We are delighted to announce that the Geological Society of America has named Larry Davis as a Fellow of the society. Larry, who spends the off-season as Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of New Haven, is in his 43rd year at Pemi where he serves as Director of Pemi’s renowned Nature Program.

The Geological Society of America (GSA) cited Larry for “distinguished contributions in building the public’s awareness of geology and its impacts on environmental problems; his extensive service to GSA’s Geology and Public Policy Committee, Northeastern Section, and to the Geology and Society Division; and his assistance to local government agencies in solving environmental problems.” The society has over 24,000 members worldwide. GSA members are elected to Fellowship in recognition of distinguished contributions to the geosciences, an honor that is bestowed on the best of the profession.

In recent years, as the citation notes, Larry has served on GSA’s Committee on Geology and Public Policy, which writes position papers for the organization. Of special note is his contribution to the position paper on climate change, one of the strongest statements of its kind from any geoscience society and which reflects the scientific consensus that has developed around this challenge. He also helped write position papers on several other topics including Land Use Management, Diversity in the Geosciences, and Natural Hazards. He is currently the vice-chair of the Society’s Division on Geology and Society and will become chair of this division in October, 2012. Larry also serves as the Chair of the Science Committee (the “Chief Scientist”) for the Northeastern Cave Conservancy.

Larry has long advocated for summer camps as ideal venues in which to promote true outdoor education and stewardship of the environment. A member of the Children and Nature Task Force of the American Camp Association (ACA), Larry will chair a panel on Models for Nature Programs at Camp and More: In Summer and After School; Rural and Urban Settings, part of the “conference within the conference” on Children and Nature at the American Camp Association national meeting in Atlanta this February. Participants also include Pemi’s Associate Director of Nature, Deb Kure, representing Campfire International.

Most recently, Larry was invited to apply for participation in a National Science Foundation sponsored workshop/conference at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum in February. Limited to 100 participants, the conference is entitled 21st Century Learning in Natural History Settings: A Conference to Initiate Research-Driven Innovation in Informal Natural History Learning. At Larry’ suggestion, conference organizers have also invited Pemi counselor, Conner Scace, to apply. Conner is planning a career as an environmental educator.

Please join us in congratulating Larry, not only on this significant honor of having been elected as Fellow of the Geological Society of America, but for a lifetime of sharing his expertise and passion with others, especially the campers and staff at Camp Pemigewassett.

I am thrilled to write to you as the new Alumni Community Coordinator for Camp Pemi. I first visited the shores of Lower Baker Pond at the age of 8 along with my mother Kay, my brother Grant, and my stepfather Scott Withrow. Pemi holds a special place in my heart like no other. The memories I have of working hard and playing hard at Pemi—with friends both new and old—are woven into the fabric of my life. One of my favorite memories is how Tom Reed, Sr. would introduce me at the annual opening staff meetings as the person who had held the most varied number of positions at Pemi – even though I was never “a boy.”

From its very first days when Gar and Win Fauver and Dudley Reed convinced a dozen venturesome families to entrust their boys to their care in the Northern wilderness, Pemi has always been a place that forged a remarkable sense of community for those who were fortunate to spend a summer (and in many cases, many summers!) at Pemi. I always enjoyed seeing an unfamiliar car drive slowly past the Senior Beach, park in front of the Lodge, and have men of all ages step out to introduce themselves…alums from the thirties, forties, and on, who have come back to Pemi to “water their nostalgia plants” (as my mother would say).

Pemi’s regular reunions have always allowed us to reconnect with our extended camp family, but I am particularly looking forward to the 105^th, which is slated for August 17-19, 2012. We’re looking forward to celebrating the tried and true—vaudeville, sports, trips, campfires, etc.—but we’re also looking forward to adding a variety of workshops offered by visiting professionals (many of whom are already members of our community). Perhaps activities such as comedy improv, night photography, and fly-tying may find their way into the daily program of events.

Let us not forget Bean Soup, which even as I write is entering the 21^st century. From the very first 1910 edition to the most current serving, Bean Soup will be digitized so that you might read them on your own computer. We also plan to further develop and expand the Alumni section of the Pemi website and the Pemi Blog to provide more opportunity to exchange information, announcements, and accomplishments. We really look forward to becoming a comprehensive resource for the Pemi family.

Other ideas? How about events held in cities far and wide? How about travel? Imagine descending into the Grand Canyon with Larry Davis, exploring historical London with Tom Reed, Jr., or participating in the Gilbert and Sullivan Annual Festival in Buxton England. Suffice it to say there is plenty of room for brainstorming, and I hope you will share your own ideas by sending an email to me at alumni@camppemi.com.

I am eager to hear from you, to develop this new opportunity, and to support the extended Pemi community. As in the words of the Pemi Campfire Song, I wonder if anyone’s better for anything I’ve done or said, and whether good will in the heart may offset mistakes of the head. Perhaps when life’s mem’ries are gathered the camp ones will be with the rest…. Let us set out together to rekindle those memories and share in developing new ones for each new crop of the Pemi family.

Good luck, Long life, and Joy.

Warmest wishes

Nicole Wilkinson Tropeano

Nikki Tropeano joins the Pemi staff as Alumni Community Coordinator.

The Pemigewassett Board of Directors and the Fauver and Reed families are delighted to announce that Nicole Wilkinson Tropeano has joined the Pemi team as Alumni Community Coordinator, a newly created position aimed to serve and support a crucial constituency of our camp community.

Nikki grew up at the camp as the stepdaughter of Scott Withrow, the fabled Head of Music, and his wife Kay. Her formal roles at Pemi were many, beginning in the kitchen as a dishwasher and then a trip meal specialist, moving on to work in the office and then as an Assistant Counselor, Counselor, Head of Waterfront, Trip Leader, and then finally taking on the key positions of both Head of Staff and Head of Program. It’s hard to imagine anyone who wasn’t once “a boy” having a better handle on how Pemi operates. Nikki’s role as a member and recent President of the Rittner Fund Board has kept her closely involved in year-to-year operations and further consolidated her relationship with many alumni. Nikki’s Pemi credentials are striking, and along with her long and unquestioned love of camp, put her in a position to do a wonderful job.

Nikki’s training and experience in the professional world only add to our excitement in having hired her and our confidence that her impact will be immediate and profound. Nikki is a graduate of the College of Wooster, and earned a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision at Antioch University New England. She was Director of the Middle School at Browne Academy in Alexandria, VA, before moving to Thayer Academy, in Braintree, MA where she served as Director of the Middle School. It’s our great good fortune that the recent birth of Nikki and husband Todd’s daughter, Brooklyn, has led Nikki to modify her career path, moving from secondary school administration to sign on with us.

Nikki will be in touch soon with her own vision for moving the alumni community forward. Most importantly, she will seek your vital input on such varied events and possibilities as:

• Pemi’s 105^th Reunion, slated for August 17-19, 2012
• Off-site gatherings that reflect Pemi’s instructional program of Sports, Nature, Music & Art, and Trips.
• The Pemi Blog: articles featuring alums or written by alums
• Bean Soup: digitalizing past editions
• Alumni networking: for college visits, in the workplace, and to support former campers who take the Pemi spirit and ethos into the world.

