Four Winds * Westward Ho !

P.O. Box 140 !

Deer Harbor, WA 98243 !

360.376.2277 !

www.fourwindscamp.org

PIGEON WINGSpring 2012

Greetings from HilltopA s I travel the country, talking with people who already love Four Winds, and people who are considering it for their children, I am often struck by what a countercultural exercise Four Winds * Westward Ho is. Our culture is about instant gratification, and at Camp we take things slowly.

Our culture is about superficiality, and the magic of Camp is all about substance. In the wider culture, heroes fall from grace on a regular basis. At Camp, we insist on integrity. In an iTunes culture, we are definitely vinyl. (You’ll have to forgive the metaphor—summer staff from recent years are probably realizing about now that I’m about to wax philosophical.)

Vinyl is not for everyone, but those who are com-mitted to it understand the richer experience it can bring when compared to going with the mainstream. Camp is the same way. Those who get it are fully committed, and we sometimes have a hard time explaining to people who are considering Camp for the first time what it’s all about. Why we would consider sending our children away for four weeks? It’s so long. Why buy the album when you can just download your favorite track?

Luckily, we don’t have to be everything to everyone. We only have to be everything to the 430 campers who will join us this summer, their families, and our greater community.

But still, I feel compelled to combat this confusion, if only because I wish that more children could have an experience like our Four Winds campers will this summer. The only way I know how to do that is to try to explain, in as many ways as I can, what people are talking about when they speak of the magic of Camp.

In that spirit, I propose something that may sound controversial: As parents, we cannot give children happiness. They must find it for themselves. We can provide them with experiences, education, and opportu-nities galore, but at the end of the day, happiness comes from within. This runs counter to the larger cultural conversation, but it is the essence of Camp. I should point out that I’m borrowing this idea from Dr. Michael Thompson, a psychologist who has a book coming out in May that I’m looking forward to, “Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow”.

What we can do is open doors to some of the things that often lead to children finding happiness: gratitude, resiliency, mastery, integrity, genuineness, feeling connected to the natural world, each other, and something bigger than themselves – these are all things that our wider culture is lousy at, to be perfectly frank about it. So, a countercultural solution is in order.

For 85 years, Four Winds has been providing these things to children, and I am happy, proud, and grateful to be a part of this countercultural community. I look forward to another magical Four Winds summer, and I hope to see many of you at our Family & Alumni weekend over Labor Day.

All the best,Paul Sheridan

Notes from EmilyW hile traveling for slide shows last month, I met for lunch with an old camp friend whom I see maybe once a year. She had an hour between meetings, so we met on an outrageously windy afternoon in Los Angeles for a smoothie

and a rice bowl. While the umbrellas were carried Mary Poppins-style off the patio, and food was literally flying from the table in gusts, we were glued to our picnic table, getting straight to the point of everything—plans, pains, ideas, old jokes. It didn’t matter that we only had an hour; it was just as it had always been.

After lunch, it hit me exactly how my life has been forever impacted by Four Winds. It is not by the songs I’ve sung, nor the trails I’ve traversed, nor the wildness of gypsy days on the sound. It isn’t even the smell of the lodge, nor the times I’ve watched the sun come up from behind Victim Island. All of those things I cherish, but what has truly shaped my life is a wide net of beloved friends who really get me.

At Four Winds we give each other permission to be who we really are. We let go of many of the things that hold us back in other parts of our lives, and our camp friends are there when that happens. They learn to live with us in the same way we learn to live with ourselves, and we are forever tied.

It is not by magic wand, nor mystical potion, that this kind of environment is sustained. Our incredible staff work each day to create and maintain a space where kids express themselves and are celebrated for it. They take the time to get to know each camper and engage in their world. They are there every step of the way as their charges step bravely beyond their comfort zone to try something new. They create opportunities and adventures through which campers build connections, at the same time giving them

the tools to resolve conflicts when they inevitably come. We hire our staff not only because they’re skilled and competent, but because they believe in the power

of the camp experience. I could not be more proud of the group we are putting together for 2012. Our campers are in great hands.

Happy Spring, everyone! Emily Glass, Assistant Director

Emily Glass, Assistant Director

A Gypsy Thank You to our 2012 Slideshow Hosts!

I f you are interested in hosting a slideshow next year, please contact Assistant Director Emily Glass at emily@fourwindscamp.org.

