The Alum News Spring 2017
www.sanbornwesterncamps.com
editor’s letter
D
o you know a Deprived Alum? (definition: Deprived Alum—Someone who attended Sanborn Western Camps as a camper or staff member between 1948 and 2016 who is old enough to have his/her own address and who does not receive each scintillating copy of the Alum News and may not—horror of horrors—even receive the corny camp birthday card due to an inaccurate or hopelessly out-of-date address in the camp’s data base? May also include those who are over 40 and whose parents still receive their birthday cards at their home address—of course, if they are over 40 and still live with their parents, that is another story. We need your help in tracking down these D.A.s! Please turn in siblings, distant relatives, and friends who we have lost contact with. If you don’t know whether or not we’ve lost contact with them, send the information anyway and we’ll sort it out. Our motto is “No Alum Left Behind”. There are several ways to get this information to us. You can e-mail it to alumnews@sanbornwesterncamps.com (and please include both the victim’s— oops! I mean alum’s-- mailing address and e-mail address) or you can go to our website: sanbornwesterncamps.com and enter the information in the alum section. You can also enter your own news here. Or, if you are old-fashioned, you can send it to us via snail mail or telephone. Also, if you are receiving this newsletter, it means that we have your mailing address (Duh!) but, you may still need to send us your e-mail address so you will receive the randomly spaced but no more than once a month Alum e-news.
This brief one-page newsletter usually highlights one aspect of camp, either from a modern or historical perspective, and you will not want to miss it. I know it is hard to believe, but 2018 will mark the 70th anniversary of Sanborn Western Camps and we are celebrating big-time in August with a megaAlum Reunion. Registration is now open for this extremely fun event which will feature all of the camp activities you remember. So save the dates and sign up now! We are currently excited to be preparing for our 69th summer, which will begin in a few short weeks. You can follow all the action on our website and on our Facebook page. Best Regards,
Send us your news!
alumnews@sanbornwesterncamps.com
Jane Sanborn aka: The Editor
Dear Alums, By my calculation this is the 68th edition of the AlumNews! Debuting in the fall of 1983, the first issue consisted of 8 pages on 8½ x 11 inch heavy paper, typed using our latest IBM Selectric Typewriter. We could change the type style by snapping a different ball on the gizmo that printed the copy on a sheet of paper. Cutting edge!
Conceived and written mostly by Jane Sanborn, the first issue was illustrated with drawings by Adele Walters Carlson (HT Staff 70-81), included an introductory letter by Sandy and Laura, and listed 16 Chips Off the Old Block – the Second Generation in Camp 1983. Juicy tidbits of news from unsuspecting alums were divided into three eras of camp history – Prehistoric Time (Pre-1970), Dark Ages (1970-75), and Olden Days (1975-83). Date ranges had to be modified slightly through the years. (Sad but true, some alums who started in Olden Days are now Prehistorics – time marches on!) Births, marriages, new jobs, careers, and visits to camp were documented with occasional humorous editorial comment. The response was overwhelming and the second issue appeared in February, 1984. Alums who thought they were just sending a chatty Christmas card found their news in a tabloid-sized publication actually printed on newsprint. It featured a centerfold of grainy, black-and-white
photos that included Tom Emmel with an iguana, Bud Wobus teaching about rocks, the south end of Truman the burro headed north, and Sandy serving 4th of July flag cakes. It invited folks to send for the camp video – VHS (1/2 inch).
listings of hundreds of generous donors that contributed $1,800,000 for the Sandy and Laura Scholarship Fund, new swimming pools at both camps, cabin upgrades at TNP, a new health center at High Trails and new tent frames at Big Spring.
Throughout the 80s news items increased, our mailing list grew, we upgraded to fancy paper, and computer-generated type replaced the typewriter. Camp news recorded the opening of Pikes Peak Research Station (“Peepers”), the launching of Sanborn Junior, the first alum reunion in 1988, and Nasty Ned Douglas’ wedding (the account reported that aliens had kidnapped Nasty at the Dump and “his earthly remains were left filled by quite a different character.”)
The now well-honed team of Jane and Ariella created the glitzy new magazine format which appeared in the Fall of 2014 and included brilliant color photos, COEC’s mission, the new campfire ring at HT, national recognition of the Four-Story Treehouse, the COEC Leadership Team and Board of Trustees as well as the usual news, babies, and weddings.
In addition to increasing scandalous news items from alums, the 90s saw the appearance of articles of Sanborn history and earth-shaking program developments: “Great Moments in Sanborn Driving History”, parts I and II, “The Great Garbage Saga” – the history of iconic Garbage Persons 1960-1978, the poem describing the infamous enactments of Barfing Animals at High Trails, and an hilarious article about being a camp parent by Cate Noyes Boddington (HT 69-71). New programs, buildings, and events included Winter Family Week at TNP in 1990, the new observatory with an automatic revolving dome and 17½-inch telescope, a new covered skating rink (now Area 52 storage area), the ARK (Activity Recreation Kiva), a new program center at Big Spring in 1996, and a wealth of programs at The Nature Place. After Y2K the AlumNews chronicled the “merger” of Sanborn Western Camps and Colorado Outdoor Education Center into a non-profit, the beginning of the Sandy Sanborn Scholarship Program, a more robust era of alumni reunions including the humongous reunion in 2008 celebrating the camps’ 60th anniversary, the wonderful tributes to Sandy and Laura when they went to the Big Camp in the Sky in 1999 and 2009. Our first-ever capital campaign, Sanborn 60, was documented from its beginning in 2008 to success in 2011 --including
This raised the bar for subsequent issues of the AlumNews. The color photos and slick paper enhanced news items of alum lives, births, and weddings, augmented wonderful essays and blogs as well as spotlighting the lives of a few of our amazing alums. The new format has enabled us to convey in a richer fashion our purposeful role in youth development, the recent acquisition of 173 acres of spectacular land at the foot of Mt. Antero in the Arkansas Valley, and the compelling almost-70-year history of SWC/COEC -- Sandy’s and Laura’s creation five miles south of Florissant. The Alum e-News first appeared in April, 2009. These are one page, usually one topic breaths of fresh air that go out approximately once a month. Recent features include the new health center at High Trails, the value of free play in childhood, a tribute to camp cookies and their bakers, and slicker sliding on the descent of a fourteener. And so here is issue #68 – savor – enjoy! I echo Jane’s appeal to spread the word to camp buddies who have lived a life of cultural deprivation, if they are not receiving the AlumNews in the mail or the Alum e-news online. You can send the information to me at jerry@sanbornwesterncamps and I will reward you with 5 authentic Sanborn chits usable at the next big Alum Reunion in August, 2018!
