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Fall 2007
To Mowglis Campers and Counselors,
Have you ever imagined what it
might be like to reach one hundred years of age? Would you anticipate
being a little creaky, a little less energetic? Well, Mowglis is
about to reach one hundred and five, and on the basis of numerous
factors, including, most importantly, all that you accomplished and
contributed this past summer, it is anything but creaky. Contemplate,
for example: This year's enrollment reflected a 95% rate of return
and Ford Hall was home to twelve terrific Cubs. Moreover, I can't
recall a season when boys demonstrated a higher level of enthusiasm
for learning, for fun, for friendships and for adventure, and I can't
recall a season when the staff strived any harder to help boys realize
their goals. Thanks to you, Mowglis abounds with spirit and energy!
It is a joy to communicate
personally with many of you in the off-season. Just this morning, Mr.
Greenwell called from Maryland to ask how he could be helpful.
Already he is making AMC Hut reservations for next years' Squads, and
for the younger boys at Belle Island. And just the other day, I had
dinner with Mr. Walbridge, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Standish. It was very
gratifying to hear the extent to which Mr. Standish keeps in touch
with his Mowglis friends, and it was fun to reminisce about those
qualities and moments which made 2007 unique. Who will forget Mr.
Nieto's superb leadership as Watermaster, Mr. Coons' generous heart
and his devotion to Toomai and to Sailing, Miss Mitzi's contribution
to the Crafts Shop, Mr. Kingsley's renowned Bugling department with
its occasionally jazz-flavored calls played by Mr. Gulitti, Mr.
Medina-Mora dancing on stage, the 'Indian Sweat Lodge' organized by
the Messrs. Jiminez and Sunyer and the Junior Staff, the spellbinding
Red Crew sprint and ultimate Blue victory at the races, Addison
Bennett earning his Experts, Brian Fox's determination to swim a
Double Full Waingunga, Alex Hall's tennis ability, Lowell Nickey's
perpetually positive attitude and Foster Conklin's remarkable speech
on Mrs. Holt's Day, to name just a few! And there are the tangible
reminders, too. The Library has a wonderful new collection, Chris
Solis' winning Candleboat (his second in two years, a Mowglis first?)
sits proudly in the Dining Room, the impressive amount of wood split
by Orange Ribbon for next year's Campfires, and nineteen various balls
which I have so far retrieved from the Toomai brook!
Mowglis is always beautiful, but
with winter on the horizon the camp appears very differently now than
most of you know it. The docks and rafts are covered on shore, the
boats are stored in Waingunga, Kaa, Gray Brothers and the Shop, and
the buildings are all buttoned up. Again feeling safe and secure,
wild turkeys have returned to the Lower Ballfield, deer are munching
on the shrubs around the Jungle House, and I have observed one moose
meandering about in front of the Woodshed. From Headquarters as I
watch the needles fall rapidly from the Colonel's Pine, the view of
Bear Mountain becomes all the more accessible. And to the west of the
Upper Tennis Court, a substantial fallen oak has enabled a panorama of
the lake.
Even at this time of year, weather permitting, I enjoy writing notes
and letters out-of-doors. This afternoon is one of those "classic
days" at the Waterfront. It is particularly still and quiet, however,
and I find myself wondering what was especially happy or meaningful
this summer for each of you, and how you are doing now at home and in
school. If you have a moment, please email me a few words via
Director@Mowglis.org.
In closing, I received a very
nice letter from alumnus Lockwood Merriman this week, referencing
himself as a lively Pantherite in 1927, sharing what Mowglis means to
him, and expressing his interest in you. "Lock" has been involved
with camp for eighty years! Every one of you, too, one way or
another, can maintain a lifelong association with Mowglis if you
choose to. It is that kind of place, and I hope you will.
Good Hunting!
Bob Bengtson (Den '69), Director
K. Robert Bengtson (’69) |
