Elizabeth Ford Holt

Poem

Mrs. Holt wrote the poem, “There’s a Trail that Thou Must Follow,” which became our first song, followed by “The Graduates’ Hymn.” 1903 is also the first ‘Sports Day’ and the first recognition of camper achievement in the ‘General Excellence Boy’.

The Lair/Kipling

Three junior staff – Alcott and Bruce Elwell and Louis Grandgent – liveed in Khaki Tent, the site of the modern-day Panther, named after Bagheera. From the tent platform, Alcott Elwell (later Colonel Elwell) was able to touch the top of an abutting 12’ Pine. This would become the iconic ‘Colonel’s Pine.’ The Lair, also […]

General Excellence Award

Horse Drawn Wagon

This was a time of building. The center of the old Sugar House was renovated with windows, doors and a floor, initiating what would become the Den, named for the home of the Pack in the Jungle Book. An outdoor Dining Room was built on the west side of the Jungle House. With few trees, […]

The Boys

Our first season had an enrollment of 10 Campers. There was a great deal of interaction amongst Mowglis, Redcroft and Pasquaney, including beating Pasquaney our first summer in Baseball! The activities during Mowglis’ early years were largely sports, hiking, fishing, and swimming. The first summer included a crew race using boats that resembled large rowboats […]

The Kipling Connection

Mrs. Holt received permission from Rudyard Kipling (who had lived in Vermont) to use the Jungle Book theme and names of characters to define the camp’s identity. It was, however, more than a theme, it was the spirit and the philosophy that permeated the activities and culture of Mowglis. Kipling suggested the use of the […]