Jerry McLain jerry@sanbornwesterncamps.com
news & updates
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prehistoric : pre-1974 ROB (BS 62; Staff 65-68) and CONNIE MacWILLIAMS (HT Staff 66-68) FRIESEN celebrated their 70th birthdays and the 50th anniversary of the summer they met at camp (they are Camp Marriage #5) last July by gathering with their family (4 children, 2 sons-in-law, 4 grandsons) at their cabin just south of camp. They hiked, fished, did crafts and traveled the short distance to The Nature Place for a celebratory lunch and Sunday Rocks service. They also traveled to Carbondale and Carmel Valley during the year. Connie continues to take wonderful photos and create stunning cards with them, to create a beautiful garden at their home in Denver, and relishes her grandma role. Rob continues his work in cardiac anesthesia at Children’s Hospital and treasures the opportunities to work with son, RICK (BS 96-99; Staff 02-05) during his cardiology fellowship. Rob also loves his fishing Wednesdays! TOM KOCH (BS 63-64; Staff 66-70) and wife, Sharon, had a busy year of travel, professional insurance meet-
definition according to an 8 year old: a time when your parents were young; coincides with the age of dinosaurs
ings, and time with their children and grandchildren. They again left their Kansas City home in January and February and moved into “Winter Quarters” in Palm Springs, CA, for eight weeks. During the year, they also attended insurance meetings in Florida and California. Last summer they visited Colorado to pick up five of their six grandchildren from camp and spend time together in the mountains! DARCIE SWENARTON (HT Staff 6568) Peet continues her very successful painting career—focusing on Plein Air and Impressionistic Landscapes and Still Life. A highlight of 2016 for Darcie and husband, Barrney, was attending the opening of “A Timeless Legacy—Women Artists of Glacier National Park” at the Hockaday Museum, Kalispell, Montana, where Darcie had three paintings. Her work will also be included in the 2017 show. Darcie and Barrney continue to enjoy hiking, tennis, and skiing! KATE FRIESEN (HT 62, 64-66; Staff 67-68) and husband, Peter Westcott,
have not spent much time at home in Carbondale during the past year. Their travels included California, Michigan, the Northwest, Minnesota, and four weeks in Peru. When they are home, they both dress up in western attire and sing with the Cowboy Corral. Son, Tae, continues to work in the ski industry and perform his aerial stunts on skis. Daughter, CLAIRE (HT 03-05) is teaching culinary arts at Cook Street School in Denver. SUSAN UPTEGROVE (HT Staff 64-65) Myrick and husband, Jay, are enjoying travel and their children and grandchildren. In early 2016 they traveled aboard a cruise ship from Florida to Australia and loved the experience. Susan and daughter, EMILY MYRICK (HT 82-87; Staff 91) Densmore met JAN SANBORN (HT Camper and Staff Various Years between 62 and 02) Van West for a hiking adventure in the Canyonlands. Susan and Jay also joined their high school classmates for their 55th class reunion in October. They love spending time with their grandchildren: WILL (BS 14, 16-17) and Henry Densmore, sons of Emily and John Densmore, and Riley, daughter of ANDY MYRICK (BS 84-88) and his wife, Jen. Andy is a bioengineer and researcher in the entomology department at Penn State; Emily and John are both doctors in Whitefish Bay, WI.
The Friesen Family celebrates at Sanborn in July
• ANDREA McCRADY (HT 68; Staff 73-74) stopped by camp in mid-April on a week- long Colorado trip down memory lane. Andrea lives in Ottawa, Canada, where she is the Dominion Carillonneur. She creates music for Canada’s Houses of Parliament from the Peace Tower, where she plays the 53 bell carillon in the tower. Before becoming a full-time carillonneur, Andrea was a medical doctor and operated a family practice in Spokane, WA. THERESA-MARIE RHYNE (HT 67-71) published her book “Applying Color Theory to Digital Media and Visualization” last November. She is an expert in the field of computer-generated visualization and a consultant. She says that her High Trails adventures helped her develop her creative capabilities as an artist and observer of
color in nature. Theresa-Marie lives in Durham, NC. GAY MERS (HT Staff 69-72) Hughes and husband, Mike, are into their 3rd year of retirement, and “are not lacking for things to do”. In addition to remodeling their home in Riverton, WY, travel, and visits with friends, the Hughes always plan time for fishing. DEDE McFAYDEN (HT 65-68) Donahue still works very part-time at Stems Florist in Omaha, and also does yoga, jazzercise, and doggy walking. She has spent a lot of time with her mentee, Amina, helping her prepare for college. Husband, Pat, continues to practice law and also enjoys, dancing, art, and music. Son, PAUL (BS 98-00) practices law in Lincoln, NE, where he lives with wife, Jena, and son, William.
Daughter, Ellen, teaches third grade in Chicago and is engaged, with a wedding planned for fall. BUD WOBUS (BS 54; Staff 60-69, 76) was featured in an article in this spring’s edition of the Williams Magazine. Bud has been a professor of geology at Williams College for 50 years and is currently the Edna McConnell Clark Professor of Geology. In 2016, he received the National Association of Geosciences Teachers Neil Miner Award for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences”.
A Sanborn Mini-Reunion from the Stinking Desert From left: Anne Hewson Keen, Paul Nelson, Ron Munger, Mark Munger, Bob Benson, Keith Williams, Ben Northcutt, Sarah Bausch Benson, Bob Lays (not pictured: Ace McCann...he was taking the photo)
Sanborn Western Camps Month Long Sessions 2017 First Term: June 11-July 11 Second Term: July 14-Aug 13
Sanborn Junior First Term: June 11-June 25 Second Term: June 27-July 11 Third Term: July 14-July 28 Fourth Term: July 30-Aug 13
Visiting Day First Term: June 24 Second Term: July 29 12:30-4:00 p.m.
RSVP to Elizabeth Rundle (HT) and/or Mike Adler (BS)
elizabeth@sanbornwesterncamps.com mikeadler@sanbornwesterncamps.com
news & updates
• definition according to an 8 year old: a time before you were born, but your parents seem to recall quite clearly-the Florissant Fossil Beds were formed about this time.
dark ages : 1974-1991 RODNEY (BS Staff 88-90) and LAURA HITE (HT Staff 91-93) HARGRAVE reported their holiday news in an abbreviated form due to the fact that they are “taking a stand against publishing unverified and/or sensationalist news”. Daughter, Lilly, is in her senior year and applying to colleges. Son, Henry, is a sophomore and is very active with playing tuba/sousaphone, finishing up his Eagle Scout requirements, and practicing driving leading up to getting his license. “Laura and Rodney are as healthy and happy as two parents can be who have to sell plasma twice a week to save for college tuition and car insurance”. ERIN REILLY (HT 81-83; Staff 93) Gibbs and husband, Gordy, opened the 8th clinic of their American Vein & Vascular Institute in 2016. They also keep extremely busy with the activities of their family. DOMINIC (BS 10-15) competed at the US Pony Finals with his pony, GF Elliot, and finished 12th in the nation. PATRICK (BS 12-17) loves to play soccer, tennis, and the French Horn. JORDAN (HT 14-16) is crazy about her new pony, Party Time, and is also starting competitive gymnastics. The whole family travels, skis, and helps care for their five horses and two dogs. The Gibbs live in Colorado Springs. KIM BEAN (HT 70; Staff 77-79) Higgins and her family had another busy year in Kansas City. Husband, Ted, a surgeon, opened the “Higgins Brothers Surgicenter of Hope” at Haitian Christian Mission on Fonds Parisien, Haiti, after many years of traveling to Haiti annually to perform surgeries. Kim has continued to enjoy all of her artistic endeavors—especially her First Friday
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art show and chalk art festival. Son, Eddie, is engaged and will be married this May; daughter, Maggie, graduated from medical school; and daughter HELEN (HT 04-05, 07; Staff 10, 12-13) is in her second year as a math teaching fellow at the Eagle Rock School in Estes Park, CO. Kim and Ted celebrated their 35th anniversary in Tuscany, Italy, and enjoyed a family trip to hike Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyons. CHRIS SKAN (HT Staff 79-80; HTOEC Staff 80) enjoyed “the trip of a lifetime” last October. She and her sister traveled to Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. When not traveling to exotic places, Chris lives in Gurnee, IL, and sells furniture at Crate & Barrel in Northbrook, IL. She enjoys hiking and biking—any activity in nature. GEORGINA BLISS (HT 78-79) Marshall reports that they had 6 Sanborn alums in their home in Rock Hall, MD, over Christmas. In addition to Georgina and her two children-ISABEL (HT 10-14) and JAMES (BS 10-11, 13)—brother, TOM BLISS (BS 78-80) and his sons, KEVIN (BS 12) and PHILLIP (BS 12-13) visited from Thousand Oaks, CA. Georgina also visited recently with PAM SIMICH (HT 78; Staff 83)-Metzler and her daughter, Lucy. CARRIE BROWN (HT Staff 86,88)Wolf and husband, Dan, continue to live in Silverthorne, CO. Son, TYE (BS 09) was selected as one of 2 students from Colorado to be a part of the Youth Senate Program and spent a week in Washington in March, meeting senators and the president. Daughter, ELLIE (HT 07) is happy at CUBoulder and has joined the kayak and
astronomy clubs. Daughter, OLIVIA (11-12, 14-15, 17) loves working for a vet after school and is looking forward to being a JC at High Trails this summer. SALLIE SCHAEFER (HT 68-71; Staff 72-78) Ross and husband, Ken, are delighted that son, Mark, wife, Katie, and children Audrey, 3, and Milo, 1, are living “behind us” in Colorado Springs. “This grandparenting gig is the absolute best!” Son, Will, is also part of the “Ross Compound” and is loving his job as a paraprofessional with elementary special education kids. Ken, as a bishop in the International Anglican Church, has been traveling a lot to visit his churches, and sometimes Sallie gets to accompany him. NANCY RODKIN (HT 73-78) Rotering survived “7 death-defying hours of ATVing on ALL TERRAIN in rural Cambodia” last December with her family. “Roads out, rutted dirt roads, dusty dirt roads, muddy dirt roads, rice paddies, random harvest fields, gravel paths, river banks, rivers, water buffalo, cows, chickens, dogs, children, monks, motorcycles, members of the Cambodian army, the whole nine yards. Though the jury is still out as to whether my arms will remain connected to my shoulders, one thing is for sure: I survived by singing camp songs. The water buffalo, cows, chickens, dogs, and children of rural Cambodia heard I Zigga Zumba, If I Had a Hammer, Ash Grove, Dona Nobis Pacem, Long Black Veil, Away with the Rum, Titanic, Blowin’ in the Wind, Darling Clementine, and more!”
