The sixties ushered in tenures of longevity for directors Alice Bishop (1960-62) and Dorthe Balaskas (1963-69). The director’s reports were fairly comprehensive, which were great sources for the staffing issues they had to contend with on a daily and seasonal basis.
Alice had ten years of previous camp experience at Camp Cavell, three years with the UAW-CIO, and a year at Camp Yakewi. Her leadership included program director and waterfront director when she applied for the position. Notes from the camp committee listed twelve girls, mainly college age, and activities specialists yet to be hired, but Alice carefully selected them.
Sue Hier was her assistant that summer and Barbara Pearson was the business manager. Janet Gehres hired on as the camp nurse, with Karen Landee, Edith Gerhard, Phyllis Finn, Edie Olsen, MaryLou Goggin, June Mitchener, Christine Hubert, Sandra Lappan, Laurie Linder, Suzi White, Bonnie Baker, Joan Hopkins, Janice Zawalski, Kay Rahn, Lynn Whipple, Kay Cornor, Jane Byrne, Judy Talford and Karen Kaiser rounding out the team.
In general, Alice wrote that she was pleased with her staff and “they had not gone sour midway during the summer, as so often happens”. She had personally talked to each one of them. She was especially complimentary of Sue Hier, her assistant, and MaryLou Goggin, who taught horseback riding. She had been less pleased with the boating instructor, who she felt lacked proficiency and ignored safety rules. One waterfront counselor worried her so much that she suspended canoeing, boating, and cross lake swimming, with exceptions made when the waterfront director was assuming authority. Safety was important, especially with waterfront activities.
The camp committee evaluated evaluations in the fall of 1960, insisting that staff were instructed to send their evaluations to them, unread by the camp director. There had been discussion concerning the cook’s son and belligerence, glowing praise for Sue Hier’s gentle personality and excellent work ethic and the loyalty of the hardworking caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Watson.
The director’s report from 1961 indicated staff morale and spirit was good the entire summer, but it was the first time she had discipline problems with campers. Two girls were caught smoking on camp property and one girl bragged about cheating the business manager out of $8, so letters were sent home to parents.
One counselor quit after being corrected by Alice, and according to Alice’s notes, she was lazy and uncooperative, didn’t mix with the staff, and retreated to her room. It meant Alice had to pick up the slack when she left.
A few notes from 1963, during Alice’s reign, indicated how difficult it was to find nurses. The Community Nursing Bureau was contacted, as well as Harper, Hurley, U of M, Grace and St. Joseph hospitals, with consideration for higher pay. Lillian Richards finally accepted the position and Dr. E. Payea of East Tawas was the camp doctor.
Were you ever aware of staff difficulties during your sessions?