What a weekend: We're Back!

I've just returned from Camp Choconut, after a weekend that brought the old and the new together in a memorable and soulful way.

By the time I arrived at camp on Saturday, July 28, Director John Bauer and head counselor Fred Lorber had been working from early morning until late and night for days. But were they cranky when I showed up? No way! They were full of energy and enthusiasm, because Camp Choconut was reopening after a two-decade hiatus, campers were already traveling to Friendsville, staff was assigned, and the buildings and grounds look better than they have since Camp Choconut was last open in 1986.

A number of friends of Camp Choconut have helped to bring the camp back to its former glory in recent weeks and months. Thanks to the Carmalt Family, Alumni End is sparkling, with a freshly waxed floor that finally reveals the painted compass in front of the big fireplace. Closer to the cabins, the shower rooms have been equipped with state-of-the-art on-demand water heaters that make for the best showers imaginable.

Blair "Tump" May has volunteered many hours of immaculate renovation expertise to Middle End Porch, the Diving Tower, and much more. Joe Horne has worked landscaping magic on the magestic trees in the cabin area and parade ground, gently thinning things out to bring out the best in the place.


Needless to say, John Bauer and Fred Lorber are working hard and working well, in the spirit of fun and cooperation that IS the Camp Choconut experience.

On Saturday, Opening Day, the campers dribbled in over the course of the morning and afternoon, some a bit more naturally hesitant than others. But by early evening all were playing ping pong in Alumni End and smiling a lot.

The first breakfast at Camp Choconut in 2007

Ham Horne was there for the weekend, and was in good spirits. I had recently reread his book about Camp Choconut, Camp Choconut: A History of The Boys' Camp Near Friendsville, Pennsylvania and peppered Ham with questions pertaining to his time there as camper, counselor, and director. He kindly answered them, and noted a new edition of his book will soon be available for purchase.

More later. But all I can say now is, I'm impressed.