Camp Onkoi Benek: Year One

Colored by: Jesse Richardson

Colored image of our camp '88 t-shirt. Click for original copy.

Wednesday, July 23rd 2014

   

     If I had to describe my first year at Camp Onkoi Benek with one word, it would be special. For those reading this and don't know, Camp Onkoi Benek (Indian for To Conquer Tomorrow) was a summer camp for kids, teens, & adults living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) that took place in July outside of Battle Creek, MI (cereal capital of the world) in Dowling, MI. I went to CF camp for 8 years until it was discontinued in 1996. The camp is actually called Camp Clear Lake and is operated by the Battle Creek Public Schools, but for that week it was called 'home' to us CFers and staff members. The counselors (staff), cooks, and others were a reason why camp was so special. A lot of adults took their vacation time during camp, which meant they were away from their families to be with us. That's something special.

     During my senior year in high school I was on the yearbook staff ('97 as well) and our yearbook theme for that year was 'Unlocking The Magic' and I remember day dreaming about camp when we chose that theme. It described camp perfectly. Each one of us held a key to a treasure chest. By unlocking that treasure chest, we unlocked magical moments at camp, moments that we'd never forget. The most magical gem I unlocked that year was meeting Elizabeth Michalski a.k.a. Liz, who adopted our patrol for that week. She took me under her wing and made my week very special. If I had to craft that week into an image, it would be the one below.

Liz & Jesse: Camp '88 Dance

     I first got wind of camp in 1987 by meeting Brian Weber (left) and his Mom at Karate class (Taekwondo). I don't recall seeing Brian at Taekwondo class, but if so, he didn't go for that long, or maybe they were just checking it out, I'm not sure. Anyway, his Mom talked to my Mom about a camp for those with CF. We got more information from my CF doctor at Children's Hospital in Detroit. The rest is history.

     I believe I received my packet from camp in May 1988. I recall being excited to see the activities for that week, and the fact that there was going to be a dance. I remember packing for my first week at camp. Hawaiian style shirts (insert Miami Vice & Magnum P.I.) were very popular around this time. I think I had quite a few shirts from 1986-1990. The style that I had was different and a bit thicker. As I read the papers in my packet, I learned that a Beaver was our mascot and the theme for that year was WBVR, which was a fictional TV station. The weeks activities surrounded that theme. 

     My first year of camp was the first time that I was around other's with CF, besides the time that I met Brian and his Mom. This was the case for a lot of CFers who attended camp for the first time. Prior to camp, I didn't know what to expect. I just knew as a 9 year old it was going to be my first time away from home, and not just that, but for a solid week. Let the fun begin!

Camp Onkoi Benek (1972-1996)

     My first year of camp should've been in 1987, but my parents felt it was best I wait a year. I think they were hesitant about me going since it was going to be my first time away from home (besides with relatives) for that length of time. I would've been 8 back in 1987. In order to attend camp you had to be at least 7 years of age.

     That trip from Highland to Dowling was 2 hours long, but it felt so much longer. Some people travel even further.

     As my parents slowly drove up to the drop off area, I remember getting out of the car and all of a sudden I heard a man's thunderous voice say.

     "JESSSSEEEE!!!."

     My first thought was. "Who in the heck is this guy, and how does he know my name?"

     That guy was Jim Meyer a.k.a. Jimeyer, and little did I know then, we'd become friends right off the bat. He was my camp counselor for that year, along with Rob. Jim was the counselor for the kids, and to my knowledge always was until 1996. Jim came up to me and gave me a big hug, and still to this day we're friends.  He was the first person that I met at camp, and I can't say enough about Jimeyer, I really can't.

     Since its been 26 years, it's a bit hard to remember things, but on that day I started a lot of friendships that lasted for years, until sadly my friends passed away. This was back when Burkholderia Cepacia (B. Cepacia) positive CFers could be around Cepacia negative CFers (I was Cepacia negative), we just couldn't do our postural drainage (PD) together. We had to be in separate rooms. PD is basically when someone pounds on our chest (back and front) to break up the mucus so it can be coughed up. We could do our breathing treatments, share things, hang out, and eat together etc. Things were different in the CF community back in the 70's and 80's. For those wondering, B. Cepacia positive CFers carry bugs (bacteria) that other CFers who are Cepacia negative are more apt to catch, especially with a somewhat weakened immune system. When Cepacia positive CFers become sick (due to their CF) it's hard to treat their lung infections with antibiotics, because their bacteria is resistant to a lot of them.