We couldn’t be more pleased to have added Nikki to the organization. If you know her already, you’ll be as thrilled as we are that she’s signed on as our Alumni Community Coordinator. If you’ve yet to meet her, we’re certain you’ll be quickly taken with her energy, dedication, charm, and hearty devotion to everything Pemigewassett. We look forward to working with her – and through her, with our Pemi alumni – for many years to come.

Photo © Jim Mauchly

Pemi’s greatest asset has always been the remarkable staff that dedicates itself, each summer, to making the Pemi experience rich, unique and nurturing for each boy, and this summer is no exception. While for a few of the staff this is their first summer at Pemi, the vast majority has years and years (and in some cases, years and years and years!) of experience on the shores of Lower Baker. We are grateful for their dedication and work ethic, impressed by their multitudinous talents, and humbled by their dedication to Pemi.

Cabin Counselors

J1— Zach Barnard: I just finished my Sophomore year at Boston University, where I am pursuing a degree in Ethnomusicology. I can’t wait to get involved with the Nature program, as well as return to the Music program, potentially bridging the two disciplines to create some great interest among the campers. I’m excited to be a member of the Pemi family once again!

J2— Ben Ridley: I am from a small town called Hexham in the North of England.  This is my first summer at Camp Pemigewassett and I am looking forward to teaching music, art, and different sports activities, including track/field, rugby, soccer and swimming.

J3— Jeremy Keys: I’m from Downingtown, PA and just graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA where I took part in many activities from running on the Track Team to doing Improv comedy and singing with an A Capella group.  This is my second year at Camp Pemi in the Junior camp.  I hope to coach come soccer, basketball and track, to teach some music and help the Junior Campers have a good time at camp and develop valuable friendships with other campers.

J4—Alastair Bowman: I’ve spent most of my life in Scotland where I have just finished my first year at University of St Andrews studying philosophy and psychology. This will be my second season at Pemi as a counselor where I will be involved in the music and nature programs. My aim this year is to help and encourage the campers to try new activities.

J5— Matthew Turner: I am from Birmingham in the UK and am currently studying Law at the University of Nottingham. I will be teaching in Pemi’s nature program and assisting with trips as well as serving as a cabin counselor. I want to make sure that the campers have a really great time at Pemi, as they learn and try new things, have fun, and develop as individuals.

J6—Zander Buteux: I grew up in Madison, NJ and am entering my Senior Year at the University of Denver. This is going to be my ninth summer on the shores of Lower Baker. As a lacrosse and soccer coach and as an art instructor, I hope to be a link between the arts program and athletics.

JT— Conner Scace: I just finished my first year as a graduate student working with Dr. Larry Davis at the University of New Haven and currently live in West Haven Connecticut. This will be my second year as a nature occupation instructor and camp counselor. Last year I ran insect occupations (with a particular interest in the ant occupation) as well as basketball occupations and was a Junior basketball coach. This year I would like to add Mound Builder Ant and Ant Lion activities to the insect occupations.

L1— Dan Reed: I grew up in Carlisle, PA, and enjoyed 2 academic years in Christchurch, New Zealand. I am a rising sophomore at Middlebury College, where I am focusing on Geology but am enjoying an array of other subjects.  This will be my 19th summer at Pemi: eight summers as director’s son, eight as camper, one at Pemi West and two on staff.  I hope to teach photography, nature, archery, and some tennis, and I look forward to another great summer.

L2— Henry Eisenhart:  I’m from Natick, Masschusetts and am a rising senior at St. Lawrence University.  There I am majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Music.   This is my ninth summer at camp and third on staff.  This summer I’ll be the Lower Division Head, and will spend time teaching athletics and music.  Pumped for a great summer.

L3—Sean Munck (Co-counselor): I am a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania and am a rising sophomore at the Schreyer Honors College of Penn St. University.  This will be my first season at Pemi.  As an instructor, I will focus on wood shop and the music department, but I will also be assisting with various other occupations.  I really hope to teach guitar to as many campers as possible, and I am very excited for the season to begin.

L3—Robert Kerr (Co-counselor): this is my first summer at Pemi.  I am originally from outside Philadelphia but my parents recently moved to Keene, NH.  This winter I will be a sophomore at Colorado College.  Some of the areas in which I will be working this summer include Baseball, Arts and Sailing.  I am super excited for this summer, and cannot wait to meet all of the campers.

L4— Charlie Shiverick: I graduated from Colgate University last spring where I studied Mathematics and spent this past winter in Vail, CO operating a Snocat. This will be my sixth summer at Pemi, and my second as a counselor. This summer I hope to be helping out on the waterfront, as well as coaching baseball, and teaching waterskiing.

HT— Peter Siegenthaler: from Providence Rhode Island.  I’m a graduate of Roger Williams University, where I studied Photography and Art History.  Fourth summer on Staff; instructor in Nature and Arts; Emergency bugler.

L5—Nick Ridley: I am back for my 3^rd summer on the staff this year.  I knew immediately after camp closed last year I’d find it difficult to stay away.  I live in the UK. Chemistry at Edinburgh University, however I’ll be in the states until August 2012 completing an internship in Chicago with the Ridgley Company.  I’ve have really enjoyed the relationships I’ve built with the boys in my cabin in the past.  I can’t wait to get going with the guys in L5 this summer

L6—Willy Rittling: I live in Boston MA and am a rising sophomore at Clarkson University. This will be my 6^th year at Pemi including Pemi West. I will be helping out in the woodshop and windsurfing. This year I hope encourage campers to try new things and get everything possible they can out of Pemi.

L7— Will Clare: I am from Manhattan, New York.  This is my 11^th summer at Pemi.   I am 21 years old and am looking forward to another great summer teaching Lacrosse, Waterskiing, and a variety of other sports.

U1— Fitz Stueber: I’m a native of Cleveland, Ohio. This is my 7th season, 2nd on staff. I am going into my senior year at Washington & Jefferson College where I am on the Mens Soccer Team. With the skills I have acquired over the years, I will be teaching soccer and other athletics this year along with anything else I can help out with. Creating a fun and interesting summer for the camp community is my main goal for this year.

U2— Sean Denson: I live in Clementon, NJ and am a rising senior at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. I am excited for my first summer at Pemi, where I will coach campers in Track and Basketball, my two favorite sports. I hope to help each camper realize his full potential.

U3— Ted McChesney (Co-counselor): I am 22 years old, from Richmond, VA, and just graduated from the University of Virginia (and am looking for a job.)  This is my 11^th summer at Pemi, 5^th on staff.  This summer I will be the Upper Division head and involved primarily with the sports program.

U3—Galen Ryan (Co-counselor): I was born and raised in Riverside, IL and I am now a rising sophomore at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. This will be my first year at Pemi and I am looking forward to it. I love to swim, play ultimate Frisbee, and lead an energetic life in general. My goal for the summer is to teach campers the importance of leading an active life.

