Alumnae Sparks - Camp Greystone
Transcription
Alumnae Sparks - Camp Greystone
SPARKS Why They Come A Letter from Jimboy Camp is more popular than ever. Period. This is a shocking fact; think about it: In 95 years, camp has NEVER been more keenly appreciated by our campers when measured by the 1,868 campers who are attending, the 373 campers on the wait list, the 183 senior campers, and 93% of them booking a year in advance. The question to ask is “Why?” Is it the facility? The program? The t-shirts, overnight movies, concerts? No (camp has always excelled in many of these areas). Is it our wonderful Christ-centered lifestyle? I think this powerful than any of the other things and probably represents the heart of the answer. is more The reason for camp’s popularity relates to meeting the most profound need that children in this amazingly technological world. Camp makes us live with each other the “old fashionedface ” way… centered in Christ. At camp we unplug (something that is hard to do) and are forced to make friends, resolve arguments, discuss real things, and even just sit together and not say anything as we enjoy a spectacular sunset. Living a good life with a real community that is not diluted by a virtual community is profound. The girls yearn for this connection, and when EVERYONE unplugs and simply lives together, the results are compelling. Tim Keller, a favorite pastor of mine once said “You are the generation most afraid of real community because it inevitably limits freedom and choice. Get over your fear.” Camp is more popular than ever and this trend will continue to grow in the generation if we continue to provide real community. It is what our children fear; and it is what totheycome most desire. There are many things that I can not promise about the summer experience ten years now, but there is something that I can promise: We will not allow technology to buffer the from camper connection to this community. Most importantly, we can promise that Christ will be at the center of it all as we become a shining light to an increasingly dark world. 1 Meet the Editor After 19 years as editor of the Alumnae Sparks, I am delighted to pass the torch to long-time camper and staff member Sarah Goodman Brown (1990s-2010s). As part of her full-time work as Greystone’s Head Counselor, Sarah is already doing a superb job writing the camper Sparks. I am excited about my new role as Greystone’s historian. I will be working with Sarah to upload information about Greystone’s history to the camp’s website. I hope you enjoy what we have recently uploaded: camp memories that many of you contributed in conjunction with Greystone’s 75th year reunion in 1994. This is just a start, and I encourage you to visit the website’s alumnae section often to see it evolve and to network with other alumnae. In addition, I will continue to be involved with the Alumnae Sparks by writing an article for each issue. I wish to again thank Deanie Walburn Strength (1980s-90s) for the exceptionally strong foundation that she laid for my years as Alumnae Sparks editor. Deanie’s monumental work in 1994 planning the 75th year reunion and organizing Greystone’s archives was a gift to us all. I smile as I think that in only five years we will be celebrating Greystone’s 100th year. I am so thankful to God for the many blessings that I have received through Greystone, for the lifelong friendships I made there, and the difference Greystone continues to make in my life each day. Elizabeth Abernathy (1960s-80s, 2010) 2 Alumnae Website Update Alumnae Networking Check the fully updated Alumnae page on our website, which includes lists of past Banquets, Odds vs. Evens scores, pictures from each decade, and more. Also, visit our Alumnae page to submit your camp memories, letting us know what you remember most from your summer days at Greystone. As part of our new website update, we have started a Reconnect with Alumnae section, allowing alumnae to network with each other. Written a book? Looking for a resource in a particular field? Come find your Greystone friends! Visit the “Reconnect with Alumnae” page to have your information added. 