Forty One Years and Still Counting

It seems like yesterday that my new bride Stefanie and I first came to Sewataro. It was the summer of 1971 and we were looking for a camp job. We both taught at Hopedale High School and Stefanie suggested that I check the Yellow Pages for a camp in the area. Thus began our love affair with Camp Sewataro.

When we met with Alba, we were amazed with the camp grounds. It was plain to see that Alba really cared about the camp and the people who worked there.

We inquired as to what positions were available. To our delight fishing and tennis had yet to be filled. Stefanie had some tennis experience and Alba made it clear that her prime interest was for the campers to have fun first and skills second.

Fishing was an activity I learned as a child as my dad was an avid fisherman. At camp, Fishing had been taught with a Huck Fin approach, using bamboo poles and string. For some reason the campers never caught a fish. I had a lot of work to do.

Stefanie worked for three summers until our first child Josh was born and three years later our daughter Emily. I had a fabulous opportunity to watch my children evolve into wonderful and giving people thanks to the skills and positive role models that Sewataro instilled in them.

Fishing has become a very popular activity at camp. In the summer, I become “Dan Dan the Fisherman”, a name that I am very proud of. It is difficult to put into words the joy and wonder on a child’s face the first time they catch a fish. You just know that this moment in time will be etched and never forgotten and I feel blessed to be a part of this.

I now have two grandchildren, Jacob and Lindsey. The happiest day in my life will be when they attend Camp Sewataro. A second generation of my family will enter their adult lives with all the skills needed to lead happy and productive lives.

Although Alba is no longer with us, she lives on in the hearts and minds of thousands who will always remember Camp Sewataro as being a special place that they will never forget.

Posted By: Dan Dan the Fisherman

Bio: Dan and Stefanie are retired teachers living in Framingham. Their days are occupied by caring for their grandchildren so that their children can continue their careers, Emily, a child psychologist and Josh, owner of Pioneer Real Estate Appraisers. Dan continues at Sewataro as “Dan Dan the Fisherman”.

Work?

The whole concept of “camp” is inextricably related with the season of summer for two extremely practical reasons.

1. You need excellent weather in order to play outside all day.

2. You need an extended mandatory vacation from all things “work-related”.

This extended mandatory vacation only exists in the form of summer vacation from school. As a child, I can remember the lure of the outdoors and of uninterrupted play as a constant desire that could only be adequately quenched during those still too short summer months. I may have exaggerated some details in my own mind, but I remember the entire student body at my 1-5 elementary school staging a sit-out protest when we learned the school was going to be eliminating “morning recess” from the schedule. That same innate desire to play made me cherish my own varied experiences at a great range of day camps, overnight camps, and sports camps throughout my childhood.

The first summer I began to work at Sewataro as an 18 year old after my freshman year of college, I came to a rather incredible realization. I was getting up at 6:30 in the morning (no rare feat for a college student), putting all of my energy and focus into my job the entire day through, and yet I didn’t feel like I was “working” at all. Quite literally, I was being paid to have fun and make sure others had fun as well. At first, I felt guilty. What if someone found out? I was young sure, but I knew you weren’t supposed to actually enjoy work, right? But the longer I worked there, the more I realized that this was a place where the entire mandate is to spread joy. From the owners to the staff supervisors to the staff themselves, Sewataro is truly a community of people working together to bring joy to the lives of children in a safe and accepting way. It may sound hokey to say it like that, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

And the longer I worked/played at Sewataro, the more I realized that I didn’t have to settle for slogging my way through a “job” for the rest of my life. The experiences I had at Sewataro (along with the people I met) inspired me to build my career around finding work opportunities that did not feel like work at all. Sewataro is a big part of the reason why I am now a teacher and a coach as well as a counselor. I had no idea as an 18 year old that one summer job would turn into three rewarding careers, but I soon came to find out that a summer at Sewataro can have life-changing effects for both campers and staff.

Posted By: Ben

Bio: I grew up in nearby Wayland, MA before going on to earn degrees from Boston College and Tufts University in English and Secondary Education respectively. I have worked for Camp Sewataro since the summer of 2003 as a General Counselor, Extra, and Section Supervisor. During the school year I teach English and coach the Boys JV Basketball team at Framingham High School.

Letter from a Camper...

