Comments on: Alumni http://campwakonda.wordpress.com Developing Disciples for Tomorrow Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:45:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU By: Becky Thompson http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-199 Becky Thompson Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:37:57 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-199 Camp Wakonda! Wow the good times I had there.. My journey at Wakonda began when I was 12.. Had never been away from home and hated every second of it. Somehow my mom couldnt wait to send me back the next summer though. Boy am I glad she did. I met so many great people in 98 and went 98 and 99 as a camper and 2 years as a staff assistant for a couple weeks during the following summers. I celebrated my 13th birthday at camp and got kissed by all the guys.. at 13 that was really cool! The best things about Wakonda were hiking to split rock, sleeping on the tennis courts, making lanyards, and the hardest thing of all, sitting around love circle at the end by the campfire. It was never easy to say goodbye to Wakonda for even a month.. Let alone the year... I remember singing the amazing songs of They'll Know We are Christians, Love, Now Let Us Sing then going back to the cabins for rest hour! Everybodys favorite time of day (Not really). I cant wait to help celebrate the reunion next year! Shalom my friends! Well see you again! Camp Wakonda! Wow the good times I had there.. My journey at Wakonda began when I was 12.. Had never been away from home and hated every second of it. Somehow my mom couldnt wait to send me back the next summer though. Boy am I glad she did. I met so many great people in 98 and went 98 and 99 as a camper and 2 years as a staff assistant for a couple weeks during the following summers. I celebrated my 13th birthday at camp and got kissed by all the guys.. at 13 that was really cool! The best things about Wakonda were hiking to split rock, sleeping on the tennis courts, making lanyards, and the hardest thing of all, sitting around love circle at the end by the campfire. It was never easy to say goodbye to Wakonda for even a month.. Let alone the year… I remember singing the amazing songs of They’ll Know We are Christians, Love, Now Let Us Sing then going back to the cabins for rest hour! Everybodys favorite time of day (Not really). I cant wait to help celebrate the reunion next year! Shalom my friends! Well see you again!

]]> By: Malcolm Mathew http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-191 Malcolm Mathew Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:05:27 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-191 Wow! I was so pleased to google and find Wakonda Alumni site. Camp Wakonda is the most special place for me, full of memories of the long hot summer of 1981 when I was an 18 year old "Camp America" counselor from England. I was welcomed into the Wakonda family with great kindness which I will never forget. I was thinking of Wakonda earlier today and remembered some of the great times we had, and strangely Chad Emerson's voice came into my head! Then later I was searching through a wooden chest, locked up for decades...only to find an old address book with many contacts from Wakonda days. Coincidences? I would love to attend the re-union next July 2009. Now I'm in London doing anaesthesiology, I haven't been to Wakonda for years but would like to go back and meet some of you who were so good to me in that so very special place... happymalc@hotmail.com Wow! I was so pleased to google and find Wakonda Alumni site.
Camp Wakonda is the most special place for me, full of memories of the long hot summer of 1981 when I was an 18 year old “Camp America” counselor from England. I was welcomed into the Wakonda family with great kindness which I will never forget.
I was thinking of Wakonda earlier today and remembered some of the great times we had, and strangely Chad Emerson’s voice came into my head! Then later I was searching through a wooden chest, locked up for decades…only to find an old address book with many contacts from Wakonda days. Coincidences?
I would love to attend the re-union next July 2009.
Now I’m in London doing anaesthesiology, I haven’t been to Wakonda for years but would like to go back and meet some of you who were so good to me in that so very special place…
happymalc@hotmail.com