3 July 4th at Greystone 4 July 4th at Greystone always begins with the morning flag raising, then continues with singing patriotic songs and “Hail, Greystone, Hail” at breakfast. The schedule for the remainder of the day has changed over the years. Until the mid-1960s, Challenge Day was held on July 4th. Odd-Even competition consisted of landsports in the morning and watersports in the afternoon. After the softball game, campers were excited to be served Cokes for the only time during the eight (later seven) week session. In the late 1980s, the Carnival became a new July 4 tradition. For the late afternoon parade along the main road, campers from each tentalow and cabin dress according to the theme (for example, one late 1980s theme was “Refrigerator”). Since the 1990s, Jimboy has staged spectacular fireworks evening programs. 5 the 2013 Great Day Fund Donors Fund was In memory of JimDaddy, The Great Day pers who cam help to way a established in 2010 as ne. JimDaddy could not afford a summer at Greysto in the land, inspired us to trust God, do good, live He loved to and cultivate faithfulness in the Lord. wanted to surprise friends with gifts, and always provide for those in need. Ding How $5,000-$10,000 Daniel and Adair Sturdivant Bard Bless This Camp $1,000-$4,999 Katherine Urevig, The Ashmore Foundation, Maria Kelce Crowley, Carter Harrison Glenn Henderson Through the Community Foundation of perships for County, the Great Day Fund provides cam ilies – who girls – both new and current camp fam the 4 years In . nce ista ass are in need of financial ed a total of since the fund was started, we have raisawarded in $193.905. As a result, $7235.00 will be camperships for this summer! Most of our fundraising efforts have been e Reunion accomplished through our yearly Alumna the Alumnae of 100% h Wit r. weekends held in Octobe it has grown gifts from this weekend being donated, In addition, into a significant way to grow the fund. throughout there are steady donations that come in the year. donation and We are SO thankful for each and every Over the years for our wonderful Alumnae support! the gifts you to come, many girls will be touched by are giving today! the Great Day Fund Have a GREAT day, Katie Pines So Bold $500-$999 Ann Denson, Andy and Elizabeth Green Ausband Happy Am I $100-$499 Need an easy way to help the Great Day Fund? The company Name Bubbles (www.namebubbles.com) donates 20% of your purchase to the Great Day Fund when using the code GREATDAY at checkout. Pikes Peak Community Foundation on behalf of Dr. and Mrs. James E. Strub, Jerry and Kristi Kessler Walters, Robert and Murray Cheves Thompson, Matthew and Allyson Lee Stone, Frank and Katherine Mahon Robinson, Charlie and Heidi Strub Nelson, Laura Meherg, Fred and Laura Sisk Luquire, John and Duggan Childers Lansing, Bill and Sara Kesten Howell, Scott and Betsy Dodenhoff Howard, Keith and Elizabeth McLaughin Hope, Katherine Hanemann, Jane Finney, Jeff and Joanie Johnson Erbskorn, Anne Edmunds, Emily Edmondson, Jamie and Patty Friend Douglass, Jimmy and Ashley Brinson Cusack, Fran Crook, Shea and Diane Rose Conley, John and Katie Davidson Chastain, Dean and Catherine McLaughlin Castaldo, Nils and Sims Hammond Bouwmeester, Jenna Thomas Black, Jeanne Ashmore, Elizabeth Abernathy, David and Beth Vining, Kaitlin Nagle Bomar, Rebecca Marshburn, Caleb S. Phillips, Amy Leone, Zirconia Missionary Baptist Church, Chris and Beth Bennett Haga, Farrell and Jill Mendelsohn Smile Smile $1-$99 Mabel’s Labels Inc., Margaret Bell, Lindsey Hardegree 6 7 Great Day Alumnae Reunion September 27 - 29, 2013 Opening Night Spaghetti Flag Crafts Breakfast Club Great Day 5K Ring Tennis Taco in a Bag Riflery Canoeing Party Barge rides Story time with Libby Banquet & Awards Talent Show Campfire & S’mores Church We Raised $9,000 for the Great Day Fund! Women’s Men’s 1st Place: Besty Howard 1st Place: Gervais Hollowell 2nd Place: Ashley Cusack 2nd Place: Rob Brown 3rd Place: Sarah Brown 3rd Place: Jimboy Miller 30’s Winner: Sims Bouwmeester 40’s Winner: Jenna Black Upper 40’s Winners: Elizabeth Ausband & Laura Hollowell (tie) Senior Winners: Duggan Lansing & Jeanne Ashmore (tie) 8 9 The thrill of seeing old friends and expectations of another fun summer sparked our excitement. We rushed to check the familiar things and new additions. I remember Sunday “whites,” Dr. Sevier’s favorite “Follow the Gleam,” Virginia’s crafts and John 3:16, Henri and Claire, lifesaving and swim meets, the competition of Odds & Evens, being a left handed fencer, pageants, awards banquet, campfires-being always busy. We loved it all. My summers at Greystone were the most important part of my growing up. No other influence in my life can touch that of Greystone in character building and spiritual development. I treasure my days spent there and