• HELEN STEVENS (HT 75-78; Staff 82) has settled in Beverly, MA, for the year, providing a home base for her family which is spread around the globe. Husband, Semih Bulbul, is in his 3rd year of working on the refugee crisis in Iraq for the UN. Daughter, SERA (HT 10-13; Staff 16) is a sophomore at Yale, and son, KAYA (BS 10) is a senior at Syracuse University but is studying in Sydney, Australia, this spring. During Semih’s monthly breaks, he and Helen biked around coastal Massachusetts, visited the kids, cheered at Sera’s crew races, and traveled to Turkey, London and Ireland. Helen has enjoyed being close to family (including sister KATE STEVENS (HT 74-76; Staff 82) during her time in Massachusetts. She also climbed a Fourteener in Colorado while visiting Sera, a High Trails staff member, at camp last summer! JANN HARRIS (HT Staff 80-82) Kinney has forsaken retirement to fulfill a dream and has taken a substitute
position with the local library district in Eagle, CO. Husband, Kraige, was re-elected to the Greater Eagle Fire Board and successfully wrapped up his bicycling season by entering the hundred-mile Ride the Plains challenge in eastern Colorado. Daughter, Annabelle, graduated from the University of Colorado last May and is now working in Eagle to save money for grad school. Daughter, Meredith, lives in Ft. Collins where she has a coaching position with a gymnastics club. BARB ROWLEY (HT 74-77; Staff 7881, 86-90) and family continue to love living in Big Sky, Montana, where husband, Taylor Middleton, is the General Manager of the Big Sky Resort. Barb keeps busy with multiple community projects as well as her writing. Daughter, ANNA MIDDLETON (HT 08-12), is in her junior year at Whitman College and was a great help in the HT horse program for a few weeks last summer. KATIE MIDDLETON (HT 10-16) is in her junior year of
high school. SHERI BONE (HT Staff 80-82; TNP Staff 07) Fedorchak continues to work as a biologist at Rocky Mountain National Park. Husband, Rich, is chief of interpretation and education at Rocky Mountain, although he just finished an assignment at the National Park Service Intermountain Regional Office in Lakewood, CO, as the regional chief of interpretation. Daughter, SARAH (HT 07) will graduate from the University of Northern Colorado in May with a degree in early childhood dducation. The Fedorchaks live in Estes Park. MATTHEW SIEGEL (BS 82-85; Staff 92) is a child psychiatrist specializing in autism in Yarmouth, Maine. He has just started a 2-week sleep away camp in Maine for kids with high functioning autism/Aspergers to give them a great time and expand their social skills and communication. His camp is named Camp Alsing and you get more information at CampAlsing.com
definition according to an 8 year old: The time preceding right now-pioneers still churned butter and made candles during this period.
olden days: 1992-present LAURA FRIESEN (HT 83-88; Staff 90, 92-94) continues to love the hustle and bustle of New York City where she teaches Spanish in a lower Manhattan school. She also spends lots of time traversing the length of Manhattan on the subway and pursuing her interest in photography. BETSY FRIESEN (HT 85-90; Staff 92-97) McMichael teaches 4th grade in Carbondale, CO, while husband, Malcolm, keeps the finances of Crystal River Beef in order. Son, Dean, 11, plays the upright bass, dances with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico, plays soccer, and reads nonstop. Andy, 9, plays soccer and loves building with Legos and baseball. The family loves to
camp, ski, and attend music festivals. KATIE FRIESEN (HT 88-93; Staff 9598) Reneker and family live in Carmel Valley, CA, where Katie has founded a growing business producing elderberry syrup, Carmel Berry Company. Husband, Ben, is a media analyst and celebrated turning 40 by running 35 miles through Canyon de Chelly last fall. Son, Roy, 10, loves to build robots, read, take photographs, and play the piano. Henry, 7, loves trail running, soccer, reading, and playing piano. RICK FRIESEN (BS 96-99; Staff 0205) is in his third year of a pediatric cardiology fellowship at Children’s Hospital in Denver. He enjoys run-
ning into his dad, ROB (BS 62; Staff 65-68) who is a cardiac anesthesiologist at Children’s. Rick also spent time last year at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where his girl friend, Nicole, is a pediatric infectious disease fellow. JEFF (BS Staff 08; HTOEC Staff 10-11) and STACY ROBINSON (HTOEC Staff 10-11; HT Staff 11) JOYCE both graduated with fresh degrees in 2016 and found use for them in new jobs. Stacy works as a physician assistant at the University of Maryland Cardiac ICU, and Jeff teaches ESOL at Gaithersburg High School. They also moved from the “wild west” (Oregon) to the “tamer east” (Rockville, MD)
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news & updates
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REBECCA FRIENDLY (HT 98-02) graduated from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business with a Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship in May. She then joined the company Age of Learning as the Communications and Public Affairs Specialist and is focused on driving the social impact aspect of their mission to help children build a strong foundation for academic success. In July she married her longtime boyfriend, Taylor Coccari. They live in Los Angeles and enjoy hiking, gardening, and surfing. DAVID CURFMAN (BS 94-97) has been promoted to shareholder in the Denver law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. He is a member of the firm’s real estate department. David and his wife, Chelsea, live in Arvada. KRISTEN JANIAK (HT Staff 96, 98-99) Goggin and husband, Dennis, dropped by for a visit in April while on a skiing holiday in Vail. Kristen will begin a new position next Fall teaching 7th and 8th grade math and serving as Math Department Chair for the Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco.