Dear Taylors,

I have been coming to this camp since I was a little girl and I truly have loved every second of it. Between running around at activities and making lifelong friends, I have come to learn more about who I am as a person. It has allowed me to gain a stronger confidence in myself. My English teacher asked my class to think back to our best summer experience and all I could think about were the warm days of camp. I have been attending this camp for about eight years and it definitely defined my summers. I probably started Sewataro when I was about five and now I am turning fourteen, so I cannot genuinely remember a summer without this camp. This camp meant so much to me and those years I attended were so precious and memorable.

Entering into this camp family, I wasn't always sure of myself, but now leaving I feel that I have learned a great deal about who I am and this camp has taught me so many lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am going to miss all the laughs we once shared, the feeling of them all having my back if I fall, and most importantly I'm going to miss the way they made me feel. This camp family will forever be my summer sunshine.

I am currently a student preparing for high school. With the school year almost ending, I cannot imagine that this summer, I will not be a part of Sewataro. I will miss it very much, but an opportunity came up for me to become a Counselor in Training at another well-known day camp. My thoughts are that after completing the Counselor in Training Program I will have the chance to return as a counselor to my beloved Sewataro.

Christina

Staff Selection

One of the features of camp that always impressed me was the quality of people who worked there. After a few years of working at Sewataro, I was attending Oberlin College. For a Winter Term Project, I thought I’d help out interviewing staff for summer camp. Alba kindly obliged my request.

Over the course of one week or so, many candidates came to camp to interview. Alba interviewed them all, with Bill and the Taylors weighing in. I contributed my two cents worth. It was an interesting experience and I do remember one candidate. She said she had attended Camp Sewataro. I asked her what she remembered about camp. She remembered that it was a lot of fun in general but specifically all she remembered was a goofy guy in a green hat leading songs.

Alba was very perceptive in interviewing people. I was always amazed at how she could remember so many names and faces of staff members. During staff orientation she made a point of saying how good the staff was. This would shore up the confidence of leery newbies who would soon be swallowed up by a sea of campers, many who already “knew the ropes”. She said, “I know you’re all good because I hired you.”

Alba and I had different recollections of my camp interview. My basketball coach had worked at Sewataro and recommended me. Alba said I was very quiet in the interview and didn’t display any enthusiasm. It was late in the hiring process and there weren’t really any openings. My coach assured her I was good with kids and emphasized she’d be missing the boat if she didn’t hire me. So Alba reluctantly hired me as “Campcraft Assistant”. (This position was later known affectionately as “s’more boy” or “s’more girl”)

Part of my job as Campcraft Assistant was to build the fire for the Girls’ Overnight. I didn’t have to stay to work the event, so I built the fire, lit it, and then asked permission to sing one song before I left. I sang “Flea Fly” and the camp went ballistic! The next day I was asked to help lead the singing for Closing Exercises. This songleading continued for 24 more summers. The goofy guy with the green hat who sang songs was off and running.

Posted By: The Rogue

Bio: The Rogue worked 25 summers at Camp Sewataro where he taught Campcraft, Adventure, Imagineering, Magic and Juggling, and led singing. He currently lives in Wisconsin with his wife Karin, a Philosophy Professor, and his son, William. He is a member of the Order of Merlin of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

SURVEYS INSPIRE INNOVATIONS: New Challenge Course, Canoeing on Concord River, Overnight Field Trip, Tree House Play Area, Reduced Bus Fees

“My boys had an amazing summer—best ever…they loved some of the new activities and the old standby’s they enjoy.”

“I like the way they encourage the kids to go out of their comfort zone, but don’t push them. It’s just the right amount of encouragement.”

“Our son loves the camp. This is his 6^th year. He was very happy that Sewataro has added new activities such as the rock climbing wall and music studio.”

“Sewataro has all of the best qualities that a camp could hope to offer any family. I only wish that they had a camp for the parents.”

We have carefully read and digested the satisfaction surveys you filled out last summer, and—as gratifying as your overwhelmingly enthusiastic comments were to read—we also heard suggestions that will help us make camp even better.

One suggestion was for us to find new adventures to challenge our middle and older campers. A low ropes course was mentioned by more than one survey respondent, and that will happen this summer in a big way. Project Adventure has been engaged to construct a course that has seven different stations, and they will begin putting it together as soon we get a favorable stretch of weather. When we get closer to camp time, they will give a hands-on tutorial to our staff in its maximum use.