Bret and Nicole (Lenzi) AmideoBoise, Idaho

Scott, Ella, Poppy, and Tommy BrittinghamSanta Barbara, California

The Broekmate-Willis FamilySammamish, Washington

Scott, Valerie, Alex, Libby, and Will CorvinPiedmont, California

Rick, Eleanor, Cameron, Michelle, and Chase CrebsSt. Helena, California

Van, Cara, Georgia, and Lily HarrellLos Angeles, California

Berkeley, Kristin, Ben, and Willy HarrisonPasadena, California

Larry, Nicole, Sydney, and Charles HeathStamford, Connecticut

Mike, Lisa, Eloise, Joe, and Thomas LaHorgueKentfield, California

Greg Little and Alicia Nogales, Jack, Brian, and Reid LittleSan Francisco, California

David and Akemi LouchheimPark City, Utah

The Hillas and Miller Families Huntington Beach, California

Fiona Brodie, Peter, Andrew and Charlie RoseVancouver, British Columbia

Paul, Linda, and Emma SheridanDeer Harbor, Washington

Kipp, Anne, Grey, Quinn, Banks and Case SylvesterNew York, New York

John, Nalani, Emma, and Henry WinemanPortland, Oregon

Randy, Karen, Parker, and Sarah WooSeattle, Washington

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Board Roster 2012 Barbara BaerSammamish, WA

Dave BakerSan Anselmo, CA

Henri Broekmate, TreasurerSammamish, WA

Sue ClausonSeattle, WA

Bruce CoffeyPasadena, CA

Valerie CorvinPiedmont, CA

Eleanor (ElBell) CrebsSt. Helena, CA

John DesCamp, ChairYarrow Point, WA

Julie DicksonSt. Helena, CA

Amy FieldsPortland, OR

Sara FosterSan Francisco, CA

Wendy Gilbaugh KelleySeattle, WA

Chris MacDonaldBelvedere, CA

Judy MurphyPortland, OR

Melissa PalmerSherman Oaks, CA

Alan Schulman, Vice-ChairRancho Santa Fe, CA

Diana Wiegel, SecretaryOakland, CA

Jeff WincklerHawthorne, CA

John WinemanPortland, OR

Lifetime AdvisorsCynthia ColemanPasadena, CA

Carlyn StarkPort Townsend, WA

Mike DouglasDeer Harbor, WA

Marion MohlerPt. Townsend, WA

Mission StatementFour Winds * Westward Ho fosters a spirit of adventure and delight, cooperation and compassion, creativity and self-confidence within campers that will enrich and inspire them throughout their lives.

Gypsy Magic is Real!T his past summer brought real “gypsy magic” to camp when the Romany Winds cabin came across a Gypsy Pin while cleaning trails on “Garbage Auction” day. Unbeknownst to the girls, the pin belonged to Whitney Miller (camper 1960s,

staff 1970s, board member 1990s). She had lost it a year earlier at the 2010 Family Camp/Alumni weekend. Whitney was heart-broken that the pin was lost. She knew the odds of finding the pin were remote—but she told Abby on her departure from the weekend that it was missing.

Whitney received her pin in 1966. Whitney recalls, “1966 was the first year that Miss Ruth wasn’t director, Jack Helsell was director. I was very excited and wanted to experience all things Four Winds. My Mom, Joan Lane (camper 1940s, board member 1960s–80s), had gone to camp and I had heard about its ‘gypsy magic’ from

a young age and really wanted to go. In this transition year they had a very democratic procedure: you did the things listed on a form, and you were awarded a pin.

There were various things you had to do and demonstrate. I remember a few of the things were ‘memorize 10 poems’ and ‘memorize 10 songs’. I remember sitting on a rock in front of my cabin, Madrona, for hours with my Magic Ring memorizing poems.

I think there were various camp experiences that we had to partake in as part of getting the pin: ride on the big boat, participate in doughnut making, help make sandwiches are some of the things I remember. One also had to know the geography at camp. I love exploring so I roamed all over camp like a mountain goat, finding new trails. My favorites were between the bottom of the lawn and Rocky Point cabin. Every time I go to camp I go and find them.

And that’s probably how I lost the pin. At the 2010 Family Camp/Alumni weekend, the pin must have come off my clothes when I was scrambling around on my favorite trail. Abby emailed me a photo of it, and I knew it was mine the moment I saw it—bent pin back and all. I was stunned, and so grateful. Thank you so much to the girls who found it!!!!”

—Whitney Miller

Romany Winds cabin finds pin!

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Help Wanted!8th Annual Camp Work Party! May 18–20, 2012Help us get camp ready for summer, and spend a few days at Four Winds. It is a fun-filled weekend of helpful tasks, hearty meals and a great way to reconnect with Four Winds. Camp could not get ready without this weekend! We hope you will join us and be one of our valuable worker gypsies!