She will join camp friends COLLEEN CARNEY (HT Staff 97-99) and JENNY WITTMAN (HT Staff 97-99; HTOEC Staff 01) in July for a trip to Ireland to celebrate Colleen’s 40th birthday. Hopefully, this will not cause any international incidents. BEA RAEMDONCK (HT 01-05; Staff 08-12) is happily living in Denver and working for a leadership development consulting company where she is able to put her camp leadership skills to the test. Bea and KELLY MUEDEKING (HT 03-06; Staff 09-14) recently got engaged and are getting married in the late summer of 2018. Kelly is in the final months of her master’s degree program at the University of Denver, while also working at Patagonia. DANA RICHARDSON (HT 89-97; Staff 98-00) married Keith Ladzinski in Big Sur, CA on November 12, 2016. Former Sanborn staff and campers in attendance included: Julia LeGrand Tharp, Carrie Smalley Down, Cathy Wear Ferguson, Claire Petty Walker, Ashley Zuzack Vilgiate, Jim Tharp,
alums making a difference
Aaron Zuzack, Bryce Richardson, Janet Franz, Julie Richardson and John Russell. Dana and Keith honeymooned in Africa in April--we have no doubt it was wildly fun! MORGAN HENRY (HT Staff 0103, 06; HTOEC Staff 04-05) married Brent Anderegg in early April. The ceremony and reception were held at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, OK and Sanborn attendees included: Erica LeGrand (bridesmaid), Sadie Keller (reader), David Kaufman (dance party coordinator) and Jim and Sara Matson Westover. There were also a number of Sanborn “in spirit” attendees (due primarily to children, pregnancy and/ or Delta cancellations): Jim and Julia Tharp, Breann Behlen, Shane Matson and Chelsea Neidenthal Fritts. The Gilcrease Museum--and the wedding band--might never be the same after “we essentially turned the reception into Karaoke at the Fossil Inn as the band played Janis Joplin.”
Dana and her Sanborn ladies (and a cool friend from high school).
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• On March 14, 2017, GREG CRICHETT (BS Staff 92-94) was honored by the Cherry Creek School District at their annual Distinguished Teacher Tea and awards ceremony. Greg was selected by Cherry Creek High School as one of their two Distinguished Teachers of the Year. Everyone who knows or worked with Greg at camp recognize his strength as a leader, mentor, role model, and friend. While at Sanborn, Greg was the Head of the nascent Sanborn Junior Camp program. Watching the smallest and youngest campers running from the cabin to the playing field or marching along the trail carrying their daypacks with a big burly football player leading them exemplified his character even then. No one could have been more gentle, sensitive, caring, empathetic and enthusiastic. At Cherry Creek, Greg is the former head football coach and a beloved PE/Health teacher and mentor.
Top: Greg and student at the Distinguished Teacher Tea. Bottom: Greg (center back) circa 1992
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Congratulations, Greg, for this well-deserved honor! Cherry Creek students and Sanborn campers are fortunate to have, and have had, as motivating and enthusiastic an educator and role model as you.
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in memory
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W
SAM JENKINS March, 2, 1997-March 17, 2017
e were immensely saddened to hear of the death of Sam Jenkins (BS 11-13) in a skateboarding accident on the Swarthmore College campus, where he was a sophomore. Sam was described as a “Renaissance Man’’—a singer, an aspiring video game designer, a motorcyclist and a hockey player. Swarthmore President Valerie Smith said Sam was “a creative, joyful, and gentle individual whose infectious enthusiasm and genuine kindness made a lasting impact on our community.” Sam’s sense of fun, adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors also made a lasting impact on the camp community and his many camp friends are mourning his loss. Sam’s family is deeply connected to the camp community. His father, JOE “JODY” JENKINS (BS 74-76; Staff 77-79, 92) and sisters MADDIE (HT 08-10; Staff 13, 15) and NORA (HT 16-17) have all spent summers at camp. If you would like to reach out to Sam’s family you can write his parents Joe Jenkins and Stacey Nakaskian, 134 Main Street, North Kingstown, RI 02852
news & updates
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vital statistics
marriages, births & adoptions, life celebrations Amanda and STEVE GIULIANI (BS 83-87; Staff 94, 00-01; HTOEC Staff 0002) a daughter, Greta Giuliani, November 6, 2016, in Ft. Collins, CO Bobby and KELLY HERMANN (HT Staff 08-09) Stewart, a son, Brecken Hermann Stewart, December 3, 2016, in Stoughton, WI Danielle and ELLIOTT DALE (BS Staff 04-06) a son, Leo Walker Dale, Dec 25, 2016, in Ft. Collins, CO Ryan Hughes and YELENA BRACHMAN, a daughter, Sage Aria Hughes, December 30, 2016, in Boulder, CO Phillip and ANGELA SCRUGGS (HT 12-13) Butler, a daughter, Adeline Ladelle, January 21, 2017, in Phoenix, AZ
Yelena and Sage
FLETCHER (BS Staff 02-04) and COURTNEY LAGER (HT 93-97; Staff 01-04) JACOBS, a son, Frederick James, February 1, 2017, in Denver, CO
Joe and ELAINE BILLY-KRAFT (HT Staff 03), a son, Weston James, February 21, 2017, in Littleton, CO Jack and ALEXIS HARRELL (HT Staff 02-07) Magill, a daughter, Mary Jeanne, February 26, 2017, in Hillsborough, NC Katie Kowalski and BRINKLEY MESSICK (BS Staff 03-08), a daughter, Cyclone Ruth “Ruthie” Nelson, February 26, 2017, in Salida, CO. Jeffery and ALICE MUIR (HT 9394; Staff 99-02) Wiant, a daughter, Eleanor Judith, February 28, 2017, in San Francisco, CA Heather and JIM HAUSWIRTH (BS Staff 97,99,01), a son, Jonah Kurt, March 1, 2017, in Boulder, CO.
Brinkley and Cyclone
Kristen and CHRIS BARNES (BS Staff 00-02), a son, Caden Richard Barnes, April 7, 2017, in Blue Point, NY
Marcus and KATE WILLIAMS (HT 97-02, 04) Montgomery, a daughter, Beatrice, April 9, 2017, in Tulsa, OK Grandparents: Bob and BLAIR LEWIS (HT 74-77) Williams, Tulsa, OK
Alexis and Mary Jeanne
Brian and RACHEL SAATHOFF (HT Staff 06) Brost, two daughters, Mackenzie Ann and Zoe Alexander, April 19, 2017
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• weddings:
REBECCA FRIENDLY (HT 98-02) to Taylor Coccari, July 22, 2016 in Malibou, CA DANA RICHARDSON (HT 89-97; Staff 98-00) to Keith Ladzinski, November 12, 2016, in Big Sur, CA PAT LANE (BS Staff 03, 05-07) to Carly, December 3, in Winter Park, CO SUSAN BARTLEY (HT Nurse 10; HTOEC Staff 10) to IAN WILSON (BS Staff 10; HTOEC Staff 10) February 28, 2017, at Bighorn Creek Trail in Vail, CO CAMP MARRIAGE #70 MORGAN HENRY (HT Staff 01-06) to Brent Anderegg, April 8, 2017, in Tulsa, OK CAMERON JOYCE (HT Staff 08, 10) to Hunter Boyd, April 15, in Lenoir, NC Keith Ladzinski & Dana Richardson Ladzinski
Kelly Muedeking, Bea Raemdonck, Reggie Cahalan, Cameron Joyce Boyd & Megan Clover Carkhuff
Rebecca Friendly Coccari & Taylor Coccari
Sadie Keller, David Kaufman, Morgan Henry Anderegg & Erica Le Grand channel Fossil Inn Karaoke and Janis Joplin.
in memory:
Don’t feel left out! Send us news, photos, updates and celebrations to alumnews@sanbornwesterncamps.com
Rev. RAYMOND WILLIAMS (BS Staff 54-57), 81, died at home in Wilder, VT, after several years of declining health.