Another idea mentioned in the surveys was that of going off grounds for field trips. So, this summer, for the first time since the 1970’s, we are taking middle and upper campers on canoe trips on the Concord River. Henry David Thoreau would be proud. And as a special treat for our two oldest tribes, there will even be an overnight field trip to a north woods destination, yet to be finalized.

And we haven’t forgotten about our youngest campers. A major innovation is the creation of a new play area for them, something that might spur their imaginations as they move about it. Tree houses have always had a certain appeal, so Mark thought he might build it around an old tree. He’s already made sketches of it and will soon begin construction. We’ll keep you updated with pictures on the website.

There were other things we learned from the surveys as well, about transportation costs, about swimming, about the activities, etc., and we have done some tweaking to make all of these better. In the case of the bus transportation, by taking on some of the administrative costs ourselves, we have significantly reduced the price with no change in carrier or service.

The most gratifying thing about the surveys, of course, was your recognition that, in the spirit of our dear Alba Taylor, we are absolutely committed to keeping Sewataro at the very top of the day camp ladder.

Posted By: Rockashaw Bill

Bio: I was born and raised in New Orleans, went to Jesuit High School and Spring Hill College, then got a Ph.D. in English at Brandeis. I taught English for 25 years at Southeastern La. Un. in Hammond, La., until I retired in 2004 to take care of my wife, Alba Taylor, and assist with Camp Sewataro. I've written books about contemporary authors Peter Matthiessen and JamesSalter, and published articles about modern and contemporary fiction.

Nick the Bus Driver

Each day, after closing exercises, my campers walk as fast as they can to Bus 11 to tell Nick about their day. It is a race to see who will be able to tell Nick first how big the fish was that they caught earlier in the day, or show him their new game board they made in art. At the end of every year, parents and kids ask if Nick will be the bus driver again next year. It’s an important question, since Nick is a very special bus driver.

Nick is the bus driver of bus 11, (formerly bus 16) which is the Wayland and Natick bus. Nick is a magical bus driver, he is almost the equivalent to Mrs. Frizzle in “The Magic School Bus.” He has many talents, and is always entertaining the entire bus with his stories and singing as he drives us to and from camp every day. Having Nick as my bus driver is a blessing. Nick has many special talents, and among them is his song- writing (and singing ability). Each session, Nick has a new song for us to sing, and perform during closing activities. Not only are these songs creative, but they are funny and they all relate to camp. One of my favorites, is the

“Yankee Doodle Camper”:
(to “Yankee Doodle”)

“I’m a Yankee doodle camper, Sewataro is the place.

I can catch a fish and then I throw it back, and then have a three legged race.

All the counselors are the best here, they teach us a lot of things...”

In addition to writing these amazing songs, Nick helps us discover how to perform them, and teaches the kids signals to do during the song to make it even more exciting. For example, the kids actually acted out a three legged race in the song, and then all crashed together, and got up to keep singing the rest of the song. It was fun for the kids to do this, as well as the rest of the camp to see it.

It is special enough that Nick takes time to write out these songs for the kids (which they love every time). But in addition to this, he prints out a version, and makes a CD for each child. On the way to and from camp, he sings with us (time after time). This is a great addition, because while I may be an enthusiastic counselor, singing is definitely NOT my strong suit.

When it comes time for us to perform these magical songs, we always find a time Nick can be there. Nick introduces us, and sings with us. The pride he has of these kids singing is so evident in his smile. Nick treats these campers as he would his own children. He keeps them laughing, smiling, singing and most of all, safe.

Posted by: Hannah

Bio: Hannah is in her fourth year (out of five) at Northeastern University studying psychology, early childhood and elementary education. This will be her fifth year as a Swim Instructor at Sewataro.

A 3rd Generation Camp Sewataro Family

A long, long time ago my oldest son Patrick made a new friend. He was his classmate at Rose Hawthorne, a Catholic school in Concord. His friend’s name was Mark Taylor, who lived in Sudbury, MA. Patrick loved to be invited to Mark’s home to play. He would tell me all about the woods, the hills, the trees, and the pure beauty of the pond and the sky above it all.

One day, at a camp event, an Indian program was held at the pond area. By now, I had met Alba, who was Mark’s mother. She shocked me by asking me if I would consider becoming the camp nurse that summer. I was an R.N., a graduate of Mass General Hospital School of Nursing, and I always loved children, and I still do. To make a long story shorter, for the next fifteen years I was a camp nurse and loved every minute of my summers at Camp Sewataro.