For more information, or to reserve your space, contact Janet Brownell at: janet@fourwindscamp.org. or 360.376.2277.

Donations for Silent Auction neededW e are currently looking for items for our 2012 Family Camp/Alumni weekend “Silent Auction.” The proceeds from the auction will benefit our Financial Aid program.

If you have something that you think might be appropriate for our auction, please contact Arden Hofler at: 2012fwwhweekend@yahoo.com, or 206.226.1413. We are looking for vacation home stays, airline tickets, unique services, new goods, restaurant meals — or anything else “auction worthy.”

Gypsy Wagon FaceliftThis fall, the beloved Gypsy Wagon underwent a beautiful restoration by camp archivist,

and artist, Aaron Smith. Here is what Aaron says about his project: The Gypsy Wagon—or “Gypsy Van” as it was referred to in Miss Ruth’s day—has long been a symbol

of Four Winds and the gypsy spirit. The soul of the gypsy is that of a vagabond, and while we bring beauty and tradition with us, no day is the same. On every adventure we encounter new scenery and new people. Change is a central part of the journey all gypsies must take.

I wanted to repaint the gypsy wagon. I wanted to make it relevant to gypsies today, and not simply an artifact preserved from camp’s earlier days. This desire, coupled with archival photos I found of the van painted several different ways, made me seriously pursue repainting her. I sought permission from the board for the honor, and began cleaning and repainting her not a day after Jr. Session had ended. My goal was to have the job completed in two weeks, and I surprised myself when it took exactly that long. My vision for the new look was a nod towards older camp motifs, and the Barn’s heyday. Both featured abundant farm animals. I of course paired this with Bavarian flowers, which are becoming my signature. The result is something both rustic and modern, lovely to look at, but better to bump down the road in.

As you can see by the photos, Aaron did a remarkable job. We, and all the gypsies to come, are grateful for all his work.

Upper right: Interior before restoration; Lower left: Exterior before restoration; Lower middle: Exterior after restoration; Lower right: Interior after restoration

Aaron Smith, Gypsy Wagon Restorer

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Life at CampPackages from Home

A s a camper, one of the sweetest times is after lunch when letters and packages are passed out. Whether it is the pillow you left at home, or a book you have wanted to

read, getting that package is met with great anticipation. But there is a process here at camp: first one must climb senior hill (a good hike), wait patiently in line

on the deck until it is your turn. Finally, the time has arrived. What is in that package?As you might know, or at least remember, campers who receive packages over the summer must open

them in the office under the eagle eyes of my helper and me. I go through the routine for the new campers about not being able to have food, because of the raccoons who will go right into your backpack, open a zipper and drag out whatever you are hiding there.

Most parents and friends are pretty good about not including edibles (yes that does include gum and healthy snacks) but over the years, I have been amazed at their ingenuity in trying to hide the food. (We, however, are equally as good about finding it most of the time). There has been many a teddy bear whose belly has been sacrificed to hold candy. Of course, once we are through finding all the sugar contraband, poor teddy can end up a mere pile of stuffing and staples. And there was once the really good book, its pages pasted together, carved out and filled with candy. One mother went to a garlic festival and sent a whole box of garlic candy—the fragrance lasted a long time. We had one grandmother who always put gum between the pages of magazines. When her camper got older, he just handed it to me...it’s from my grandmother! I am sure there are still places where candy can be hidden—but over the years, I have seen almost everything.

—Abby Rueb

Letter to Mom and DadL isbeth Pisk (camper 1941, staff 1960) sent us this remarkable letter that she had saved from August 2, 1960. It was sent to her parents from Four Winds. It’s a funny

and vivid peek at camp 50 years ago:

Dear Mom and Dad:The weather has turned cool again which is a welcome relief for us all. The last few days have been quite

filled with activity due to the ballet that Miss Helen directed. The idea was her own and the practice for the whole affair took place in scarcely over a week. We all practiced very hard.

The idea of the story centered around a German fishing village hit by war, the loss of a son, the arrival of an enemy stranger whom the Burgermeister took into his home and who won the hand of the daughter—complete with a wedding and dancing. I was a boy in the Laendler Dance having to wear Lederhosen and cap. Later I was the father returned from the war, and finally I was part of a trio singing Schuddelbux.

Actually it was the most fun I have had to date with staging a floral backdrop and painting shutters for the Gingerbread House. I was also delegated to arrange the floral centerpiece for the tea table in the lodge for the tea which was to follow the performance. This was a tremendous success and I lived my short moments of glory as Hero of the Day.

