May Crew at Pathfinder!
Ice was out Friday afternoon Apr. 24, and camp was reached on May 1. I'll be updating this post regularly, starting with views of our clean up of downed trees, and the building of a new swim dock section. Our May Crew boys have worked hard already and are shown having a much-deserved beer and watching video clips of their chores.
More soon!
noonway, sladds
Pathfinder News and Notes - Spring 2009
Earth Day 2009 -- Read our essay 'Green Means the Little Things at Pathfinder.'
"...Maybe more than anything else, the Pathfinder tripper feels differently about the world, having traveled it by his own muscle power, with only what he can carry in his canoe and between his shoulders. He comes to feel he belongs to this world. He is cooled by a swim in it, quenched like never before after a long drink of it. He spends his nights closer to it than he does in his house. He listens to and watches it ‘from the front row,’ at dawn, dusk and noon..."
April Update -- Summer 2009 is on the Way! See our latest Camp info below.
-- Current Campers and Staff on board for 2009
-- Parent Forms, Get Our Camp Forms: Health, Transport, Clothing
-- Be aware of passport requirements for adults in 2009
-- Recruit a new camper and receive a cash credit in 2009
-- Get answers to questions about Pathfinder and life at camp. Read more ...
I’m getting more calls and messages every day! Another Pathfinder season is close at hand. But winter needs to yield to spring, and as we know spring comes reluctantly to the north.
Mid-March I visited the Park and found brilliant sunshine, the joy of longer daylight hours, and a much-reduced snow pack on the ground. There were even bare patches of pine-needled ground on the Island. The needles glowed in the sun’s warmth, though surrounded by snow and ice. I saw where moose had bedded down on the Island to soak up some warmth as well. It gave me a hope of spring. April, though, is a cruel month in Algonquin. . The lake ice was still almost two feet thick in March, and by now it’s rotting and unsafe. In April, you can’t travel on the lakes by foot or canoe. Cold rain and grey skies are the order of the month. At least at the end, there is the joy of ice-out! I’m thinking somewhere around April 25, just like last year. We can again expect high water, as the snow pack runs into the still-frozen lakes. Docks will be way under water and the camp road will be muddy at best. Finally, on May 1 a few Pathfinder men venture across Source Lake and unlock the buildings. May Crew is then underway, and summer can’t be far behind! sladds
Recruiting Update '09
Help us fill those final spots at Camp for the season.
Pathfinder has spaces available in the First or Second Half for age 11-12 boys. These boys can choose a 2-week slot or the traditional 3 1/2 week slot.
Pathfinder has spaces available for age 8 -10 boys in Session A July 1-13, Session B July 13-25, and Session D Aug. 8-20. Session C is now full and accepting wait list.
Pathfinder has limited spaces available for age 7-8 boys in our One Week Mic Mac Sessions, July 7-13 and Aug. 2-8.
Refer a new family to Pathfinder, and if they sign up a boy for camp you will receive a $100 credit for your son's session.
Vital Parent Info - Health, Transport & Clothing Forms '09 !
The Camper Health Form
Vital Camper Health Info -- view / print the form …
Please print, complete and return the camp health form. The doctor’s office should add information, but a physical exam is not required. Return the completed form to the Rochester camp office by June 1. Include both parent and doctor signatures.
The Camper Transportation Form
How’s your boy traveling? -- view / print the form …
Please print, complete and return the transport form. This is your signed authorization for your son to travel to Canada by air, coach or parent vehicle.
Be aware when making Toronto flight arrangements of our van shuttle times. We prefer to meet airline flights between 10am – 1pm if at all possible. Please help us!
If your Camper’s session is 2nd half or session D, consider a Family Camp stay, and make your transport plans accordingly. Family Camp is a fun tradition at Pathfinder. You will love it and your Camper stays free. Check out Family Camp info …
Make sure your bus Camper has food and drink for the ride, and has his rain jacket handy along with his medications and identification. Make sure your airline Camper follows air travel rules on carry-on items, and has the camp's phone number and some pocket money on hand. Read tips in Transport Specifics 2009 ...
Passports, Birth Certificates, and the Border in 2009
US kids under age 16 will still be able to re-enter the US on just their birth certificate this summer. The US changes taking effect on June 1, 2009 will not require kids to have a US passport. Adults, however, will need one or an Enhanced License.
