Comments on: Welcome http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/ A camp for boys in the White Mountains of NH, founded in 1908 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:54:10 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Bart Kimball http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-1600 Bart Kimball Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:05:26 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-1600 I went to Pemi in 1958-59. My older brother was a counselor in one of those years. I wasn't a typical camper -- I hated mountain climbing and I'm still afraid of heights. However, Pemi is where I learned to swim, canoe, and shoot (which came in handy when I went into the army,) and I loved the woods and water. Watching someone learn to fly fish, encouraged me to take it up years later. Oddly enough though, the thing I remember most was the music, I still find myself singing "The Bloomer Girl" or the odd college song on occasion. Pemi offered a great deal even to a book worm like me, and I loved the old books in the lodge, some of which must have dated back to the camp's founding. I'm glad it continues on. I went to Pemi in 1958-59. My older brother was a counselor in one of those years. I wasn’t a typical camper — I hated mountain climbing and I’m still afraid of heights. However, Pemi is where I learned to swim, canoe, and shoot (which came in handy when I went into the army,) and I loved the woods and water. Watching someone learn to fly fish, encouraged me to take it up years later. Oddly enough though, the thing I remember most was the music, I still find myself singing “The Bloomer Girl” or the odd college song on occasion. Pemi offered a great deal even to a book worm like me, and I loved the old books in the lodge, some of which must have dated back to the camp’s founding. I’m glad it continues on.

]]> By: Derrick Bell III http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-356 Derrick Bell III Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:00:29 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-356 I attended Pemi as a camper from 1973-78. I was 10 years old when I arrived at Pemi. Of all things to happen that year was a flood. Water covered the main entrance to camp, no cars, trucks, buses, etc. Could not cross the bridge. Counslers bought people over in row boats, 300 yards into camp. The question going through the minds of the Directors at that time was how can parents of new campers, leave their sons with us without seeing the main entrance? At first I was affraid to swim my distance, but Bill Dickerman maid a believer out of me. He and I worked on different swim strokes, he gave me individual attention after rest hour. Then one day he came to me and said, how about swimming your distance? I aggred to, and I did so. I was very happy that I accomplished something. I was the last person in my cabin swim my distance, and one of the last in the junior camp to do so. I had many happy experiences as a Pemi Camper, and I hope the tradition continues. I attended Pemi as a camper from 1973-78. I was 10 years old when I arrived at Pemi. Of all things to happen that year was a flood. Water covered the main entrance to camp, no cars, trucks, buses, etc. Could not cross the bridge. Counslers bought people over in row boats, 300 yards into camp. The question going through the minds of the Directors at that time was how can parents of new campers, leave their sons with us without seeing the main entrance? At first I was affraid to swim my distance, but Bill Dickerman maid a believer out of me. He and I worked on different swim strokes, he gave me individual attention after rest hour. Then one day he came to me and said, how about swimming your distance? I aggred to, and I did so. I was very happy that I accomplished something. I was the last person in my cabin swim my distance, and one of the last in the junior camp to do so. I had many happy experiences as a Pemi Camper, and I hope the tradition continues.

]]> By: Eileen Bonetti http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-134 Eileen Bonetti Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:49:23 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-134 My son, Charlie, went to Camp Pemi for the first time two days after turning 9 years old. The uniqueness of being part of a long Pemi tradition is instilled in the boys from the start. Not only are the outdoor activities, nature, sports and comraderie thrilling but the boys gain a sense that they are part of something bigger. Charlie was touched that his cabinmate was a fourth generation of Pemi campers. One of Charlie's first questions to me after camp was "can I start the Pemi tradition for our family so that my sons and grandsons go to camp there?" I was moved that a deep thought could come from a 9 year old but that is what Pemi does! My son, Charlie, went to Camp Pemi for the first time two days after turning 9 years old. The uniqueness of being part of a long Pemi tradition is instilled in the boys from the start. Not only are the outdoor activities, nature, sports and comraderie thrilling but the boys gain a sense that they are part of something bigger. Charlie was touched that his cabinmate was a fourth generation of Pemi campers. One of Charlie’s first questions to me after camp was “can I start the Pemi tradition for our family so that my sons and grandsons go to camp there?” I was moved that a deep thought could come from a 9 year old but that is what Pemi does!

]]> By: Jay Remer http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-32 Jay Remer Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:15:08 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-32 Imagine stumbling upon this blog while checking on the spelling of Pemi as I write another page in a memoir. I was delighted to see it actually getting some action. I first attended camp there in 1959 and loved it for five consecutive summers. I would cross paths with Doc Nic in Sea Island; Fauvers on various ski slopes; and chatted with Tom Reed (jr) just this past winter. I remember fondly my endless hours in the Nature Lodge where I mounted countless specimens of butterflies, moths, trees, ferns, etc. I remember some fine friendships, especially one with Bill Westfall. He was a counselor and we exchanged correspondance up until he tragically died. I learned a lot at the camp and am so glad to see it thriving. I look forward to contributing to this blog and reconnecting with anyone who may recall this skinny blond kid. Imagine stumbling upon this blog while checking on the spelling of Pemi as I write another page in a memoir. I was delighted to see it actually getting some action. I first attended camp there in 1959 and loved it for five consecutive summers. I would cross paths with Doc Nic in Sea Island; Fauvers on various ski slopes; and chatted with Tom Reed (jr) just this past winter. I remember fondly my endless hours in the Nature Lodge where I mounted countless specimens of butterflies, moths, trees, ferns, etc. I remember some fine friendships, especially one with Bill Westfall. He was a counselor and we exchanged correspondance up until he tragically died. I learned a lot at the camp and am so glad to see it thriving. I look forward to contributing to this blog and reconnecting with anyone who may recall this skinny blond kid.

