It’s difficult to capture in a few paragraphs all the blessings we’ve received from our time at Camp Merrie-Woode and our wonderful final summer under the watchful eye of Old Bald. Our time on Lake Fairfield started 24 years ago, with Denice serving as the Program and Development Director, followed by 20 years as the Executive Directors. We watched our two sons grow up and be inspired by strong, confident, and accomplished Merrie-Woode girls. They found some of the outdoor adventure activities they enjoy by emulating these role models and eventually married women who reflect those same virtues and qualities. We officially had two sons, and now two and soon to be three grandsons, but thousands of daughters. While we were only summer parents, we felt the same pride as we watched their camp accomplishments, graduations, weddings, and births as if they were members of our own family.
While being an ideal place to raise a family, Merrie-Woode was also heaven for our camp dogs. We saw Sophie, Gracie, Max, and Millie mix with the campers and become mainstays in the CMW community. They were good companions with unique protective instincts and an ability to seek out the homesick camper to provide comfort and support. When our retirement was announced, it was clear that our dogs were held in the highest esteem. The theme and comments of many young campers went something like this, “Oh yeah…good luck with your retirement. You’re not taking Millie, are you?”
We have had so many beautiful summers and memories, but the campers, staff, and overall summer of 2022 will provide exceptionally fond memories for us. On the heels of not being able to host camp in 2020, and the challenges presented by COVID-19 over the last three years, it was wonderful to get back to a semblance of normalcy. The campers and staff thrived, and nobody wanted it to end. We were no different. We loved every minute of it and were honored to carry out the torch after Closing Campfire. Through the spring Farewell parties, the incredible Retirement Banquet, and everyone going out of their way to make us feel loved and appreciated this summer – we couldn’t have asked for a better final year.
Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland.
In the last month of our tenure, it was only fitting that we travel to Scotland for a spectacular and memorable Merrie-Woode wedding, and we finished our trip with a visit to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. This grand mountain face looks down over the Scottish Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s residence. King Arthur and the legend woven through Merrie-Woods’s tapestry will forever be a part of us. After all these years, we’ve grown to realize the magic of Merrie-Woode doesn’t necessarily come from the activities or the beautiful setting but rather the campers, counselors, those we’ve worked with, alumnae, and the terrific Merrie-Woode Boards and Board Chairs we served under. The people and relationships are what we’ll miss the most.
We are grateful to be members of the strong Merrie-Woode family. Jim sang a Carol Burnett song at each Closing Campfire, and we think about the words once more, “We’re so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long.”
Chug-A-Wump and all our love,
Denice and Jim
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