Clothing and Equipment for Camp
Clothing list – view / print it here …
Parents, it you want Camp to purchase a new sleeping bag, dry bag, life vest, paddle or hooded camp sweatshirt for your son, please contact Sladds on email. Check the clothing section for details – we can obtain high quality items for a very low cost.
Be sure to review those items that are recommended, permitted and not permitted.
Campers So Far!
Here are the ’09 Campers to date – roster link ...
Remember, there is still space available. Sign up a friend and earn a cash bonus!
Check out --
Pathfinder session dates and rates ...
The Pathfinder experience is terrific for our boys ...
Staff on Board for '09!
- CIT power, war canoe races '08
"A huge thank-you to you and all your incredible staff at Pathfinder. Coulter was delivered to us safely yesterday, complete with big smiles and a goodbye hug for his counselor. Coulter had a wonderful two weeks! He tells us next year he will be a Cree and wants to go for the first half. So, as I am sure you have experienced before, you have hooked another camper!" -- Bill & Janet, Toronto 2008
Do We Dare Think Spring?
The thaw will shortly be underway. Time to think about Algonquin in spring and summer! Check out some of the migrating bird species that stop over at Pathfinder in the spring. These photos were shot on the Island in May 2008.
Top left: magnolia warbler
Middle left: yellow rumped warbler
Bottom left: wood cock
Top & Middle right: american redstart female
Bottom right: yellow-bellied sap sucker
March News 2009
Come meet camp families and the camp director at Camp Pathfinder Open Houses in Toronto this week.
Tues. March 3, 7:30 pm, Karen and Jason Hanson's
Wed. March 4, 6:30 pm, Patti and Joe Lawrence's
In Buffalo and Rochester this month:
Wed. March 18, 7:00 pm, Dennis and Whitney Beecher, Buffalo
Thurs. March 19, 5:00 pm, Ani and Trip Pierson, Pittsford
Mon. March30, 6:00 pm, Chris and Debbie Malof, Buffalo
Open house is a small informal gathering, perfect for meeting the Director and seeing a slide show highlighting Pathfinder life. Contact me if you'd like to attend!
February News 2009
- photos: Pete Johnson
Pathfinder and Elmwood Franklin School have partnered for many years to give their grade 8 students Pathfinder experiences. Each fall, the entire eighth grade visits camp for a week of outdoor ed. and adventure. Each winter, some of them return to see Algonquin in winter.
January News 2009
Nice Shot!
Pathfinder friend Mike Wilton, chairman of Algonquin Eco Watch, took this picture of Source Lake and Pathfinder Island, on a peak fall foliage day in late September 2008. Note how well our west-side Algonquin forest type shows up at this time of year. Evergreens like cedar, spruce, hemlock and balsam fir ring the shorelines, where soil type and moisture from run-off are ideal. On the higher elevations, the hardwoods like maple, beech, birch and poplar show up in vibrant colors.
More from January
The Latest Camp Trails is Here!
The yearbook is hot off the presses and headed to all campers. All campers receive a copy automatically. If you are a staff member or alumnus, please contact Sladds to get a copy of this great pictorial, edited by Corey Floyd.
One Camper Writes:
One of our trippers Jasper Bingham sent me an essay he wrote recently, and I thought it was terrific. He gave me permission to post it up on our site. Recently we heard that his essay won a scholastic writing award. Bravissimo Jasper!
I think you'll enjoy it ...
Holidays 2008 News
Print your Camper's 2009 Enroll Forms by clicking enroll forms ...
Now you don't have to wait to visit the Candy Store ...
Rupert update: Pathfinder has been asked to submit a trip report on the recent Rupert expedition to Che-mun Magazine. Check out this fascinating journal of tripping, click ...
- Little Madawaska R., Nov 2008. Karl Doench
Autumn 2008 News
Nov. 30 -- update!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone ... There was a nice gathering yesterday at the Saturn Club in Buffalo. Over 100 campers, staff and parents were munching wings and watching camp photos from the 2008 season. It was great to see how much everyone enjoyed seeing each other again and talking about their trips. You can see the photos we showed on our web galleries: Trip photos ... and In-camp photos ...
