Dear Wachusett Community,
Since I last wrote, the ice has receded from the lake and spring is in the air, although unseasonably cold for most of April. I have made two trips from Virginia to camp to prepare for a wedding to be held in late May, and am happy to report that the property looks great, with very few scars from winter.
We have room for this coming camp season if anyone is still in the process of making plans for summer fun. I have had very good meetings with Assistant Director Ollie Martin, Head Counselor Nick "Chief' Avery, Program Director Ross Turkington and other staff members who are all very excited to be returning to provide the best experiences they can while taking advantage our beautiful New England setting. This year we will be adding pickleball and gaga courts to our program.
The state of Vermont has relaxed most requirements regarding Covid guidelines for overnight camps. That could change, but we are looking very foreword to operating a full six week season that will resemble pre-Covid camp programing. Safety remains our absolute priority. A negative test result will be required for those unvaccinated prior to arrival at camp.
It is with deep sadness that I relay the loss of staff member, and previously long time camper, Ben Wills (pictured below). He passed away in April from Covid related causes. Ben brought immense energy to those around him and cherished his time at camp and the multiple friendships he made. As a staff member, he was absolutely devoted to helping where needed and to spending time with campers. He taught sailing and dramatics and enjoyed teaching on the lake and providing laughs and direction on stage. Ben is the staff member I wrote about in the March update who made a sizable donation to the Triplett Scholarship fund instead of receiving holiday gifts. He was inclusive of everyone and truly encompassed all aspects of our motto "Unaliyi" (Cherokee word for a place of friends). Please visit our camp Facebook page for a link to Ben's obituary. His family set up the Benjamin Bowling Wills III foundation. Go to this link for more information: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-benjamin-bowling-wills-iii-foundation?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet He was quite an accomplished young man and will be sorely missed.
Also pictured below with Jim Weiss, are two camp alumni, Sam Muir (99) and Bobby Rudzki (19). The picture was taken after a lacrosse game where they played on opposing rival teams. Both boys have been associated with Wachusett for many summers. Bobby relayed that when they were young campers they made a pact that they would attend the U.S. Naval Academy someday. They kept that pact and both will be entering the Academy in the Fall. Congratulations!! We look forward to their visiting camp before heading to Annapolis.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable Spring and summer. We are looking very forward to seeing those of you who will be spending part of your summer with us on Lake Hortonia. The next communication will be with families who have signed up for this summer and will go over specific information relating to the fast approaching camp season.
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