The middle of last week there were fond embraces and so Mr. Norling left. He really is a dear man and I like him thoroughly; I am sure that the feeling was mutual and he extended his greetings to you. He recalled the fun you all had in the Print Shop with the drunk carpenter who put the window in the far side off slant and so the pictures all had to be hung at a slight slant also.

Today, Miss Helen also left. But for everyone who leaves, another arrives. The day of Mr. Norling’s departure, a Mrs. Roderick of Seattle arrived to be my new roommate. She is well into her 60s, and is a music teacher, a socialite, snores violently, but is otherwise fun and tells good stories about people. She has keen insight into this place and so I mostly listen as I feel it is not too good to express myself too clearly while in her presence. Elizabeth Crispin came two days ago just on an impulse. She must be in her mid-30s, and is between jobs. She is doing odd work here just like the rest of us. The other night we had a geologist show slides and speak to us; Miss Ruth is just crazy about rocks and so it gave her great satisfaction. Aside from this there is not too much more to say at the present. I don’t know how much longer I will stay; now I will be needing more money for further existence. Possibly a check for $25.00 would sustain me for a while. I live extravagantly!

—Love, Lisbeth

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Notes about CampFrom some parents we heard about this Summer 2011:

“You do an amazing job of having a really positive, unique experience for every age group. Nothing seemed ‘same old thing’ to her at all.”

“We expected our daughter to be more relaxed and in the present moment with the exposure to outdoor activities in the beautiful Orcas Island setting. She returned beaming with good health, joy, serenity and

developed strong leadership skills over the summer. Thank you!”

“Lord, my daughter won’t stop singing! Ahhh!”

“I love how my son laughs and lights up when telling us camp stories.”

“We LOVED the chore wheel concept my son picked up at camp. He implemented one at home. Hurray!”

“My daughter thrives at camp. I really am learning (as is she) that she thrives because she is busily engaged in so many meaningful activities all day long. Her love from Four Winds is deepening.”

“My daughter walked through our door, burst into tears and said she wanted to go back that day.”

And from our 2011 campers, we heard:“I had a lot of GREAT memories at camp, but my favorite was the last night sitting next to one of my best friends during evening fire and sharing tissues.”

“If I could change one thing…it would be the rule about not climbing trees.

When my mom suggested I climb into the treehouse, I reminded her: you can’t

have sword fights up there!”

“Kayaking was the best. I makes me feel…independent.”

“I loved meeting new people, and finally expressing myself to others. The best part was Senior trips because I never knew I had survivor skills to fight off raccoons and deer. I found my inner tripper!”

“My favorite memory: the first time I cantered on Windy.”

“Best day: Braden tricked us into a trip. We went with Joe on horseback. We slept out on the highest point of camp, above the bay.”

“I liked the barn because you could explore everywhere in camp.”

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O nce again the Bay Area alumni and families gathered for two wonderful events. Topping off a week of Bay Area slide shows, Board of Trustees Eleanor (ElBell) Crebs and Julie Dickson organized a reunion for adult gypsies on

February 3rd and a gathering for families on February 4th. February 3rd was a merry evening at Villa Taverna, hosted by Julie Dick-son. Scott Corvin’s jazz combo entertained guests. (Scott is the husband of Board member Valerie Corvin). It was a night of great stories, good food, and fine music. Paul Sheridan gave a brief “State of Camp” update. A highlight of the evening was the attendance of the last five Heads of Girls’ Side. In the photo at right they are (left to right): Claire Conrad, Elizabeth Goldie, Erin Hafkenschiel, Emily Glass, and Alice (Crebs) Tumilty.

The following day, February 4th, ElBell Crebs organized a “Gypsy Fam-ily Day.” Thanks to Valerie Corvin, the venue was the newly renovated Piedmont Center for the Arts (www.piedmontcenterforthearts.org). Sara Foster provided a bounty of snacks. And families enjoyed crafts, singing, and even a folk dance.

It was a wonderful week of slideshows and reunion—and a big thank you goes out to all who attended, and the many volunteers who made all of it happen.

