It's sort of like our version of the yearbook; something written to share memories, say goodbye...we scribble them off at the end of each session: "Great summer with you - hey, remember when we got our boat stuck in the lily pads and Robin had to rescue us?! And Alicia making sure we took our tags to the OUTSIDE of the Buddy Board?!"
As campers, we received many notes. I wrote them as a Jawak, until my last year as a CIT. Over the years, I have moved many times and saved very little. Curiously, one thing I kept was a banquet note from a young camper who wrote to me as her CIT. It said: "Dear Shiela I really had a good time It was fun being with you I love you. love LAUREN".
Dear little Lauren. Simple and honest. Even as a young camper, she was able to express her experience and emotions. I think of this note as an "every woman/ girl” note. It has stayed with me all these years and I’m 61. I'm not sure I remember Lauren, but I think Lauren is all those banquet notes I’ve given and received. It’s simple and sincere and I love the note. I love that I touched this kid, just as my CITs/Counselors/Unit Leaders and fellow campers touched me - and continue to touch me today.
I spent that glorious summer in the lodge on the hill, and many - including me - have said it was one of their best summers. There have been times over the years when I have reached out to my Mohawk Sisters. I was feeling blue and we hopped on a conference call within hours. When my father was sick and I came to a reunion for an afternoon, all the women gave me hugs - long hugs - and asked how he was. There were some who were struggling with their own sickness and losses, but they took the time to learn about my family and me, and to show their love. When my father finally passed, there were my Mohawk Sisters at the wake and funeral, to share their support and friendship. Some of these friends are newer, some have been my friends since we were Jawaks. Regardless of time, there is a closeness. Maybe our newer friendships have been "jumpstarted" because of our shared experiences at Camp and because....we have that Mohawk Spirit. Even at a young age, Lauren had that spirit.
I treasure my summers at Camp. It taught us (among many things) to build meaningful friendships where we care for and support each other. Thank you to all the “Laurens” at Camp Mohawk, for the wonderful banquet notes, and for the spirit that lasts a lifetime!
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