Deep in the heart of Nauvoo, on the majestic Clear Creek, in Northern Alabama, a group of old camp staffers gathered together for the first time in a long while. The day started out sunny and hot, but cooler winds and a few showers brought welcome relief, as the sun came back out around 3pm and stayed til dark.
Folks pulled up to Pradat Hall and signed in, made name tags on wood chips - complete with green gimp, garnered a room assignment, and made their way into Commons area. Car after car pulled up and it was anyone's guess who was gonna jump out of each.
Spanning several generations of camp staffers, folks began to arrive at the Miller Commons (a newer addition to Camp McDowell) around 2pm on Saturday, and they just kept coming.
All told, over a hundred people showed up to fellowship, get reacquainted, and bask in that special blessing that is Camp McDowell.
The field in front of Pradat Hall was set up for the music, and folks began to gather to meet and greet until around 5pm when Jimmy Gauld took the stage. Children ran around playing, frisbees and footballs came out, and much music was played. After Jimmy, Michael Goldsmith, Jay Pfaffman, Donna (Eich) Brooks, Sonny Pritchett and Jonathan Horn played; and The Soultones closed the evening around 11:30ish. Note: Another fine female singer performed but the name escapes me, someone please post in comments and I'll add her too!
Rev. Mark Johnson cooked ribs, and we feasted on sweet corn rubbed with butter, bread, and baked beans.
As the music came to an end, the porches at Miller's Commons became the gathering points for folks who burned the midnight oil: talking, remembering, and laughing.
It was quite an experience to be within the sound of people's voices once again; some of us have been gone from Camp McDowell and Alabama for some time. In fact, I was feeling like a road warrior for my eight hour drive; however, it should be noted that Emily Farish Brown came all the way from California, and where this is an amazing feat worthy of accolades and honors, Patsy Pyle came from France!
BTW, Ferris Camp called during the field party but my phone was messed up at that moment; he left a message sending his love and affection, and he would have come would it not for the fact he was headed for France with his family.
Stay tuned for Day Two, and if you have any pictures please email them!
Folks pulled up to Pradat Hall and signed in, made name tags on wood chips - complete with green gimp, garnered a room assignment, and made their way into Commons area. Car after car pulled up and it was anyone's guess who was gonna jump out of each.
Spanning several generations of camp staffers, folks began to arrive at the Miller Commons (a newer addition to Camp McDowell) around 2pm on Saturday, and they just kept coming.
All told, over a hundred people showed up to fellowship, get reacquainted, and bask in that special blessing that is Camp McDowell.
The field in front of Pradat Hall was set up for the music, and folks began to gather to meet and greet until around 5pm when Jimmy Gauld took the stage. Children ran around playing, frisbees and footballs came out, and much music was played. After Jimmy, Michael Goldsmith, Jay Pfaffman, Donna (Eich) Brooks, Sonny Pritchett and Jonathan Horn played; and The Soultones closed the evening around 11:30ish. Note: Another fine female singer performed but the name escapes me, someone please post in comments and I'll add her too!
Rev. Mark Johnson cooked ribs, and we feasted on sweet corn rubbed with butter, bread, and baked beans.
As the music came to an end, the porches at Miller's Commons became the gathering points for folks who burned the midnight oil: talking, remembering, and laughing.
It was quite an experience to be within the sound of people's voices once again; some of us have been gone from Camp McDowell and Alabama for some time. In fact, I was feeling like a road warrior for my eight hour drive; however, it should be noted that Emily Farish Brown came all the way from California, and where this is an amazing feat worthy of accolades and honors, Patsy Pyle came from France!
BTW, Ferris Camp called during the field party but my phone was messed up at that moment; he left a message sending his love and affection, and he would have come would it not for the fact he was headed for France with his family.
Stay tuned for Day Two, and if you have any pictures please email them!
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