U4—Ben Walsh (Co-counselor): I am excited to spend my 10th summer at Pemi; this will be my 4th on staff.  I am a rising Sophmore at Carleton College where I played on the Soccer and Baseball teams and did homework on occasion (you can take this last part out).  This summer I hope to share my appreciation of camp with campers old and new.

U4—Carlo Yeung (Co-counselor): I’m from Newcastle in England, and graduated from the University of Essex last year where I did Sport and Exercise Science. This is my first time at Pemi and in the U.S.  I’m a specialist table tennis coach but what I really love is Xtreme martial arts and mental stunts.  I hope to inspire the kids to do something they would never normally do.

S1—This will be my twelfth season at Pemi, including Pemi West. I will be the head of the windsurfing program this summer, in addition to coaching soccer and ultimate Frisbee. I’m a rising senior at Carleton College. “This year I hope to assist the senior campers in taking leadership roles across camp.”

S2— Sam Johnson: I’m from the South East of England, and just finished my final year at the University of East Anglia in Norwich where I studied History and International Relations. I play several sports including soccer, field hockey, and golf, and I like to think I am a pretty good table tennis player too! This summer I will coach soccer and help out with drama, and I hope to share some British culture along the way. My goal is to teach kids new skills as well as to encourage them to learn from one another, and doing so, experience the reward that comes from helping others.

S3— Alex Reese: I grew up in Wyomissing, PA and will return to Johns Hopkins as a junior next fall. This is my 9th summer at Pemi, 4th on staff.  I look forward to spending lots of time on the tennis courts preparing for Tecumseh Day.  Among my goals are to enable each boy to maximize his experience, to find new avenues for returning campers, and to welcome first-year campers into our rich and diverse community.

LT— Dwight Dunston: I am originally from Philadelphia,PA.  I recently returned to America from Norwich, England where I completed an MA course in Creative Writing. This will be my third consecutive summer at Pemi. I will be coaching basketball and track, and I also will be leading poetry and comedy improvisation occupations. I hope to once again provide an exciting and safe atmosphere for the campers, where they are in the best position to learn from counselors, and also from each other.

Assistant Counselors

J1— Jay McChesney: I am from Richmond, Virginia and recently graduated from St. Christopher’s High School.  I am 18 years old and I play squash and Lacrosse,. In the fall, I will attend school just a few hours from here, at the University of Vermont.  This is my 8^th summer at Camp Pemi and I’m very excited for the upcoming season.

J2— Adam Sandler: I am 18 years old, from Westchester, New York.  This will be my 9^th summer at Pemi, and my second summer as a staff member.  This summer I look forward to contributing in lax world, on the waterfront, in the art program, and with frisbee.

J3—Wesley Eifler: I grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut and this will be my 9th summer at Pemi. I just graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall, and will be attending American University where I will be studying journalism. My goal this summer is to coach baseball and instruct in sailing and photography. I also hope to promote everything Pemi has to offer.

J4—Andrew McChesney: I am from Millburn, NJ and I will be a freshman next year at Trinity College. This will be my 6th year at Pemi and my second on staff.  My goal this summer is to teach sailing, lacrosse and to help the campers have the best summer possible.

J5—Richard Komson: I am from New York City, just graduated from Loyola High School, and will attend Boston University in the fall. This will be my 9^th season at Pemi and my second as assistant counselor. I will be doing the majority of my occupation and work as part of the Nature staff and will also be part of the archery program and help the physical fitness occupations. As an assistant counselor I hope to aide on a few trips as I also went to Pemi West two years ago.

J6—Mike Plecha: I will teach basketball, baseball, soccer, and swimming, A capella, and anything else I am asked to help with.  I graduated this spring from Lake Ride Academy in North Ridgeville, OH, and will be studying Music Industry at Northeaster University in the fall.  As a first-time counselor at Pemi, I am excited to work with the wonderful kids and staff that make this camp special.

L2—Charlie Pannell: I’m from Tiburon CA and will attend UMass Amherst in the fall. This summer I’ll teach in the Nature and Art programs, help drive the ski boat, and serve as lifeguard. I’m looking forward to an awesome summer.

L4—Ryan Fauver: I’m from Chatham NJ and will be a freshman at Skidmore in the fall. I’m the camp bugler and will be teaching music. I’m very excited for a great summer.

L5— Payne Hadden: I am 17 years old and grew up in Weston, MA.  I am currently enrolled at St. Paul’s School, a boarding school in Concord, NH, where I will be a senior in the fall. Though this is my ninth summer at Pemi, it is my first on staff.  I am excited about helping out with the lacrosse, soccer basketball and swimming programs.

L6— Andrew Brummer: I live in Chatham, NJ and I am a rising senior at Newark Academy, where I play Varsity Soccer and Tennis. This will be my 8th summer at Pemi. This summer, I hope to help instruct campers in tennis, soccer, and swimming as well as encourage them to try something new in an unfamiliar field.

Bridget Ruf: I’m from Southport, CT and this will be my third summer at Pemi. I just finished my first year at Wellesley College, and I am looking forward to teaching music occupations, performing at campfires, and spending time in the junior camp. I’m excited to be back again this summer and hope to encourage the campers to take advantage of all the opportunities at Pemi.

Kelsey Wensberg: this will be my third year at Pemi.  I am from Darien, CT  and will be attending Villanova University in the fall.  This year I will work in the art and music departments, and will help out with swimming and various other occupations. I am looking forward to an amazing summer with the boys and can’t wait to see how this season unfolds.

Olivia Walsh: My family lives in New Canaan, CT but I go to boarding school in Northfield, MA (NMH). I just finished my Junior year there and am beginning the college search process. This is my second summer at Pemi as an assistant counselor (though I don’t live in the cabin) and I join two of my brothers. I look forward to spending time on the waterfront teaching sailing and swimming, as well as playing soccer.

Trip Leaders

James Andrews: I grew up in Columbus, OH, and will be entering my senior year at Kenyon College. This will be my 13th season at Pemi, and third year as a trip counselor. Going on hiking trips with Pemi as a camper made a huge impression on me, and I hope that I can continue to teach younger generations to enjoy the outdoors.

Sam Day: This is the first time I’ve ever been to the USA! I grew up near London and study History at the University of Leeds. My life’s passion is travelling and adventures; I travelled the world last year and am a trip leader this summer. My goal over the next few months is to share new sights and experiences with like-minded, adventurous campers at Pemi.

James Finley: I am an instructor and doctoral student at the University of New Hampshire, studying American Literature. This will be my seventeenth summer at Pemi and while I regret that my time here will be limited, I’m looking forward to leading the Katahdin trip, fifteen years after climbing it as a camper.

Sylvia Parol- I’m from Worcester, MA and I just finished my first year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I’m studying Interactive Media & Game Development and I also play on the Varsity field hockey team. I attended Pemi West in Olympic National Park in Washington two years ago. I’m very excited to be a trip leader this summer. I hope to foster a love of the outdoors and backpacking in campers and to have a lot of fun!

William Sargent: I am from West Hartford, CT and just finished my freshman year at Union College.  This summer I will be a Trippie.  I am very excited to take campers out this summer to hike in and explore the White Mountains.

