We are the CITs so pity us, the kids are brats, the food is hideous…

This all feels so timeless. Yesterday I ironed nametags into Shara’s clothes, and today Becky & I drove Shara and Gracie up to Camp Anokijig.

Camp Anokijig is a name known by nearly every native Wisconsinite – because they all have attended a session there. I do mean all. Everyone I have ever met who was born and raised here is an Anokijig alum. In fact, the vast diaspora of alums are responsible for Anokijig still being open for Shara and Gracie to attend. A few years ago, the YMCA – previous Anokijig owners – decided to sell the camp. Anokijig alumni, past staff, parents, friends all raised a hue and cry. Actually, several of them contacted us at Gathering Waters to ask about private land protection programs and funds. And they did it – they raised $8 million dollars, bought out the YMCA and now the camp is run by an independent non-profit organization.

Anokijig is almost a cliche. It is clearly the model upon which all other summer camps are based – and may in fact be the inspiration for Meatballs. The main lodge is truly a northwoods stereotype – huge wooden beams, lights made of “old” wagon wheels, lots of dead critters on the walls, and large Anokijig flags hanging about.

Dusty, rocky trails lead from the lodge to the camping areas, girls on one side, boys on the other. The tents are the exact same model from my years at overnight camp – wooden floor with canvas sides and top, lined inside with bunkbeds. The bunkbeds might in fact be those I slept on back in my youth!

There’s a lake and beach, naturally, with sailboats, huge voyageur canoes capable of seating 10 kids each, an old metal playground slide in the shallow area near the shore. Stables and horses (though we saw only ducks in the paddock). The ping-pong tables have in place of nets plywood cut to the same dimensions and emblazoned with the phrase “Do Not Pound on the Table”.

Shara’s reaction to arriving in her unit was identical to mine when my mother and I arrived at the 609 dorm at Beloit lo these many years ago – OK, thanks, bye. She did NOT need my help setting up her mosquito net, she did NOT prefer to give me a goodbye hug.

And though she said she did not need me to write to her while at camp, I penned a note just as soon as I got home. She’ll appreciate it when mailcall comes around and she’s not the only kid without a letter.