2007 Call.qxd - Camp Mowglis

A message from the President
Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Mowglis,
Although most of our efforts are focused on the summer program
we also keep in touch with many of our alumni. It's been
exciting to follow the trails blazed by the boys who spent summers
here, and we are often reminded that the camp's influence continues
long after the season ends.
Not surprisingly, the roster at this year's Back-to-the-Pack
weekend included men whose time at camp extended from the
1940's until recent times. Some brought their sons. Many had not been on the grounds in
decades and the experience of returning after a long absence can be quite powerful. Here's
what Dave Tower, a camper in the early 1950's, said in an email a few weeks after the
event:
"The "Back-to-the-Pack" weekend was truly wonderful and at the same time, profound.
It awakened in me a sense of the incredible influence Mowglis had in shaping me and my
values. I came away from the weekend with a strong feeling of debt to the camp."
I doubt if participants in a two-week sports or music camp will acquire these long-term
benefits. Mowglis boys become part of a small community centered on their needs, guided
by a carefully chosen group of men who serve as mentors. Rather than focusing on a narrow
skill set they are encouraged to try new activities and find new interests. Our seven-week
season allows ample time for skills and maturity to develop.
At the core of the program is a set of timeless values that are ultimately based on respect
for one another. Many boys return to Mowglis for several summers, allowing ties between
boys and staff to deepen. With all the change and upheaval in modern life, those ideals
learned during those warm summers under the pines provide sure guidance, both now and
in the future.
I'd encourage all of you to stay in touch and to visit when you can. The door to the
Jungle House is always open.
Good Hunting,
Charlie Walbridge, '62
Holt-Elwell Memorial Foundation 2007-08 Trustees
Charlie Walbridge (‘62), President
Chris Phaneuf (‘77), Vice President
Perry Smith (‘72), Treasurer
Steve Minich (‘71), Secretary
Diana Beeton, mother of Kyle ('92), Jeremy ('88) and Todd ('85)
Foster Conklin (‘74)
Leigh Anne Leas
Tom Lloyd (‘84)
Eric Love (‘91)
Rob Cerwinski (‘83)
Frank Mauran (‘72)
Greg Phaneuf (‘82)
Pete St. John (‘75)
Carol Southall, Camp Onaway director for 20 years
Anne Standish
Abe Unger (‘83)
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Special thanks to our retiring trustees for their
years of volunteer service to Mowglis:
Chris Kriesen (‘80)
Henry Livingston (‘55)