]]> By: Carol Fleenor Boeryd http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-190 Carol Fleenor Boeryd Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:46:53 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-190 Hello to all my fellow Camp Wakonda alumni ! I am looking forward to meeting everyone again in 2009, at the reunion. Our daughter , Christina Boeryd , now 17 , is packing her bags to head to camp from our home in Orange County, California. She'll serve as a CIT for a few weeks, alongside other children of camp alumni ! Lars, Erik, and I won't make it to Ohio this summer but we'll see you next year. Shalom, Carol Hello to all my fellow Camp Wakonda alumni ! I am looking forward to meeting everyone again in 2009, at the reunion. Our daughter , Christina Boeryd , now 17 , is packing her bags to head to camp from our home in Orange County, California. She’ll serve as a CIT for a few weeks, alongside other children of camp alumni ! Lars, Erik, and I won’t make it to Ohio this summer but we’ll see you next year. Shalom, Carol

]]> By: darren ault http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-184 darren ault Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:00:42 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-184 Iam a current of the camp and i am going to alumni camp 2008 and going green outpost 2008 im also been goning scince the youngest age possible And im olny 12 not long but so long that im coming back to be a consler when i can and hope one day to run the camp in the summer like ben G. but i will never be as good Iam a current of the camp and i am going to alumni
camp 2008 and going green outpost 2008 im also been goning scince the youngest age possible And im olny 12
not long but so long that im coming back to be a consler when i can and hope one day to run the camp
in the summer like ben G. but i will never be as good

]]> By: Shelby Marciniak http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-178 Shelby Marciniak Thu, 29 May 2008 17:23:56 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-178 While my memories don't go quite as far back as some of the other alumni, they go far back for me (1991-2005). My parents started me at Wakonda as early as they were allowed, am I'm glad that they did. I went to camp every summer for gosh, 13 or 14 years starting in the early 90's. I had tons of life experiences, made lasting friendships (Bonnie, Jennie, if you ever read this--hi, and I love and miss you guys!), and grew stronger with God. I love Camp so much and wish that this "life in the real world" business would allow me to go back every summer like in the good 'ole days. While my memories don’t go quite as far back as some of the other alumni, they go far back for me (1991-2005). My parents started me at Wakonda as early as they were allowed, am I’m glad that they did. I went to camp every summer for gosh, 13 or 14 years starting in the early 90’s. I had tons of life experiences, made lasting friendships (Bonnie, Jennie, if you ever read this–hi, and I love and miss you guys!), and grew stronger with God. I love Camp so much and wish that this “life in the real world” business would allow me to go back every summer like in the good ‘ole days.

]]> By: Chad Emerson http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-170 Chad Emerson Wed, 14 May 2008 02:59:54 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-170 I can't express how delighted I am to see this site (thanks for the tip Laurie!) I spent quite a few happy weeks and many great weekends at Wakonda. I went to Taize retreats from my freshman or sophomore year in high school up until about 1983 or 1984. I was a counselor for the summers of 1981 and 1982. I spent quite a few weeks prior to that in high school working the grounds and maintenance while the Boehms were in residence for groundskeeping and kitchen work. I wasn't as linked in as many of the Canton/Massillon area were as I lived quite a bit farther away, but the friends I made and things I learned through CUPC and Wakonda fed quite a bit of what I think and feel today about the nature of community and Christianity. I currently work for a "blood banking" organization in the Puget Sound and I see daily the selflessness of people who, whether they realize it or not, are performing a very Christian act. Many of the friendships formed during my Wakonda days persist to the present day I'm happy to report, thanks mostly to the internet, and the names of many of you who have posted are familiar to me. My last venture to Wakonda was 15 years ago now, for Dick's retirement party in 1993. I'm long overdue for a trip back home, and would love to make it back for the 50th anniversary! Hopefully I'll be able to introduce my by-then 11 and 13 year old to a place that I still love so well. I'll hope it's not the year of the cicadas! Shalom to all! Chad Emerson Seattle, WA I can’t express how delighted I am to see this site (thanks for the tip Laurie!)