have encouraged my children to give their children the same experience. Laura Nance McCaughrin Pickens (1920’s) One of the things that impressed me the most when I was at Greystone were the times we would be awakened in the middle of the night to have a big wiener roast and then go for a walk along Lake Summit in the moonlight. That was in 1933, and I wonder if they still do that. I loved everything about Greystone, the counselors, trips to Pisgah in the back of a large truck, dancing classes by Henri, horseback riding, archery, the lake. A beautiful spot to spend a summer. Jane Barton Street (1930’s) Dorothy Colmery Webster (1930’s) Camp Greystone Founded, 1920 “Smile, Smile” Written in 1931 Peter Pan, Never Never Land Banquet, 1927 First Summer in Tuxedo, 1922 1920 10 Festival of the Cherry Blossoms Banquet, 1936 1932 Olympics 1930 11 nths, from We used to go to camp for two mo best parts the mid-June to mid-August. One of train. We about getting to camp was taking the p in all of the would board in Mobile and then sto as we headed little towns in Alabama and Georgia campers towards North Carolina, picking up top of the along the way. Once we reached the n flat-bed mountain, they loaded us into ope drove us into trucks (with all of our luggage) and the gates of Greystone. scare across In the late 1940’s, there was a polio y locked the the United States. That summer, the e in or leave. gates of camp – no one could com the front gate. They even had to leave the food at rth Carolina Camp was even extended for the No polio was very campers to help keep them safe, as scary. es. I was the My best friend at camp was Dilly Jon ) and she was captain of the Evens (at 14 years old up rooming the captain of the Odds. We ended we keep together at Sweetbriar College, and dearest in touch to this day. She is one of my friends. I remember being the Queen, and all of the hydrangeas. I loved Banquet. I remember the sleepovers at Grey Lodge, where we cooked dinner over an open fire. I remember riding in the flat-bed truck to go Swimming at Lake Summit. I loved everything about Greystone! I was in L5 my first year, and Jo Durrett was my counselor. I would say that she was my favorite counselor, probably because she was such a great, fun counselor and got me off to such a good start! Vaughan Inge Morrissette 1940’s I learned many activities... archery, ring tennis, riflery, sailing etc etc etc! The best thing that I learned was the Greystyone Spirit and that concept continues to serve me well! My favorite memories are of the friends that I made there, Libby Miller being a very important one! What you’re up to now: I live in Mobile, AL, and have loved Greystone since the 1940’s. Three generations of my family have attended Greystone, with my grandchildren attending now. Dilly Johnson Jones Camper: 1945-48; Counselor: 1970-71 Land of Oz Banquet, 1951 Libby Hanna, Best All Around in 1954 Odds & Evens Tie with 1,912 Points 1940 12 “Bless This Camp” Written in 1952 1950 13 I am the Director of The Center for Community Preservation and Planning (www.centernewton.org). I am married to Gary Brown and have 6 children. My daughters attended and worked at Greystone for many years: Martha Lee is currently in Charleston, SC, working at Elliott Davie and applying to nursing school; Catherine Lee is currently in Columbia, MO, working for Mizzou and beginning her PhD. Interesting fact about you: I fell off the dining room porch and broke my arm. Favorite Evening Program: Song Contest Best Camp Memory: Talking to my friends Irene Koerner and Peggy Campbell The night the astronauts landed on the moon - July 1969 - was incredible. The event occurred in the middle of the night, so the campers were in bed. But many of the counselors walked to the edge of Lake Edith - and looked up at the full moon shining on the water below - and were stirred with the awe of both God & man’s accomplishments. Favorite Activity Area: Land Sports, Ring Tennis, in particular. I was the BOMB! Favorite Counselor: Deanie York Something you learned at camp for the first time: Canoeing, skiing, diving Something you remember about camp: Nothing beat the anticipation of waiting to hear Mrs. Hanna’s remarks at Council Fire. Kay Barfield Lee Camper - 1960-1968, staff - 1986 “The Mountains, the Valleys,” written 1967 Jim Miller IV Born 1963 Snow White Banquet 1966 Joann Craig Mitchell Moon Landing 1969 1960 14 15 The World of Pooh Banquet 1970 I still think my blood is not red, but green and