Fireworks
On July 4th, the annual Camp Susquehanna - gigantic - extra - special -
fireworks display made its appearance. There was no doubt that it was
the Fourth of July, all day long - "previews" of the main display were
available for many to see and - all to hear. Then at 9 o'clock (dark)
the whole camp met at the baseball field for the main display.
Mr. Harry Newman, Intermediate Head Counselor, and well known wit and
dance instructor, was the Master of Ceremonies for the occasion. With
bull-horn in hand, to make sure everyone heard him in camp and environs,
Harry introduced each firework as it went off. After everyone had
assembled at the baseball diamond, campers went out on the infield with
their counselor, one unit at a time, and set off their fireworks. Most
of the fireworks were of the cherry bomb type, (the type that go boom!)
However, there were some Roman candles, flares, aerial bombs, and about a
1/2 dozen sky rockets. There were also some nice "helicopters" as well
as some spectacular fountains. The Fourth of July is always an exciting
day, and our fireworks display was a good way to end the evening.
Larry Mond
Cliff Hangers Take On The Rocks
The Senior Division may soon take on the name "The Cliff Hangers" - a
name that is well deserved, as last Wednesday, the division took a trip
to Wyalusing Rocks for a trail hike. The trail was little more than an
eroded gully running down a steep slop near the rock cliffs.
The cliffs of Wyalusing Rocks are formed from shale cut by the
Susquehanna River, and provide a lookout point more than 1100 feet high.
Fossils are often found in sedimentary rock and the Seniors were
alerted to the possibility of discovering traces of tiny animals and
plants. Mike Weed was luckiest, finding a nearly perfectly fossilized
leaf.
Camper Tom Hooper found an arrowhead which was thought by some members of the group to be a relic of the Ichigumi civilization.
The Seniors made record time in climbing down and back in one hour and
fifteen minutes. Counselor Bill DuCharme's time was about ten to fifteen
minutes behind that of the group, but he finished in fine form.
After the hike, campers and counselors alike joined in a dip in the cool
waters of nearby Leisure Lakes and enjoyed a succulent repast of Chiens
Chauds (a la Susquehanna) broiled to a burn on the outdoor grill by
Ensign Charles Krupnick.
Campers participating in the venture were Bob Durland, Tom Grimac, Tom
Hooper, Rolf Olsen, Mike Weed, and Billy West. Bill DuCharme, Charlie
Krupnick and Jack Narvel led the group.
Juniors Baseball Game Becomes Aquatic Exercise
Baseball is the favorite game of the Junior Campers, but on hot, muggy
days even baseball can be unbearable, The Juniors are a hearty lot, but
had to be coaxed into playing by promises of a mystery prize to the
winning team, and a special surprise to the losing team.
Complaining and hissing, the Juniors trudged onto the Junior Clearing
and took their places. The game dragged on, kept going only by the hope
of winning the mysterious prize.
After 4 innings, the game was called and the winning team officially
recognized. The winners were called off into the lavatory and the losers
lined up, with their backs to the lavatory in the Junior Clearing. Head
Counselor John Kocsis, took the losers into his confidence.
"Listen", he said, "whether you won or lost I was going to give you the prize. Just be quiet about it."
Bret Wallach turned red with mischievous delight. Chip Acierno and Teddy
McShane exchanged smiles and rubbed their hands together.
"The other guys are getting handfuls of candy," John continued. "Just be
quiet . and do what I tell you. They are going to come up behind you
and give you one candy bar. What I want you to do is turn around when
they come and take all of their candy and run."
Roger Ricklin began to giggle with excitement. Ross McDonald jumped up
and down and clapped his hands. The losing team heard the winners coming
up quietly behind them. The losers smiled vindictively. John raised his
hand and said, "One, two - three...turn."
The losers turned and were greeted with pails of water in the face from
the winners. The Junior Camp suddenly erupted into a massive water fight
that was the hit of the early season.
Jeffrey Marcus tried desperately to carry a huge pail of water to dump
on his counselor, but kept tripping on his way from the faucet, and
spilling the water on himself. Mike Bolhofer stopped the fight
momentarily, by accidentally turning the main water valve, shutting off
all access. The water fight continued for another ten minutes and was
ended voluntarily by twenty one exhausted and drenched Juniors and - not
to mention the staff as well.
John Kocsis
New Horses
Following the death of the horse Champion on Sunday morning, June 30th,
due to a heart attack, two new horses were added to the Susquehanna herd
in this past week. They have been named "Gentleman Joe" and Morning
Squire". Gentleman Joe is a paint (brown and white) and is 15 hands in
size. Morning Squire, a jumper, stands 15.3 hands and is a chestnut.
The blacksmith is scheduled to shoe them, and they will then take their
place in the active Susquehanna herd, joining our thoroughbred "Tribal
Prince" and a jumper named "Traveler" and a palomino called "McGregor" -
all of which have been new purchases this season, and which already are
well liked by campers and the riding staff.
Photography
The newly organized photography lab starting its first season at camp,
got off to a slow start with only two campers enrolled in this activity
period, but by the end of the first week, Instructor Jack Narvel, could
boast of a nearly doubled enrollment with hangers-on becoming to
numerous to even mention.