Up next…April 29th/a Southern California Reunion!The Palmer-Marshall and Harrison Families invite you to: A Southern California–Four Winds Gypsy Reunion!WHEN: April 29, 12 noon–3 PM. Families encouraged to attend! Lunch will be served. RSVP: melissacp@mac.com For more information and directions, call Melissa at: 323.842.3470

2011 Alumni events!

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Marlys Swenson Waller—Camper 1939, 41, 44; Staff 1944, 70, 71: Last fall the bugler, Jean Swenson Breck and her daughter Carole Breck, and Marlys Swenson Waller and her daughter, Johanna (Jennie) Waller Dakopolos spent a week in Victoria. As we sailed from Lopez, we sang, “Victoria is waiting just across the sea with shops so full of old antiques, the Empress full of tea” till we reached Sidney. Of course we had tea at the Empress, bought Murchies tea and Roger’s chocolates, maple syrup, drove along the coast out to Oak Bay Manor, past Capitol Junk and more! Magic Loot was every where—peacocks in the park, beautiful gardens in bloom, crisp wind, wild animals on Stuart Island, and even an orca swimming along with the ferry. Many stories were told of trips to Victoria as campers wearing blue bloomers, riding our bicycles, buying Peak and Freans.

Julius Rockwell—Staff 1963: At 93, I am writing the stories of my lives. I find that I have had 14 lives, 2 wives, and 5 children. I am proud that my children all get along with each other, different as they are. I have been sending a great granddaughter to Camp, which she adores.

Whitney Lane Miller—Camper 1966–68; Staff 1977; Board 1993–96: I live part time on Bainbridge Island and part time in Portola Valley CA. I’m exploring new options and rebuilding my life after getting divorced in 2011. After working in graphic, costume, building and textile design I’m now studying garden and interior design.

Jennifer Hobson—Camper 1967—71; CT 72, 74; Staff 1975, 76, 82, 01: I continue to teach history and geography full-time against the backdrop of the beautiful Coast Mountains in West Vancouver, B.C. Both daughters are still at home, but that appears about to change as both go off to university next year in differ-ent directions. I am studying art at Emily Carr University of Art and Design and dream about living the life of a visual artist…but should probably keep my day job for the time being. My husband Peter and I will have a grand adventure this summer in Italy. The last time I was in Italy, my good friend, Tish Nicolls, and I bought reams of Florentine paper for bookmaking at camp! In two days from now, we will visit our good friends, Johanna and Paul Dakopolos, threading the golden strands of childhood friendship into life’s fabric.

Kris Saldine—Staff 1977, 78, 80–84, 93: Greetings from Austin, TX. I’ve lived here for six years now—a special place but no Orcas Island. I have such great memories of camp - years ago, yes, but still vivid. I’ve been able to keep sailing—Baja, Mexico a few years ago and hopefully up to Alaska this coming June. If you’re ever in Austin stop by and say howdy. (Seven Seas, Rocky Point, Lorien, and CT Tipis)

Elizabeth Kully Marion—Camper 1977–79: My daughter, Celeste, has attended FW the past 3 summers and plans to come back this year. We live in Sydney, Australia and feel quite far away. Sharing songs, poems and stories about camp is a special mother-daughter bond that we do not share with anyone else in our community.

Nancy Hoffman—Staff 1978, 79: I teach History at Marin Academy in San Rafael, California. Over my 14 years at this school, I have been revisited by gypsy spirit in the children of the Boyce/Bliska’s, Gilhuly’s, Giannini’s, Hunters’, Weiss’ and LaHorgue’s. All of these young people have made M.A. better by virtue of values learned or reinforced at Camp. It is so much fun to trade stories about cabins, activities and traditions such as Gypsy Day.

Paul Ray—Camper 1978, 79; CT 81; Staff 1985: I was married last year on Oct 15 to Joy Walker on the Is-land of Kauai. She is a Mercer Island native, and we are now living in Seattle. I will begin an MFA program at Goddard University this March. I continue to work in the theater and dream of Four Winds and Orcas Island.

Julie Teel Simmonds—Camper 1982, 84–88; CT 1989; AC 1991: Julie Teel Simmonds (still living at 4803 W. Moorhead Cir. Boulder, CO 80305) and her husband Ray welcomed their son Wiley Teel Simmonds on January 21, 2012. We can’t wait to visit him at camp!

Nick Techentin—Camper 1983–88, 90; Staff 1996: I’ve taken the wisdom and passion I learned from camp to help others as a psychologist. I married a wonderful woman with a Russian accent, which always reminds me of the Russian campers who would join us at Four Winds from time to time. Best of all, we had a beautiful baby girl this year, who will surely be attending camp! Gypsy love and gypsy magic to all!