Program

Ian Axness (Head of Music):  I will be teaching piano, ensemble improvisation, and Gilbert & Sullivan occupations this summer, in addition to accompanying singing in the Mess Hall, auditioning acts for Campfire, and writing/editing Bean Soup.  Born and raised in Los Angeles, I attended Oberlin College and moved to New York City, where I work as a freelance pianist and music director.  I’m currently doing a close reading of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas— plenty of material for Sunday meetings! This will be my fifth summer at Pemi.

Andrew Bale:  I was born in Hummelstown, PA and I am a fine art photographer and photography teacher.  I became a photographer because a teacher challenged, inspired and encouraged me to see the world differently through the lens of a camera.  It is my goal to pass along that same creative eye to campers.

Deb Kure (Associate Head of Nature Programs): After studying Geology at the University of Rochester and learning how to teach kids in the outdoors— at Pemi’s first Nature Instructors’ Clinic in 1993—I’ve been grateful to have taught outdoor science in rural, urban, and wilderness regions, all over the US. I currently live in Austin, Texas, and teach with Camp Fire USA, but I’ll take moose over armadillos any day!  Glad to be back for my fourth summer with Pemi!

Larry Davis: Director of Nature Programs and Teaching. A.B., A.M. in Earth Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis. PhD in Geological Sciences University of Rochester. Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of New Haven. This is my 42nd year on Pemi’s staff. Flutist, caver in chief, wild foods chef, collector of waterfalls, lover of all things “natural.”

Dorin Dehls: I am from Woodstock CT, and I am very excited to student teach in the fall as a Music Education major! This will be my third summer with Pemi, and I am so happy to return as a member of the music staff. In the past I have worked with the Gilbert & Sullivan productions that are performed at Pemi each year. I can’t wait to start working with the rest of the camp staff and the talented boys coming to camp this year as we prepare for The Mikado!

Emilie Geissinger: I grew up in Darien, CT but now live in Bismarck, ND. I am a rising sophomore at Bates College where I study Biology, swim, and play water polo. This is my first summer at Pemi and I will be working on the waterfront as a swim instructor, sailing instructor, and lifeguard.

Jeff Greene: (Director of Tennis). This is my 13th consecutive summer at Pemi. I first coached at the high school level in 1985, and then went on to coach at the intercollegiate level for 20 years. During the winter, I teach tennis at Queens College and during the spring and fall, I run an after-school tennis program in Westchester County, NY. Described as having “a distinctive raspy voice and a unique sense of humor,” I am always on the lookout for Pemi’s next tennis star, but enjoy teaching and encouraging campers at all skill levels.

Harry MacGregor (Head of Shop) – I grew up in Lowell, MA and for the last 30 years have lived in Canaan, New Hampshire.   I have had a long career in commerical, industrial and residental construction.   I have owned my own business focusing on custom woodworking.  My focus at Camp Pemi will be to bring my knowledge of woodworking to the campers.

Brian Mitchell: I will be returning for my 12th summer at camp where I have had the opportunity to serve many different roles.  This summer I will be back to help coach soccer and lend a helping hand where ever it is needed for two weeks in July.  I recently completed my seventh year of teaching and my second at The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland.  At BL, I am the 9th Grade Dean, I teach Upper School Mathematics and I coach both soccer and lacrosse.

Ken Moore – Assistant Director and Head of Program Born and bred in Lakewood, Ohio, I teach 9th grade history at Lake Ridge Academy where I also serve as Director of Alumni Relations.  This is my 19th summer at Pemi, some as a boy, counselor and Division Head, and more recently as Waterfront Head and this year taking the role as Head of the Mess Hall, Head of Program and Assistant Director.  My BA is from Kenyon College and my MAED is from University School’s Teacher Apprentice Program.  My primary goal for the summer is to create an instructional program that allows our boys to try new activities as well as to learn and develop specific skills in a specialized area.

Deb Pannell (Head of Arts): I am delighted to be teaching art at Pemi this summer! I live with my husband, Jim, and our sons in Tiburon, a small town north of San Francisco where I teach elementary school. I am the mother of Ethan (13), a Pemi camper, and Charlie (18) a Pemi counselor. My goal this summer is to get to know every single boy at camp and to involve as many boys as possible in the creative fun that will be taking place in the art studio.

Abby Reed (Co-Head Junior Camp): I’m from Carlisle, PA, and just graduated from Middlebury College. In the fall, I’ll be attending a master’s program in literature at the University of Cambridge. This will be my (7th?) summer at Pemi, including Pemi West. In addition to being co-head of the Junior Camp, I also will teach swimming and nature.

Paige Wallis (Head of Swimming): I grew up in Norwich, Vermont and will be a senior at the University of Vermont this coming fall. I spent the past semester studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. This will be my second summer at Pemi and my first year as the head of swimming. This summer my goal is to encourage and inspire campers to develop  their skills in and out of the water.

Johanna Zabawa (Head of Staff, Co-Head Junior Camp): I’m from Afton, Minnesota and work as a family support worker at the elementary school in West St. Paul, MN.  This is my 7^th summer at Pemi.  I’m looking forward to a new role as Head of Staff along with continuing as Head of Junior Camp.

The Kapteyn Prize shall be awarded to candidates who have made a career commitment to teaching in secondary schools of at least seven years and whose excellence in and passion for teaching and learning inspire their students to excel, in the model of the late James C. Kapteyn. Prize winners shall be individuals of exemplary character, integrity, and honor who lead by example and impart to their students a lifelong love of learning and dedication to personal growth.

Potential winners of the prize, which carries a cash award of $10,000, are nominated each year by scores of school heads in the New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts area. All are distinguished for their “triple threat” accomplishments in the classroom, in the dorm, and on the athletic field. A key part of the vetting process is an essay written by each candidate on “Why I Teach.” Charlie’s follows. We thought the extended Pemigewassett family would herald news of the award with the same joy and pride we feel – and relish the opportunity to hear Charlie’s thoughts on how directly the Pemi experience fostered in him a life-long commitment to humane learning and global citizenship.

Also included at the bottom of this posting are links to the Kapteyn website and to accounts of Charlie’s boys’ varsity soccer team winning not only the 2010 New England Prep School championship but also the Connecticut Valley Soccer Officials Association award for team sportsmanship. Everyone familiar with Pemi will appreciate the way in which Charlie’s teams, whatever the season or the location, manage so successfully to combine total effort with the highest standards personal conduct.

Why I Teach

In my elementary school days I was a distracted learner, stayed back in first grade, and carried the stigma of being referred to the learning center.  After an uninspiring effort in middle school, I was sent by my parents to boarding school where it didn’t take long for me to make a Holden Caulfield exit midway through my junior year. I remember vividly the anguish I felt as I struggled with the discipline necessary to meet academic and communal expectations.  Clearly then, my own journey is one of the reasons I teach and connect with students as they work through adolescence.  I personally was fortunate to find a community that helped me develop my self-esteem and my eventual life commitment to education. For the last twenty-five years, I have been working at Camp Pemigewassett (“Pemi”), a community dedicated to educating the whole child.  It was at Pemi that I discovered my initial talents as a teacher and embraced a vocation committed to helping young people explore their potential.