]]> By: JOHN TARBELL http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-21 JOHN TARBELL Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:40:06 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-21 I recall back in 1976 watching is disbelief as my parents drove away. They tell me I had this "You're actually going to leave me here?" look on my face as the dust rose behind the car as it headed down the road from Upper 2. I wandered into the cabin, and met Fred Rittner, serving as a first year assistant counselor for my cabin. In the great scheme of things, there was probably not a better way that the Pemi experience could have started for me. Fred convenienced me to join the swim team. I guess that worked out fairly well, as the last I knew, there was still a record or two on the board from the 1978 15's that still has my name listed. I returned as an assistant counselor in 1980 and found myself under the guidance of cabin couselor, yep, Fred Rittner. The next five summers probably shaped the person that I have become. While working on the waterfront, rifle range and ski boat occupations, and working with the young men in my cabins, the meaning of giving of one self for the betterment of others truly sank in. "And I wonder if anyone's better for anything I've done or said" is probably the truest single line that tells us what Pemi is about and what it should continue to be long after our time on the shores of Lower Baker is over. It has pretty much provided the core values around which I run my business, help with the youth programs at my church and raise my children. I can not say enough about the guidance and faith that Tom Reed Sr. had in me, and I give his leadership during my time there full credit for the memories, magic and formation of all his many Pemi Men. In this era of false hero's, he is truly a real one for alot of us. I would hope that the blog could be used to help reconnect with many of my long lost friends. Scotty, Sternsy, Happy Hayes, Seebeck, how you guys all doing? Tarbs. I recall back in 1976 watching is disbelief as my parents drove away. They tell me I had this “You’re actually going to leave me here?” look on my face as the dust rose behind the car as it headed down the road from Upper 2. I wandered into the cabin, and met Fred Rittner, serving as a first year assistant counselor for my cabin. In the great scheme of things, there was probably not a better way that the Pemi experience could have started for me. Fred convenienced me to join the swim team. I guess that worked out fairly well, as the last I knew, there was still a record or two on the board from the 1978 15’s that still has my name listed.

I returned as an assistant counselor in 1980 and found myself under the guidance of cabin couselor, yep, Fred Rittner. The next five summers probably shaped the person that I have become. While working on the waterfront, rifle range and ski boat occupations, and working with the young men in my cabins, the meaning of giving of one self for the betterment of others truly sank in. “And I wonder if anyone’s better for anything I’ve done or said” is probably the truest single line that tells us what Pemi is about and what it should continue to be long after our time on the shores of Lower Baker is over. It has pretty much provided the core values around which I run my business, help with the youth programs at my church and raise my children.

I can not say enough about the guidance and faith that Tom Reed Sr. had in me, and I give his leadership during my time there full credit for the memories, magic and formation of all his many Pemi Men. In this era of false hero’s, he is truly a real one for alot of us.

I would hope that the blog could be used to help reconnect with many of my long lost friends. Scotty, Sternsy, Happy Hayes, Seebeck, how you guys all doing?

Tarbs.

]]> By: camppemi http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-15 camppemi Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:29:16 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-15 Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts here! A follow-up item is now live, and accessible here: http://blog.camppemi.com/daily-life-at-pemi/thank-you/ warm regards, Rob Verger Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts here! A follow-up item is now live, and accessible here:

http://blog.camppemi.com/daily-life-at-pemi/thank-you/

warm regards, Rob Verger

]]> By: Jaime Garcia http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Jaime Garcia Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:52:04 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-13 When I arrived at Pemi in 1976, I had a one track mind for sports. If my memory is correct, I took baseball as an occupation every week for two summers. I finally visited the Nature Lodge and ended up developing a significant interest in the program. Throughout my trips around the world (Navy career), I have appreciated the natural beauty of the visited ports and had the opportunity to go on several nature trips during my time-off (hiking, whale watching,etc). Even while the ship cruised through the Pacific Ocean, I appreciated taking a few minutes to watch the stars – they always reminded me of standing the “night patrol” duty (As a counselor in the 1980's) during those PEMI clear but cold summer nights. Then and now, I remain extremely grateful to PEMI for expanding my horizons in many different ways and for all the developed friendships that endure to this date. Warm regards to all. Jaime Garcia When I arrived at Pemi in 1976, I had a one track mind for sports. If my memory is correct, I took baseball as an occupation every week for two summers. I finally visited the Nature Lodge and ended up developing a significant interest in the program. Throughout my trips around the world (Navy career), I have appreciated the natural beauty of the visited ports and had the opportunity to go on several nature trips during my time-off (hiking, whale watching,etc). Even while the ship cruised through the Pacific Ocean, I appreciated taking a few minutes to watch the stars – they always reminded me of standing the “night patrol” duty (As a counselor in the 1980’s) during those PEMI clear but cold summer nights. Then and now, I remain extremely grateful to PEMI for expanding my horizons in many different ways and for all the developed friendships that endure to this date. Warm regards to all. Jaime Garcia

