Thursday, September 2, 2010
Decades of Campers
In the past months stories and rememberences have been collected about Camp Orkila.
Camp has left an everlasting empression on the lives of young people everywhere and from every generation.
If you would like to submit your story or share your favorite memory click here.
1940's
1950's
1960's
1970's
1980's
1990's
2000's
1940's
I still remember most of the campfire songs and especially winning 3rd place in a swimming contest for my cabin. It wasn't until I got home and was admiring my ribbon that my dad asked me how many kids were in the race. Although there were only 3 I was still very proud!
Camp inculcated faith in God, taught leadership skills, characterized fellowship in best ways, do what's right. Charlie Norman set a splendid tone.
Was my first time awa from home. I did go back many times as a camper and as a counselor for the younger group. Taught me how to get along with others and how to put my wants aside for the betterment of the cabin and the camp. Had many great experiences.
Asking my cabin boys to saw a log that was blocking the path from Decastur cabin. We rolled it aside and 30 years later it lay exactly where we rolled it. I was a 16 year old counselor (older were at war) and my kids were 15, but they thought I was "in charge" to my amazement.
1950's
Camp Orkila experience was the highlight of my life!!!
I attended Camp Orkila two separate summers when I was 11 and 13 years. old. My mom didn't have the money to send me so I earned my way by participating in the YMCA's "soap selling" program. There were 4 bars to a box, which we sold for $1.25 per box. We has cases and cases of soap stacked in the closet which my sister and I later sold to neighbors and friends. I learned a couple of things, how to achieve a goal and how much I hated to sell soap.
I was there the year the baby seal was found. With my cousin Dave, we were the first group on the beach. I believe is was nickamed "Normy" or "Little Norm" to honor Norm Beers from West Seattle. I also remember the lumpy oatmeal, which I liked.
1960's
Camp Orkila taught me how to interact with other boys I had never met and to form a bond of friendship in a short time. Today I make connections with other quickly. My camp experiences shaped my spiritual connection with nature, expecially the ocean. And I first heard The Beatles on our counselor's radio, broadcasting from Canada before they were introduced to the US!
Instilled a love and appreciation for the natural world and wildlife, influenced my career path in ecology and education, fostered independence.
Introduced the notion of "team" as well as relationship development. Served as a benchmark for venturing out and meeting new people and coming together as a close group (cabin assignments, names etc.)
Provided social skills, independence, responsibility, appreciation of nature and love for our beautiful San Juan Islands
1970's
Camp helped prepare me for life by challenging me to challenge myself more, instilling confience and teaching the value of tenacity and patience.
Camp Orkila is the first time that i spent time without my parents by my side and as hard as it was it taught me independence and that I could do things on my own. I've always attributed my love for the san Juans and how much I enjoy being outdoors tot he many summers sessions that I spent at Orkila.
Camp Orkila was so friendsly. It was a time in my teens to explore in a safe environment. Thanks Camp Orkila. Your sunsets are ever etched in my artists palate.
I believe that camp not only prepared me for life, but enriched my character. Camp songs, stories and experiences are a part of who I am. My children (3 boys) knew all the camp songs and stories before ever attending camp. They all know how to make pottery, shoot a bow and arrow, sail a sailboat and swim because their daddy learned it at camp. 20 years later I still remember and pass on to them values I learned during "values sessions" and by the people I met at camp.
On a teen island camp out, in a row boat and everyone was waving to us from the shore. While waving back we began to realize that the water beneath the boat was black and white. We aren't sure how many but several Orcas were travelling beneath us. So scary at the time, but a story that my children still ask me to tell their friends and a memory I will never forget.
1980's
I think back now on the many years I spent at Orkila with unparalleled affection. Camp Orkila was the best part of my young life and I feel a great absense since I left. I wish I could be 12 years old again and spend a summer at Orkila.
One day all of camp was taken to the beach by chapel rock. A campfire was made and stories ensued. The primary story was about a pirate ship. Towards the end of the story we all sawa light approaching from the sound. It was a pirate ship! Pirates jumped off and brough treasures of candy. The magic and power of this effected me profoundly. Real life can be an adventure. Creative, magic moments.
My favorite memory was from an afternoon at the rifle range. A group of us were up there with our dads, practicing in the range, when we heard over the radio that a pod of Orca whales had been spotted right off the camp's coast. We all rushed down to see the pod go by. It was quite the day for an avid marine-life loving 8 year old.
Whenever someone asks me to remember a time in my childhood where I was happy, I always go back to Orkila. That magical place changed my life.
1990's
Camp Orkila provided som of the most fabulous memories of my childhood and teen years. Camp was the place you could really be yourself and be accepted. My experiences there build confidence, encouraged my love of nature, provided life-lonf friendships and provided once in a lifetime experiences in the islandds. I have a special place in my heart for Camp Orkila and hope to send my kids there some day!
Camp prepared me for life by showing me how relationships and leadership in groups works. It taught me valuable lessons about friendships , conflicts and even dating. I will treasure my experiences there forever.
Camp provided a lot of independence and self-esteem. I am proud of who I am and who I've become and I know this would not have happened had Orkila not been a part of my life.
How did camp prepare me for life? Camp was my life for 16 years. I spent some trivial time at school during the fall, winter and spring, but only really lived when I was at Orkila. I learned to sing, dance, love, discipline, organize, kayak, tell a story, teach, laugh and cook for 80 at camp. For me it's simple, Orkila formed my life.
2000's
Camp Orkila taught me to be myself and not worry about what others think or say about me. Orkila taught me to enjoy myself as a person and really taught me about good social skills. I owe Camp Orkila more than I can express for helping me become who I am.
Camp Orkila was, and is, a place to celebrate and recognize the greatness in everyone. A place to try new things which may develop into hobbie, meet strangers who may become your friends, and have unforgetable experiences which shape your life. It is a place which feels like home, somewhere you yearn to back to, and a place where time stands still. You cherish the sunset and the night walks and the laughter. No matter where you may go or where may come from, you return to camp, a place for everyone and somewhere you belong.
Diabetes camp let me be away from my parents while learning to manage my diabetes all by myself - what a great experience.
Getting to know and appreciate people who are not in my small "circle of friends." I now have a "large circle of friends."
If you would like to share your story or favorite memory, click here.
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