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bits of history
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n our last issue of the Alum News we asked for alums to send us pieces of camp history that they remember. PETER WHITELEY (BS 57-59; Staff 60-63), one of the inventors of “Schmerltz, The World’s Greatest Game” responded to our direct appeal for details of the foundations and true regulations of the game. And RICH HAMILTON (BS 59-63; Staff 64-65) contributed the article about the legendary camp truck known as “The Zorro”. Thank-you, Peter and Rich!
SCHMERLTZ FROM THE HAZE OF PRE-HISTORIC TIMES by Peter Whiteley As one of the inventors of the game, I should know something about this mythic game, but please remember that I was 16 or so in the summer of 1960, which is roughly the time of its inception. (It could have been earlier by a year or two). I think the name “Schmerltz was inspired by Mad Magazine, but it has no real linguistic roots or meaning, as near as I can tell. I just know that you must yell it as a warning when you release the sock. It’s sort of like shouting “incoming!”. To construct a schmerltz, you will need the longest tube sock you can find and a beat-up softball. (The softer the better to avoid injury.) Put the ball in the open end of the sock, then whirl the ball and sock so the ball settles snugly into the toe end of the sock. Then tie a knot as close to the ball as you can. Voila! You throw a schmerlz any way you can. Grab the long, open end of the sock and use a big arm swing to throw it underhand like a crazed softball pitcher. Take one or more
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THE ZORRO by Rich Hamilton
s part of a package that financed the original construction of Disneyland, Walt Disney produced a western adventure series, Zorro, for ABC TV. This aired from 1967 - 1959, plus some specials in 1960 and 1961. The Zorro character in the show, clad in a black costume, used his sword to etch a "Z" on walls, drapes, and anything else handy, left as a sort of calling card as he pursued his exploits. The show was very popular, but it created a problem across the US with "Z" graffiti carved on school desks and painted on walls in the style of the "Z" in the TV show. ...And on a truck near Florissant, Colorado.
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arm revolutions before releasing it at about 45 degrees. You can try an overhead, straight-armed, hand grenade release (which, in my opinion, lacks the aesthetic beauty and distance of the underhand toss). A David and Goliath overhead swing works, too. The correct way to catch a schmerltz is with a side-armed “swipe” that must be executed so you catch the trailing end of the sock. No one or two-handed basket catches that contact the ball end first are allowed! The game itself requires two teams of one or more players per team. I remember once playing with almost all of the campers and counselors out in the big field in front of the Lodge. Try and divide the teams evenly by size or age or catching ability. A good throw might go 40 or 50 yards with a lot of height and hang time. Don’t let the bigger kids hog it. Conceptually, Schmerltz is like a giant game of kickball. There is no official length or width to the field of play. There is an imaginary goal line at each end. A team scores one point when the schmerltz crosses the goal line uncaught. A clean catch (remember: above the knot) is rewarded with three giant steps towards the other team’s goal. Make up penalties to discourage hogging the catches or throws. Everyone should get a chance at both. Winning isn’t the point here. Instead, it’s the trying and yelling the game’s name as loud as you can. Have a ball….or, really, a sock!
The truck at Big Spring Ranch was a flatbed with wood stake sides. I recall that the stake sides were painted red; the cab was black. Sometimes known as a stake-bed truck, Dictionary.com says this type of truck is often used to haul farm animals or feed bags. At camp it was used for many purposes, including hauling campers on short day-trips. The timing was right. The Zorro TV show was ripe in the minds of campers. And someone painted a white Zorro-style "Z" on both cab doors of the truck, Hence, the truck was known as the "Zorro" or "Z-Wagon." I was an 11-year old camper in 1959 and I don't know who painted that "Z" or when, but it's a clear link back to Walt Disney and his need to finance the construction of Disneyland.
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events & happenings
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ediscover YOUR bits of history in 2018! Help us celebrate our 70th anniversary by returning to Big Spring and High Trails for a long weekend of, what else?-- camp fun and friendship. Bring your spouse, bring your kids, bring your camp friends. We can pull these events off only once every five years, so don’t miss this one! We will be horseback riding, mountain climbing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking to all of our favorite places: Top of the World, A-Bluff, Little Blue, the Bat Caves and Fossil Beds, the Witcher Ranch, the Quick Homestead, Fishcreek, and Lost Lake. We will also offer an expedition to explore our new land at the base of Mt. Antero. And, we’ll provide special programming for children (it’s what we do!) We will have campfires, carnivals, singing, skits, and plenty of time to reconnect with old friends and with the natural places you remember. We’ll have superior food including s’mores, snickerdoodles, red velvet cake, Chippy Dippy Bars, and all those camp treats you can still taste. And we’ll even provide some adult bug juice at appropriate times. You can choose to stay in the luxurious rooms at The Nature Place, the pine-paneled splendor of the High Trails cabins, or the rustic but memorable tents at Big Spring. Get a group of camp friends together and sign up now!
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Sanborn 70 Reunion August 16-19, 2018
Visit www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/reunions for more details. Online registration is available through your Camp InTouch account. Housing Choices (Price includes all meals from Thursday dinner to Sunday brunch, all activities, and entertainment— planned and unplanned. A $50 deposit is required for each adult—it will be fully refunded for cancellations received before June 1, 2018) Option A: Stay at The Nature Place (studio apartments): $425/Adult; double or family occupancy* Option B: Stay at High Trails (cabins): $275/Adult* Option C: Stay at Big Spring (tents, yurts or cabins): $275/Adult* Option D: Housing elsewhere or pitch your own tent $175/adult* *Children under the age of 5 are free; children 5-16 are $150 for the weekend
SANBORN 70th REUNION REGISTRATION FORM ___Yes, I’ll be at the Sanborn Camps 70th Anniversary Reunion August 16-19, 2018! Name:__________________________________________________________________ ___My spouse will also be there. Name:_______________________________________ ___My child(ren) will be joining us, too. Names and ages (as of Oct. 2018):____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
Choose your Housing Option: (based on availability) A
B
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Return this registration with a $50/ per adult deposit to reserve your place. Deposits will be fully refunded for cancellations received before June 1, 2018. Sanborn Western Camps
Address:________________________________________________________________ P.O. Box 167 Florissant, CO 80816 E-mail:_________________________________________________________________ We can provide transportation from the Colorado Springs Airport to Phone(s):_______________________________________________________________ camp (and back again!) Friends I would like to stay with:_____________________________________________
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You can let us know your flight details when they are available.
