A number of folks have sent pictures from the reunion, and I hope to get all of these put up into a slideshow format soon.
If you have any good shots, please send them to campmcdowellreunion@hotmail.com
Until then, here are a couple more pictures from the weekend.
-Jimmy Gauld-
-Sonny Prichett and Jonathan Horn-
-Michael Goldsmith-
-Jay Pfaffman-
-Donna Eich Brooks-
-Jimmy, Donna, Jonathan, Michael-
-Danny Whitsett of the Soultones-
-The Soultones-
If you have any good shots, please send them to campmcdowellreunion@hotmail.com
Until then, here are a couple more pictures from the weekend.
-Jimmy Gauld-
-Sonny Prichett and Jonathan Horn-
-Michael Goldsmith-
-Jay Pfaffman-
-Donna Eich Brooks-
-Jimmy, Donna, Jonathan, Michael-
-Danny Whitsett of the Soultones-
-The Soultones-
Day Two of the Camp McDowell Summer Staff reunion started out hot, though in the end, the reunion-closer ultimate frisbee game had some serious rain.
People rose slowly, trickled out of their cabins at the Miller Commons, to sniff out the coffee brewing in various kitchens. Jay Pfaffman and the Gamble girls went for a run; several people had to pick up the get and get on, leaving before most were even awake; and number of people had come to Camp McDowell but left later in the evening on Saturday.
At 10am, we made our way down to Stough Lodge for breakfast. A number of people who had not shown up on Saturday, were sitting in Stough Lodge - a welcome treat! We sang, then feasted.
We had thought that Chapel would be in Pradat Hall at the Miller Commons area; however, Mark announced that we would have Eucharist at the chapel at the lower camp, much to everyone's joy.
People trickled down, as our collective kids played on the girl's side playground.
Mark Johnson presided over our service, while Jay Pfaffman and Donna Eich Brooks led the music. We sang, prayed, and rejoiced. Mark reminded us that the Church and Camp McDowell need our help and service; and we ended singing old camp standards.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
After the service, we gathered on the hill outside the chapel for a group picture. If you recall, in the late 1970s and early 1980s camp pictures were taken outside the chapel, and only later moved the hill outside the Kremlin.
I had to leave after the picture was taken, but I understand a number of folks stayed to share, celebrate, and play a game of ultimate frisbee.
All and all, the weekend was one of magic and memories, of returning to the source, and reveling in the glory of old friends and family.
I think maybe Patsy Pyle and Susanna Hayes Whitsett said it best:
"It's rare, but sometimes you can go back."
People rose slowly, trickled out of their cabins at the Miller Commons, to sniff out the coffee brewing in various kitchens. Jay Pfaffman and the Gamble girls went for a run; several people had to pick up the get and get on, leaving before most were even awake; and number of people had come to Camp McDowell but left later in the evening on Saturday.
At 10am, we made our way down to Stough Lodge for breakfast. A number of people who had not shown up on Saturday, were sitting in Stough Lodge - a welcome treat! We sang, then feasted.
We had thought that Chapel would be in Pradat Hall at the Miller Commons area; however, Mark announced that we would have Eucharist at the chapel at the lower camp, much to everyone's joy.
People trickled down, as our collective kids played on the girl's side playground.
Mark Johnson presided over our service, while Jay Pfaffman and Donna Eich Brooks led the music. We sang, prayed, and rejoiced. Mark reminded us that the Church and Camp McDowell need our help and service; and we ended singing old camp standards.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
After the service, we gathered on the hill outside the chapel for a group picture. If you recall, in the late 1970s and early 1980s camp pictures were taken outside the chapel, and only later moved the hill outside the Kremlin.
I had to leave after the picture was taken, but I understand a number of folks stayed to share, celebrate, and play a game of ultimate frisbee.
All and all, the weekend was one of magic and memories, of returning to the source, and reveling in the glory of old friends and family.
I think maybe Patsy Pyle and Susanna Hayes Whitsett said it best:
"It's rare, but sometimes you can go back."
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!
-Mr. Rick Johnson and John Peter Crook McCall, 2006-
The first annual Summer Staff Reunion happened this weekend!
Check back here later today for a full update!
Guess, I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!
The Guacamole Brothers, hosting the Talent Show at Camp McDowell, circa 1990.