While continuing to work at Pemi during the summers after I graduated from college, I accepted a teaching position at the Landmark School, a school for dyslexic students. At Landmark, I spent my formative years as an educator exploring learning styles, the importance of self-esteem in education, and the craft of teaching an incredibly wide spectrum of students.  My charges at Landmark reminded me of how critical and powerful building close relationships was in truly educating the whole child.  When I left Landmark for St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, I applied these lessons as I searched to make both personal connections with my students and meaningful intellectual connections between history and current events.  By establishing my genuine concern for their well-being and by making history relevant to their World, I found success in the classroom.  One of my favorite assignments at St. Andrew’s was my oral history project on immigration to Washington DC, where students embraced the role of historian as they explored in depth the remarkable lives of people in their community.  I remember how Lauren Vorisek, a student reluctant to embrace history in any form, discovered her voice and passion for the subject.  Last Spring, ten years after leaving St. Andrew’s, Lauren sent me an email thanking me for igniting her passion for history and her decision to teach the subject and to introduce a much needed Latin American course in the Montgomery County public schools.

The boarding school life at Northfield-Mt. Hermon has allowed me to take to a new level my commitment to building powerful relationships with students and my desire to make history a living experience.  In my eleven years at NMH, I have embraced the interdisciplinary curriculum and the school’s commitment to international education.  Helping students make connections between disciplines and better understand the interdependence of the world we live in – and then taking them all over the World to test their theories – has been incredibly powerful and gratifying.  By taking students to meet with the leadership of the Apartheid movement in Capetown and Soweto or spending seven weeks with them living in the poor city of San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic, we have created life-changing experiences for our students, allowing them to appreciate the deeper meaning of their academic endeavors, appreciate the gift of their education and, perhaps, discover a life-long passion for understanding and fostering the World’s incredible diversity.

While I didn’t have interdisciplinary courses in high school or the opportunity to study abroad, I did find success, self-esteem, and discipline through athletics.  Early in my coaching career, I remember having the ultimate epiphany as a coach/educator when I was asked to step in as the coach of the girls’ varsity soccer team immediately following my boys’ game.  A parent who sat behind the bench for both games commented afterwards, “I wish you could hear yourself coach the girls’ team.”  It turns out I was a much more positive and supportive when coaching the girls.  As the boys’ varsity soccer coach at NMH, I have steadily worked to improve my ability to model what it means to be a leader, excellent teammate, and unyielding proponent of fair play.  We have players from all different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds at NMH, each with his own aspirations, skills, and insecurities.  Each year we strive to find opportunities to build mutual commitment to each other. We utilize community service, team-building exercises, and the toughest schedule in New England to make sure our commitment to athletics has an unambiguous educational purpose, well beyond winning and losing. It is always about the “process” and teaching young men to be individuals who are willing to embrace a common goal.  Last fall, the players won the regional sportsmanship trophy awarded by the local officials’ association, an especially gratifying accomplishment given the tenacity of our competition.  As I witness our players’ genuine commitment to each other evolve over the course of each season, I can’t tell you how proud I am to watch their emotional maturity grow in a manner that will help these young men live meaningful lives.

While my classes, travel abroad, and coaching experiences have been central avenues for engaging students, I am also proud and grateful for the relationships that boarding school can foster in our daily residential life together.  I think about international students like Korean student John Kim, who embraced my family and my role as a mentor to help them through the difficult years of being away from their own home.  Or someone like Fritz Windover, a young man who tragically lost his father and has found his life deeply connected to my own. During these turbulent and inspiring years at NMH, when we engaged in remarkable institutional initiatives, I often look back on the ways my experiences at Landmark, St. Andrew’s, and Camp Pemigewassett prepared me to live the boarding school life.   While in the dorm, classroom, distant lands, or on the playing field, I have been fortunate to make powerful connections with scores of amazing students, many of whom have become close friends.  These relationships with students and colleagues, and my desire to share with and learn from each one of them, sustain me and my family in the rigors of boarding school life. They are at the heart of why I teach.

Congratulations to Charlie for being selected as the Kapteyn recipient of 2011 – but especially for the tireless life of dedication and commitment that made him such a compelling candidate. Pemi is lucky to be able to count Charlie among the seasoned and dedicated professional educators who are its perennial leaders.

Read more about the Kapteyn Prize.

About NMH’s Boys’ Soccer Chamionship Game.

About NMH’s Sportsmanship Award.

The 2010 Pemi staff atop Mt. Cardigan during pre-season training.

Pemi’s greatest asset has always been the remarkable staff that dedicates itself, each summer, to making the Pemi experience rich, unique and nurturing for each boy, and this summer is no exception. While for a few of the staff this is their first summer at Pemi, the vast majority has years and years (and in some cases, years and years and years!) of experience on the shores of Lower Baker. We are grateful for their dedication and work ethic, impressed by their multitudinous talents, and humbled by their dedication to Pemi.

Cabin Counselors:

Zachary Barnard (J1): A former Pemi camper, Zach is entering his sophomore year at Boston University. He is from Savannah, Georgia, and he’s greatly looking forward to seeing new parts of the world, making new friends from around the globe, and pursuing a newfound passion in psychology.

Michael Zabar (J2): From New York City, Michael was a camper at Pemi for seven years. This is his first summer as a counselor. A rising sophomore at Tufts University, Michael will be instructing in soccer and basketball this summer.

Jeremy Keys (J3): A rising senior at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, Jeremy is from Downingtown, PA. A huge Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan, Jeremy runs track at Dickinson and has played the cello for over 10 years. “I heard about Pemi from one of my best friends (Dwight Dunston) who told me it was an amazing opportunity to have fun working with kids, build outstanding relationships with great people, and try new things. I am excited for my first season at Pemi and am looking forward to a memorable summer.”

Michael Benham (J4 and Junior Division Head): From Grafton, NH, Mike is a graduate of a five-semester program at the Collective School of Music in New York City, majoring in Electric Bass Performance. Mike took the winter off from school, save for studying privately on the upright bass. This spring, Mike completed a month of residency at the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper, NY. He’ll be teaching jazz, bass, ensembles, and Zen meditation. “I aim to make myself a resource to juniors and camp staff and build a burnin’ quintet.”

Alastair Bowman (J5): Originally from Middlesbrough in the North East of England, Alastair has spent much of his life living abroad, including Nigeria, Oman, and Scotland. He has finished high school and taken a gap year before starting a course in Philosophy at St. Andrews in Scotland. “During my gap year I completed a charity trip to India and look forward to a summer at Pemi, where I hope to help the campers have as good a time as I am sure I will.”

Alexander Hadden (J6): From Weston, MA, Alex has just completed his freshman year at Elon University where he will be majoring in Communications. This will be his ninth summer at Camp Pemi, his third on staff. He will spend most of the summer on the waterskiing dock teaching wakeboarding and waterskiing.

