Former camp director Hal Studholme says his memoir of camp in 1960s reflects a time in the world when so much was uncertain, but at camp you could find a temporary calm.
"I thought it was a very unique era in the world because we were talking about a nuclear war," Hal says. "And then you went down to Stephens and you were in a totally different world of kids and fun and the lake.
"It was so special that I thought I should write down about the people and the experience and share it with others."
Dedicated to camp cook Alfred "Davey" David, Memories of the 1960s focuses on the lives of young people touched by time on the island.
"There is such an opportunity to forget yourself and immerse yourself in a world that helps children grow and where you grow yourself," Hal says. "And it's that experience that is unique to camping - it doesn't just have to be YMCA camping, it can be any camping - where you get the chance to live in the outdoors and experience that, and then at the same time work with children and each other for growth and development."
He also says despite the passage of time and the changes at camp, there is still much the same.
"It allows you to find out who you are in the present an allows you to explore the possibilities of becoming whatever you might be and watch others become themselves as well."
Hal's memoir is available for $12.50. Hal has several copies available. Send him an email at halmarrd@shaw.ca.
The book is also available online for $12.50 plus shipping. Click here to order.
For a selection of Hal's memoirs, see The History of Toilets.
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