Camp Seneca Daily Breeze

MyCampFriends.com is proud to present:

The Camp Seneca Daily Breeze

(A note from Ginny Kogan: "Greetings fellow campers! Upon Diane's insistence, I have been asked to write.....one more time.....the latest edition of our Daily Breeze! So read on..................and enjoy!")

(click here to view Doris Gilbert's reunion booklet. Do it! It's awesome!)

On Saturday June 7, 2008, 22 women convened at Dock's Restaurant in New York City, for a camp reunion luncheon. It was there that they left the lives they have lived these past 35 - 40 years, and embraced the memories of childhood summers spent on the shores of Whaley Lake.

So, HOW(OH)HOW did this come to be? Clearly, our gratitude goes to Diane Weinberg who orchestrated the festivities, and finally fulfilled her dream of seeing so many of her childhood camp friends once again! As each of us arrived at the restaurant, we eagerly looked for familiar faces. Some of us were more easily recognizable than others, and we were ever so thankful for the nametags we were instructed to wear! Instantly, smiles and laughter transported us back to Camp Seneca where we used to wear our brown and white proudly. Numerous photographs were displayed on tables; Lisa Klahr actually wore her Squaw pin; and one of the Bluebird Girls brought her brown blazer, complete with chevrons on the sleeve! We must admit that Gail Zucker and Susan Stack looked no older than they did when they were Middlers, as they entered the room wearing white polo shirts that displayed our Camp Seneca emblem! It should be noted that also in attendance were Marge Axelrad, Kathy Brout, Doris and Bobby Gilbert, Nancy Sue Goldberg, Willa Howard, Ginny Kogan, Peggy Marner, Brette Popper, Beth Ring, Pam Ring, Lori Ross, Nancy Ross, Sue Ross, Denise Schueler, Carol Shlossman, Karin Sillins (and her daughter, Emily, who took a number of photographs!), Sue Sillins, and Rise Zywotow!

And so......the luncheon began when Willa blew her whistle and addressed us as the "Ladies of Seneca." We obediently replied with a rousing "Aye-Aye, Ma'am!" and then took our seats at the table. Diane greeted us with a few words of nostagia, told us how the reunion grew from a handful of random emails to a small weekend gathering at Ginny's, one winter weekend. It was there that the idea for a luncheon was conceived, and became a reality yesterday in New York City! Doris compiled a booklet of Camp Seneca "terms" that only we would understand and remember. She beautifully expressed the importance of our summer camping experiences so perfectly, and as we listened we found ourselves drifting back to those wonderful summers. Brette Popper, representing the younger campers, reinforced how much we value those days. Clearly, we all found a chance to discover our inner leaders, drama queens, and our better selves! There were certainly no limits placed on what we could achieve. When Bobby Gilbert arrived on the scene, we spontaneously (thanks Pam!) burst into "We welcome you to Seneca!" Without missing a beat or forgetting a word, it seemed second nature to all of us. One would have thought that we were in the Mess Hall as recently as a few days ago!

The hours flew by, and we reluctantly said our good-byes to one another. Promises were made to email and call; and hopes of returning next year for another reunion were expressed. Thrilled by the memories of OTC, Cozy Cove (sort of thrilled!), and Friendship Grove; the Squaws of Seneca pledged themselves to renewed friendships. Together we will restore the memories of Bunks 1 - 10, Debs, Toppers, and T-Birds; the happiness of reuniting at Grand Central Station annually, in late June, and the tears we shed as we watched our candles float along Whaley shore, on the final night of camp. Much like our end of the season banquet, we happily recalled Song Fest, Birthday Ball, the Pageant, Water Ballet, and Bows and Arrows! Even strange words escaped our lips.......Y A R M U C K ! And so....for now, let's try to remember the 7 S's, and the names of each cabin......Honor Bunk.....the Whispering Pines......and the Eggnog Club!

With gratitude, we will always be thankful to Aunt Betty and Uncle Bob, who will continually remain in our hearts....for because of them, Camp Seneca will eternally be "A heavenly place - thanks to you!"

Respectfully submitted,
Ginny Kogan
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