Conner Scace (JT): From Mishicot, WI, Conner recently graduated from Elmira College where he majored in Biology. Conner will be teaching various nature occupations this summer. “I developed an interest in insects over the course of three visits to the Smithsonian. I will be moving to New Haven, CT, to start my master’s in Environmental Science with Larry Davis in the fall.”

Matt Wadge (L1): Hailing from Salisbury in the UK, Matt has just finished a gap year and will be heading to Bangor University in North Wales to study Marine Biology and Oceanography. “This is my first season at Pemi, and I am looking forward to having a great summer.”

Henry Eisenhart (L2 and Lower Division Head): Henry is a rising junior at St. Lawrence University. This is his eighth year at Pemi and his second on staff. This summer he will be teaching baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and music. “I learned a lot last year, and now am ready to continue that learning and take on the role of lower-lower division head.”

Alex Reese (L3): This is Alex’s eighth summer at Pemi, his third as a staff member. From Wyomissing, PA, Alex studies psychology and economics at Johns Hopkins University. “This summer at Pemi, I hope to spend a lot of time on the baseball diamond and tennis courts preparing for Tecumseh Day.”

Erik Wiedenmann (L4): Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Erik moved to the USA to study Visual Arts and Literature at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University, respectively. After four years as a camper, this is his first year back as a cabin counselor. His interests include drawing, painting, and sports. “I am very excited to be back at Pemi, and am looking forward to another fantastic season.”

Will Clare (HT): From Manhattan, NY, Will is currently a student at Miami of Ohio, having previously attended The Loomis Chaffee School. “I will be teaching lacrosse and various other sports, and this is my tenth season at Pemi.”

Ted McChesney (L5 and Lower Division Head): From Richmond, VA, Ted is a rising senior at the University of Virginia where he double majors in history and French. This is his tenth year at Pemi, and this summer he will be teaching tennis, baseball, swimming, soccer, and basketball. “I am looking forward to another great summer on the shores of Lower Baker.”

Kevin O’Brien (L6): Hailing from Potomac, MD, Kevin was on the Junior Olympic archery team for Maryland and Virginia before heading to Kenyon College, where he is a rising junior. An avid rugby player, Kevin is a neuroscience major with a focus in bio-psychology and comparative neuroscience. This is his first summer at Pemi, where he is the Head of Archery.

Nick Ridley (L7): A returning counselor from North East England, Nick will be a third year chemistry student at Edinburgh University this fall. “I spent my first season at Pemi last year and since then, having had a wicked summer with the guys in Lower 7, I’ve been desperate to get back out here. I’m really looking forward to catching up with some of the faces from last summer over the next seven weeks.”

Ben Walsh (U1): Ben is returning for his ninth year at camp (his third on staff) after spending a gap year in the Middle East. In the fall he will be a freshman at Carleton College. This summer, he will spend the majority of his time coaching baseball and soccer.

Fitz Stueber (U2): Currently at Washington and Jefferson College, Fitz is an international business major who also plays varsity soccer. This is Fitz’s sixth year at Pemi, his first on staff. This summer he will be teaching soccer and woodworking.

Mark Winter (U3): This is Mark’s first year at Camp Pemi. From Newcastle, UK, Mark is in his second year at Leeds University in England. This summer he will be teaching percussion.

Sam Seymour (U4 and Upper Division Head): A rising senior at Vassar College, Sam has spent seven years at Pemi. This will be his third year on staff. Sam is looking forward to working with this year’s very strong lacrosse staff and continuing the program’s winning tradition, as well as teaching basketball, goalkeeping, and nature occupations. “My exposure to the nature program at Pemi has been very exciting. I’m hoping to continue learning under the guidance of our stellar nature staff while passing that knowledge along to the campers.”

Cory Fauver (S1 and Senior Division Head): This will be Cory’s eleventh season at Pemi, including Pemi West. He will be the head of the windsurfing program this summer, in addition to coaching soccer and ultimate Frisbee. Cory is a rising junior at Carleton College. “This year I hope to assist the senior campers in taking leadership roles across camp.”

Alexander Buteux (S2): Zander hails from Madison, NJ, and attends the University of Denver, studying engineering and business. A goalie on the Division 1 men’s lacrosse team, Zander will be instructing lacrosse, soccer, and windsurfing. This is his eighth summer at Pemi, and first as a counselor. “I took five summers off in between and I’m very excited to see the other side of the camp experience.”

Dwight Dunston (S3 and Senior Division Head): Dwight just graduated from Dickinson College where he majored in English and minored in Poetry. This fall he will be entering a Master’s program in Poetry at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. Here at camp, he will be teaching basketball, track & field, poetry, and comedy improv. “In my second year here at Pemi, I hope to once again provide a safe and exciting atmosphere for the campers where they can grow and learn new things from the counselors and also from each other.”

Chris Dollman (LT): A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Chris is a rising junior at the University of St. Andrews where he studies Financial Economics. Chris will teach sailing and soccer this summer. “This is my second year at Pemi – the Pemi bug got me! I plan to build on the really enjoyable year I had last year and make the 2010 season memorable.”

Assistant Counselors:

Austin Blumenfeld (Assistant Counselor J1): This is Austin’s fifth summer at Pemi. In the fall, he will be a senior at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY. Austin will be teaching baseball, track, and tennis. “I look forward to having a great summer with the campers.”

Willy Rittling (Assistant Counselor J2): From Brookline, MA, Willy graduated from Brookline High School this past June and will be attending Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, this fall. A three-year Pemi veteran, Willy will be teaching running, windsurfing, and other water sports this summer.

Adam Sandler (Assistant Counselor J4): This will be Adam’s eighth summer at Pemi and his first on staff. Adam will be teaching lacrosse, swimming, and fishing. “Pemi has been my home away from home since I was nine years old and I am really excited to be a part of the staff that makes this place so special.”

Richard Komson (Assistant Counselor J5): From New York City, Richard is a rising senior at the Loyola School in Manhattan. He spent six summers as a Pemi camper and attended Pemi West last summer. This summer Richard will teach nature occupations as well as athletics.

David Bowes (Assistant Counselor J6): David is entering 11^th grade at Mercersburg Academy in PA. Originally from Stamford, CT, he now hails from Washington, DC, along with his brother Daniel (a camper this summer). “I love sports and competition, and hope to play college lacrosse. I currently swim as well, and will be playing football for the first time in the fall. Pemi is a long tradition in my family (my grandfather and father attended), and I am very excited to join the Pemi legacy this summer.”

Aidan Daniell (Assistant Counselor L1): Aidan just graduated from Brooks School and will be heading to Wesleyan University in the fall. Aidan will be teaching waterskiing, lacrosse, and soccer. “I decided to be an Assistant Counselor here at Pemi because I loved it here so much as a camper. I hope this summer I can help to create the best experience possible for the campers and counselors.”

William Sargent (Assistant Counselor L2): A recent graduate of the Westminster School, Will will be a freshman at Union College next year. This summer at camp he will teach tennis, lacrosse, and various waterfront activities. “I also hope to go on a couple of camping trips throughout the summer.”

