SUMMER 2006

Dear Alumni,

With Spring a recent memory and summer underway, Camp Atwater is once again very much on our minds and the schedules of many.  Memories of our own Atwater days continue to rejuvenate our spirits and prompt us to share the experiences we had.  Those same memories guide us today to decide, and in a number of instances encourage others, to send our children and their children to Camp Atwater.

Camp Atwater is a legacy camp.  As we look back and listen or tell the “stories”, the “family trees” grow before us.  Camp takes on a life of its own, year after year, living through endless families. We remember them: the Downings from Roanoke, VA; the Sewell, Chew, Webb & Allen families from Philadelphia, PA; the Edmonds from Springfield, MA; the Flowers from Philadelphia, PA and Freeport, NY; the Young and Alexander families from St. Albans, NY; the Kindle family from Talladega, AL and Richmond, VA...  The list is almost endless. Camp has come through generations and we are fortunate to have among us many who know and experienced camp from the very beginning, 1921.

I’m mindful of the presentation made, just this past Spring, by Henry M. Thomas, President & CEO, Springfield Urban League & Camp Atwater and Devonia Thomas, Director, Camp Atwater, to parents gathered in Spring Valley, NY to hear about Camp Atwater.  They did more than present.  They told the story - the Legendary Atwater Story.  They had the attention of every parent.  As parents focused, the aura of camp seemed to fall over the audience.  It was impressive!

We have all contributed to Atwater being to children today, what is was to us yesterday; and we know, even more today, the importance of this legacy for the many, many children to come. As you know, this year marks the 85th anniversary of our legendary Camp Atwater. Join with us and be part of commemorating this event as well as find some of those old friendships. We look forward to seeing you at the anniversary celebrations that will take place Alumni Weekend, Friday, August 11 - 13, 2006.

Have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Yolandó Russell
Camp Atwater Alumni Association

*Articles/information and/or roster data may be mailed, telephoned or faxed to: Camp Atwater Alumni Association, c/o 962 Mildred Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510, (516) 623-9249, (516) 623-9284 Fax or e-mailed to Theatwatertimes@aol.com