Camp Wah-Nee
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Camp Wah-Nee is a co-ed summer camp for children and teenagers. The camp is located in Torrington, Connecticut, United States. The camp is situated by Park Pond, referred to by those at the camp in their hearts as "Shadow Lake". Wah-Nee has been running for over seventy years.
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[edit] Organization
[edit] Ownership
Over the years the camp has gone through a series of long term owners; the oldest known name was Cap Gordon (early on), who was succeeded by the Diamonds, the Kings and in the mid-60's by Mike Gordon. Mike died before the summer of 1985. His family continued until 1993 when the camp was sold. Currently the camp is owned by Dave & Donna Stricker who have been owners for 14 years.
[edit] Staff
The camp directors are Harvey Mandell (Director/Boys Head Counselor), Hal Rosen (Director/Head of Waterfront) and Frayda Jay (Girls Head Counselor). There is also an athletic director for each sex: Peter Sale for the boys and Jordanna Dopazo for the girls. A vibrant staff returns each year, with many counselors having come up through the ranks having started as campers at Wah-Nee. Many other counselors come from across the United States, and from other countries across the world through organizations such as BUNAC, CCUSA and Camp America. There is a strong emphasis on tradition at the camp, having been passed down through many generations.
[edit] Campers
The campers are split up age-similar groups, known as "Divisions," by the grade they are about to enter.
| Entering Grade | Boys Division | Girls Division |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd/4th | Freshman | Angels |
| 5th | Sophomore 1s | Demons |
| 6th | Sophomore 2s | Comets |
| 7th | Inters | Jets |
| 8th | Juniors | Fantastics "Fannies" |
| 9th | Senior 1s | Lodge 1 |
| 10th | Senior 2s | Lodge 2 |
| 11th | Super Seniors | Mini Lodge |
Entering 12th grade, campers become "Waitrons". The Waitrons serve the camp in the dining hall, known as "Conyers' Hall", in recognition of Jimmy Conyers, the head chef and also the longest tenured returner (over 47 years.) When returners are entering their freshman year of college, they are eligible to become first year counselors. Staff is assembled by camp leadership each summer, and features "general counselors" who stay with their kids all day, and "specialty counselors" who teach various activities and sports. Some specialists are from overseas, and many of them return year after year. They play an active role in bringing much energy and diversity to the staff.This camp if fun for both counselors and campers. They bond together and hold precious memories each summer.As well as making many new and keeping old friendships
[edit] Traditions
Campers who have been at Wah-Nee for 5 years get special jackets, and those there for their 10th summer receive a Wah-Nee watch commemorating the event. Many of each are given out each summer. Those who return to Wah-Nee year-after-year are known as "Wah-Neeites."
The camp motto is "10-for-2", referring to a wait of 10 months for the 2 spent at camp. The official alma mater is called "In Dreams" and the official camp colors are red and white.
Alma Mater (In Dreams):
In dreams, i saw a silvery lake Beneath a starry sky A road just ment for friends to take With pine trees reaching high
There was warmth there beyond imagination And a spirit inspired by strong ties As my hopes rose in great anticipation Of a thought of a camp in dream disguise
I woke and thought could it be so Such visions are too few Yet when i came to shadow lake I saw my dreams come true
Yes i found my every aspiration In a camp where my friends will always be This dream, this dream come true IS CAMP WAH-NEE!!
[edit] External links
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