Camp Chateaugay
Merrill, N.Y.Monday P.M.
Dear Aunt Hat,
I really enjoyed the letter and your "helpful hints for counselors in Jewish camps." Actually I have had no trouble with anything of the kind. Most of the counselors (but not all) and 99.9% of the campers are Jewish but the camp "philosophy" has little to do with religion. Outside of Friday night services complete with responses in Hebrew, et all and the absence of bacon with our breakfast eggs, you'd never guess that this camp is different from any other.
Tuesday P.M.
Your letter was postponed until tonight. As I was writing last night the gang decided to have a party in honor of one of the fellows who left today - the nicest guy in camp, by far and I'm really going to miss him. He's going to Swarthmore next year as a freshman but when he told me he had just graduated I thought he meant college instead of high school I'm hoping he can work a trip to Holyoke next fall sometime. He wasn't here as an actual counselor. He's from Louisville, Kentucky and Aaron needed someone to fly up to camp with the kids from that area. Both Dave & his sister have been coming to Chateaugay for years so he was the logical person. He spent about a week and a half here as a "working guest", helping on the waterfront, etc. and today left for home.
My job is really lots of fun, although rather trying at times. Our kids are great and I love every one of them individually. There are several really lively ones and I keep telling myself it's better to have them full of fun than just moping around but at the moment I find it hard to believe I'm "C.O.D". (Counselor on Duty) and the lively ones are at their bright shining best. In about five minutes I'm going to really blow my top. This usually does the trick as long as it doesn't happen too often.
Outside of the cabin I've been spending quite a bit of time on the waterfront. This can be very tiring and after 3 periods of swimming instruction I'm exhausted. But then there are days like today - 1 period of swimming, one in Arts & Crafts (Basketweaving) and one with archery. In addition I spend rest hour playing baseball & played in a game against the older girls this evening. Funny, but I never felt better - not at all tired and only 6 hrs. sleep last night. I go for these days of varied activity!
Our kids went on their first hike last week & held up pretty well. We're planning a 10 mile mountain climb for this Friday and a truck overnight trip next Monday. They had a square dance last night with one of the boys' units which was a big success. At the moment plans are under way for a United Nations' Day which will be a big thing as both Camp C. and the U.N. are 10 years old.
About the second day of camp I made an amazing discovery - one of the counselor's [sic] went to Europe in '53 on the Skaubryn and Anna Salem. Some coincidence. She is a very interesting and talented girl - Plays banjo, guitar & many more instruments & her hobby is folk songs of all kinds[.] She has made several records of these and assists in a musical course at Cornell where she will be a junior. She was also president of her class there which is quite something. She is a philosophy major & deep thinker on every topic and has a problem as far as social adjustments go. But nevertheless, very interesting to talk to.
I'm really getting writer's cramp & it's cold so could you do me a favor & forward this letter to 107 Columbia Ave? (Liz's parents) If I wrote home tonight it would be very repititious [sic] & I think wasted effort.
Thanks so much & keep those great letters coming. I really love this place & am already considering it for next year if I am offered the opportunity. Say "hello" to Frances for me.
Love,
Liz