Camp Winnebago The First One Hundred Years by Anne Marie Gold and Lynn Lilienthal Nomad Press A division of Nomad Communications 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Copyright © 2019 by Camp Winnebago All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. The trademark “Nomad Press” and the Nomad Press logo are trademarks of Nomad Communications, Inc. Camp Winnebago Fayette, ME 04349 (207) 685-4918 www.campwinnebago.com Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 Values ..................................................................................................................... 4 Directors ................................................................................................................ 18 Places .....................................................................................................................34 Staff ....................................................................................................................... 52 A Day in the Life ...................................................................................................70 Echo Lake .............................................................................................................88 Trips ..................................................................................................................... 96 Brown and Green ................................................................................................. 112 Winnebago in the World ...................................................................................... 126 Ties That Bind .....................................................................................................134 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 145 Acknowledgments ................................................................................................ 147 Awards, Poems, Brown and Green History, Songs .............................................. 149 The pine trees stand sentry. From inside Camp’s gates and scattered throughout the grounds, the trees that were planted in Winnebago’s early years guard over Camp. Taller in feet than they are old in years, their thick branches reach out and up to the sky, sheltering ecosystems and providing shade and comfort to those running to and fro far below. The trees have internalized and housed the shouts of joy and exhortations that emanate from around Camp. From the beginning of the fourth quarter of the Patrol Game to the words spoken at the B&G Rock during Rock Dedication, from the notes of “Good Night Winnebago” that float out on the night air from the Lodge each evening to the tears and hugs of goodbye as campers and counselors bid farewell at the end of the summer, knowing that they experienced something unique and profound—all this they capture and hold, steady and true. 1 Camp Winnebago Introduction If the trees could speak to us what would they say? Probably, It is a place of soul and character that embodies so much for so they would begin with stories of the people; the four owners many and, despite the profound impact it has had on thousands who have shepherded Winnebago through the decades; the of campers and staff, it remains reliant on those same people to dedicated staff who watched over their charges with a mix of ensure another year of existence. humor, instruction, and caring; and others who gave their love and life to helping make Camp the place that it is. How fortunate Winnebago is to have survived and thrived for a century when so many other camps have not. There is not one During the course of 100 years, like the trees that maintain single reason for its longevity. Rather, there are many, and in the a steady and strong foundation, Winnebago has held fast to following pages, I hope that you will enjoy reading about many a people-centered and values-oriented philosophy. Through of the characters and reliving many of the events that gave life the generations, we trace a perambulating line that delineates to the first century of Winnebago. Winnebago’s responses to societal changes intended to meet the needs of the campers and staff while maintaining It is with great respect and gratitude that we honor all those the integrity and traditions that make Winnebago a unique who have helped Winnebago arrive at this historic moment. institution. Certainly, Winnebago is a special place, and yet, Thank you for helping to make Winnebago the fun, edifying, and without the people, it is nothing but a collection of shingled life-changing place that it is. wood buildings set into and among the landscape. —UNCLE ANDY, FAYETTE, MAINE Introduction 2 Right: Hand-drawn 1933 map by George Jones, who worked on the maintenance staff 3 Camp Winnebago Values Winnebago alumni agree on the fundamental importance of the rich experiences they had at Camp. Many believe that such foundational moments resulted from Winnebago’s basic values, which have contributed to making them the people they have become. What is it that makes Camp so important in a camper’s life? Values 4 Is it the simplicity of living with no electricity and plumbing in the cabins? Is it the environment that gives campers independence, control over their camp lives, the chance to hone their existing skills while also being pushed with new challenges and to keep practicing to master new skills? The camp community is inclusive and relies on every camper and staff member to be part of its fabric, fostering a spirit of loyalty, brotherhood, and community. Each camper arrives as an individual and is quickly integrated into the program, where he feels a part of the Winnebago family. Throughout Camp Winnebago’s first 100 years, sportsmanship, integrity, and community have been among its most important values. The values on which Winnebago has been based, both enduring and evolving, have impacted campers throughout their lifetimes and helped ensure the impact and success of Winnebago’s first century, while carrying it forth into its second century. For Frederick “Chief” Guggenheimer, the founder and first Director, Camp was Olympian in tone. While “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” was not the camp motto, physical fitness and team competition were emphasized. However, Winnebago always recognized the boy with non- athletic interests, and Guggenheimer frequently called it “the camp that is different.” Chief was an educator, interested in the development of character as well as achievement. Winnebago campers, he said, “would develop to be virile and intellectually alert adult citizens.” Chief was strict and could appear aloof to the younger campers, but his heart and principles were in a caring place. He wanted to develop a community that formed character and valued integrity, while also ensuring fun for the campers. 5 Camp Winnebago When Howard Lilienthal became Camp Director in 1956, after Chief’s death, the values were reflected clearly with his words: “Winnebago is not only for the boy who can, but especially for the boy who will.” Campers were encouraged to show their true efforts, receive praise and encouragement, and be willing to try again . and again. In 1974, Winnebago’s Director changed for the third time upon Howie’s death. As Director, Phil Lilienthal brought to Camp the values of respect for one another and for learning new skills. top: Uncle Phil at He emphasized principles such as social justice and critical Carnival Night thinking. The camp community became more geographically Left: Uncle Leo, Chief, and racially diverse as more campers and counselors were and Uncle Howie at the Council Ring welcomed from around the country and the world. He brought bottom: Uncle women to the staff and made them a more integral part of the Andy greets arriving camp community. campers. Thirty years later, in 2003, Andy Lilienthal became Winnebago’s fourth Director. The notion of Winnebaganism was unpackaged to include the twenty-first-century central values of community, creativity, empathy, integrity, leadership, resilience, and responsibility. The staff embodies these core values and they are present in all of Camp’s activities. These values are instilled during staff training and are echoed throughout Camp as the summer unfolds. From 1920, the values and principles of Camp Winnebago were established and set the standard for the years to come. While these bedrock values and principles have endured, they have also evolved to echo the unique focus and era of each of Camp’s four Directors. Values 6 7 Camp Winnebago 1920 1919 July 1–August 31, first Frederick “Chief” Camp Winnebago season Guggenheimer with 29 campers and eight purchases Smiley “councilors” Farm, future home of Camp Winnebago, 1920 from Mr. Craig The Lodge, Dining Hall, and Chief’s Cottage are built by 1921 Weston Bishop from Casco, Best All Around Maine, with assistance Camper’s Cup, forerunner of from local farmers Chief’s Cup, is started 1922 The trees are so small the campers can jump over them THEMES As enduring and timeless as the values are that frame the camp experience, since 1992, an annual theme has been chosen that reflects and enriches these values. The theme then creates the framework for the entire summer and is integrated into staff training, campfires, programs, and beyond. A unique part of each summer’s theme is