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giving thanks
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TOP OF THE WORLD $30,000 or more
Total contributions in memory of Bob Bucholz
A BLUFF $10,000 –29,999
Anonymous The Benson Family Foundation Kiersa Benson and Erik Benson Dan Miller* Ken Wallace
FISHCREEK $5,000 –9,999
Steve & Katy Smith Abbott Kevin Boehringer* Randy Brown, Susan Brown & Marianne Brown Rooney Todd Gibson* Jim Hauswirth* Bill Polk Scott & Carrie McCaull Taylor
LITTLE BLUE $2,000 – 4,999
Anonymous Jane Porter Burton Donohue Family Foundation Claire Donohue Foster Family Private Foundtion Nancy Foster In honor of Maddie Foster The Helen Clay Frick Foundation Laura Jenney Roe John & Lolly Gepson Hank & Pat Hazelton Hemingway Janet P. Hendricks Dorothy Rinier Jeff Roberts The Rosso Family Foundation John Rosso, Sarah Rosso McCaughey, and Families Jane McAtee Sanborn Lisa Schneck Chris Shears Wells Fargo Foundation Phil Perry Frank & Vicky Williams In honor of Jerry McLain (*In-kind Contributions)
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Annual Giving
Bud Wobus In memory of Sherry Witcher Wobus In memory of Bob Bucholz
SUNDAY ROCKS $1,000 – 1,999
Anonymous In memory of Kristin McLain Anonymous (2) Big Spring Summer Staff 2016 Toby Biolchini In memory of Kristin McLain John Bucholz & Sally A. Kinley In memory of Bob Bucholz Kathy & Rich Bucholz In memory of Bob Bucholz Cathy Gepson Burnham Roger W. Cameron Mr. & Mrs. J.J. Landers Carnal The Carney Family Foundation Colleen Carney Mishka Chen & Shaolei Liu In honor of Julie & Sabrina Chen Liz & Mark Deardorff In honor of Betty & Jerry McLain Ned & Debbie Douglas Faegre Baker Daniels Foundation In honor of Jeff Roberts Edwin S. “Trip” Friendly Rob & Connie McWilliams Friesen In memory of Bob Bucholz In honor of the 50th Anniversary of their meeting at camp High Trails Summer Staff 2016 Jennifer & Marley “Bucky” Hodgson TWC Foundation, Daniel Warner The Lewis Foundation Hal Lewis, Blair Lewis Williams, and Families Betsy Longenecker Bill & Jackie McDowell Jerry & Betty Ballman McLain In memory of Kristin McLain In memory of Bob Bucholz Gary Mostow John & Linda Ward O’Hara Ted & Wendy Ramsey Barbara Rowley In memory of Bob Bucholz Connie Morton Seay Stupp Brothers Bridge & Iron Co. Foundation
Family of Will Stupp Charlie & Sally Sweet Terry & Allison Talbot Tom, Jet and Natalie Weed
HIGH TOR $500 – 999
Anonymous In honor of Edward Loyola Colnon Anonymous Andy & Sheri Allen Rick & Ann Anderson Steve & Jana Bohnen Georgia Chandler In honor of Ariella Randle Rogge Jared Coburn The Coburn Family Fund Michael P. Currier In memory of Philip B. Currier Pete & Mary Glasser Leslie Waldorf Hammond Pete Heller In memory of Rosalie D. Heller In memory of Kristin McLain Ron Hilton Rob & Katya Jolly Jean Armour Lewis Roderick Lucero Libby Hamilton Malone James & Lindsey McCormick Anna Middleton Gary Missner Mike & Carolyn Schiele Murray Weesie & Tradd Newton Hugh O’Kane Darcie Swenarton Peet In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus Doug & Kay Seessel Rawlings Jim “Herc” Roth Bill & Karen Schaphorst and Family Nancy Schiffler David & Lauren Welsh Sparrow Rein & Jan Sanborn van West In memory of Bob Bucholz Dave Watson Robert & Alissa Gutin West Margaret W. Whitcher In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus
B BLUFF $250 – 499
Anonymous Amazon Smile Barbara J. Barnes Peter & Colleen Bowler In memory of Bob Bucholz William Comley The John Covington Family John & Janice DeMocker In honor of Jane’s 50 years of service Greg Euston, Sr. Brian & Shannah Frambes Annie Garretson Chris & Suzanne Gepson Hagen Melanie Hancock Ellen & Joe Horan Dennis & Amy Davis Lunne In memory of Susan K. Davis Eliser Mike & Maren McDowell MacDonald Carsten & Jennifer Hatgi Majer Katharine Mann Phil Marthens In memory of Kristin McLain Peter & Katie McKee Charlie & Muffy Rice Ariella Randle Rogge Nancy Rodkin Rotering In honor of Jane Sanborn’s 50th Summer Elizabeth Rundle-Marable Jessie Spehar John & Chris Spehar Nancy Wirth Dorothy “Sam” Kindred Yewer
WITCHER ROCKS
Anonymous In memory of Kristin McLain Anonymous In honor of “Mike & Erin Wessling” Anonymous (4) Jared Allen Ian Anderson Susan Mackin Anderson In memory of Stephen K. Mackin and Jeffrey W. Mackin Sarah Ashby Matthew Baca Teresa Barnes Jake Baum Cade Beck Devon Beck Tom Beckmann
Jean Carlson Benkert Megan Blackburn John & Pamela Blythe Chris Bohanon Su Chae & Kurt Breitenstein Prescott H. Bullard Landers Carnal, Jr. Will Carson Amy Zink Chute Ben Cole Benjamin Cox Ellen Cromack Margy Crosby Victoria Bowles Cruz Heidi F. Currier In memory of Philip B. Currier Thomas F. Currier In memory of Philip B. Currier Tom Dabney Rose Delles Mary DeMocker & Art Peck Deborah de Peyster In memory of Sandy & Laura Ira & Lynn Dubinsky In honor of Lucy, Annie & Phoebe Daoust Ashton Eckerstorfer Greg Elder, Susan Jones, & Jack Elder Sean Enking Tom Eschenroeder Gus Euston Henry Ewing Jenny & Tim Ewing Jeremy Feinstein Josh Feldman Raymond & Nancy Feldman Family Fund Kevin Fernandez Susan Fiore/Rafaella Mark In memory/honor of Carolyn Fiore Kelly Flint Martha Fosdick In memory of Michael K. Fosdick Drew Foster Wyatt & Tonia Franz Rebecca Friendly David & Jerre Fussell Kevin Gassaway Hailey Gelzer Bud Gilbert Mary “Spicer” Garlich Grannell Tod and Stephanie Greenberg In honor of Emma’s and Abby’s great summers at Sanborn
Dick & Marlene Griffith Will Hardwick Amy Gutman In memory of Eric Friedman Melissa Landon Hamid In honor of Rosemary Landon Richard Hankin Marty Hansher Adele Hause Marilyn Sedlak Henderson In memory of Stuart & Hazel Sedlak Oliver “Budge” Hickel Kim Bean Higgins Dean “Ted” Hill Carly Holthaus Carlie Howard Heather & Ethan Johnson Jeff & Stacy Robinson Joyce Jan Kaplan In memory of Ann Zwinger Avery Katz Barry Schultz King In honor of Jerry McLain and Jane Sanborn Jack & Tracy Kramer Kathy Miller Krogh Jack Kussmaul Frank & Suds Kyger In memory of Kristin, Marty and Annette Bert & Dolly Lager In memory of Peter Bruch Whitney Lamb Flori Lambart Mat Larimer Diana Zeigler LaViolette Sarah Legett In memory of Margaret Legett Larry Lehman Alex Levering Hunter Levy David Linsmeyer Terry & Susan MacQuidddy Steve, Betsey & Elizabeth Madden Jim & Marilyn Maddox Cara Makesey Francie Marbury Georgina Bliss Marshall Slayter Marwitz Mark & Dana Rogge-McCain Lissy McCaleb & Curtis Hagedorn Andrea McCrady In celebration of Jane Sanborn’s 50th Annie McDevitt
Phil & Melinda Wells McKnight In memory of Sherry Witcher Wobus In memory of Kristin McLain Brinkley Messick Jonathan & Jane Metcalf In behalf of Emily and Linnea Metcalf In memory of Bob Bucholz and Roger Sanborn Barbara “Smitty” Mitchell Happy memories of being a counselor the first 2 years of High Trails Mark “Flounder” Mobley In honor of “a 5 minute job” Kate Williams Montgomery Allison Shutz Moskow In honor of Jane Sanborn and Sue Springer Dylan Morris Kelly Muedeking Jay & Susan Uptegrove Myrick In honor of Jerry McLain Alexandra Nay Paul & Robin Nelson Charles Nunziato Christopher Nunziato Gwen Roberts Oelerich Madeline Ohaus Robert & Rachel Perlmutter David C. Perry In memory of Bob Bucholz and Sandy & Laura Sanborn Patrick Perry Brady & Allison Pringle In honor of Catherine and Paige Pringle Roger & Judy Proffitt
