Submit Stories for the Next Edition of Paddles Flashing in the Sun
Mac Rand
Pawling, NY
shadypoint@hotmail.com / Phone: 845-593-2044
April 2011
Dear Pathfinder Family,
Please join me in putting together a new edition of "Paddles Flashing in the Sun."
Twenty (!!!) years ago, about halfway through my stint as Owner/Director of Pathfinder, I began a project that became “Paddles Flashing in the Sun.” Published in 1995, “Paddles” comprised over 100 men and women sharing their stories and remembrances of time spent on the island. Many reflected on what the Pathfinder experience meant to them in the long term.
This was before e-mail was a part of our daily lives. In some cases, I sat side by side with folks or chatted on the phone, recorded the conversation, and later transcribed their words. Other times, the contributions were typed or handwritten. It took quite some time but it was worth every minute spent. It has become the unofficial “bible” of Pathfinder history, as told in anecdotal and not-always-100%-factual form. I had a blast putting it together, and I learned a tremendous amount from those who had come before me.
Now, Pathfinder’s 100th season is looming . The summer of 2013 is not too far away! I have had a number of conversations with my old friends Mike Sladden and Glenn Arthurs, and we agree that a “Paddles, Volume II” would be in order for the 100th anniversary year.
I have offered my services to again be the point man to put this together. And, in turn, I need all of you.
New generations of Pathfinder guys have grown up as campers and moved on as Alumni and Staff since “Paddles I” was published. There are memories and stories galore to be recorded from the past 15 years. Meanwhile, there are more gems out there to capture going back through the middle years of the century, and further back even to Camp’s earliest days.
If you read ‘Paddles” you know that the book was made up almost entirely of stories told by our camp community. Some stories were about personalities, like Chief Norton, or about old camp traditions, like the One Eyed Tiger. Many men recalled the excitement of the train trips north. Speaking of trips, canoe tripping played a huge part in the book; sometimes the fun times, but also the truly challenging times that helped mold us. And camp was always a FUN place; hence we heard about the Great Canary, George Liederhaus, June Crew shenanigans, and the Forest Five.
While we covered a lot of years, it’s safe to say that a little over 300 pages of anecdotes barely scratches the surface of our collective memory. So this is your chance to become a part of Volume II and share your favorite Pathfinder memories.
Check out the suggested topics at bottom. A few thoughts to bear in mind as you consider what to share:
• Be specific. Saying, “Bob was a good guy” is nowhere near as interesting or informative as, “Bob shared his last piece of gum with me after I ate all mine on the first day of our trip. What a good guy!”
• Try to include dates, names, locations. Saying “It was a rough day” pales in comparison to, “Our ancient rain jackets were no match for the sheets of cold August rain; the mosquitoes covered every inch of exposed skin, and Gyro knew damn well we were lost on Maple Creek.” (I made up the part about Gyro!)
• Don’t assume that someone else will tell a story! In fact, two versions may be more interesting than just one!
• Along with specific memories, feel free to share more general, “What I learned from camp” or “Why Pathfinder matters to us” thoughts.
• Photos are GREAT! We can scan and return originals. Be sure to label w/names, dates, location
In this electronic age, sending your stories to me by e-mail as a Word document would be the fastest way. Save your document as a “Word ’97-04” file. Include your name (and camp nickname, if applicable---right, Digger?), the years you attended, and your age when you were there. A phone number would also help in case I need to flesh out a story with further details or information.
As noted previously, while we strive for honesty, your best “truth as I recall it” effort is perfectly acceptable. The current owners and I retain final editing rights and will not print anything inappropriate. (Unless it’s someone we don’t like…just kidding!)
Reach me at: e-mail: paddlesbook@hotmail.com or shadypoint@hotmail.com
Mail: 49 Cunningham Lane, Pawling, NY 12564 / Phone: 845-593-2044
I look forward to hearing from you!
Noonway,
Mac Rand
Pathfinder 1965 – 1977, 1983 - 1999
Camp Pathfinder Alumni
Some Topics and Themes for your "Paddles II" Submission
1. When were you at Pathfinder, and how old were you when you started? Did you move onto the Staff?
2. Do you remember how you first heard about Pathfinder?
3. The preparations and journey to Camp. If you took the train to get to camp, tell us about what that was like. Did you stay at the Royal York? Describe that whole experience.
4. Camp Personalities: name 3 (or whatever # you want) people you remember well, and tell why.
5. Tripping: describe your most memorable trip---not necessarily in terms of where you went, but what made it great (or awful---but memorable).
6. Discuss a specific tripping experience that you remember vividly. (Rapids, bears, being lost, meals, funny experiences, etc)
7. In-camp: what programs did you enjoy and why? Did you learn any skills that carried over beyond your youth?
8. Memories of the Island and Source Lake, routines and traditions of Pathfinder life / setting.
9. Do you think Pathfinder has shaped who you are as an adult? In what way?
10. Do you remain close to your Pathfinder friends? Who would you want to see again tomorrow, and why?
11. Do you know the words to the camp song, in the correct order?