If you're thinking about the Park, try opening this PDF map of Algonquin, then zoom in on your favorite route, or take it into PhotoShop. Park Map ...
Another cool map: Take a look at an Algonquin map project done by an avid Park tripper named Jeffrey McMurtrie. You can download his awesome map, but his web page also has cool information about making the map, and free versions of vintage Algonquin maps. Jeffrey's Algonquin map project ...
Nov. 23 -- update!
The Buffalo News has a Sunday feature article about Pathfinder's 2008 trip on the Rupert River in north-central Quebec. Read the online edition ...
Treasure Hunt 2008 is here!
Click over to the Library to view and play Lance's Hunt ...
Nov. 20 -- update!
Just a reminder that on June 1, 2009 a passport will be required to return to the US from Canada and Mexico. HOWEVER, children don't need one! If they are 16 or younger a birth certificate is still o.k. Of course, air travelers will need a passport, but this is great news for the many Campers who travel by bus or parent vehicle! For more information, click http://www.getyouhome.gov/ ...
Click through to some interesting pages on our site:
Please Come To The Saturn Club, Nov. 29 Autumn Reunion!
If you're anywhere near western New York at Thanksgiving, you can't miss the 10th annual Pathfinder Autumn Reunion. The Saturn Club on Sat. Nov. 29 at 2:00 pm. Parents, staff and alumni all gather to eat and drink yet more Thanksgiving weekend goodies, and to share stories about canoe trips and in-camp fun. There will be movies and photo shows, and the Staff as always will muster for introductions. Please RSVP to Sladds so we can plan for the food!
November News
Early Bird Offer is Still On!
Camp families can still enroll Early Bird for 2009. We have extended the e.b. offer for a few weeks. Remember, there are two Early Bird options. You can do Early Bird PrePay and save up to $275 on your camper's tuition. Or, put down just the $600 enroll deposit and your camper is an Early Bird with first dibs on the available slots in his favorite session. All Early Birds receive a free Oconto maple trip paddle!
Enroll Forms ...
New Session Options for New Boys in 2009!
A new camper who is age 7-8 now has a One-week session option in 2009.
A new camper who is age 11-12 now has a Two-week session option in 2009.
Check the details in Rates & Dates ...
The New Yearbook is Under Construction!
Camp Trails 2008 is now on the layout screens. Again this year, Corey and Sladds will produce a full-color 100+ page recap of all the campers, staff, sleepage, trips and candids of the '08 95th Pathfinder season. This year's book will include Lance's treasure hunt, as well as gorgeous photos from the 80 Pathfinder trips sent out this summer. Every '08 camper automatically receives a copy of Camp Trails. We will be shipping out the book at holiday time.
October News
Early Bird Enrollment Continues
The Early Bird enrollment period for current families and alumni families runs from September through November 1. This year we are offering families a grace period, so they can choose the Early Bird option into November as well. This gives current Pathfinder family members some extra time to choose one of the great Early Bird options. With Early Bird, your camper gets first choice of the available slots in '09!
Early Bird PrePay allows you to sign up a boy and pay the tuition now with a discount. For example, half-season sign up would save $275 and a two-weeker would save $175.
Regular Early Bird sign up means paying just the $600 deposit now, to secure your camper's preferred session. Every Early Bird camper receives a gorgeous maple Oconto Paddle Works trip paddle upon arrival at camp.
Early Birds, make sure to sign up now and get your spot for 2009! New families will start to enroll on November 1 at regular rates.
New Sessions for Younger Campers in 2009
For new Pathfinder boys, we have some new session options next summer.
Boys ages 7-8 will now enroll in a new "Mic-Mac" 1-week session, offered twice each summer.
New boys ages 11-12 who are starting Pathfinder in the Cree tribe can choose a special new 2-week session, offered twice each summer. For more on dates and rates, click to enrollment ...
Pathfinder Autumn Reunion, Sat. Nov. 29 at Saturn Club, Buffalo
Everyone within reach of western New York is invited to make the annual trek to our big reunion reception in Buffalo on Thanksgiving weekend. The date is Saturday, Nov. 29, time is 2:00 - 5:00 pm, the place is Saturn Club at 944 Delaware Ave. Each year we enjoy food and drink, movies and slide shows, and the whole Pathfinder family of campers, parents, staff and alumni. Let Sladds know you're coming!
