November 2011 - Kilcoo Camp

EDITOR’S MUSINGSKKilcoo Camp’s 80th summer provided thebackdrop for a very busy, event filled tenmonths. Planning for the alumni reunion hadalready begun as we slipped into the newyear and as winter transitioned into springand we saw how many alumni wanted toattend, the excitement grew. The Septemberweekend itself was so satisfying. In additionto the many who reliably return every threeyears we were delighted to welcome morethan fifty alumni who had not seen Gull Lakefor many years. Needless to say, the enthusiasmthat everyone brought with them wascontagious and I already look forward to thenext reunion in 2014.In late March, amidst the phone calls to thecamp office from parents disappointed tofind July camp already full came one badnews call reporting the smelly demise of theMansion, detailed in this issue of the Gazette.Camp Awakening, under the careful guidanceof Executive Director Tracy Morley,has developed a new strategic plan whichshould provide for a healthy renewal as itapproaches its 30th year, and Amici soaredto new heights in providing camping experiencesfor needy children.July weather was reminiscent of summers inthe 1950’s when campers and staff consumedsalt pills during many mid day mealsto head off dehydration and heat stroke. On asobering note I was notified that formerKilcoo staff member Rick Tilling had passedaway in February, 2010 at his home inWiltshire, England. Rick, along with StuBraund were counsellors in the youngestBantam section in 1956 and one of myfavourite pictures showed Rick with hisyoung charges on the steps of Cabin 3. Onbehalf of those of you who remember Rick Iexpressed my condolences to his wifeJennifer. Also of note was the fact thatD’arcy Atkins passed away on May 8th ofthis year and had been predeceased by hisbrother, Gary who along with younger brotherPage G2Waterfront in Late OctoberMichael had been a big part of of the earlyLatimer era at Kilcoo. Their father Georgehad provided a mortgage that allowed John topurchase the camp from Charlie Plewman inthe fall of 1955. We lost track of the Atkins inthe later 60’s and though I tried to lure themto the camp’s 75th Anniversary celebrationsmy efforts garnered no response. Finally, wewere just notified of the death of formercamper Aaron Beamish on October 21st in atragic traffic accident in Toronto. Aaron wasonly 25 and was well known in Toronto asthe drummer for the local group “SlowMotion Victory”.And so, Kilcoo’s 80th year was a great successas it extended many traditions that havemarked Kilcoo over the decades. The secondannual “Family Camp” drew an even largergroup than last year and although the weatherwas not quite as good, the many familiesoccupied themselves enthusiastically in abusy schedule of camp activities. As alwaysthe post camp staff provided wonderful leadership.To those of you who attended the alumnireunion, and even to those of you who wereunable, I recommend you to the Kilcoo websiteto see the many pictures from the event.This fall issue will mark the fourth and last ofthe articles from our women alumni and Ichallenge others from among you to consideroffering something from your own experience.Submissions should be sent togazetteeditor@kilcoo.com. HPAUL CHAMBERLAIN...CONTINUED FROM COVERSunday dawned bright and warm and formost alumni the bells announcing chapel atChapel Point were their wakeup call, thoughsome brave souls had earlier partaken of thePolar Bear swim which has become anentrenched tradition at Kilcoo. David spokeat chapel expressing what the camp and thisevent with so many people participatingmeans to him and then continuity betweenpast and present and the value of good memorieswere presented by Bruce Haines(1946-55) and myself. Tim Magwood andTodd Houston provided an inspiring renditionof Hallelujah and along with the calmwaters offshore left everyone quite refreshedand waxing nostalgic.Then, following the buffet breakfast, commemorativegifts in hand, alumni experiencedthe low point of the weekend: sayinggood-bye; but only until September, 2014.Sincere thanks are due to David and theLatimer family for their hospitality, to Chrisand his staff who worked tirelessly to keepus well nourished, and the post camp staff of2011 staff members who worked almostaround the clock to make sure all of us had aweekend to remember with great fondness.So, now the planning for 2014 can start. Abig thank you to all of you who were able toset aside the time to return to Kilcoo for agreat weekend.PAUL CHAMBERLAIN(1956-67)