Andrew McChesney (Assistant Counselor L3): Andrew is a rising senior at Millburn High School where he plays both hockey and lacrosse. A six-year Pemi veteran, this is Andrew’s first time on staff. This summer he will be spending most of his time on the lacrosse field or at the boathouse.

Wesley Eifler (Assistant Counselor L5): A rising senior at Choate Rosemary Hall, Wesley is from New Canaan, CT. He was a camper at Pemi for seven years and, after taking one year off, he is back as an AC. This summer he will be teaching baseball, photography, and sailing. “Over the course of the summer I would like to bring back occupations like improv and guerrilla theater.”

Cody Ladden (Assistant Counselor U1): From West Boylston, MA, Cody just completed his junior year at West Boylston Middle/High School. Passionate about nature, weather, and the outdoors, Cody will be teaching nature, archery, and swimming this summer. “I hope to make many excellent friends during my first summer at Pemi.”

Jay McChesney (Assistant Counselor U3): Hailing from Richmond, VA, Jay is a rising senior at St. Christopher’s School where he plays squash and lacrosse. This is Jay’s seventh summer at Pemi, and he will be teaching lacrosse, swimming, and sailing. “Pemi is the place where I first learned how to sail and it is something I really enjoy now. I hope I can pass my love for sailing on to Pemi campers.“

Bridgid Ruf (Assistant Counselor): This is Bridgid’s second summer at Pemi. Hailing from Southport, CT, Bridgid just graduated from the Lawrenceville School and will be attending Wellesley College in the fall. Bridgid also plays viola and piano. “I am looking forward to teaching music lessons, performing at campfire and Sunday meetings, as well as participating in the Gilbert and Sullivan show this summer.”

Olivia Walsh (Assistant Counselor): From New Canaan, CT, Olivia is a rising junior at Northfield Mount Hermon School. For the past eight summers Olivia has been a camper at the Aloha Camps, but she is excited to spend this summer at Pemi with three of her brothers. A varsity rower and soccer player, Olivia will be spending most of her time this summer teaching swimming and sailing. “I am really looking forward to these next seven weeks.”

Program Staff:

Jamie Andrews (Trip Counselor): Jamie has returned for his twelfth summer at Pemi and fourth year on staff. He is looking forward to sharing the pristine beauty of the White Mountains with campers. Jamie is a rising junior at Kenyon College, majoring in Political Science. In camp he will be instructing at the waterfront and on the rugby pitch.

Ian Axness (Head of Music): After moving to NYC last September, Ian is currently working with various arts institutions as a freelance accompanist, music director, and intern. This will be his fourth summer at Pemi. He will be teaching piano, instrumental group improvisation, and Gilbert & Sullivan occupations, in addition to performing/accompanying throughout the season. Also very excited to serve as Co-Head of Campfire and Bean soup editor!

Anna Ciglar (Head of the Arts Program): Anna is back for her eleventh summer at Pemi. She teaches middle and high school science at a small private boarding school in Rindge, NH. She plays the bagpipes and competes all over New England as a piper. She is also an instructor in Scottish Highland Dancing. “At Pemi I teach things like Ukrainian eggs, temari balls, and duct tape crafts. I can usually be found in the company of my 4-year old son, Jonathan, who wants to be a Pemi kid when he is bigger.”

Larry Davis (Director of Nature Programs and Teaching):  A geologist, caver, flautist, and former NCAA soccer referee, Larry has spent 41 years on the Pemi staff. He received his AB from Washington University in St. Louis and his Ph.D in Geological Sciences from the University of Rochester. During the off-season, Larry is a professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of New Haven.

Porter Hill (Assistant Administrator): This is Porter’s twentieth summer at Pemi, his thirteenth on staff. Currently a third-grade teacher at Greenwich Country Day School, Porter will spend the first few weeks of the summer at Pemi teaching soccer, baseball, and nature.

Evan Jewett (Head of Shop): Evan has spent the last several years working as a cabinetmaker, furniture crafter, and finish carpenter. “I am excited to pass along my skills to Pemi campers. Along the way, I hope also to impart my great appreciation for finely crafted wooden pieces, be they artistic, decorative, or purely functional.”

Deb Kure (Associate Head of Nature Programs): After studying Geology at the University of Rochester, Deb attended the first Nature Instructors’ Clinic at Pemi in 1993. That led to seasonal outdoor science teaching and trip-leading jobs at outdoor schools, ranches, and camps across the US. After five and a half years as an Outreach Instructor with the Education Division of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, a move to New Hampshire brought Deb back to Pemi in 2008. “I’ve been delighted to be involved with such an in-depth nature program. Trips to area mines and geology hotspots of the White Mountains are an especial treat to enjoy with campers! A move this year to Austin, Texas, has made returning to the North Woods and the Pemi family each summer all the more mandatory!”

Noble Macfarlane (Trip Counselor): A native of San Francisco, Noble just graduated from Brown University. This is his tenth summer at Pemi. While not on trips, Noble will be instructing campers in competitive swimming, piano, and nature. Noble is also a lifeguard, Wilderness First Responder, organist, and mathematician.

Brian Mitchell (Head of Staff): This is Brian’s eleventh year at Pemi and his seventh on staff. This summer he will be the Head of Staff, overseeing counselor and assistant counselor responsibilities. He currently lives in Baltimore, MD, where he teaches upper school math at the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland. He is also the 9^th grade Dean and a coach of JV boys’ soccer and lacrosse.

Ken Moore (Director of Water Activities): From Rocky River, OH, Ken is the Head of Waterfront and has also helped coordinate staff hiring for the past two winters. This is Ken’s eighteenth year at Pemi. During the school year Ken teaches history in the Upper School at Lake Ridge Academy and has recently been named Director of Alumni Affairs. Ken received his BA from Kenyon College and his Master’s in Education from the TAP Program in Cleveland.

Abby Reed (Co-Head of Junior Camp): From Carlisle, PA, this is Abby’s fifth summer working at Pemi (although she’s been around for many more summers!). In January Abby will graduate from Middlebury College, where she studies English literature and art history. “This summer I’m excited to be Co-Head of the Junior Camp, and I’m also looking forward to teaching swimming and nature.”

Dottie Reed (Head Administrator): This is Dottie’s twenty-third summer at Pemi, and the first as a year-round staff member. Though she’ll spend a few hours a day in the office, she hopes to be out and about with campers, enjoying art projects, conversations, and being a surrogate mom to anyone who might want one. “It has been a fascinating off-season, working on the new website, blog, and online capabilities. I hope you have enjoyed the results!”

Peter Scheuermann (Trip Counselor): This is Peter’s second year at Pemi. He is a rising junior at Carleton College, where he studies geology. Peter will spend the first session at Pemi before heading to Lima, Peru, in August for a study abroad program. “I hope to lead some great rain-free trips this summer.”

Fred Seebeck: Fred joined the Pemi family forty-seven summers ago, when he was in Junior 3. During the off-season he is a teacher and coach at the Loomis Chaffee School. “Since my first summer at Pemi, my experiences as a counselor and coach at Pemi have led me to a very fulfilling 34 year career in secondary education. I cannot fully express my gratitude for these gifts.”

