Aside from the wonderful experiences and skills the girls learned at camp, many were so enamored with their adventures, they made sure their kids attended a camp. “Camp was definitely one of my top life highlights and memories that I have ever done, “ said sixties camper Holly Foss. “It was always the highlight of […]
Stephanie Patterson
A Safe And Happy Camp
The physical plant of Camp Maqua was listed as ‘rustic” in the 1971 report from the Dept. of Social Services, but “conducive to a quality camp experience”. The report confirmed the positives of the camp stating, “Camp Maqua is definitely a fun place to be for YWCA girls. The program is varied and complete and […]
Why I Did Not Return To Camp #3
Camp was an escape from home on many levels for the girls who attended, but once they reached a certain age, other experiences, situations and relationships took precedence. Margot Homburger (1946-51) continued until she could no longer camp due to her age. For Nancy Keeler (1973-74, it was as simple as her friend Alice Pollock not […]
Squeezing In A Few More Tricks—
The “Loon” during the summer of 1965 listed the favorite pranks of the girls. “Short sheeting Reb’s bed, croquet balls in Archie’s mattress, cold cream in someone’s sheets, purse hidden near the fire bowl, bristles were taken off a toothbrush with a jackknife, the honor banner was hidden, a fluffy slipper was hidden in a […]
Forming Bonds Beyond Home–
“I am the only girl with three brothers (and a half sister) in my family and my Dad had just passed away in 1969 when I was seven and he died at home,” said Andrea Gale.” We had lived in Caro, but moved to Bay City. I had just moved and didn’t know anyone. It […]
Close To Nature, Close To God
For many women, their experiences at the YWCA camp and Chapel Hill left lasting influences. Young girls, like Susan Ruterbusch (1947-52) and Debbie Tweedie (1965-72) felt the gorgeous views contributed to their feelings that they had never been closer to God as young girls. “I loved running down the trails and walking up Chapel Hill […]