To make it even more special, my five children were fortunate to attend camp with me. Patrick, Kevin, Monica, Julia, and Kasey were all campers. For me to be able to work at a day camp was so special because I truly believe that God led me to such a special place. It was so perfect for all of us.

My children realized how blessed they were to attend camp and looked forward to camp each summer. I hated to give up the camp position, but my full-time position as an occupational health nurse required I leave camp. By now, my children had grown and were fortunate to become camp counselors.

It wasn’t Kevin’s desire to become a counselor, as he loved working with Papa Secatore. He learned many skills from him. The rest of my children continued to work at camp throughout their college years. Monica came back to camp after many years in the working world. In turn, her three sons have gone through camp as campers. My grandsons now are all in college and continue at camp as counselors.

I deeply admired Alba. She had all the decisions on camp programs made with the intention of creating a happy environment for children. Children’s happiness was always at the forefront of her goals for the camp. Her own children, Mark, Chris, and Rob, all were leaders in camp. They assisted in the development of Camp Sewataro as it became a beloved summer day camp.

I miss Alba for many reasons. Look how she took care of my family by hiring all of us for so many years. Even as it was sad to see her aging. she did it in great style. I will never forget her and my love for her will never diminish. Her husband Bill was there for her and all of us. He took great care of her in her long illness. My children and grandchildren have been blessed by having known Alba. None of us can ever forget her.

Sincerely written with great love for Alba and Camp Sewataro

Bio: Kathleen Dee Horgan was born and raised in Concord, MA. Her father, Major Michael J. Dee, was the superintendent of the Concord Reformatory. She and her husband Bill had six children. Kathleen was a pioneer in the field of Occupational Health Nursing, managing a health clinic for many years at NMI in Concord. For fifteen summers, Kathleen was the camp nurse at Sewataro. Alba Taylor was her best friend and those Sewataro summers hold a special place in her life.

Ever wonder who made the Harmony peacepipe sign?

I worked 8 years at Sewataro, but it still seems like half my life. My first year I was to teach archery, but somehow I was reassigned one day to teach Indian Lore. With a Navajo chant or two under my belt, I had the kids all beating a community drum (cardboard box) and belting out the chants like pros as Alba happened upon the scene in her silent golf cart. I saw her beam with pleasure. The next day I came to camp and found the yellow sticky note reading: Melinda, See me. Alba. Oh no, had there been a complaint?! Alba asked if I would do “fishing” that day. Then Campcraft, Arts & Crafts, Nature, Canoeing, and on. For me, it was a summer of confidence–building. In the following years I taught Campcraft with Roger (Rogue) - back when he was too young to be the Senior Counselor.

Alba hired me to illustrate the newsletters, to paint the tribe signs, swimming tree numbers, and a sign for every activity at camp. I felt important. The Taylor family treated me like I was (and still am) family. When I took a sign carving class, I designed and carved my first sign for Camp Sewataro. Thirty years later, it is still prominently displayed.

About 30 years ago, I got married, moved to Maryland. I spent two years preparing signs and exhibits for a park system, then 15 years as a naturalist and administrator of a large environmental education facility, and now I am simply working as an artist in every media I choose. I know Sewataro and Alba’s undying confidence in me has made me the person I am today.

Posted By: Melinda

Bio: Melinda Byrd is currently self-employed in her art business, Byrdcall Studio, located just behind her home in Woodbine, Maryland. She is a print-maker, painter, fiber artist, and creative visual problem solver. She lives with her husband and black lab, enjoys hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and home brewing.

Say it Loud, Say it Proud

I am a card-carrying member of Sewataro Nation. This camp has had a very profound impact on my family, and for that I am eternally grateful. In September of 2004, my dear friend Robin Jones called me to say, "Today is the day! You HAVE to get your application up to Sewataro right now -- it's first come, first served, and I heard people are already lined up..." Although I didn't want my then-kindergartner to miss out on a what I (being relatively new to Sudbury) had heard was THE camp to end all camps, I had a bit of a dilemma in that my then-infant son was taking his morning nap. (Don't know about you, but when my kids were babies, nap time meant ME TIME, and nothing short of a natural disaster came between me and Me Time. But I digress...) I told Robin I couldn't make it to camp until later in the day, and that I would just have to take my chances that 8-week spots would still be available. Bless her tenacious heart, she told me to get my application ready, and before I knew it, she had picked it up and dropped it off, (along with her own son's application), on my behalf. To this day, I still thank Robin every June for getting us into Camp Sewataro. It's now almost seven years later, and with the exception of my husband and the two frogs we somehow acquired, the whole family goes to camp...and we love it!