Maggie (Biller) Varadhan—Camper 1983–87, 89: Maggie is an author, speaker, and lifestyle consultant living in New York City with her husband and two kids, Gavin and Stella. maggie@maggielyon.net

Scotty Bauer—Camper 1984–89, 91; CT 1993; AC 1995; Staff 2002: After lots of testing and 3 separate applications, I’ve been admitted to WWU’s graduate teacher education program! I’ve run into Linda and Kelly Giles here in Bellingham, and am trying to recruit them for the next Work Party.

2011 Alumni News

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Alice Crebs Tumilty—Camper 1988–90, 92; CT 1994; AC 1995; Staff 1996–2002: This past September the Crebs/Tumilty clan welcomed Sydney to our brood. She is a sweet baby girl and we can tell she can’t wait to be a gypsy! We were also blessed to welcome Cousin Chase, son of Cameron and Michelle Crebs, to our growing family! Here is a picture of the future Wob and Fir Girl at the Bay Area Family Gypsy Afternoon in February!

Perrin (Rowe) Redford—Camper 1987, 89–93, staff 1998: Perrin and Kevin Redford welcomed their second child Blake Miller Redford in June 2011.

Annie Howell—Staff 1988–90: Annie is living in Athens, Ohio with her husband and two sons, where she is a professor of filmmaking at Ohio University. She got to see Katie Wisdom Weinstein and Jess Weinstein this past fall, but otherwise—sad to say—is rarely in the NW. She visited Tjeerd Romijn in Amsterdam a few sum-mers back and they blasted “Julie’s Porch” throughout his loft. Annie has a few films to watch for in art house theatres, including her first feature, Small, Beautifully Moving Parts. (www.smallbeautifullymovingparts.com)

Heidi Model Collins—Camper 1990, 91; CT 1992; Staff 1992, 94: Hello Four Winds! After 14 years on the East Coast (the last three on the island of Nantucket), we are returning to the San Francisco Bay Area for Heidi to take a job at UCSF Medical Center. Heidi and Gary look forward to Amanda (7) and Laurel (2) eventually continuing the Four Winds tradition.

Renee Shaw Barron—Camper 1991–94, 96; Staff 2003: After working as a pediatric oncology RN for several years, then a maternity RN, now I have finally found my perfect fit job as an RN at Skidmore College in their student health services office. My husband and I and son, Nolan, welcomed our second son, Tiernan, this past October. We recently moved to Ballston Lake, NY from sunny Miami/Fort Lauderdale, and we couldn’t be happier here in upstate New York! It’s a wonderful place to raise a family, with the Adirondack Mountains nearby, Boston only 3 hours away—and of course, New York City is just a couple hours away. I hope all of my old Four Winds pals are enjoying a beautiful gypsy life!

Jessica Pettus—Camper 1994–96; Staff 1999–2002, 07: Jessica Pettus returned to her hometown of San Francisco in July 2010 after living in Paris, France for two years while completing a Master’s degree in Global Media and Communications. Soon after returning to the Bay Area, she began work as a Communications Man-ager at Oracle in Redwood Shores, CA. She lives in San Francisco with her boyfriend Greg Vose, and they just returned from a glorious vacation seeing the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and gorgeous coastal areas of Chile.

John Tschida—Staff 1994, 95: John was reminded of his camp days when he found this poem from 17 years ago by Derek Matchett, age 10, Gollywobbler 1995: Moon, Sun, Rain, Stars, Flowers, The Earth/have their own way of showing courtesy, beauty and way of life/ Some people are mean to others/and others want revenge/ Then nothing will have its own beauty/ The moon, the sun, and the stars will be blocked out with smoke and forever darkness/ Acid rain will pour, flowers wilt, the earth will die/ and so will we/ So show courtesy to others not because they’re nice/ but because you are.

Madison Kaplan—Camper 1995–2001; CT 2002; Staff 2002, 04, 05 : I am at Cardozo Law School in New York City. I’d love to meet up with any gypsies that are in the Big Apple.

George Mittendorf—Camper 1996–98; Staff 2001, 02: I married my wife Tammy at the end of medical school in Irvine, CA two years ago. Now we are living in Fresno where I am in my second year of residency in Emergency Medicine. I’ve been trying to do as much rock climbing as possible, though I don’t think I’ll be doing much any time soon because our first baby, Scott, arrived in mid-February! We are doing well, I am trying to get as much sleep as possible even though my already abnormal schedule has just gotten much worse. Otherwise, I am looking forward to fellow gypsy Besse’s Gardener’s wedding later this year, and enjoy Andrew Robert’s rants on Facebook.

