz Camp is a thriving center for music and arts, groups, weddings, corporate events, proms, family reunions and other gatherings.
22 | www.mastersny.org
ALUMNAE/I UPDATE
Alums Return for Inspiring Leadership Weekend A group of dedicated alumnae/i from across the decades returned to campus for the second annual Alumnae/i Volunteer Leadership Weekend on October 18-19. The weekend opened with a welcome reception in Masters Hall, where alums had the opportunity to network and reconnect with classmates and friends. A Harkness discussion with campus leaders followed, generating thoughtprovoking comments from students and alums. Alums then headed to Reunion Field for the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Masters Athletic and Arts Center (MAAC). Head of School Maureen Fonseca welcomed alums to the stately Estherwood Library for a dinner that evening, followed by a Performing Arts Showcase featuring an array of talented musicians, dancers, and actors.
Alums returning for the Volunteer Leadership Weekend gathered on the steps of Estherwood.
Saturday’s activities included a roundtable discussion and breakout work sessions in Estherwood Mansion, followed by the Annual Convocation ceremony in the Strayer Hall gym. The weekend wrapped up with a final work session and closing reflections. Throughout the weekend, these alum leaders offered comments and constructive suggestions on a wide array of topics ranging from school branding to Reunion planning. Many thanks to our wonderful alumnae/i volunteer leaders and to Amie Servino ’95, Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations, and Angelique Chielli, Associate Director of Alumnae/i and Parent Relations, for planning a productive and fun-filled weekend!