     In today's world (2014) it's a huge no no for either (Cepacia positive & negative) to be around each other, and this includes non Cepacia CFers being around other non Cepacia CFers (6 ft rule, it us to be 3), and the CF Foundation is currently tightening things up at the CF centers across the U.S.  

     Chapel Hill and Pittsburgh are the only two centers that do lung transplants for those with Cepacia, at least to my knowledge. Lung transplants are very difficult for those with Cepacia, even though they have new lungs.  It's not so much the 10+ hour surgery that's complicated (any double lung transplant has its worries), but more so the aftermath. B. Cepacia can be tricky post transplant, especially when you still have CF in the sinus cavity.

                  (left to right, back to front): Rob, Jimmie LaFrance, Debbie, 

              Jesse Richardson, Brian Weber, Jason LaFrance, Mike Wilson, Jim Meyer

     I still remember when our patrol picture was took. I actually think Liz took this picture, but I could be wrong. It was when we were playing bocce ball. 

Being a rookie camper meant a few things, but one thing was certain. You were getting a swirly, and yours truly was no exception to the rule. I'm not sure who gave me my first swirly, but it might've been Willie Halpin, who the next year would become my camp counselor along with Ken "The Mail Man" Osterman. I didn't fight the swirly. I wasn't stupid. I knew that anyone could grab me at anytime and flush my head down the toilet. Maybe I over exaggerated on that one, but it's the truth. My rookie initiation was complete. My only thought was. . .  how come the girls didn't get swirlies?  :)

To see the photos above in their original size and form, please click below.

"Sailing" by Christopher Cross (1980)

Camp Onkoi Benek: Year One (Part 2)

 

My joy for volleyball started at Camp '88

     
     One of my favorite outdoor games that we played that week was Bocce ball, which was my first time playing, including four square and human pinball. I also played volleyball (above) and we did archery (above) that week as well. It was my first time with a bow and arrow.  I loved it. After I came home from camp that week, I recall taking up target practice in my back yard.

     As campers and staff, we were hardly indoors. With other activities like fishing, swimming, riflery, and sitting outside talking, there was way too much fun to be had outdoors. Even when it was raining (non storms) we were outside. About the only time people were indoors (during activities) was when they were doing arts & crafts or eating/snacking.

     Speaking of eating, one of the chores us campers had during our week at camp was being a table hopper, which each patrol (once a week) were chosen to set up the tables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I believe senior campers (at least when I was a senior) were hoppers twice a week. Of course in 2014 that would be a huge no no, due to germs.
     
       One of the fun contests we had during my first year was the turtle race. This was pretty cool. We each painted a pre-carved turtle made out of wood. I think I was the only one who painted my turtle yellow (image below). Hey, it was different. I'm not sure who won the race, but I recall it being difficult. I kept my turtle for several years after that.

           (left to right, back to front): Jesse Richardson, Jimmie LaFrance, 
         Jason LaFrance, Mike Wilson, Brian Weber

Another fun game we played indoors was Wheel of Fortune, which was part of the WBVR theme.  Game show! I actually don't remember this, but by Brian's face. . . he didn't win the car. Don't be silly!! Not a new car, a hot wheels car.  Our camp didn't have that type of budget. :)

Our camp didn't have the funds to get Vanna White and Pat Sajak for the evening, so Matt Jastrzembski a.k.a. Ski (far left) and Craig VanLaanen (far right) it was.