In their first week, the campers took pictures with pinhole cameras made
from old shoeboxes, and with varying degrees of success. They also
learned the rudiments of developing film, and making finished prints
from their negatives.
An exhibit of some of the suggestions made by the boys, who were given a
negative and asked to see just how many different pictures could be mad
from it, is currently posted on the Bulletin Board at the side of the
Program Office.
Campers participating in the photography activity are: John Eisenberg, Jon Marcus, and Robbie Stevens.
Jack Narvel
Program Highlights
Week of July 7 - 14
Saturday, July 6th:
Variety show at stage
Sunday, July 7th:
Seniors and C.T.'s overnight horseback trip
Monday, July 8th:
Juniors - Intermediates baseball game
Tuesday, July 9th:
Baseball game with visiting team from Camp Susquehannock
Wednesday, July 10th:
Intermediates - evening ride
Thursday, July 11th:
Juniors - Haunted House trip
Friday, July 12th:
Campfire
Saturday, July 13th:
Stage show
Special Mention:
Sunday, July 14th: Horsemen to take trip to Gladstone, New Jersey to watch the try-outs for the U.S. Olympic Team (USET)
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 19, 20, and 21st, Three day trips for all campers, canoe trip, horseback trip and foot hikes.
Intermediate Tribe
On Saturday, July 6th, two new members were initiated into the
Intermediate Tribe. Adam Owett, and Chip Cooper joined old members, Mark
Bergman and Peter Kahn in the Tribe. The Tribe is responsible for
all the Intermediate campfires, and will be leading the project of
getting the Intermediate Council Ring back in shape. They will be
helping with the cooking on the Intermediate three-day hike, and doing a
number of Intermediate Camp projects. In return, the boys are given a
number of special privileges and treats, such as occasional trips into
town for treats.
We would like to wish all members of the Intermediate Tribe the best of luck this season.
From the Editor's Pen
Along about this time of the year we like to print a few words, composed
our self, to bring you various news items which can't be expressed
otherwise, and - also, keep our competition (the daily news issued in
the Junior Camp) from growing too strong in circulation.
First, as usual, a public apology for misspelled names, and sundry other
unintentional errors in past issues - and forgiveness for those that
will occur in future issues. We just don't claim to be perfect or
superior - just normal.
We've had some interesting mail lately - which we want to share with
you, and some old-time campers and staff have visited, including Mike
Knapp, Don Snyder, Alan Tripp, Roger Carpenter, Erik Miller, Rick Bell,
Joe Fili, and Gary Pardun - Good to see you all. Then just recently,
Ernie Marquart, the former Trip Counselor and more affectionately known
as 'Cousin Ern' wrote from Rome and a portion of this letter is printed
in this issue of the Lookout.
We have had some new additions in the camp office - such as 4 baby
rabbits, who were left orphans when the hay was mowed. They are being
bottle fed by our Gal Friday, Marilyn Lichtenstein, and various helpful
campers and staff. Unfortunately, 2 have failed to survive, but the
remaining two seem as though they will make the grade - and offers are
being made for future permanent homes.
We'd like to share our experience of yesterday, when Harry Newman, a
phone in each hand, made the arrangements with the director of the
girls' camp, Camp Bryn Mawr and with Mr. Schroder, for a dance here at
Susquehanna for Monday, July 15th. We, and other spectators in the
office at the time of the call were left hysterical - and can't remember
the exact words, but funny - funny - funny. This call was preceded by a
two minute chat which Harry had with the long distance operator -
during which he checked on the weather in Scranton, her health, and the
current news headlines - not that this was anything special - he does
that on all calls, but certainly does break up the monotony of one's day
- Harry being just a garrulous person.
We'd also like to welcome some new arrivals Brian McIntyre, returning
for his second summer, and arriving in the Junior Camp on Saturday, July
6th. Also, David and Enrique Nevett of Caracas, Venezuela, and
scheduled to arrive in the Intermediate Camp on Sunday, July 7th. David
and Enrique are coming for their first season.
Well, there is much more we could say, and undoubtedly much that we
should say, but there will be other times for that. It is difficult to
realize that the days have sped by so fast that already the first week
of camp has passed - one fourth of the First Half - so, enjoy the rest
of the season everybody, I'm going to do so.
The Editor
Wednesday With The Intermediates
On Wednesday, July 3rd, the campers and staff of the Intermediate Camp
spread out in a number of areas to take advantage of the Wednesday
supper cook-out. The boys staff of Intermediate Units #1 and #5 took a
foot hike down the nearby Highland Road, with their destination being
the picturesque waterfalls located near the town of New Milford They
then walked back to the camp Farm #2, where they camped out for the
night. They hiked about 3 or 4 miles each way, and were happy to get to
their campsite. They cooked their supper, told stories around the
campfire and sang some songs before turning in for the night.
Intermediates #4 and #8 went on a hike to New Milford, and when they
returned to camp, they cooked out in back of Intermediate #8. Everyone
enjoyed the hike, as they had a chance to stop at some of the New
Milford stores, and to walk around the town.