Bea Raemdonck Michael Rainey Bob, Laura & Lee Reardon Buddy Reisinger Karl & Marty Friedrichs Remsen Katie Friesen Reneker Adam Resseguie Julie Franz Richardson In memory of Bob Bucholz Kurt Richter Robyn Rissman Joe Roberts Anneliese Roesler In honor of Tyler Chamberlain Nancy Rothermel Carolyn Rundle Nathan Rusin Jeff Schlueter Charlie Schweighauser In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus Peggy Seessel In honor of Wilson Rawlings and the outstanding Sanborn Staff Mary Sexton Laura & Kyle Shannon Mark Shelton Truman Sherwood Blair Sisk Chris Skan Andy Smith John & Carol Stansfield In memory of Sandy and Laura Lila & Peter Steinle Chloe Stiffle Brenda Stockdale Dina Kafenshtok Stupec
Daniel & Kelly McCormick Sullivan In honor of Catherine Glenning’s 50th Birthday Samantha Taylor Jim Tharp & Julia LeGrand Jessica Thurmond Anthony Trombetta Stephen & Judy Trowbridge In honor of Sebastian Trowbridge and Katelynn Trowbridge Betsy Tucker In memory of Kristin McLain Wayne & Polly Cooper Turner In honor of Sophie Nearmyer Jordan Unger Rilyn VandeMerwe Valerie Silvinsky & Jon Varian In memory of Bob Bucholz Andy Weed Jim & Marysue Wendt Walker West Big Al & Terry Godger Williams David S. Williams In memory of Sandy and Laura Rick & Raye Wilson In memory of Matthew Dale Wilson William R. Wilson Nicholas & Hannah Wirth Jennifer Downey Wirtz Myles Woerner Bret Wolter Steve & Marcia Wunsch Jennifer and Martha Zavaleta In memory of Bob Bucholz The Mike Zinsmeister Family Evan Zitt
giving thanks
giving thanks
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Bob Bucholz Donates $1,000,000 to COEC
Bob spent his life contributing to and improving the lives of others—through his career as an orthopedic surgeon, his teaching, his leadership in his profession, and his roles as a loving husband, father and grandfather. We understand that his gift to the camps is another indication of his desire to make the world a better place, and we recognize that it is a gesture of trust in the importance of work that we do and of the stability and strength of our organization.
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e are honored and humbled to announce that BOB BUCHOLZ (BS 56, 62; Staff 66) bequeathed $1,000,000 to Colorado Outdoor Education Center/ Sanborn Western Camps through his estate. A gift of this magnitude has an immeasurable positive impact on the future of our organization.
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We also accept this remarkable gift as a catalyst to think deeply about our future, and to work more diligently to bring meaningful experiences in the natural world to children and adults. We know that it is our responsibility to ensure that the organization Bob loved so much will be with us in perpetuity. We are also aware that a gift of this importance is not given without the support of Bob’s family and we are grateful to Bob’s wife, Marybeth Ezaki, and his daughters: Emily (HT 94-02) and her husband, Neel Butala; Claire (HT 94-03) and her husband, Devin McPhillips, and son, Owen Robert; and Hana (HT 96-04). Thank-you, Bob and Bucholz family!
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Forever Sanborn
everal contributors, including Bob, have chosen to make a gift through beneficiary designation in their wills, IRAs, 401k (or similar) plans or life insurance policies. If you have done so or desire to do so, please let us know so that we can make you a member of Forever Sanborn, a group of donors who have made COEC a part of their estate planning.
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legends of Sanborn
• In the late 60's 4 LA disk jockeys got together and formed “The Firesign Theatre”. On their first album, they spoke of a place called The Stinking Desert National Monument and Colbalt Testing Range. Several years later, BEN NORTHCUTT (BS Staff 73-75), KARLA HOOPER (HT Staff 74-75) and PAT MURPHY (BS Staff 74-75) rode their bikes from Denver’s Union Station to Grand Junction. Their last day took them from Montrose to Grand Junction. Ben exclaimed that if there was such a place as the Stinking Desert, they had certainly ridden their bikes through it. There was no water or shade, there was no scenery--just a steady head wind that made biking awful. I met them at the Grand Junction city limits to give them the Ski to the City (as opposed to the key to the city.) The next day we were up on top of Grand Mesa having a picnic. We could look down at the desert they crossed the day before. Suddenly, I had an inspiration: What if there really was a Stinking Desert National Monument?! I began the work to make that happen. I had brochures printed. (they were the same color, same font, same size as real national monument brochures.) I had signs made; real highway signs saying "Entering Stinking Desert National Monument" and "Monument Headquarters” with a directional arrow. I had t-shirts printed. On the weekends, I went out in the desert between Delta and Grand Junction and dug post holes to mount the signs in. I had my Dad contact the local newspaper to tell them about my "project". He had a friend who worked for the Daily Sentinel.
THE TRUE STORY OF THE STINKING DESERT NATIONAL MONUMENT By Paul Nelson (BS Staff 75; HTOEC Staff 1975) Editor’s Note: Now that the Statute of Limitations has run out, we are pleased to bring you the complete and unadulterated story of the infamous Stinking Desert National Monument Hoax, written by one of the chief perpetrators.
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• The object was to be a parody of a real Monument. We did everything backwards. Our Grand Opening was at the end of the summer instead of the beginning. We had points of noninterest. Ranger Jib Nordicat (Ben Northcutt) is pointing at one in the brochure. Our forest preserve was one tree that was right next to the highway. Our motto was "The lack of spectacular scenery and geology have already set this land apart. You can help keep it that way by leaving as soon as possible!” The boundaries were the Gunnison River and a large power line. We snuck to the desert on the Saturday of Labor Day, 1979, in the middle of the night to install the signs in the holes I had dug. The next morning saw a front page headline in the local paper "Stinking Desert new area attraction." No one in town knew anything about the SDNM. We had an opening ceremony the next day and had a ribbon cutting and drank champagne.
People still call the desert between Grand Junction and Delta the "Stinking Desert." In later years, we identified ourselves and did interviews for the paper and the local TV stations who had nothing else to report on Labor Day Weekend. I guess that I did one thing in my life that will be remembered. Sanborn Alums who participated in the SDNM over the years were, Pat Murphy, ACE McCANN (BS Staff 72-81), MARK MUNGER (BS Staff 72, 75-76), Ben Northcutt, and ANNE HEWSON (HT Staff 75) Keen.