Photo courtesy of Damian Kiska

     So, what's the story about the monkey? It being 26 years ago, I'm sure I'm going to leave out some bits and pieces. I don't know how it came about, but Laura Varon Brown (girls counselor) had brought an electronic dancing monkey to camp. I started having some fun by dancing with the it. It was really fun. I guess by dancing with the monkey, it prepared me for our camp dance. I loved those shoes I was wearing. They were my favorite shoes. Sorry Reebox Pumps circa 1992.

     Another fun event at camp was the obstacle course, which was held each year and it was a blast (as you can see by the photo), but sadly, like so many things, I come up short remembering everything about it that year. It just didn't take place on land, but in the water as well. Fun is the best word to describe the course.

To see the photos above in their original size and form, please click below.

Camp was one of the finer things in life.

"Finer Things" By Steve Winwood (1986)

Camp Onkoi Benek: Year One (Part 3)

Somewhere on the mean streets of Detroit, MI

     Sadly, the week was coming to an end, thus the four major things to look forward to were the talent show, the dance, award ceremony, and our annual bonfire to remember those we'd lost through the years.

     I didn't know what to do for our camp's talent show. I hadn't planned for it prior to camp, but Jimeyer had a bright idea. After he learned that I took Taekwondo, he made a suggestion about performing in the talent show. I had never performed in front of 100+ people before, just a small group (my class) for testing. I thought.

     "This can't be any harder then performing in front of Master Yu or Mr. Louis (instructor) so this should be a breeze. This crowd isn't grading my every little move, step, or position etc."

     I thought it was a great idea, but I didn't have any of my gear, my uniform (dobok), my yellow belt, or anything, heck. . I didn't even bring boards to break. We came up with some ideas. I wore my thin black shorts, a white t-shirt under a large cloth that we made into a shirt (to look like a uniform), and a black belt, which was just a cotton type strap, which I believe we found in arts & crafts. Honestly, for not having nothing, it worked out great. There was just one thing missing. Music.

(Background) I placed the South Korean flag, along with my name in Korean.

     

     Jimeyer was into meditation, and even meditated at camp. We used one of his meditation songs and it worked out great. I still recall Jim having that gray boombox type radio/cassette player. Though, if camp were today, and if I had planned on doing two of my Taekwondo patterns, I would have chosen the song currently playing, which is Training Hard performed by Bill Conti and was in The Karate Kid (1984). Training Hard would've went great with the slow start and an increase in speed and breaking a board at the end. I'm not sure if that would've worked in 1988, because I would've had to have someone who knew how to hold a board the correct way. I don't think I knew Willie Halpin in 1988, or I may knew of him, but he (along with Ken "The Mail Man" Osterman) would be my counselors in 1989. Willie was a black belt in martial arts. A really great guy.

     I took Taekwondo from 1987-1991. I took it seriously, but at the same time I had a lot of fun. My parents and I were good friends with our instructor Mr. Louis. At the time he had a cabin in St. Clair Shores. Once I hit the mid part of 6th grade I was getting tons of homework, thus I wasn't able to balance both, so before I started struggling I discontinued Taekwondo. I felt if I couldn't give 110% to the art, then I shouldn't be performing/practicing it. I still went to class and watched my Dad, who got his black belt (rejection of darkness and fear) in 1993. I was a blue belt (sky/heaven) and green stripes. I was close to getting my red belt.

     My Dad and I started Taekwondo because it was something we could enjoy and both do together. I'm a firm believer that Karate or any form of martial arts teaches you self control, discipline, and how to defend yourself in life threatening situations.

     Here's some history about Taekwondo. Taekwondo means 'the way of the hand & foot' and there's other verses as well. Taekwondo schools are different, including their belt system, which can be quite confusing. The origins date back to 37-BC in the kingdom of Koguryo, and two other kingdoms after that. The name wasn't introduced until 1955, and this is the form we know of today. It basically originated in Seoul, Korea (South), but is also practiced in North Korea as well. Korea (many moons ago) was one country, but after World War II there was a political struggle (Japan no longer controlled Korea), as leaders wanted to side with communist China and other leaders wanted a democracy, this lead to the Korean War (1950-1953). With a armistice (formal agreement to end the Korean war), a strictly guarded zone was formed, thus separating communist North Korea and the Republic of South Korea. So technically, both are still at war. In 1955 Taekwondo became the official martial arts of Korea (South Korea). I hope I remembered all that correctly.

