Priscilla Johns, (above) (1968+) loved all the activities at camp—the arts and crafts, the horseback riding and nature. “I remember the first summer as I got on my horse and walked through the woods, I thought I would rather be galloping,” she said. “I learned to pick up a snake and not be afraid, even […]
Judy Kessler
Girls Unafraid–
Many of the girls had previous experience riding, and came to camp with some confidence and skills. A self-professed horse crazy girl, Kathleen Clements, lived near the Saginaw riding stable, and had ample opportunity to ride, but still loved riding at camp in the early sixties. “I had a niece and an aunt who were […]
On Horseback—
The authors are unknown of these two delightful pieces, but they are a great peek into the minds of excited campers about to camp and ride, especially poignant in their emotions. The first was from the “Loon” 1947 and the second in 1949. “Oh! How happy I was today! I was to ride on a […]
Meet Kay Webb!
Kay, her brother Dick and father Merton all worked at camp, teaching and caring for the horses. The horses belonged to her father and Kay taught riding at Camp Maqua in 1950, as a high school student, after helping from 1947-1949. Merton loved the girls, and they loved him. Dick, who was four years younger […]
Bloodsuckers, Mud Puppies and Swimmer’s Itch
“I grew up one block from the Saginaw Bay, so I learned to swim at the “Y”. I remember seeing my first leech at Maqua and I was mystified. The girls would swim under one dock to another and I can still hear the girls screaming don’t swim under there—there are leeches! I never got […]
Homesickness–#5
Knowing your bunk-mates or having a friend or relative at camp during the session was often the best security blanket needed for first timers who felt the pangs of homesickness. Marcia Michelson had three older sisters in camp in the early sixties and made good friends while there. Sisters Barb and Sue Utter convinced Jane […]