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.
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