     If I'm correct (and if it's the same person), Master Yu still has a school (Yu's Academy of Taekwondo) in Chesterfield Township, MI. Our school was actually called Yu's Academy of Taekwondo, but Mr. Louis operated the building and taught Taekwondo in White Lake, MI. If you ever passed through White Lake, MI on M-59 during the 1980's and 1990's (after then K-Mart) you'd see a huge yellow sign on the building that read K A R A T E. Master Yu was always there for belt testing. Imagine going for an interview for a job, or being evaluated at your job as someone stood next to you. That's exactly how testing day felt, even for a 9 year old. Both men are/were very well respected.

     Each year at the end of the week our camp held a dance. I really can't recall the theme for camp '88, but I would say it was Hawaiian. Dressing up for the dance wasn't difficult, I was just going to look like I should be on Miami Vice. It worked. Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) got all the ladies. Ricardo Tubbs (his partner) wasn't bad either. I remember having a great time and spending quality time with my friend Liz. I can't remember who she was suppose to be dressed up as, but I'd guess Jane from Tarzan. I can't recall. I do remember making her that pink bracelet (left ankle, your right) in arts & crafts. I was so excited to give it to her. Below is my 2nd favorite camp picture that I have, which would be out of 700+.

Seriously, do you really think I want to go home?

Elizabeth Michalski & Jesse Richardson- Camp Dance 

     Usually on the last full day of camp (and thereafter) was our award ceremony. Camp counselors would award campers with awards, and in 1988 I was awarded most cooperative camper in our patrol.  I was shocked not to win Mr. Casanova. Wait. .  that would occur next year at camp '89.  :)

     Every award that I've ever received I've kept, including all my awards from camp. I think everyone should take pride in the awards/achievements that they receive in life. I don't think it's so much about the award or piece of paper that you receive, it's about someone (or group) recognizing you for your hard work and doing good.     

Our camp song

     The night before our final departure, our camp held a bonfire to remember those we had lost the previous year, and to remember the ones we lost throughout the years. It was probably the only time at camp that we realized what this disease was all about. It was about fighting each and every day to conquer tomorrow. The bonfire in this photo is very small (and on land) compared to the huge one we had out in the water, thanks to rafters. I'm not sure who I sate with, but I'm willing to bet it was with Liz (with our patrol), at least that's how I would've wanted it. 

     For the first time I came to a realization that camp was nearly 12-14 hours from being over. I continued to think of that special friend I had met that week. I reflected about what made that week so great as the wood popped and crackled. Yes, meeting my CF friends made that week, but what made it special was something that was indescribable. It wasn't a game or being part of the talent show. It wasn't about learning how to dance with an electronic monkey or being away from home. It was a feeling. I remember that feeling. It was excitement, happiness, joy. It was about being cared about (besides by my parents or relatives). Once I met this person, I knew we were going to be friends forever. I thought big as a 9 year old. I wish I could take a time machine and go back to that exact moment when I met her. She made that week special, along with a bunch of other people, but she was my charm, my friend. My Liz.

To see the photos above in their original size and form, please click below.

"Training Hard" by Bill Conti (The Karate Kid Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - 1984)

Camp Onkoi Benek: Year One (Part 4)

Liz doing my postural drainage (PD)

     

Sometimes it feels like yesterday when Liz and I met, but in reality it was 26 years ago to the day. So how did our first encounter occur? Again, it was 26 years ago, so things are a bit fuzzy, but I recall Liz and I met the 2nd day of camp. Anyway, it was when our patrol was checking out our daily agenda on the wall, near the couches where we usually grabbed our medicine from Richard Zeluff a.k.a. Pharmacy Dick (who did a suburb job organizing our meds before meal time), and as I was looking at the board with a red gym ball in my hands, I heard a girl behind me say.

     "Hey cutie, come here."