Looking Ahead ... Will our Campers need passports in 2009?
According to Homeland Security, on June 1, 2009 any US citizen over age 16 will need a passport to return to the States from Canada by road or air. However, children age 16 and under will still be able to return from Canada with just their birth certificates. Check the Info. for Parents page on this web site for more details.
Fall Crew Close Up '08
- Fall crew '08
The Pathfinder Fall Crew this season included Sladds, Steve Szymkowiak, Aydin Perese, Finn McCance, Caleb Musgrave, Matt Onyskow and Dan Bird. Our fall chef was the incredible Dave Munns from Belleville, and his bakers/assistants from Mexico Fernanda and Paulina. Zach Arem and Max Brown each returned to camp to help us with a couple of events.
Pathfinder played host for outdoor education experiences this year to Lakefield College School, Wilson Magnet High School, Nichols School, Elmwood Franklin School, Allendale Columbia School, Huntsville High School, and the annual Father-Kid camp crew from Orchard Park, NY. A special doff of the cap to Elmwood Franklin on its 15th consecutive season at Pathfinder!
September News - Final Banquet Aug. 19
Nathan Kowalski and Evan Dent were recognized at Final Banquet with our most coveted awards. Nathan won the Tripping Award, and Evan was voted winner of the Pathfinder Award. They nailed up their names in the Dining Hall for all time, as the entire camp community looked on.
First Half Camper Awards
Most Improved Mic-Chipp, Santi Sosa
Best Mic-Chipp, Jared Reeber
Most Improved Cree, Riley Hanson
Best Cree, Sam Merriman
Most Improved Ott, Rafa Parra
Best Ott, Ben Vaughan
Most Improved AA, Harrison Stinnett
Best AA, Nick Ferrara
Second Half Camper Awards
Best Mic-Chipp, Max Caplan
Most Improved Mic-Chipp, King Bassett
Best Cree, Ben Clement
Most Improved Cree, Bo Whitney
Best Ott, Rafa Parra
Most Improved Ott, Rafa Parra!
Best AA, Royce Hepburn
Most Improved AA, Evan Woodcock
Many campers were winners this night, as dozens received their AA cards and their Best and Most Improved Awards.
News and Notes - Summer 2008
Looking Back on Summer 2008
Read the June 1 bulletin here for key parent information. June 1 bulletin ...
Read the July Highlights 2008. July ...
Read the August Highlights 2008. August ...
95th Anniversary Alumni Reunion. Reunion ...
Mini-Camp Aug 8 - 10, 2008!
This is our 3-day camp just for new boys, ages 6-9, who are ready to try camp fun, in anticipation of attending Pathfinder next summer.
More about Mini-Camp ...
Mini-camp 2009 details ...
May News
May highlights. Ice-out and early work crews reach camp ... students from Lakefield College and Wilson High School experience Pathfinder ... bugs bite and moose feed ... June crew arrives ... read and see more ...
The Newest Pathfinders: Wilson High School Outdoor Club
30 outstanding people became part of the Pathfinder family with a first-ever foray into the backwoods from their inner-city Rochester high school. The group worked with Pathfinder Headmen from May 23-26, and were among our camp's best-ever school guests. Oh, there's photos.
Wilson OC album 1 ...
Wilson OC album 2 ...
“The most appealing aspect of Camp Pathfinder is that it offers a combination of all of the elements that a school group seeks in an expeditionary learning experience. Pathfinder presents three essential components: a diverse array of activities; an energetic, engaging and experienced staff; and a technology-free, pristine island location. These all combine to create a unique atmosphere where visitors can focus on developing new relationships and strengthening existing bonds."
Davin Reddington, Wilson HS
More May highlights ...
Flower Beds planted in May. Peggy Hurley and Margot Cook of Dwight gifted Pathfinder with perrenials for new garden beds out front of the Dining Hall.
April's Notes ...
The ice is out at Source Lake!
Friday, April 25, 2008.
Pathfinder 'green' is doing the little things - Essay ...
Pathfinder to use water bottles sans BPA - Read more ...
Current parent eMail News April 9 - Parent news ...