Have any other Sanborn legends to share? Email them (and any supporting photographic evidence) to jane@sanbornwesterncamps.com
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COEC connections
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remember my first hike with the group. We pulled into the parking lot and were met with hugs as we introduced ourselves. Our coleaders, Kriste and Roz, circled us up for a group introduction and we shared why we were each here. The responses were all so genuine: “I want to connect with more people like me; I needed this today, to be outside with all of us beautiful black people; and I’m looking for a way to get into the outdoors that’s not so intimidating.” The hike began and so did the good humor, deep conversations, and giggly laughter. We stopped occasionally to share what each of us were experiencing. Our co-leaders shared relevant history about the Native Americans, the Ute, who were driven out of the lands where we were hiking. I saw my friends floating amongst the brown faces, each one absolutely intrigued and captivated by the other group members. The faces of passing hikers showed surprise and curiosity at our colorful group. When we reached an alpine lake, our halfway point, one of the group led a yoga stretch on the water’s edge. After a quick snack, we circled back to the
parking lot. In our closing circle, we reflected on our hike and exchanged contact information with each other. Finally, we shared our feelings of gratitude for the important and impactful group that brought us, black people and allies, out into nature. Fast forward two months, I, Jalen, am now one of those leaders connecting black people to the natural world. I first discovered Outdoor Afro from Ariella Rogge, our High Trails co-director. It’s name, Outdoor Afro, and it’s mission, “To celebrate and inspire black leadership in nature” immediately piqued my interest. After reading more, I was soon reminiscing of growing up in a black neighborhood with many aunts, uncles, and cousins who were more like family friends. Memories began popping up of family barbeques in the local park, games of touch football that would last into the night, and every kid in the area showing up at the city pool to escape the Texas heat. I gave a lot of thought to Outdoor Afro’s leadership position before applying. It would require sacrifice, time, energy, and most of all my consistent commitment to a greater purpose when recreating in the outdoors. I would be an intentional role model for and of black people in nature. I would be able to share the skills and culture of Sanborn with a broader audience. The outdoor experience, knowledge and skills that I possess are absolutely due to my years at camp. I am able to call myself an Outdoorsmen because of the mountain summits, trail riding, LNT practices, and outdoor community Sanborn provides. With those points considered, I made an incredible decision to join the Outdoor Afro team as a Volunteer Leader.
Outdoor Afro began six years ago as a basic blog. Our founder, Rue Mapp, decided to reach out to her friends, friends of friends, and strangers all over, looking for black people that enjoyed the outdoors as much as she did. The positive response she received inspired her to found a national nonprofit dedicated to engaging black people in the outdoors. Today, Outdoor Afro has grown to over 60 volunteer leaders in 28 different states. At least once a month, these leaders host nature-based and black-history focused events. In the Colorado chapter, my co-leaders and I lead several events each month. We schedule our rock climbing, hiking, and cycling events on weekends and after work with the Colorado Springs, Denver, and Boulder afro communities. Our national partner, REI, often provides equipment and even helped us lead a snowshoeing basics course. We connect through an application called, MeetUp. Here, we post thorough
• descriptions of each event, and allow for enough time for our participants to prepare. All ages are welcome, from toddlers to seniors. Outdoor Afro, and our national partners: the National Park Service, The North Face, and KEEN (to name a few) have begun to rewrite the narrative for the outdoor industry. Outdoor recreation is not solely limited to mountain summits, technical rock climbing, and backcountry camping. New faces are sharing more accessible ways for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, such as community gardens and healing hikes.
COEC’s nonprofit classification, we are able to support Outdoor Afro’s mission in a variety of ways. This year, before the leap into our summer program, we will be hosting an In-Camp Camp-Out Outdoor Afro event. This overnight event will be a way for members of our afro communities to feel secure and safe camping out. My co-leaders and I will lead an all day hike while teaching the group about wilderness safety, navigation, and self care in the outdoors. We hope that this event will inspire confidence and further develop individuals’ sense of competence while recreating in the outdoors.
For those colorful friends that are interested in the more ambitious outdoor recreation, but don’t have the experience or support to reach their goals, I have partnered Outdoor Afro with Colorado Outdoor Education Center! As camp alums, you have all experienced the forested and treasured lands of Sanborn Western Camps. With
As more black people gain skills in LNT, outdoor leadership, and wilderness medicine and safety, the outdoors will more accurately represent the world around us. I am thrilled that Colorado Outdoor Education Center can share its mission, “To develop the potential of individuals by providing extraordinary educational experiences
meet-ups & mini-reunions
in the natural world” to a wonderful, deserving and inspiring group of people. My hope and gut feeling is that COEC’s worldly impact will continue to grow and spark positive change in favor of our Earth.
Jalen Bazile has worked as a counselor, Ridge Leader, logistics coordinator and HTOEC instructor since 2014.
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From top left: Stacey McLain Dwyer, Jerry McLain and Laura Hite Hargrave in the Austin airport; HT pals Mary Katherine Kindred, Claire Petty Walker (with future Big Spring warrior, Everett), & Jenny Wittman in Chicago; COEC Board Member, Jeff Roberts, in throwback SWC shirt and friend at Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Erica LeGrand, Sadie Keller and Ethan Billingsley connect in Fruita, CO; sisters Suzie and Carolyn Braznell exploring Carolyn’s new home state of Vermont; Jane Sanborn and Andrea McCrady in front of the Big Spring office.
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a look back
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hile Jerry was researching his article on the history of the Alum News for this edition, he discovered some hidden gems in the archives and we decided to reprint one of them here. This first appeared in the Spring and Fall 2003 editions.
Most alums remember the obvious benefits of summers at Big Spring or High Trails (of course, you remember the friends you made; of course, you know the exhilaration you felt while standing on top of a mountain; of course, you still know the name of your favorite horse). But what other skills did you learn that made summers at Big Spring or High Trails a life enhancing experience? We humbly propose the following:
10 Reasons to be Thankful that you are a Big Spring Alum: 10. You learned how to eat a complete meal in 75 seconds which will save you more than 21,999 hours over your lifetime. 9. You know in your heart that you REALLY NEED only one shower a week (before the dance). This makes you an especially valuable citizen during times of water shortage. 8. Through being exposed to “in the pool” justice you have learned the valuable lesson that life isn’t always fair. 7. After spending time in an environment where the “gar bage man” is the most prestigious position, you know the value of having your own truck. 6. Timing your day to the ringing of the bell is especially helpful if you have pursued a career in education, the ministry, or Wall Street. 5. After experiencing Peter Sebring’s Green Slime feast, Bob Hershberger’s Vision Chicken, or insect cookies, you are much more appreciative of your spouse’s/mother’s/own cooking. 4. You are the only guy on your block who a) knows what Schmerltz is and b) realizes that it should be an Olympic sport. 3. All your underwear has your name in it. 2. Through training gained by “running to the store” you still have great endurance and an extremely fast time in the 100 meter dash and could run with the bulls without being trampled. 1. You have a free lifetime subscription to the Alum News!
10 Reasons to be Thankful you are a High Trails Alum:
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10. You still have a collection of your cabinmates’ socks which your own children are now wearing. 9. You learned to serve left and pass right. 8. You learned to take 30-second showers or risk being run out of the cabin for using all the hot water. This is a valuable skill in times of drought or when you’re the mother of a toddler. 7. All shopping lines seem short after your experiences waiting for a Drumstick and a soda at the High Trails store. 6. You have a special perspective on the fashion world when you’ve climbed a Fourteener in green long underwear, your dad’s old boxers and 7 assorted (mostly cotton) layers on top. 5. Your High Trails locker taught you one of two things: a) you will always be organized or b) it will never happen. 4. You gained fortitude by learning to bridle a horse. Feeding small children is a piece of cake compared to a thumb covered in horse slobber. 3. You know every John Denver song ever written and still cry when someone leaves for the airport. 2. You learned to appreciate boys for their inner values because dirt is only skin deep. 1. You have a free lifetime subscription to the Alum News!
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Colorado Outdoor Education Center Sanborn Western Camps is part of Colorado Outdoor Education Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Western Camps
The Sanborn Alum News Spring 2017 PO Box 167 Florissant, CO 80816 www.sanbornwesterncamps.com