Paige Wallis (Instructor): This is Paige’s first summer at Pemi. A rising junior at the University of Vermont, Paige studies English and history and will be teaching swimming and life guarding this summer. “I can’t wait to experience all that is Camp Pemi.”

Kelsey Wensberg (Childcare): Kelsey is returning as a second year staff member at Pemi. From Darien, CT, Kelsey attends Portsmouth Abbey School in Rhode Island. This summer she will be looking after staff children. “I’m looking forward to making many new friendships as I did last year. Pemi truly is a blessing and I’m so excited to be back once again.”

Johanna Zabawa (Co-Head of Junior Camp): This is Johanna’s sixth year at Pemi. From Afton, MN, Johanna works as a family social worker at Moreland Elementary School. This summer she is excited to be co-heading the Junior Camp and coaching baseball.

They are:

Andy Bale is a professional photographer (and comes to us through certain connections we have with Dickinson College). He remembers his introduction to photography this way: “I began photography some 23 years ago as a sophomore in high school. I was never good at sports and I was average when it came to academics. But I had an amazing photography teacher who instilled in me the desire to work hard. That dedication brought to life a creative passion I had never known. I received my BFA in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design, and after college bounced around from job to job, ranging from studio manager to a custom fine art platinum printer. In 2001 I was given a rare opportunity to teach a photography course at the college level and after one semester, I was hooked. I was finally able to pass along those skills and talents that were once shared with me, and in 2003 I went to work on my MFA at University of Delaware. I’ve been teaching and pursuing my own fine art photography ever since.”

Andy will be at Pemi from June 26 through July 10. He writes, “In teaching photography at Pemi, it is my goal to show campers a completely new way of using the photographic process. Photography is unique: unlike with most other art mediums, every camper will arrive at camp having past experience with a camera and a certain knowledge of photography. It is my job to erase what they know about photography and begin fresh. I want to steer them away from photographs of pets and friends and give them a new appreciation of the power of photography. I have some wonderful projects planned, including pinhole photography, cyanotypes (one of the first photography processes invented back in 1839), minor darkroom skills, and digital light painting at night with flashlights.”

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Paula Goldberg, a physician assistant by profession, has been affiliated with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History for the past 22 years. She has volunteered and done contract work for the museum’s Insect Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion since 1996. Paula has a special interest in spiders.  She loves spending time in the natural world and at Pemi. Paula is also on the Board of Directors of City Wildlife, a new group helping urban wildlife, in DC.

Paula and her family have been members of the Pemi community for several years. She worked as Associate Nature Head with Larry Davis from 2003 to 2006 and tries to return every summer for at least a few days.  Nate Erwin and Paula, with the support of Pemi, initiated the North American Butterfly Association July 4 Butterfly Count at Lower Baker Pond, which has been conducted every summer since 2004. She plans to return to Pemi for a weekend in mid-July for the 7^th-annual NABA Butterfly Count at Lower Baker Pond, and hopes to lead at least one spider walk!

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Nathan Erwin is an entomologist and manages the Insect Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian Institution. After graduating from the University of Delaware, he spent five years working as a forest pest entomologist in Maryland, and four years working for the Rachel Carson Trust. He began working at the Smithsonian Institution in 1992, and continues to have many adventures with exhibits and the natural world. At the invitation of Paula Goldberg, Nate journeyed north in the summer of 2004 to visit Pemi, and with Paula initiated the first official butterfly count in the area. He’s been returning every summer since to continue the count and to visit with his newly acquired Pemi friends. Nate plans to be at Pemi in mid-July to conduct the butterfly count with Paula and all interested Pemi campers and staff.  It will be the count’s seventh year, and he’s looking forward to it!

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Phil Landry has been a full-time fly-fishing guide and instructor in Arkansas and Tennessee for the last six years.  After he received his master’s degree in education from the University of Texas, he decided he would rather teach in a boat than in a classroom.  A Pemi veteran, Phil spent four years as a camper and five years as a cabin counselor on the shores of Lower Baker.  He looks forward to teaching fly tying, fly casting and taking campers fishing in his jet boat, which he will be bringing up to New Hampshire this summer. Destinations will include the Connecticut River and some nearby lakes. Phil will be with us for the first week of August.

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In her spare time, Zosha Livingstone-Peters is a fashion designer, fine artist, and textile designer whose chosen medium of hand-painted silk translates with ease and beauty into home accessories, fashion and fine art. Zosha has been painting on silk for twenty-one years, and is continually inspired by the natural environment. Her background in silk painting includes some global sales in select boutiques as well as current online and regional sales. Zosha is a 1989 graduate of Pratt Institute, and lives with her three sons, one daughter and husband in Salisbury, Vermont.

Zosha’s father and brother are Pemi alums, and her son Max Livingstone-Peters will be a fifth-year camper this season. Zosha is profoundly excited to be volunteering her time at Pemi this summer and to begin teaching the fine art of painting on silk to Pemi boys. Zosha will visit on Saturday, July 10, to share her passion with any boy who signs up for her silk painting workshop. Participants can expect to create a beautiful piece of fine silk art by first stretching silks on wooden frames, and then delving into dye blending and painting, using beeswax as the resist. Boys will come home with a unique piece of abstract fine art, which can then be framed or sewn into a tie, bow tie, silk scarf or cushion cover.

Most people who have a relatively recent connection with Pemi know that Papua New Guinea’s flag was first hung in the Mess Hall for Nuwi Somp, a longtime counselor who’s from that country, and a man who carries with him joy enough to light up all those around him. If you’ve met him, you know that one of his most striking characteristics is his laugh: it’s one of the most spirited, bubbling laughs you’ll ever hear. While he wasn’t at camp in the summer of 2009, his son, Sompy was. And Nuwi’s daughter, Joann, attended Camp Wawenock in Maine. (Getting the Somp children to their camps, a massive undertaking in itself, was spearheaded by Pemi’s Head of Nature, Larry Davis.)

Photo by Fred Seebeck.

Their story is told in an article, “Home (9000 Miles) Away from Home,” by longtime Pemi counselor and Bean Soup editor Josh Fischel. Fischel is the Public Information Associate at the American Camp Association, New England, and the article was published on that organization’s website. The article tells the story both of how Nuwi Somp first made a connection with Pemi, and what the camp experience was like for his children, Sompy and Joann. I recommend giving it a read.

Getting to know international campers and staff is, in my opinion, one of the richest parts of a Pemi experience. My counselor when I was a camper in the Lake Tent in 1994 was Andy Kerr, from Scotland, and over the years I’ve loved having friendships with BUNAC counselors from the United Kingdom. (And I’m going to assume that the process is rewarding the opposite way, too: to spend a summer or more at Pemi from another country must be a fantastic experience.)

This summer, campers from England, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany, and France will be at camp. If you came to Pemi from abroad, what was that like? Or, for American alumni, when you were at Pemi, were you friends with someone from another country? Perhaps you can shed some light on what it was like to share a cabin, a table, a soccer game or a hiking trip in the White Mountains with someone from another country—even if they didn’t travel as far as the Somps did to the shores of Lower Baker.

-Rob Verger