Intermediate Units #3 and #7 went on a hike, and returned to camp and to
the waterfront, where they camped out for the night. At the waterfront,
they caught some fish and had first hand experience of cooking and
eating their lucky catches.
Editor's Note
To campers and staff of the 1967 season, no introduction is necessary to
Mr. Ernie Marquart. To those who do not know him, he was Trip Counselor
at camp for several years, also Head Counselor of the Intermediate
Camp, Indian Lore Counselor and camper - if one goes back far enough in
the annals of Camp Susquehanna.
He has been associated with camp so much, he stopped counting the
seasons, He is now a student at North American College in the Vatican,
studying for the priesthood. It is obvious, even in Rome, he has not
lost his interest in youth.
Horsemen Overnight
On Wednesday afternoon, the honor of the first overnight horseback trip
went o the horsemen group. After breaking down into the usual trail
riding groups, the boys and riding staff made a long ride which took
them into New Milford, and brought them back to Farm #2. Four people set
up tents, and the rest of the group slept in the barn.
That night we were awakened by someone throwing rocks at the roof of the
barn. We all got into the back of the camp truck, except for Tony
Cavallo who got on the roof, and T.C. Todhunter, who got on the side,
and then fell off on a bank.
We found that the invaders were Paul Davis, so we took his car keys and
hid the car. Somehow he found the car which was in a hay field, and got
it out.
The next morning we had an egg battle then returned to camp after a tiring night.
Saturday's Variety Show
Dramatics Counselor Bill DuCharme announced his program for Saturday
night, at the Susquehanna Theater. With Rodney Miller on fiddle, and
Randy Miller, Paul Davis, and Larry Mond on guitars - the group will
present some county music. John Kocsis will also appear as Baha the
Magnificent and astound the audience with his impressive mind reading
act. Robbie Stevens will perform some of his magic tricks which delight
everyone. Tony Covallo and Bill West will play a guitar duet. The Junior
Camp will perform as a group - singing some folk songs. Harry Newman
will introduce and lead an audience participation game. And the
highlight of the program will be the Intermediate Cabin #5 presenting a
skit in which they give impressions of the staff.
From Our Representative in Rome
Dear Ken, Joy, Bob, e tutti miei amici
I guess you season is just about to start and I feel like mine is over.
We just finished our exams after about two months of preparation during
which time we hardly did anything else. Even with all this, I just got
by. The quantity and depth of material which they expect you to know is
phenomenal.
Yesterday we moved into our villa at Castel Gondalfo which is much
cooler than the city. We also have a swimming pool here, some tennis
courts and a beautiful view of the countryside. Three or four days of
this and I'll be climbing the walls, so I'm going to Perugia which is
also in the mountains to study Italian for the month of July. After
that, a friend and I will rent a small Fiat and tour through northern
Italy and perhaps also take in Salzburg, Austria, as well as seeing
Venice, the Dolomites, Pisa and many other small towns and back places.
After the travels, I'm returning here to the villa to take part in an
ecumenical program with some Protestant theologians who are coming to
stay at the villa and who will do some traveling and study of Christian
archeology. That should all prove interesting.
To say that I will miss camp is an understatement. In fact, I think the
hardest thing for me to take while I have been here is the fullness of
the separation I felt from my friends, so many of whom are camp
associates. But in addition, I think I will miss the sounds and the
smells and the sights as well as the people and the work, and I am
amazed myself how much Susquehanna has become a part of my life. At any
rate, I look forward to the day when I can at least visit and see you
all again - season 1971.
In April I took a trip with Troop 235, Rome, Italy, of the Boys Scouts
of America. These kids were really typical except for their wide travels
and varied backgrounds, with their parents in either the military,
foreign service, or connected with the FAO of the United Nations.
Actually, it was great to hear American teenage slang again and listen
to jokes told by American kids as only they can tell them. It was also
great to eat American style foods again, such as hamburgers, fried eggs
and pancakes - no matter how they were cooked. We were camped about 15
kilometers north of Rome in a strictly farming area, over the hills and a
the dirt roads. The quality of land was poor and is used only for
grazing. There are only a few things here to remind one that he was in
Italy and not in the U.S. One of these was the lizards. They are 6 to 8
inches long, and are all over. They would correspond to our red newts in
Pennsylvania, or the chipmunks at camp. As you walk through a filed,
they just run out of your way and they run very fast. They get into the
tents and everywhere.
Last Tuesday, I bought a pair of outside roller skates and did some
skating on our old seldom used basketball court, which is just ideal for
that purpose. So far only one other student has joined me. The kids at
the hospital sort of get a kick out of the fat little man skating around
in the court which is just next door to them. One visitor at the
hospital (about 8 years old) asked me what grade I was in. I said primo
anno, and I thought he would die. I guess I said I was in first grade.
In addition to all this, we got the chance to try some new restaurants
in Rome, visit the Villa Borghese, sort of like Central Park, and just
relax and take it easy.
I'd like to write to each of my friends at camp, but I just don't have
the time, and hope that this will let them know I think of them. Pleas
do say hello for me in the meanwhile. Best wishes to you all, and God
Bless.
Ernie Marquart