gold. I live in Naples, FL. I’ve loved all my previous professions: Kindergarten Teacher, Preschool Director, Southeast Divisional Sales Leader for Creative Memories and of course…Camp Greystone Counselor! I am currently retired (meaning no official paycheck) and enjoying new activities, one being my new sweet granddaughter Macie Kate McDougal. Her mom, my daughter, is a Greystone Girl too, Kristen Etzel. Favorite Evening Program: Counselor Dating Game Favorite Tradition: The first one that comes to mind is Penpals. I LOVED getting that hand written letter from Mrs. Hanna with the name and address of my pen pal. I still keep up with 2 of my Pen Pals! Audrey Smith Feuerbacher and Julie Wallace Johnston. Best Camp Memory: Picking blackberries in a thicket below Jim and Libby’s house and getting the kitchen to make them into a cobbler. I also loved watching Pollyanna at all-day assembly on banquet day and having a Coke and a foot-long hotdog for lunch. est Camp Memory: Reading the Hiding Place before attending B camp one summer (1973) and meeting Corrie Ten Boom who led me to the Lord. What a lifelong blessing. I still follow Corrie Ten Boom on Facebook. Her quotes are timeless. Funniest Camp Memory: making a shower with our buckets outside of cabin 7 the year there was a drought and the shower house was closed. Interesting fact about you: I worked with Jackie O. Favorite thing to order at candy shoppe: frozen Marathon bar nything else you’d like to share: The summer before my mother died, A my girls had just come back from camp for the first time. We went to my parents house for dinner, and afterward we all sat at the table and sang camp songs. Even though my girls didn’t get much time with their grandmother, their experience at Greystone and the traditions and values they shared keeps them very connected. I love that. I never understood what Mrs. Hanna, Libby and Jim meant when they said we would appreciate camp more and more as we got older, but now I do. It continues to be a blessing in my family’s life. Something you learned at camp for the first time: Does anyone remember the Typing Hut? Yes, there was one! Mary McConnell taught typing! She played the piano and we typed to the beat. I can still remember typing A-K-A-Space, Semi-P-Semi! (semi’s were the semicolon key!) I can still her voice saying that out loud and she played and we typed. It was a SERIOUS CLASS! But, I learned to TYPE! Kim Lafferty Etzel Camper: 1969 – 1976; Staff - 1981 Main Camp Play “The Music Man” 1971 I live in Houston with my husband Sam and our daughters Alice and Sallie. I am the Publisher of Bright Sky Press. I like to read, cook and exercise, but I seem to spend most of my free time watching my family play sports. “Libby’s Song” written 1975 1976 Bicentennial Celebration Lucy Herring Chambers 1972-1983 1970 16 17 I live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband, Jerry, my 2 year old daughter, Robyn, and our yellow lab, Lilly. I am an attorney at Parker Poe Adams and Bernstein, where in addition to specializing in employment law, I serve as the firm’s Chief Talent Officer. I love to travel, read, sing, cook, spend time with my family and visit camp! Interesting fact about you: I have travelled to Africa twice to build classrooms at an amazing school called Renguti. I plan to travel there again in February. Funniest Camp Memory: Calling home from the pay phone in the Hostess Cabin to tell my parents that I had been tapped and my Dad asking, “Are you ok?” Favorite Activity Area: Horseback riding with Momma Jeanne Ashmore Something you learned at camp for the first time: How to shoot a gun! Kristi Kessler Walters Camper: 1982-86 Staff: 1986-88; 2006-present 1981 Libby receives Council Fire Torch I live in lovely and historic Charleston, SC. I am happily married to Matt Tillman, one of the kindest and most unselfish men that I know. Together, we have three children, Thomas (9), Mary (6) and Sally (3). We also have a delightfully neurotic Old English Sheepdog named Drover. The Ashmore Family (we number 19 in all) have been coming to Greystone since 1980. We ran the Riding program from 19801994. My husband Jerry built the Greystone Barn in 1990. My daughter Lisa was involved all those her years with running the Riding program and met husband at camp. Best Camp Memory:Two things particularly stand out to me: first, the thrill of acquiring a bright red leotard especially to pack and wear to gymnastics at camp...this was my first year; I