]]> By: Erik Muller http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-12 Erik Muller Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:15:49 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-12 The opportunity to share a few thoughts about Pemi produces instant writers block...simply because the prevailing question is 'where do you start?' Pemi holds so much responsiblity in shaping the person I am today (the good parts, that is). The Summer of 1984 was my first and I remember how scared I was unpacking my trunk in Junior 4 not knowing anyone other than Chris Long, who joined me in coming to Pemi from a previous sleepaway camp in Maine. Chris's first Summer was his last and my first Summer led to 8 more both as camper and staff. I can easily say no one place in the world means more to me than Pemi. I arrived an immature little boy and left an immature older boy...BUT...I discovered so many things to appreciate. The importance of sportsmanship, trying new things, giving, the beauty of the outdoors, and just how to live with others began at Pemi for me. To sum up my feelings about camp, Sky Fauver said it pretty well at the 100 year reunion. When I mention Pemi to my friends outside of the camp community, many of them roll their eyes and laugh at the mention of it. A 35 year old guy still talking about sleepaway camp. But it's ok if they 'don't know'...'we know' what it's all about. We are all so lucky to be in the know about such a special, special place. The opportunity to share a few thoughts about Pemi produces instant writers block…simply because the prevailing question is ‘where do you start?’ Pemi holds so much responsiblity in shaping the person I am today (the good parts, that is). The Summer of 1984 was my first and I remember how scared I was unpacking my trunk in Junior 4 not knowing anyone other than Chris Long, who joined me in coming to Pemi from a previous sleepaway camp in Maine. Chris’s first Summer was his last and my first Summer led to 8 more both as camper and staff. I can easily say no one place in the world means more to me than Pemi. I arrived an immature little boy and left an immature older boy…BUT…I discovered so many things to appreciate. The importance of sportsmanship, trying new things, giving, the beauty of the outdoors, and just how to live with others began at Pemi for me. To sum up my feelings about camp, Sky Fauver said it pretty well at the 100 year reunion. When I mention Pemi to my friends outside of the camp community, many of them roll their eyes and laugh at the mention of it. A 35 year old guy still talking about sleepaway camp. But it’s ok if they ‘don’t know’…’we know’ what it’s all about. We are all so lucky to be in the know about such a special, special place.

]]> By: Oliver Pierson http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-11 Oliver Pierson Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:05:22 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-11 Hi All - I was a camper from 83 to 88 (Junior 1 to Senior 2), a late season addition to the cook's house in 9O, and a junior counselor in 91. I was lucky enough to beat tecumseh, hike the mahoosucs, win a tri-state soccer tournament, take the lead (female) role in Pirates of Penzeance, win the Pemi Brave, and enjoy countless other awesome memories while a camper at Pemi. I now live in Africa (Namibia) but look forward to sending any future sons to Pemi for seven good weeks every summer. Regards, Oliver Pierson Hi All – I was a camper from 83 to 88 (Junior 1 to Senior 2), a late season addition to the cook’s house in 9O, and a junior counselor in 91. I was lucky enough to beat tecumseh, hike the mahoosucs, win a tri-state soccer tournament, take the lead (female) role in Pirates of Penzeance, win the Pemi Brave, and enjoy countless other awesome memories while a camper at Pemi. I now live in Africa (Namibia) but look forward to sending any future sons to Pemi for seven good weeks every summer.
Regards, Oliver Pierson

]]> By: Jan Zehner http://blog.camppemi.com/pemi-alumni/welcome/comment-page-1/#comment-10 Jan Zehner Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:46:53 +0000 http://blog.camppemi.com/?p=3#comment-10 Four years as a Pemi counselor (late '50s) cemented a love of water, mountains and nature in general. These passions inspired my recreation on multiple continents during my foreign service career, and continue in a new location (Ogden, UT), where I have hiking out the back door, wonderful skiing at Snowbasin and other nearby resorts and look forward to exploring lakes, mountains and national parks near and far. Thanks to Al Fauver, Tom Reed and Doc Nic for the variety of opportunities they provided in hiring me in the dual role of waterfront director and counselor. Four years as a Pemi counselor (late ’50s) cemented a love of water, mountains and nature in general. These passions inspired my recreation on multiple continents during my foreign service career, and continue in a new location (Ogden, UT), where I have hiking out the back door, wonderful skiing at Snowbasin and other nearby resorts and look forward to exploring lakes, mountains and national parks near and far. Thanks to Al Fauver, Tom Reed and Doc Nic for the variety of opportunities they provided in hiring me in the dual role of waterfront director and counselor.

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