Ross Carlson—Camper 1998–2002; CT 2003; AC 2004: FWWH gave me spirit of adventure and an 8 year old Turk’s head bracelet—one of which will last beyond this lifetime. I attended the University of Montana, graduating in 2010 with degrees in Anthropology, Geography, and a GIS Certificate (digital map making and related technologies). I worked for UM as a research assistant for 1.5 years until grant-funding woes left me jobless. So, do any geospatial gypsies out there know of work along those lines? Abby could put us in touch!

Chase Crebs and Sydney Tumilty

Jessica Pettus and Greg Vose

Blake Miller Redford

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2011 Alumni News, continued

Rebecca and Clay Taylor on their wedding day

Daniel “Yogi” Leftus—Staff 1999–2003 and Alison Kovach—Staff 2001–2003: Gypsy Love truly is real! On September 10th, 2011, Daniel Letfus and Alison Kovach said “I do” in an apple orchard at the home of Abby and Rollie Rueb on Orcas Island. A camp favorite, “The Roseville Fair”, was performed during their ceremony by a few gypsies and the reception even included a folk dance! They currently live in New Zealand but they have big plans to relocate to the Pacific Northwest in the next 12 months.

Doug Humes—Staff 1999–2005: After leaving The Helm and Carlyn in 2005 I lived the nomadic life, mostly staying west of the Rockies and between the Canadian and Mexican borders. Now I’ve decided to rent a house 10 miles outside of Port Townsend, WA 98368 (340 Eaglemount Rd). It reminds me of The Helm, with plenty of room to fire the cannon. Visitors welcome. 360.622.6141. With any luck, I’ll be here for at least a year.

Rebecca Taylor—Camper 1999–2001; CT 2002; AC 2003: I am pleased to announce that I got married last July in Maui. I fell in love with my husband Clay Taylor during my freshman year at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. We have been together ever since! We now live in Southern California where we spend our free time hiking, going to the beach, and home brewing beer. Clay works as a sales supervisor for Stone Brewing Company and I work as an event coordinator for a local non-profit housing organization.

Erin Hafkenschiel—Staff 2002, 03, 05: Erin Hafkenschiel was married to Ryan Donnelly this past October in Sonoma, CA. There were quite a few Gypsies in attendance, including Sarah Lewis, Louise Sherman Gib-bons, Alice Lewis, Addie Hearst, Mary Russell, and Tommy Newman. A great time was had by all! Erin and Ryan are living in San Francisco, where Erin just started a new job with the Bay Area Council.

Nathan Spencer—Staff 2003, 06, 07: I was the Yankee counselor in 2003 and the CT Dad in 2007. Life has been interesting in the last few years: I will finish my MA in English/African-American Literature from NC A&T State University in Greensboro, NC in May 2012. In mid-March I will also return to crisis management as a Guilford County 911 dispatcher while I continue with other professional goals in line with my degree.

Elaine Hruby—Camper 2004–06; CT 2007; Staff 2008, 10: I will graduate from the University of Washington in June. I am finishing a thesis concerning Ruth Brown and Four Winds * Westward Ho history for which I received the Mary Gates Undergraduate Research Scholarship. I will presenting my research at the Undergradu-ate Research Symposium in May and hope to produce an article or website through which fellow, curious alumni can explore the history of the place we all love! I am also currently working as a baker and decorator in a gourmet cupcake shop in Tacoma, Washington, and playing guitar and writing music as much as possible.

Sidsel Gadenberg—Staff 2005–09: After 7 summers on Orcas I finally found “camp in Denmark”—a job that gives me the same joy and sense of purpose as FW*WH has. I teach at a boarding school—9th and 10th graders—132 of them to be exact…and what a blessing it is to work with teenagers on a daily basis. I get to laugh with them, hear their stories, hug them when they cry and help them find themselves. Every step of the way I have all the values camp has given me—and I teach them to appreciate simplicity, face-to-face interac-tions, the little things in life. And most importantly; I teach them to be proud of who they are and what they are capable of doing. In some way I feel like I’m paying it forward—my way of giving back to camp, although I know I will never be able to give back as much as I have been given…‘cause my life was changed for the better because of camp. It brought me to where I am today—a happy gypsy in Denmark sharing the stories, songs, traditions and poems of FW*WH. Thank you!

Pippa Lother—Camper 2010, 2011: According to mom Sonja: Pippa participated in the Junior Session this summer, and someday hopes to be a FW*WH Counselor! Pippa has again been selected as a national top recipient of the Duke University Talent Identification Program. She also has continued to raise and contribute money for the Secret Scholarship program through bake sales, as it is near and dear to her heart.

