The Council Room

[David Bentley]

One of the unrecognized social phenomenons at Wyanoke was the fact that more of the campers were NOT major league athletes than were; more of the campers were NOT specialists in any sport or activity than were; and the whole camping experience was to widen the playing field, enlarge the activity base, and expose the athletes to the more restfull sports and the artists to the more active sports. This is not to say that anyone was supposed to 'change', only be exposed to all the activities. Many young athletes are finding that their fast ball is now in the breakdown lane, their ace serve is now a lob, and their dolphin swimming is now a peacefull backstroke. However, some of the rainy day activities are still there - making a gimp bracelet in shop, understanding the rules of the range at riflery and archery, and examining nature at its best through a camera lens. Of course, my favorite, canoeing, has stayed with me to this day.

You see, Alan, Camp was for everyone, and there was a reason for every camper to be there.

I would say your artistic skills have served you well through the years.
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C-1 49 J-7 52 S-3 55 J-10 58
C-7 50 J-7 53 S-2 56 J-8 59
C-8 51 J-4 54 S-7 57 (JA) J-8 60 - 64
1965 - 1968 Military service
Pine Cone 68 - 75 (with wife,Sherry,
and daughter Tracey)
Wolfeboro - full-time since 1997

[Jim Graves]

I first went Wyanoke in 1967 as an insecure, frightened and home sick 10 year old that never fit in school and never excelled in anything. Through the years I developed a love for camping, swimming and canoeing that remain today. In fact my wife, children and I have spent the past 19 years camping during vacations. I tried sports that back at home I never would have attempted and through it all began to develop a sense of self-confidence. Although I did well in school in middle school and high school, I endured education to return to Wyanoke every summer. The adult role models were endless, the camaraderie priceless and the memories will last a life time. I never was an athlete and never will be but Wyanoke was a place of self discovery where I developed a love for folk music, learned to be a leader, the joy of working with kids of all ages and the love for the outdoors. I was 18 and heading off to my freshman year of college in 1975, looking forward to a few more years at Camp Wyanoke, but we all know the rest of the story. But the camp on winter harbor shores lives on in our hearts and within this very web site. Thanks Mike!
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Jim Graves
67 J-2 Jerry Hoyt
68 J-5 Todd Whittimore
69 J-9 Charlie Thomas
70 S-1 Bob Arnot
71 S-5 Russ Vaughn
72 J-2 Dan Mannis
74 J-? (The small cabin across road from J-2) Councilor
75 J-5 Councilor

[Jim Culleton]

That was what was so great about the Wyanoke experience . . . . . . uncovering hidden talents that we didn't know we had! I was never great at tennis and should have spent more time signing up for that activity. I seemed to shy away from it for some reason. Perhaps it was because "tennis" wasn't in vogue during the late 50's and I wasn't very good at it. I failed my 1st rowing test! Yep! But learned how to do it with the able staff at Wyanoke. I didn't even know what a "J" stroke was until I was shown that I would always be going in circles in a canoe without knowing how to do it.

But it was the 4th of July Track Meet at Wyanoke in '60 that showed me that I could run as a sprinter. Had never really ever tried to do it before then! It was somewhat foreign to me. I don't think we were required to participate in that festivity but something told me to do it . . . . . . maybe a councilor or a tent mate? In any case it lead me to run track in HS for 4 years and a year at college. I would have probably never pursued that sport unless I was exposed to it at Wyanoke.

Wyanoke to this day provides an inspiration and willingness to try new things . . . . . . . . for me. Can I run the 100 Yard Dash in 10.6 seconds today? Prolly not but I am so greatful for that experience and so many others! I don't know if I remember the "Diamond Stitch" with the gimp! May have to brush up on that one!

Mike, thanks for your dedication to this site! And thank you Dave, your father and mother, for having given us a treasure that we will always cherish!
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'56 - J-9 J. Moulton
'57 - J-11 J. Moulton
'58 - J-4 E. Web Dann, S. Hood
'59 - S-6 P. Leavitt
'60 - S-2 F. Avantaggio
'61 - JA-1 RK Irons
'62 - C-9 JC with P. Freeland
'63 - C-1 JC with S. Borger
'64 - C-6 Councilor