I spent quite a few happy weeks and many great weekends at Wakonda. I went to Taize retreats from my freshman or sophomore year in high school up until about 1983 or 1984. I was a counselor for the summers of 1981 and 1982. I spent quite a few weeks prior to that in high school working the grounds and maintenance while the Boehms were in residence for groundskeeping and kitchen work. I wasn’t as linked in as many of the Canton/Massillon area were as I lived quite a bit farther away, but the friends I made and things I learned through CUPC and Wakonda fed quite a bit of what I think and feel today about the nature of community and Christianity. I currently work for a “blood banking” organization in the Puget Sound and I see daily the selflessness of people who, whether they realize it or not, are performing a very Christian act.

Many of the friendships formed during my Wakonda days persist to the present day I’m happy to report, thanks mostly to the internet, and the names of many of you who have posted are familiar to me. My last venture to Wakonda was 15 years ago now, for Dick’s retirement party in 1993. I’m long overdue for a trip back home, and would love to make it back for the 50th anniversary! Hopefully I’ll be able to introduce my by-then 11 and 13 year old to a place that I still love so well. I’ll hope it’s not the year of the cicadas!

Shalom to all!

Chad Emerson
Seattle, WA

]]> By: Marshall Waddell http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-169 Marshall Waddell Tue, 13 May 2008 22:07:12 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-169 Best wishes to the people of Camp Wakonda as the facility celebrates its 50th anniversary. In reviewing the archives of our church retreat center, Windy Ridge, I came across a 1964 prospectus to our congregation for the purchase and development of our facility. It includes a page describing Camp Wakonda's inception. It would appear that your camp was the inspiration for our retreat center. How cool! I will send by email a transcript of our prospectus text about Camp Wakonda, which may be of historical interest to you. In Christ, Marshall Waddell Director Windy Ridge Retreat Center Best wishes to the people of Camp Wakonda as the facility celebrates its 50th anniversary. In reviewing the archives of our church retreat center, Windy Ridge, I came across a 1964 prospectus to our congregation for the purchase and development of our facility. It includes a page describing Camp Wakonda’s inception. It would appear that your camp was the inspiration for our retreat center. How cool!

I will send by email a transcript of our prospectus text about Camp Wakonda, which may be of historical interest to you.

In Christ,
Marshall Waddell
Director
Windy Ridge Retreat Center

]]> By: Riccardo "Ricci" Roodt http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-168 Riccardo "Ricci" Roodt Wed, 07 May 2008 15:11:08 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-168 Hi all. I first went to Camp Wakonda as a camp counselor in 1995. It was a 21st birthday gift from my parents. They told me to choose a country and I did. I thank God everyday for halping me make that choice. It was a real difficult time in my life too, the previous year my aunt died of Cancer. We were really close. I loved spending time at the river just crying my heart out to God. I remember sitting in the counselor's rec room all alone and listening to Sandi Patty's song, "Was it a morning like this?" In that small room God spoke to my heart and gave me the peace that I needed, to know that everything will be okay. I was amazed at how nice people were to me. It was a bit intimidating to be in the USA, but all that vanished when I would spend time with so many people. Two of my closest friends at Wakonda that first year was Maggie (Vranek)and Jason Thorne. They are married now. The one thing that I will always say about Wakonda is that it holds and always will hold a Piece of my heart. Then I went back to Wakonda in 2000. That was Gods doing entirely. The circumstances were perfect as only God can do it. It was as though God knew why he needed me to be there. This was 6 months after my MOM died of Cancer. If God loves Wakonda and a piece of my heart is in Wakonda then God loves me ALOT. LOL Thank you for this website. Hi all. I first went to Camp Wakonda as a camp counselor in 1995. It was a 21st birthday gift from my parents. They told me to choose a country and I did. I thank God everyday for halping me make that choice.
It was a real difficult time in my life too, the previous year my aunt died of Cancer. We were really close. I loved spending time at the river just crying my heart out to God. I remember sitting in the counselor’s rec room all alone and listening to Sandi Patty’s song, “Was it a morning like this?” In that small room God spoke to my heart and gave me the peace that I needed, to know that everything will be okay.
I was amazed at how nice people were to me. It was a bit intimidating to be in the USA, but all that vanished when I would spend time with so many people. Two of my closest friends at Wakonda that first year was Maggie (Vranek)and Jason Thorne. They are married now.
The one thing that I will always say about Wakonda is that it holds and always will hold a Piece of my heart.
Then I went back to Wakonda in 2000. That was Gods doing entirely. The circumstances were perfect as only God can do it. It was as though God knew why he needed me to be there. This was 6 months after my MOM died of Cancer.
If God loves Wakonda and a piece of my heart is in Wakonda then God loves me ALOT. LOL

