One such letter, is the one I wrote after attending last years 7th Annual Golf Outing. Others will be added to this page, with a link to them, so you can share in the memories that the writer is trying to convey.
I hope these stories will bring back the memories that we all cherish!!
I Can Still Spell That Really Fast
One Morning of Memories
Let me start off by saying, if you aren't a member of FOCB (Friends of Camp Batawagama), you should seriously consider becoming one. Second, if you haven't been to one of FOCB Annual Golf Outings, it is a must, and you should sign up next year.
FOCB has so much to offer. Its main mission is to support and aid the camp that we all know and love...Batawagama. Through fund raisers like the golf outing, FOCB provides Batawagama with new canoes, boats, camping supplies, and building materials just to name a few.
FOCB members are past and present campers and staff who have decided to give something back, something that Batawagama gave to them years ago...the Spirit that lives in all of us. The desire to keep Batawagama young and alive for future generations to enjoy.
So please, find it in yourself and keep the Spirit alive...join Friends of Camp Batawagama.
Now, as Paul Harvey would say, for the rest of the Story...
I made the long and lonely journey by myself this year for my first experience to the FOCB 7th Annual Golf Outing. I had tried for a number of years but with luck, I would finally be able to make the trek. My family had to stay because the kids had a rescheduled commitment.
Arriving in the early evening, my memories rapidly started running through my mind of my childhood, like the waters of the Iron River flowing through town. I took a leisurely walk down to the Pizzeria for a tasty treat that I have been longing for. After dinner, I sat and played the guitar in the cooling night air with a brilliantly illuminated night sky. Remembering how I used to lay by the campfire at Hunter's Point and watch those very stars. How I laid there one night watching numerous shooting stars fly past.
In the early morning I woke to find the air with a bit of a chill but felt refreshed. Hearing birds chirping and voices echoing through the trees was another reminder of Camp. The clouds were puffy white with just a hint of grey on them, as they were being pushed by a gentle breeze. Mother Nature promised no rain and it looked like she would come through. As the sun began to warm the earth, it was time to head out to George Young's for some long awaited golf.
Taking an easy, leisurely drive, I saw a few deer near the old quarter mile strip. Making the last turn, with Chicagoan Lake in view, I made the turn into George Young’s anxious for what was about to happen. Like camp, people slowly but surely started filing in. The organizers of FOCB were in a fast paced mode to finalize every last detail.
Registrations, greetings, practicing on the driving range and putting green. Then, it was time to play. Dennis gave a great speech to send the golfers on their way. As golf carts jockeyed out of the encirclement, the golfers made their way to their respected holes. The air was still a bit cool but as the sun reached its zenith, it began to warm and turned out to be an excellent day of golf. The only thing was, like Saturday Morning at camp, was eventually, it had to end.
Meeting back in the Club House, the socialization of old and new friendships had begun. Prizes were given out...and what prizes they were. Imagine, there were a possibility of win a 2004 Chrysler 300, a Bose Wave Radio, a set of Ben Hogan Irons, and a Dell Computer. All these were Hole in One holes...sink a hole in one and you won that prize...easy, eh? There were numerous other prizes too, to many for me to mention but I would be remiss if I didn't say the big one...a trip to Las Vegas...which was won by the way. Yes, you too could have won...maybe next year right?
Finally, the night had come to a close. People had faded like they do at camp. Like two ships passing in the night to go to their destination...home. My drive home was an enjoyable one, in that the U.P. showed its beauty once again. With more sightings of deer, wild turkeys, and a couple of Blue Herons. The Mighty Mac brought me back to home. I hope you enjoy this story!!
Thank you FOCB for a wonderful time and opening my eyes to what you do and for what I need to do. I just can't wait until next year!!!
Magic
I Can Still Spell That Really Fast
Camp Batawagama (I can still spell that really fast, due to the song) - just saying it brings back so many fantastic memories. I started going to Bat when I was in the fourth grade; the summers after 7th and 8th grade were the best, because I could go to band camp and regular camp both. In high school, we could scarcely wait for band camp and we cried after the Saturday Night concert because it was over. The summers after my freshman and sophomore years in college were the absolute best of all, because I could spend the entire summer at Bat - and even got paid for being a counselor!
At Batawagama, I developed my love for nature and camping and learned how to be self-sufficient. My experiences there really helped shape my life. One of the first statements I made to my husband-to-be over thirty years ago was, "I sure hope you like camping." When his reply was, "I was going to say the same thing to you." I knew he was the one. We have lived on a sailboat since 1973, mostly in the Caribbean. We have sailed across the Atlantic twice and spent one entire summer bicycling and camping throughout Scandinavia, Germany, and Holland. We go camping every summer for at least two weeks in the Boundary Waters, and have camped all over the Upper Midwest. I adore nature programs and still get excited every time I see a deer or a mongoose or an eagle or... And Camp Batawagama is where it all started.
Enclosed, please find a check in the amount of $200. I wish it could be that amount to the fifth power. I am not going to designate it for any particular project; I believe the Brian and Paula and the rest of you know what the camp needs most. I wish every child could have the experience of Camp Batawagama- it would probably be the beginning of world peace and the end of the need for conservancy groups.
Thank you all for keeping Batawagama alive!!
Gale Aikala Passenier
P.S. I was at the All-Class Reunion at the Armory last summer, where Lou's band was playing. She looks and sounds exactly the same!! See what Bat does for people? Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to chat with her, but I was really happy to see her.
Special Place In My Heart
Thank you for all you do for camp. It has always and continues to hold a special place in my heart. While my visits in body have become fewer, through the years, a summer doesn't pass without finding myself singing camp songs and thinking of days gone by.
My heartfelt thanks for giving all of us a chance to contribute to such a special place. I take much peace from knowing that "Friends" (FOCB) are helping yet another generation to come to know the true meaning of summer at the "Land between the Lakes."
Peace, Hope, and Love
Patrick Davidson (Camper & Staffer 1983-1994)