was 8 years old, and I wore that thing every single day of camp as I journeyed to the (then) brand-new, state of the art gymnastics facility. My second favorite memories are of the thrill and adventure of traveling out of camp to canoe down local rivers. I believe I learned a great deal about myself and my abilities as I navigated the Nantahala! e Favorite Counselor: Libby. We are about the sam met in age, and we clicked from the first moment we ren child our 1978. Our common interest was horses, enjoy and our faith. We are great friends today!!! We talking about the “Good Ole Days”. Notable Camp Memories: Jimboy (at age 15-16) Mgmt. worked for me in the barn for 2 years in Stable wore and later 1 yr. as a Riding Instructor. He always day one him this silly hat that had horsey ears. I asked horses why did he wear that silly hat. His reply, “The ” me. like will think I am one of them and they will Jeanne Ashmore 1980-1994; 1998-present 1984 Greystone’s 65th Summer 1985 Fiddler on the Roof Banquet Most coveted camp award received: My senior year as a camper, inspired by Jim Daddy’s excellent speech about setting goals, I resolved to take and pass levels in two classes that I had hitherto avoided. The first, ironically, was gymnastics...I had not darkened the door of the gym since that first red-leotarded summer. The second class was tennis. Both sports involve a certain level of co-ordination that I frankly do not possess. However, with great effort and much kind instruction from David Vining and Derek Galvin, I managed to pass the beginner *and* advanced beginner levels in both classes. Shazam. Ainsley Fisher Tillman Camper: 1984-1991; Counselor: 1993 – 1998; 2012 - present 1980 18 19 e I am from Lakeland, Florida, but I hav spent the last 15 years in Cumming, only Georgia. I am married to David, the h man in the world willing to put up wit n our crazy family! We have 8 childre Jack four boys and four girls (Maxton 14, 9, by 13, Mary-Madden 12, Josh 10, Lib love Walker 8, Witt 6, and Finley 3). We ily camp! ing back as a family every year to fam I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice. I also have an eco-friendly gift store Go Gator Green and am a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty and sell Thirty One! I am married to J.O. Spengler and have 2 children Caroline 10 (a camper), and Matthew 8. I love running! com Funniest Camp Memory: Carrying a very heavy package back to my cabin only to have my camper open it up and say “look at the cute bear my friend sent!” A few red flags went up and I picked it up and it weighed at least 5 lbs! It had been stuffed full of candy and sewn back together. privilege of getting Interesting fact about you: I had the summer on married at camp at the end of my last staff. n in the liquid Favorite Activity Area: Tennis - eve sunshine. the first Something you learned at camp for . time: That friendship transcends age Favorite Activity Area: The craft activities Madden, Interesting Fact: My niece, Caroline this worked as a Junior Camp counselor Florida summer. She is a sophomore at the ry from State University. Her favorite memo meeting all working at camp this summer was remembering the wonderful Junior Campers and gic that what it was like to experience the ma Greystone! happens at a girl’s first trip to Camp Elisabeth Madden Pehrson 1991-1998 1992 Jimboy becomes assistant director The Little Mermaid Banquet 1993 Interesting Fact: My husband J.O. was at camp from 1980-1998 (we met at Greystone!) He was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame this past fall receiving the Fame for Fitness award in recognition of his “outstanding contribution and commitment to fighting childhood obesity and children’s diabetes”. He was the first non-professional athlete to be inducted. Mariah Brown Spengler: 1994-2000 1997 The Blob was added to camp. I teach writing class at Penn State and help direct the graduate and faculty ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ with my husband. I love writing-especially blogging and novels. I have two beautiful daughters and two cats. My favorite thing is telling others about Jesus. Interesting fact about you: I read grammar boo ks for fun. I love semicolons and vivid verbs. Funniest Camp Memory: Counselor Talent Sho w skits or the night I tried to help a mother cat find a plac e to have her kittens. Something you learned at camp for the first time : How incredible authentic community is. And how Jesu s could