Thank you for this website.

]]> By: Dick Patterson (Schmick) http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-164 Dick Patterson (Schmick) Fri, 02 May 2008 22:25:59 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-164 I quite literally grew up at Camp Wakonda, starting as a camper in 1967. I went to camp a day late in 1969 so I could watch Neil Armstrong land on the moon. From 1975-1978 I spent my whole summers there, first as Waterfront Director and then as a counselor for three years. (I was fortunate to overlap Mike Easton's tenure--see his entry above.) Barb (Thomas)and I met on the second trip to Taize in 1975. We were both on the Wakonda staff in 1978. We dated for 7 years and have now been married for 26. It was at Wakonda that my music ministry began, scrubbing away on the old songs we all still remember. Now I play guitar for the contemporary worship service at St. Luke's Episcopal in Minneapolis, Barb's and my church home since 1983. I'm a pediatric radiologist and Barb is a preschool teacher and sunday school director. We hope to be able to be with you all at the 50th Anniversary Celebration next summer! I quite literally grew up at Camp Wakonda, starting as a camper in 1967. I went to camp a day late in 1969 so I could watch Neil Armstrong land on the moon. From 1975-1978 I spent my whole summers there, first as Waterfront Director and then as a counselor for three years. (I was fortunate to overlap Mike Easton’s tenure–see his entry above.) Barb (Thomas)and I met on the second trip to Taize in 1975. We were both on the Wakonda staff in 1978. We dated for 7 years and have now been married for 26. It was at Wakonda that my music ministry began, scrubbing away on the old songs we all still remember. Now I play guitar for the contemporary worship service at St. Luke’s Episcopal in Minneapolis, Barb’s and my church home since 1983. I’m a pediatric radiologist and Barb is a preschool teacher and sunday school director. We hope to be able to be with you all at the 50th Anniversary Celebration next summer!

]]> By: Mike Easton http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/camp-wakonda/alumni/#comment-160 Mike Easton Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:40:40 +0000 http://campwakonda.wordpress.com/alumni/#comment-160 Hi, I spent three very happy summers at Camp Wakonda in the mid-70's as a Camp America councelor and still miss Camp and the wonderful staff and campers I met. To say that Wakonda was life changing experience is a huge understatement. Through working at Camp and the experience it gave me of America, I eventually started my own business sending Brits to the US for vacations. I have travelled to almost every US state and love the country very much. I am hoping to attend the 2009 reunion and meeting up with my old friends from camp. As a PS, my 18 year old daughter is heading for California this summer as a Camp America councelor teaching horse-riding. I only hope her experience of summer camp is as wonderful as mine was. Thanks to Dick Barnard!! Hi, I spent three very happy summers at Camp Wakonda in the mid-70’s as a Camp America councelor and still miss Camp and the wonderful staff and campers I met. To say that Wakonda was life changing experience is a huge understatement. Through working at Camp and the experience it gave me of America, I eventually started my own business sending Brits to the US for vacations. I have travelled to almost every US state and love the country very much. I am hoping to attend the 2009 reunion and meeting up with my old friends from camp. As a PS, my 18 year old daughter is heading for California this summer as a Camp America councelor teaching horse-riding. I only hope her experience of summer camp is as wonderful as mine was. Thanks to Dick Barnard!!

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