     I remember sitting on her lap, which was quite often. From then on we started hanging around each other. Liz adopted our patrol for that week, and adoption at camp took a split second, thank goodness. :)

     I was always happy to wake up at 6:30 A.M. in the morning, because I knew Liz would be waiting for me after I finished my breathing treatment, or I'd be waiting for her outside along the bench to do my PD. Liz did my PD every morning (photo above) for the next 6-7 days. Her and I jogged in the evening together, which was part of our physical exercise after doing breathing treatments. Basically that entire week was spent with Liz.

     I hated the last day of camp a.k.a. departure day. The night before (as mentioned earlier) was our bonfire. I'm not sure if I shed a tear during the bonfire, but. . for me it was a time to think about all the fun that I had that week, and those that I'd leave behind until next year. I remember thinking about Liz and wondering if I'd ever see her again? I didn't want to believe that everything was going to be over.

     My memory is fuzzy when it comes to departure day. One minute I remember something, the next I forget it. Anyway, my parents picked me up early that first year (never to be done again), which I couldn't believe. I actually think I was the first camper to be picked up, but I could be wrong. Then sometimes I think it was around noon when they picked me up, instead of 9 A.M. As you could tell, my parents missed me. I missed them as well, but gosh, I wanted at least 5 more hours with Liz.

     Anyway, I remember it was during breakfast. While we were all eating, someone said.

     "Uh oh. .  someone's parents are here."

     I turned my shoulder and seen my PARENTS pull up outside. How could this be? Why so early? I remember getting up slowly (slow as in I didn't want to leave) and I headed to the boys dorm. I had packed everything the night before. I don't recall saying goodbye to any of my patrol, mostly because they were scattered throughout the dinning hall. I know Jimeyer came and helped me with my bags since he was my patrol leader. I do (somewhat) recall Liz saying goodbye to me, and I even think she came into the boys dorm as well, since everyone was at breakfast.

     I missed mail call that morning (time when we received mail) since I wasn't there. Normally mail call was at lunch, but it being departure day, it was at breakfast since parents would start arriving to pick their kids up at noon. Jimmie or Jason LaFrance had wrote me a letter and Liz included it in the first letter that she wrote to me post camp. 

     I had that feeling in my stomach that I didn't want to leave. I don't entirely recall saying goodbye to Liz (a memory I wish I had), but I know I did. I had the best week of my life, and I owed it all to my CF friends, my patrol, Jimeyer, Rob, and of course Liz. I look back on that first year with fond memories. 

     Once we left camp, my Mom opened my goodie bag. I remember her telling me that there was a sheet or two of everyone's name and their home address. I remember thinking it was awesome that I was going to be able to write to Liz. I slept all the way home. That 2 hour drive went by fast. 

     When I got home I unpacked all my clothes and belongings and checked out those address sheets. There was one problem. . .  where's Liz's name? I knew Liz by her name, which was Liz, right?  Nope.  That was her nickname. Little did I know, her first name was Elizabeth. I read those sheets of paper over and over again and I couldn't find anyone named 'Liz' and of course I didn't know where she lived, or her last name. I remember crying, as I felt lost and confused. I couldn't believe I was going to have to wait 365 days until I'd talk to her or see her again. 

     A week or so later I went to my mail box, and there it was.  No, it wasn't a chocolate bar with a golden ticket inside, but something better.  Liz had wrote me a letter. YES!! I remember heading inside my house and jumping up and down. It was so great to hear from her. I remember heading to my room and putting some music on as I read her letter. As I read the last page, she announced a bombshell. She stated that she wouldn't be attending camp next year in 1989, but her twin sister (Margaret) would be attending and she expected me to be there. My first words were. WHAT? TWIN? I was bummed about the entire situation. As Liz put it, she'd be sending her replacement. Who could replace Liz? Impossible. Boy, was I in for a treat. 

     So I knew I was going to miss Liz next year at CF camp, no doubt, but from the image below, I think camp '89 was looking pretty darn good. :)

Jesse Richardson & Margaret Michalski: Camp '89

To see the photos above in their original size and form, please click below.