Toby Thornburg—Camper 2011: Mom was surprised and delighted to learn that when asked, by his teacher, to write a poem about a place that he could remember fondly with his senses, Toby chose Four Winds! Thanks, Laura Thornburg:

Come With Me to Four Winds Westward HoSee the blackberries ripe on the vine / Hear the horses neighing in the breeze / Feel the softness of the

great fresh air / Smell the salt water moving gently along / Taste the meals drawing you to them

Daniel Leftus and Alison Kovach on their wedding day

10 ! ! community, simplicity & creativity !

Come to Four Winds Camp for the 2012 Family Camp / Alumni Weekend Labor Day Weekend / September 1–3, 2012This is Four Winds’ 85th Anniversary—what better way to celebrate than spending a glorious weekend at camp with alumni, friends and family!

Morning Flags / Activities: canoeing, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, crafts, a sail on Carlyn and more / Delicious meals / “Social hour” for adults / Silent auction / Evening Fire / And maybe even a Folk Dance!

Children of all ages are welcome; however activities are geared toward camp-aged children and older. There will be no childcare available.

Cost of the weekend reunion is $165 per adult (16 and older) and $80 for children ages 7-15. Kids under 7 are free. This includes food, housing, and activities for the entire weekend. We are also having a Family Package at $500, which includes registration for (2) adults and up to (3) children.

To register on-line, please go to: http://fourwindscamp.org/index.php/alumniweekend. Or mail the form below to Arden Hofler, 2121 30th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144. Questions? Contact Arden Tellini Hofler at fwwh2012weekend@yahoo.com or 206.226.1413.

2012 Family Camp / Alumni Weekend registration form

Primary contact for your party:

First: Last:

Address: City State: Postal/Zip Code:

Phone: Email:

Names of everyone in your party (and ages of children):

1

2

3

4

5

Transportation:

FW*WH has chartered a boat departing from Skyline Marina in Anacortes on 9/1 at 2 PM going straight to the camp dock, and then departing camp on 9/3 at 12 noon, arriving back at Skyline Marina at 1 PM. Parking at Skyline Marina is free. We need a minimum of 25 passengers, and a maximum of 35 passengers, for this charter. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come-first serve basis at $55 per person round-trip.

Reconnect! Enjoy! Relax!

Registration and Optional Transportation:

# of people ages 16+ at $165 pp: _____ x $165 $ ______

# of children 8-15 at $80 pp: _____ x $ 80 $ ______

# of children 7 and under at no cost: _______

or Family Pkg: 2 adults + up to 3 children: _____ x $500 $ ______

# passengers for chartered boat at $55 pp: _____ x $55 $ ______

TOTAL: $ ______

Payment:

A check is enclosed for $ ______

or Please charge my credit card:

CARD NO. EXP. DATE CCV NO:

! community, simplicity & creativity ! 11

First Day of Camp ReceptionWho says campers get to have all the fun?Join us for wine, cheese and laughs at the historic Orcas Hotel Café (at the ferry landing) after you drop your campers off at camp June 24, July 24 or August 23. Call Janet at camp, or email her for more informa-tion at janet@fourwindscamp.org

Keeping in touchWe are constantly updating our database at camp, but we need your help. If you are still receiving the Pigeon Wing at your parents’ home—please send us your new contact information. If you’ve moved or changed your email address in the last couple of years, we’d love to have your new one. If you’ve never received an email from us and would like to, send us your email address. We are hoping to keep in touch with alumni throughout the year via email.

You can send contact information to: alumni@fourwindscamp.org or janet@fourwindscamp.org or call Molly at camp (360.376.2277). Thank you!

Pigeon Wing is on-line!If you’d like to send the Pigeon Wing to a friend, or just re-read it on-line—go to: www.fourwindscamp.org.

Printed on 30% post consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink

NON-PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAID

SEATTLE, WA

PERMIT NO. 1793Four Winds, Inc.Post Office Box 140Deer Harbor, WA

98243

2012 StaffPaul SheridanDirector

Joe BabcockMaintenance Director

Susan BabcockSpecial Project Manager

Janet BrownellDevelopment Director

Scott CannCarlyn Skipper

Emily GlassAssistant Director

Sandra GreenFinance Director

Rick MollnerShipwright

Kate PetrickGardener

Molly RobertsAlumni Coordinator

Abby RuebRegistrar

Gerry SantillanMaintenance Assistant

Contact Usby email through our website atwww.fourwindscamp.org or by phone at 360.376.2277