use me in the lives of other people. Best Camp Memory: Coming up with the motions for Big House! Anything else you’d like to share: I am the wom an I am today because of the wisdom of JimDaddy, Jimb oy, Libby, and Laura. Working closely with them for six summers shaped my entire adult life. Heather Elizabeth Brown Holleman 1994-1999 1990 20 21 I am a freelance lighting designer in New York City, where I design lighting for the stage, television, and film. I have one sister, Katie, who was a camper as well. I am originally from Augusta, GA. I am currently working in Baghdad, Iraq as a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department. Living here is often hard and working security issues in Iraq doesn’t leave much time for relaxing, but I love that I get to meet with Iraqis on the street and senior officials on important issues. Most coveted camp award received: A fishing award Mr. Pete and Mr. Mac gave me for being their lifeguard after I cut a worm in half with my fing ernail... something I insisted on my first day I would NEV ER do! Ok, so maybe not coveted at all, but I was excited!! Favorite Camp Food: Birthday Ball tomato pie and Banquet mac and cheese Best Camp Memory: When I was in Cabin 4, it rained so hard that we could not go to flag or dinner. Instead of taking showers in the cabin, we all put on our bathing suits and took a shower outside in the pouring rain. Funniest Camp Memory: One year during the Carnival fireworks, one of the men staff rode a waterbike around the lake and the guys shot fireworks at him. One of them missed and landed in the trees near where my cabin was sitting. It was terrifying and amazing all at the same time! Favorite Counselor: Kelly Carew (although she was never my counselor!!) Virginia Waldrop wins Best All Around in 2007 Mary Ellen Stebbins Camper: 1995-2003; staff: 2005-present 2000 22 Main Camp Play “Annie Get Your Gun” 2010 2004 Aladdin Banquet Something you learned at camp for the first time: That everyday really can be great. My bosses and colleagues often ask me how I can be so positive and smiley all of the time. They are always surprised when I tell them it’s a choi ce I make every morning when I wake up. I will be forever grateful to camp and to JimDaddy for teaching me a lesson that I know will continue to serve me for many years to come and helps me to inspire others to wake up every morning and decide that it is going to be a great day. Elizabeth Gay Greystone’s 95th summer in 2014 Camper: 1995-04, Counselor: 2006-09 2010 Greystone turns 100 in 2019 23 Happening Now Greystone Daily Devotions Follow Along with Us: Did you know we post a new Greystonespecific devotion every day, written by some of our former campers and counselors? It is a wonderful way to get a daily “taste” of the Greystone bubble throughout the year. You can even subscribe, having the devotion delivered to your e-mail each morning. Visit the Devotions section on the News page to read along. Check out our blog (and subscribe!): http://www.campgreystone.com/news/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campgreystone Instagram: http://instagram.com/campgreystone Twitter: https://twitter.com/CampGreystone Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/campgreystone/ Greystone Songs Want to sing along with your favorite Greystone songs? Visit the Songs section on the News page to hear recorded versions of our campers singing along to Greystone songs from years past. Greystone Daily Devotions Did you know we post a new Greystone-specific devotion every day, written by some of our former campers and counselors? It is a wonderful way to get a daily “taste” of the Greystone bubble throughout the year. You can even subscribe, having the devotion delivered to your e-mail each morning. Visit the Devotions section on the News page to read along. 24 Join us at Greystone! Interested in returning to your Greystone home? Many Greystone Alumnae spend a week-long adventure at camp, serving on our Junior Camp Staff. Contact Katie Miller Grant for more information: [email protected]. Want to join us for our next Alumnae reunion? Contact [email protected] to be added to the mailing list. The dates for the 2014 reunion are October 3-5. Greystone Generations on the Web! Our Greystone Generations, the list of Greystone alumnae connections to current Greystone girls, can now be found on our website. Check in to see which of your Greystone friends have family at camp today. 25 www.campgreystone.com