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Home Letter Volume 35, July 24, 1961 Number 4

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VOLUME 35                    July 24, 1961                          No. 4

HEALTH: Our previously mentioned “bug” has disappeared. This past week has been “suture” week! At present, we have a total of five with sutures in one phase or another of healing. Jeff Cole was the first with 9, Doug Cornish has 2, Councilor Spaulding has 3, Susy Carlton has 3, and Jamie Sayen has 7. Locations range from heel to scalp-—none serious; all healing well. Parents have been written in each case.

MONDAY: Was an overcast and rainy day, which made another excellent day for the museum trips. Our shuttle—system transported many campers to and from both the Farmer’s and Baseball Museums. The warm rain permitted swimming, boating, and building of dams across a little stream that runs past the “Russellorum.”

THE NEXT DAY: Started out warm and clear. We had the almost usual daily rain later in the day; But, also, as usual, it didn’t really interfere with activities. The first Trenton Falls trip started out under the guidance of Chief Dick Carlton and Bravos Frank Pine, Dave Wilber, Tom Mercer, and Allen Spaulding. This is a three—day trip for those who are twelve years or elder, have passed their Junior Life Saving, and who are in camp all summer. The voyage entails an hour and a half auto trip to a picturesque gorge, then to a second gorge, and finally out to an island in the middle of Lake Hinkley. The last morning is spent paddling down West Canada Creek. Lots of excitement in intramural baseball: Allen’s Aces defeated Roger’s Rebels in extra innings, 7-4. Also, the Mugwumps smashed the Warts 7—0. Sailing had a good workout until the rains came.

THE DAY OF MOVIE NIGHT: How lucky we were to have a second day in succession of clear, light breezy weather in the morning. The afternoon clouded but no precipitation. With Mr. Hilliard , Tom Gilmore , By Johnson, and Peter McManus as leaders, twenty—one campers had a lunch trip to Natty Bumpo’s Cave. They hiked down via a small mountain ridge--a distance of about eight miles from camp, investigated the renowned cave, had lunch, then were driven back to camp on four wheels instead of two feet. Not too many blisters and all had a fine time. The sailboats and occupants again took full advantage of the prevailing winds. All the manually operated watercraft had a busy afternoon as did the swimming department. The movie for the evening was a sea—going thriller entitled, “Sealed Cargo.” And so to bed.

THURSDAY: Some rain, some clouds, and some clearing. We had our choice. Dick Koppisch took a group to Sunken Islands, a section of flat rocks at this end of the lake that was once described by Cooper as Hutter’s Castle. Boaters, swimmers, and handicrafters again had a full day. Late afternoon saw the return of the Trenton Falls group. Allen Spaulding was the only significant casuality, having come in too strong contact with a rock in the water which necessitated a few sutures in his head. Otherwise, there was great enthusiasm expressed about the trip.


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FRIDAY: Hazy and windy. The haze was the forerunner of a warm, humid day and the wind was the accompaniment to lots of soiling. The entire activity program was in full swing all day. The varsity hardball team journeyed over the hills to Worchesster, N.Y. to meet with and conquer the home town team  by a score of 7—0. The high point of the day was for the four youngest tents was their departure on an overnight trip to Lookout, each with its own respective councilor. This was the first big trip for many of them; and, needess to say, great excitement prevailed. We took the elder boys on a new adventure in place of their weekly trip into the movies. All those who so desired, went with Mouldy to a nearby well-equipped bowling alley. There is an attached food-bar, and all participants seemed to feel it was a good substitute.

THE DAY OF THE PLAN NIGHT: Another twenty-four period had passed with no rain!! The water was calm, the day was sunny, and camp was very pleasant. Several visitors arrived to visit with their various progeny. The Lookout entourage marched back into camp, full of breakfast, dirt, and tales. Nature took care of the first, hot showers the second, and open ears the third. All campers vouched for a wonderful time. Morning sailing races were delayed until afternoon far lack of adequate aerial fuel. Hyde Bay skippers Scott Carlton and Randy Burwell took first and second places respectively againdt Chenango. The night out on the the mountain did not deter the youngest campers from putting on an very excellent production for the Hyde Bay 0ff—Broadway Theater. Kevin Considine won the award for the best actress; Mike McQuilkin was the host actor; and Tent #53A was judged to have the best play in the version of “Ratpunsel.” There will be no plays this week with the changeover of boys.

SUNDAY: Dawned clear and hot, but torrents of rain with some thunder and lightening developed in the afternoon. Mr. Downs conducted the camp church services in a most effective and interesting mode. His talk on what we make ourselves from what we are God—given, can surely he absorbed by us all. The weekly trunk inspection, collection of clean laundry, disposal of soiled clothes, and weekly hot showers involved most of the morning. Until the heavens opened up, the water was full of swimmers and boats. Fortunately , the rain stepped long enough for us to have our outdoor super. The Inspection tents #53B and #l4 went off to town in “Busby,” our camp bus, and returned in time to join the rest of the camp for the Sunday evening educational movies.

ACTIVITY PROGRESS: We had nine non—swimmers after all tests had been attempted at the beginning of camp. We now have only two who have not passed at least the “D” test. Two have done the “A” test.
All but thirty boys have been riding one or more times. Most of the thirty are older boys around the UL age who are involved in other things.
The tennis courts have been busy with all but about thirty—five boys. We hope to cut that number during the next few weeks,
Over three-quarters of the camp have been sailing one or more times. Those missing it have been because of swimming tests or being older boys.
The handicraft lodge has been exceptionally busy,  primarily due to short period of inclement weather and the addition of a new professional electric clay kiln. We are using the same fine clay that we have found in our own back yard. some of the final products appear to be quite lovely.

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