My grandfather and his brothers were campers at Wyanoke in the 1918-1925 era. His experience at Wyanoke led him to purchase a place on the Lake in 1945, and also to encourage his grandchildren to go to camp.
My brother, cousin and I all went to Belknap. I went for seven years, and then returned two years later to work in the kitchen. My brother was at Belknap for ten years, including one as a leader (counselor). My cousin attended for five years. This summer, my oldest son spent his sixth year at Belknap, and is heading back next year -- and he would like to be a leader there as well. My youngest will have his first experience there next summer. My two girls just completed their fifth season at Camp Huckins in Freedom.
As a camper at Belknap 1970-1976), I was on the swimming and riflery teams, and this afforded many opportunities to travel to other camps to compete (as did the soccer, basketball, baseball and other teams). It was like interscholastic sports, only a lot more fun. Sometimes we traveled in vans, other times we took Belknap's boat, the NYMCAH (get it? N YMCA H).
I could go on for days about the value of the camp experience, and the role Belknap played (and plays) in my life. The fact that so many of these great old camps have "gone away" is a real sore point for me -- and of course for all the people who attended and worked at those camps.
For its 100th anniversary last year, Belknap published a remarkable book detailing the history and traditions of the camp -- a fascinating and entertaining read even for those who never went to camp.
What a treat it is for me to return there each year. I would gladly rewind 34 years for the chance to do it all again.
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