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You are probably aware that Shohola celebrated
its 60th Anniversary last year. It was certainly a fit cause for celebration,
reflection and recognition of the camp’s history and people.
With this in mind, the Argus thought we might swivel the spotlight this
edition and celebrate some of the people and activities that are relatively
new to Shohola life. These exciting ‘new leaves’ have blended
into the Shohola mix so well that we thought we needed to share them with
you.
Appropriately, let’s start with a few words from Duncan Barger, Camp
Co Director, who has been busy getting used to his new position in a Director’s
seat…
It is quite difficult to describe the mix of feelings
that I am experiencing as I write this Director’s address for the
first month edition of the Argus. As most of you know, this year was the
transition year during which my father moved into semi-retirement and
I moved into a Director’s role at Camp Shohola.
Years of dreaming of being Director of camp could never have prepared
me for the weight that I now feel as I think of the awesome responsibility
and the amazing joy of being the third generation of Bargers to lead Camp
Shohola.
The transition has been smoothed out by the outstanding quality of my
Co-Director, Adrian Hazell, and two Head Counselors, Alison Bayne and
Sam Stein. In addition, the Counselors that have come from all parts of
the world to do this wonderful thing that we call summer camp. I know
that you all share my feelings of gratitude towards the Counselors, and
the senior staff for making the first month of summer 2003 a fantastic
camp experience. It’s hard to believe that the first session is already
coming to a close as I write.
I would like to thank the campers of 2003 for the thing that is the greatest
joy for me in this job. Without you, camp would not exist. Without your
presence here, camp is a lifeless shell, a small piece of property with
a few simple buildings. With you here, it is a place of spontaneous joy,
of life, of creativity, and of friendship. The thing that makes it possible
for me to continue to work so hard day after day is the privilege of getting
to know all of you campers.
So for those of you who are new, thank you for coming to Camp Shohola
for the first time. And for those of you who have returned from previous
years, thank you for continuing to keep camp full of life and joy for
all of us. It is my great privilege and honor to be associated with you.
And to you parents who have lent us your most valued treasure, thank you
for supporting Camp Shohola for our 61st season.
Sincerely,
Duncan Barger
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