April News
Source Lake April 22, 2008
View from the Ministry helicopter on Earth Day '08. The Park staff are watching developments from the air, in anticipation of major lakes being ice-free in a few days' time. Last year, Source was already open at this date, but the recent winter saw a huge build-up of snow and lake ice after a big January '08 thaw. Right now, the Source Lake road is barricaded and washed out in several places. Snow is still deep in the bush, and in places on the road. The parking lot is too soft for vehicles. Reports from our guys at the MNR say that water is several feet over the Car Dock, and as you can see from the aerial photo, the Canoe Dock may be partially submerged, while the Motorboat Dock, Kitchen Dock and main Swim Dock are all invisible, with water and ice well over them. Stay tuned for updates! sladds
Classic Snapshots Found
March 26 - Corot Reason sent me these yesterday, just what we're looking for in the 95th year! sladds
"I read on the alumni chatter page on the camp site about the pics you are accumulating ...
1967 AA trip: Taken on the canoe dock before the trip left. A young Richard Swift is also in the shot. Campers: myself, Herman, Lundquist, Hayes, Reed Lannom and Tim Arem.
Bob Roggow, JLay Leighbody and Jack Hurley, taken at the end of the trip at Opeongo. Note the decals on the three red canoes.
AAs and staff on the trip at the Pick Up showing the old stake truck that AO had.
An unusual shot of a logging truck on the road somewhere between Phillips and Radiant. We convinced the driver that he was going in the wrong direction. So we rode the logs over to Radiant. I'm sure it was very safe."
March News
Pathfinder News and Notes - March 2008
March 27 - see the latest camper sign-ups so far! Click roster ...
March 20 - You can find the latest parent forms for Summer 2008 on this web site, at the Parent Info page. To see the clothing list, the camper transport form, and the camper health form, click to Parent Info/forms.
March 10 - this morning Sladds was interviewed about Pathfinder by Spirit Magazine, a publication of the Tennis Clubs of America affiliate in Rochester. The piece runs in the April issue. Read the interview ...
March 1 - another Pathfinder article appeared in the March issue of Rochester Magazine, published by the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. The short piece by Nancy O'Donnell highlights Pathfinder's school group programs. Read the article ...
February News
Looking Ahead to 2008, the 95th Summer
Enrollment Update March 2008
Only a few places remain available for camp ages 13-15. Many Mics and Chipps are already signed up, but there are openings still in each 2-week session. The Cree tribe (11-12) has places as well, for either First Half or Second Half.
Contact Camp for updates on sessions and space available.
Call Sladds at 585.249.0716
Don't forget Mini-Camp '08, a 3-day trial camp session for our youngest prospects, ages 6-8. There's more info. about this special event on the News & Notes page.
95th Anniversary Celebration
Plans or the 95th anniversary alumni celebration are taking shape. Alumni, check regularly on the Alumni Chatter page of this web site!
Will Pathfinder Boys Need US Passports Next Summer?
As of March, US border policy is that American citizens returning by AIR to the US from Canada must have a valid passport. For Americans returning to the US from Canada by ROAD (e.g. camp bus or parent car), a passport is not required, only a birth certificate. Children age 18 and under are only required to prove citizenship with a birth certificate. Check our information in the Parent Info. section of this web site!
Cool Maps of Algonquin Park
Check out these cool maps:
Vintage map of Algonquin Park, ca. 1940s
Map of Ontario showing canoe regions
Algonquin Park Map current, viewable pdf
Camp Trails Yearbook 2007
Camp Trails is Out!
Pathfinder's 2007 Summer yearbook Camp Trails is a hit with Campers. All Campers receive a copy of Camp Trails! Staff and Alumni can get a copy, too: please email Sladds to have one sent for $25.00. This 108-page full color book highlights the people, trips and fun of the 94th Pathfinder season.
Camp Trails was designed again this year by Corey Floyd!
Scholarships for Our Campers
You can help a boy experience Pathfinder. Partial and full scholarships for Pathfinder campers in need are provided by a group of Pathfinder alumni who formed the Algonquin Campership Fund. Started in 2001 the Fund helps boys have the life-changing experience of attending Camp Pathfinder. The Fund is administered by the Rochester Area Community Foundation.
To see details about the scholarship process, click to
The Algonquin Campership Fund ...
