For as long as I can remember, there was a papier-mâché snake hanging above the fireplace in the lodge. It sat there for years, slowly decaying and collecting dust. It was rumoured to contain a map to a time capsule, I never did find out. At the end of summer 2006, inspired by that snake, I put away a disposable camera, hoping to capture just a glimpse of what it was like to be a millennial at camp.
We didn’t have cell phones; we used calling cards to keep in touch with the outside world. We shared two computers with internet that, at best, crawled while we checked our emails (Facebook wasn’t popular yet). Back then, the water still tasted like iron. We hung out in “Club 85153” and sought wisdom from “The Jar of Questions.” If we were really lucky, we were visited by the chimney of duties. There were no “old beach stairs” yet, and we did dishes by hand while “Holstein” was on G.A.F.F.Y. Wilbur, along with the hill washrooms, were avoided at all costs.
We played games along the “cat walk” and in the first and second glens. We gathered in the “old chapel” and listened to Harvest or Sparrow read during staff FLASH. Caitlyn’s gazebo didn’t exist yet; she was still my camper, running around in her yellow bandanna with braids in her hair.
I share just a glimpse of what those summers were like. They were some of the happiest times of my life and are among my most treasured memories. The friendships I made at camp—both as a camper and as staff—are my most cherished, and I recommend everyone #sendyourkidstocamp. I encourage you to leave one of your favourite memories below and tag a beloved camp friend or co.
With love,
Jill “Kowari” Fergusson
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