Camp Onkoi Benek Fun Facts

"Don't Ask The Reasons Why" By David Foster (1987)
Motion Picture Soundtrack To The Secret of My Succe$s

Camp Onkoi Benek: Fun Facts

18 years ago our Cystic Fibrosis (CF) summer camp was discontinued and this typically would be the first full week of camp (give or take a day). Our camp ran from 1972-1996 (25 yrs). I figured I'd post some fun facts that occurred during my 9 years at Camp Onkoi Benek (1988-1996).  Onkoi Benek in Indian means To Conquer Tomorrow, and as kids, teens, and adults with CF, that's exactly what we did, and still continue to do. It was a week filled with laughs, smiles, and joy. . .  and restful nights (well, if you were a camper).   ::wink::

The song currently playing (YouTube might be glitching. .  again) was the first song I heard on my walkman on the way to my first year of camp in 1988. The first day of camp that year was Saturday, July 16th 1988. So these are some fun facts, photos, and awards. I still don't understand how I was awarded "Mr. Casanova" in 1989 via my camp counselors Bill "Willie" Halpin and Ken "The Mail Man" Osterman. Maybe the below picture(s) will explain some of it. :)

Sadly, our camp in Dowling, MI (near Battle Creek) was discontinued after 1996. 

1st introduction to Camp Onkoi Benek

The person that introduced me to CF camp was Brian Weber and his Mother, who lived 15 minutes from us.  My family and I met them at Karate class, which would've been mid 1987, when I started.  The strange thing is, I don't recall Brian being in Karate class. I think him and his Mom were just checking it out. Anyway, his Mom talked to my Mom and told us about this summer camp near Battle Creek, MI for those living with CF.  We became interested and gathered more information from my CF doctor. Photo from 1990.

1st person I met: Jimeyer

The first person I met at CF camp 1988 was Jim Meyer, who was my first counselor (non CFer). When we got to camp I recall getting out of the car and looking around, and all of a sudden I hear this man yell "JEEESSSSEEEE!!!"  He walked over to me and gave me a hug. I didn't know who he was. At first I thought he was a family member, because I thought. "How does this guy know my name?"  Little did I know then, Jim and I would become friends through postage mail, e-mail and in person. Photo from 1994.

Jimeyer wasn't just the first person that I met at CF camp, he was the first person to write me and send me a postcard. He sent me this postcard a week or so after camp. That started my long distance writing (it be letters & cards) to my friends from CF camp, which would continue (even through the age of the Internet) until 2010. Postcard: July 1988.

1st CF friend: Elizabeth Michalski

The first person that I became close friends with at CF camp during my first year in 1988 was Elizabeth a.k.a. Liz. Her and I gelled so well together and I enjoyed hanging around her. . . morning. . . mid-day. . . afternoon. . . evening. .  ok. .  you get the point. :) She adopted our patrol that year.  Little did I know at the time, but Liz and her twin sister Margaret had been going to camp several years prior to my first year. I still recall (after the last day of camp and I was back home) trying to find Liz's address in our camp address/telephone number list that was given to every camper and staff member. I couldn't find Liz's name. I didn't know her last name. So after searching, crying, and getting sad, I just gave up and hoped I would see her next year at camp '89. 2 weeks after camp Liz wrote me. I remember jumping up and down once I got back inside the house after getting the mail. I knew her as 'Liz' but her full name was Elizabeth. This poor kid's heart was restored. Photo from 1988.

1st time eating Yogurt

Can you believe it? Camp '88 was the first time (that I recall) that I ate yogurt.  Still to this day I love it.  The flavor that I had was Strawberries 'n Banana's and it was by Yoplait.

1st time dancing

I didn't shock the monkey, but I did dance with it. To my knowledge, this was the first time that I ever recall dancing, so you could say I learned how to dance by dancing with a battery operated monkey. This was Laura Varon Brown's monkey that she had at Camp '88 that year, and actually kept it for quite a few years until it stopped working. PS I love those shoes I had. Photo from 1988.