To print an application for scholarship assistance, click to
ACF application pdf ...
To get details about giving to the Fund, email me
redcanoes09@gmail.com
To contribute, send your check for any amount to: Algonquin Campership Fund, Rochester Area Community Foundation, 500 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607.
January News
- photo: Ferrara
A Camper Photo Album
Several campers have sent in gorgeous trip photos from the summer. Here is an album from Nick Ferrara and Alex Dillon. Nice job boys! Click and enjoy ...
New Maps From Brack
When you look at your Pathfinder island map, you're looking at the early cartography of Chris Brackley. Chris moved on to study cartography, and has just told us his latest project is coming on line. He's worked at University of Toronto for over two years to bring the Historical Atlas of Canada to the web. Check out his interactive maps on line!
Click for Brack's Atlas ...
Happy New Year to All!
sladds
New Years Day at Camp 2008
- photo: Karl Doench
December News
Dec. 2
Saturday, brilliant sun and biting cold covered the Park near Source, along with two feet of fresh snow from squalls on Thursday and Friday. Last year at this time, I was able to paddle to the Island on Nov. 30 in 45-degree weather. Today, a year later, the ponds are frozen and the larger lakes half-so. Here is a view from the portage looking back at the pond of the Madawaska River known to so many of our trippers. If you portaged your pack down the old rail bed out of the camp car dock, the shoreline on the far side of this photo is where you slid down the bank to the pond. Then, the muddy load-up and short paddle to the take-out where I stood to take the picture. To get to Tanamakoon Lake and points south, portage across Hwy. 60 and into another beaver pond.
December 7
The Headman's Cookbook Project ...
an assortment of trip food recipes from Headmen past and present.
Addendum: Details on Sandy Gage's Punjab Rice ...
November News
- War canoe sprints, 2007 Regatta
November 15
This latest group of photos is about .... Groups. They're all group shots, ranging from Mischievous Mic-Chipps, to Cleaned up Crees, Wacked out Otts, Meanest Link Trippers, Camper All-Stars, Pyramid Builders, AA trip crews, Apache Scouts, Mungdastic Munday competitors, Raft Rockers, Headmen, SecondMen, CITs and Ladies of CPI '07.
I'm busy building web albums with more photos of '07. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, be sure to attend the Pathfinder events this fall: Saturn Club Autumn Reunion Nov. 23, and Rochester Reunion, another Paddle Tennis party at Midtown Athletic Dec. 8.
Noonway for now,
sladds
September News - Final Banquet, August 19
Nick Cavallo spoke for the Campers, and Ben Bristow spoke for the Staff. Austin Ferguson, whose father Read and uncle Whit also attended Pathfinder, was voted both the Pathfinder Award and the Tripping Award this year. Here, he hammers up the paddle with DOT Zach Arem lending a hand.
August News
Your Guides' Race Champions
Zach Arem and Adrian Kelly, Aug. 2007
Mini-Camps 2007-2009
August 10, 2007 / August 8, 2008 / August 14, 2009
3 Days of Adventure for New Boys ages 6 - 8
Mini-Camp was a huge hit in 2007. We had a dozen new boys who came to check us out. They had a blast and many felt confident about coming to Pathfinder in 2008. We repeated this offering in Summer 2008, again with great results!
The best way to get a future Camper excited about Pathfinder is for him to visit and spend time here. Doing activities with the Staffmen and other Campers, swimming in Source Lake, discovering the food is amazing, and falling asleep to the wind in the pines and the calls of loons.
Mini-Camp is devoted to just 12 boys, ages 6-8 years. We can sometimes accept a 9 year old as well. They come for a 2-night/3-day stay. They’ll live like Pathfinder Campers, sleep in a lodge, have meals with us in the Dining Hall, go to activity periods, choose Optionals, play Evening Program, hit the Forts, jump in for Soap Bath, and visit Candy Store. All just like real Campers.
Parents are welcome to spend first and last mornings of mini-camp on the island, but for the rest of the weekend have their own Algonquin experience at one of the excellent nearby lodges. This is your chance to let your son be independent, while you enjoy all that Algonquin Park has to offer.
Mini-Camp fee runs about $275.00 and is all-inclusive. For more details, contact Sladds and request your invitation!