“Peace I ask of thee of river, peace, peace, peace. When I learn to live serenely, cares will cease.”
I LOVE the water. Really. There is nothing more relaxing than watching the movement of water, albeit a current hurrying along its way, waves rippling across a sparkling surface, a boat wake trailing its tell-tale V or a swirling eddy created by river rocks. It sooths, pacifies, and caresses the soul. Lucky me! I grew up spending partial summers at the Jersey Shore, and as a twelve year old, became a Camp Hagan camper right here in this stunning, serene setting along the Delaware River. I was drawn to the river and any related water activity…swimming, boating, canoeing, and water skiing. In my adulthood, it was only natural to extend my water activities from teaching swimming to enjoying kayaking, power boating, and eventually completing the cycle by teaching water aerobics three times a week to a lively group of retirees in Florida.
I LOVE being outdoors. Call me a fresh air fiend. I found a career as a physical educator that allowed me to be outside most days. I live on a lake now, and also along a canal in Florida. Water and nature abound. I LOVE nature. I believe in living in harmony with all of God’s creation. I enjoy the deer, bear, wild turkeys and hummingbirds in PA and the otters, turtles, alligators, manatees and herons in Florida. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Lucky me!
I can trace the origins of these passions back to a special time and place in my life…Camp Hagan, Shawnee-On-The Delaware, Pennsylvania. It was the beginning of so many wonderful formative experiences. It is difficult to put an exact finger on what made this camp so special to me, but I think it was a coming of age; a time of growing independence, an awareness of a universe greater than myself and an opportunity to develop the confidence and competence in the many life skills I would later use.
I arrived at Camp Hagan in 1961 as an eighth grader on the recommendation of a dear friend (still BFF). At the end of my two week session in Senior 5, I did NOT want to leave. I cried all the way home and continued to repeat this phenom every year I was at camp. My father dreaded the return trip!
There was something so amazing about being in this special place. The following year I returned for a month as a camper in Senior 8. I loved everything! Friendships were forged, spirituality was awakened, traditions became deeply rooted, all wrapped in the beauty of nature. How could I not be inspired by the majestic green mountains silhouetted against brilliant blue skies and the soft caress of the river current against my skin? Even in the rain, there was a calming rhythm as the water beat softly against the tree canopy and the shutters of our rustic wooden cabins. There was a freedom in structure, lightheartedness in song, knowledge in discovery, and wisdom in the guidance of our beloved counselors. I was at peace!
I was thrilled to be invited back as a CIT in 1964, knowing that meant an entire summer of Camp Hagan fun. As part of our training, we were exposed to all areas of camp life…arts & crafts, pioneering, religion, athletics, aquatics, boating and canoeing, nature and entertainment. Our CIT production of Snow White solidified our group into a cohesive unit and made us stars in the eyes of the younger campers. That training did more to prepare me for a successful teaching career than any methods class I ever took in college. Community living in our CIT tents made us resourceful. I can vividly remember the sound of canoers as they paddled down the river just behind our tents and how we would scramble down the bank and call out to trade our Hagan nighties for T-shirts. As a Junior Counselor in 1965, I got to specialize in my water passions, swimming and boating and canoeing. I especially enjoyed our overnight canoe trips and the challenges of navigating the river with gear and inexperienced paddlers. There were no cell phones so you were really on your own.
In a bittersweet turn of events, I was promoted to cabin counselor when the counselor of Senior 1 had to leave suddenly. I was torn between leaving my friends and the excitement of my new responsibilities. My focus quickly shifted from myself to my campers. What a gift! It was the beginning of a long love affair with children. To earn their respect and trust was a heady experience. To share in their thoughts, concerns and hopes was a priviledge. It was also the summer that I fell deeply in love. All was well with the universe. Lucky me! I returned to Camp Hagan for my final year in 1966 as the counselor of Senior 4. It was indeed a sad revelation when financial concerns and the reality of college expenses ended my tenure at Camp Hagan, but Camp Hagan never left me! It is in my soul; it is in my spirit, it is part of me. It is an integral part of who I am today.
So, what has Camp Hagan given to me? Appreciation, gratitude, competence and so many meaningful memories. I appreciate the opportunity that I was given to experience the gift of Hagan. I value the many friendships that I have developed and maintained for over fifty years. I sing beautiful camp songs at family gatherings and to my grandchildren when they need soothing or entertaining. I treasure the time I spend outside in the beautiful world of nature. I can identify trees, birds, insects, animal tracks and poison ivy. I am grateful to have found incredible strength and support in my faith. It has helped to carry me through life’s difficult moments. I feel secure in knowing that I can successfully pass on much of what I have learned to others. I treasure the many memories created here, the laughter and the sisterhood of our camping days. I honor and celebrate what once was but look to the future in anticipation of more surprises. Lucky me!
I am still drawn to the river. It has become a family tradition to travel it’s path from Bushkill to Shawnee. I still walk this hallowed ground annually and do try to express my emotional connection with Hagan to my family. They don’t always get it, but they know that Hagan is important to me. I look forward to future reunions where I can simply be with like minded companions who have also been given this gift. I am a better person for having spent time here in this special place.
My wish…that everyone could find their Camp Hagan. “Peace I ask of thee oh river…peace, peace, peace.” Lucky me! Lucky Us!!