Nowadays there are many terrific programs out there, and families have more options than in previous years. My kids have both had experiences in other programs, some they liked all right, some they didn't. For us, nothing compares to Camp Sewataro. It is in a league of its own. So what is it that makes this place so special? Hmmm...since I have only been allotted 3 paragraphs, I'm not sure I can fully answer that question. I'll do my best...

I only have to pull into the driveway to know that I'm in a special place. (Cue John Fitz singing "Inch by Inch": "...Mother Earth will make you strong if you give her love and care...") The grounds are impeccable, and it is quite obvious that every blade of grass, every rock and every shrub is tended to with love and care, compliments of Mark Taylor himself. Equally as beautiful are the smiles that abound from both campers and counselors as they laugh, sing, cheer and chant their way from activity to activity. Warms my heart every time. These counselors really care, and it shows. Many years have passed since that first summer, and my then-kindergartner has somehow become a soon-to-be 7th grader, right before my eyes. Camp Sewataro has been a mainstay in his life all these years, a place he calls home. I believe it is a combination of the counselors, (who in addition to being downright hilarious and fun, have also been excellent role models), the lifelong friendships he has made, (about which I could write an entire blog entry...which gives me an idea...:)), the exciting, diverse activities this camp has to offer, (year after year I think, "How can they top this summer?", and then year after year, they do...), and of course, the daily shenanigans, (like, "Who's Got the Green Gizmo?!"), that ensue each day. There is no doubt much more I could add to the list, but I would say these are the key ingredients that when combined, have created what is in my humble opinion...Magic.

Posted by: Amy

Amy Podolsky lives in Sudbury with her husband Scott and their two boys, Josh and Danny, both of whom are seasoned Sewataro campers. A self-proclaimed "People Person", Amy's professional background is in Television, where she has worked both as a news producer, and as a Researcher for WGBH's Emmy Award winning children's series, "ZOOM". These days she can most often be found cheering and chatting on the sidelines at her kids' baseball and basketball games, joyfully teaching movement (The Nia Technique) to both kids and adults in West Concord, or during the summer, (her favorite time of year), at Camp Sewataro, where she co-directs the "Sewataro Sprouts" preschool program, and is a Young Tribe Head Counselor during the regular camp season.

Alba Day

The Sounds of Sewataro blog has been silent for all too long! Sorry about that. Justification abounds, the main part of which was my wife Alba’s decline and then passing on November 10, 2010. I used to think the word “passing” was a euphemism, but I changed my mind after seeing her last days. The word aptly describes the peaceful transition she made to that which lies beyond. I was grateful that she was home, aware, surrounded by family, and that she was Alba to the end.

Even though Alba had not been active in running the camp for some time, she loved the greetings tribes would give her as she toured the camp from her power wheelchair. Prompted usually by their counselors, except for the Chinook who took the initiative themselves, they would chant, “Helloooo Alllbaaa!” And her smile would widen as she waved back a greeting. With her now gone, naturally there’s a big hole in all our hearts here at Sewataro, but we are committed to continuing her work and her high standards on behalf of children. Her spirit remains. Alba taught us to treat every request with sympathy, to always put our campers first, and to leave no detail to chance. That is our mantra. Please keep the afternoon of May 1^st open and plan to attend our gala “Alba Day” from 2-4 pm. More details to follow, but it will be fun!

In the future, we plan to keep this blog fresh with weekly additions. Besides myself, we have a number of guest bloggers who will bring all sorts of interesting tidbits to you. Stay tuned for a new blog every Wednesday.

Posted by: Rockashaw Bill

Bio: I was born and raised in New Orleans, went to Jesuit High School and Spring Hill College, then got a Ph.D. in English at Brandeis. I taught English for 25 years at Southeastern La. Un. in Hammond, La., until I retired in 2004 to take care of my wife, Alba Taylor, and assist with Camp Sewataro. I've written books about contemporary authors Peter Matthiessen and James Salter, and published articles about modern and contemporary fiction.