1st time performing Taekwondo

Camp '88 was my first time performing in front of this many people (100+) for our camp's talent show. It was actually Jimeyer's idea. I'm not sure how it came about, but he had some great meditation music and it worked well with the Taekwondo pattern(s) that I was doing, which was Chon-Ji (the heaven, the earth), which takes about 1 minute to perform. Dan-Gun was another pattern that I performed, which was named after the holy Dan-Gun, who's said to have found Korea back in 2333 BC. At this point I was 9th Kup (Yellow belt).  I just received my yellow belt in March 1988. Photo from 1988.

1st time away from home

Camp '88 was the first time I was away from home for an entire week, and I LOVED IT! My Karate sport duffel bag. Perfect for nice trips like going to CF camp.

1st letter: Liz

Liz was the first person to write me a letter after CF camp '88. Once I started writing to Liz, somehow, someway, I became more creative, thus I started writing more stories, and even kept a journal from 1988-2001. I noticed I started to enjoy writing more then I had prior to CF camp. I still carry the trait to this day.
Favorite award: Mr. Casanova (1989)

1989 was my 2nd year at CF camp. Liz didn't come to camp that year, but she sent along her twin sister Margaret. Bill "Willie" Halpin & Ken "The Mail Man" Osterman were my camp counselors. After reading the definition of a 'Casanova' It doesn't pertain to myself, but. . at the sake of having fun, I guess I was a charmer and something special back then. Photo from 1989.
1st kiss: Amanda BainTo be 13 again. My first kiss took place at Camp '92, which was my 5th year attending camp. I still remember Amanda wearing watermelon lip balm. Amanda and I quickly became an item at camp and continued our relationship (long distance) for a year and 3 months.  Our song was 'Right Here Waiting' by Richard Marx (1989). I broke up with her in September 1993. There was no CF camp for our session in July 1993, which made things rough. We actually were both relieved about the break-up, because she truly wanted to be friends, but the long distance thing was hard, and we both were happy about the decision and continued to be friends through the years. My nickname for her was 'babe' and mine was 'spike' due to my spiked hair. I could go into more details, but I'll leave it at that. They truly were great memories. Photo from 1992.

It's always nice to know that someone in your life had your heart.

Last person I said goodbye to: Amanda Bain

Gosh. .  where has the time gone? 18 years and I still remember the last person I said goodbye to.  That would be Amanda, as I departed the grounds of Camp Onkoi Benek in July 1996. Little did anyone know, that would be everyone's final year at CF camp. Amanda walked me to my car. I remember Amanda was wearing a purple tie-dye shirt. I recall putting my belongings in my car and I slowly turned around and looked at her and hugged her and told her to take care of herself and that I'd keep in contact and write her. Sadly, that would be the last time I'd see Amanda again.  Even in photos until she passed away on January 20th 2006. Photo from (Camp dance) 1996.

Kama's Visit: May 10th 2007

May 10th 2007

Kama Mastromonaco came over to my house and spent the day with me.  I had met Kama back at camp '95 and saw her again at camp '96. I hadn't seen her since 1996, so it was good to see her again.

Kama & Jesse at Chuck E. Cheese: What a story.  :)

Jennifer Hall, Jennifer Brooks, Jesse Richardson, Kama Mastromonaco

CF camp 1996

Last person I wrote to: Shawnna Gould

December 2010 about a week or so before Christmas my CF camp friend Shawnna sent me a Christmas card, and I sent one back. I had met Shawnna at camp '95, though she didn't attend camp in 1996 due to traveling to Virginia to visit with relatives. She was the last person that I kept in contact with via postal mail. I still talk to her Dad. Shawnna passed away on Sept 12th 2012.

Favorite camp photo: Liz & Margaret

I can't express how much this photo means to me. It means more then any other photo that I have from CF camp, and I have over 700. I still remember when this was took by my Mom, which was the first day of Camp 1990. I was trying to get the guts to ask both Liz and Margaret if we could all get a picture together. It turned out perfect. Photo from 1990.

Thank you for reading. July 23rd 1988 was the final day of my first year of  CF camp, so I thought on that day I would share my first year with another blog.  Camp Onkoi Benek: Year One.

The Cure: Just Like Heaven (1987)