If there is any chance that the canteen could be opened whilst we are there; I would really love a "I'd Rather Be At Camp McDowell" bumpersticker.
=)
=)
John McCall, Edgar Reeves, and I (with two others) canoed down Clear Creek about 3 miles one Spring Break Conference to a tiny inlet to the right where lay a long, tall waterfall with ice cold water.
We took turns canoeing into the waterfall, baptising ourselves in Clear Creek.
If you have pictures you'd like to see posted, feel free to email me a digital copy and I can get it posted. Just identify folks in the picture as well as the era.
=)
=)
Sorry folks, while trying to fix the comment problem I accidently made a mess of the HTML and had to use a new template. Bear with me...
=)
See you Saturday!
=)
See you Saturday!
"Dear Summer Staff Reunion Campers,
Can you believe the reunion is this Saturday? Here is an update on what will be happening, what you need to bring, who will be here, etc.
You are welcome to arrive anytime on Saturday. Music will start @ 5PM.
We will all be staying in Miller Commons. To get there you come down the camp road and turn left onto All Saints Road (which is right across the street from Mr. Ricks house). Please stop by Pradat Hall (the first building on the right on All Saints Road) when you arrive. There will be folks there to tell you where you will be staying.
I know some of you had requested the Scott House but it is not available – sorry.
Remember that in Miller Commons you DONT need to bring sheets or towels.
Saturday will also be registration day for Sophomore Camp. After 2PM we need to make sure to stay out of lower camp. You know how crazy it gets on opening day so it would be helpful if we didnt add to the confusion.
The pool is open for our use on Saturday until 2PM and on Sunday morning until 10:30AM and from 11:30 until 2PM. Of course there are no “adult” bevs in Camp Area. There will be a pool key at the registration table – if the key is not there that means somebody is already at the pool and it is open.
Mark Johnston will be cooking RIBS (!!!) for us, so plan on eating at your leisure around 6:30 PM. Well have some veggie burgers for those of you who dont have a hankerin for hog. Well also have all the fixins. Plan on grabbing a plate and sitting in your lawn chair to eat supper while enjoying some music and drinkin the cold beverage of your choice. (BYOB)
Also plan on listening to some great music while your catching up with all your camp buddies.
Music will begin at 5PM with Jimmy Gauld.
Jonathan and Sonny will play around 6:30PM.
Ill be playing around 8PM.
The SoulTones will start around 9PM.
I have talked to several folks who asked if they could play a few songs sometime during the evening. YES! There will be plenty of time between the scheduled music for this. Find Danny Whitsett (if you don’t know who he is ask around until you find him) and tell him you want to play. Hell hook you up: literally and figuratively.
On Sunday we will be having brunch at 10AM at Stough Lodge followed by Eucharist. Don’t forget to bring your offering for the Camp McDowell Scholarship Fund.
Here is a list of the folks that have made a reservation with me. I know there are lots and lots of folks who are planning on coming but have not contacted me. If you know someone who is not on this list but is planning on coming they need to call or e-mail me ASAP!!! I want to make sure we have enough food for everybody.
If you have any questions call me (205-387-1806) or e-mail me.
See you Saturday!
Gods Peace,
Michael"
Summer Staff Reunion June 24th-25th
The cost is $60/person which includes dinner Saturday Night, Brunch Sunday, Lodging and music. BYOB We will be staying in Miller Commons and the Lodge (if needed) People are welcome to come anytime on Saturday - music will begin at 4PM, dinner 6PM We will be having Eucharist after brunch on Sunday. Please bring money for the offertory which will be going to the Camp McDowell Scholarship Fund.
The music on Saturday will include:
Help spread the word, we're not full yet but we're getting there. Lodging is limited.
via Michael Goldsmith
The cost is $60/person which includes dinner Saturday Night, Brunch Sunday, Lodging and music. BYOB We will be staying in Miller Commons and the Lodge (if needed) People are welcome to come anytime on Saturday - music will begin at 4PM, dinner 6PM We will be having Eucharist after brunch on Sunday. Please bring money for the offertory which will be going to the Camp McDowell Scholarship Fund.
The music on Saturday will include:
Jimmy Gauld
Jonathon Horn and Sonny Pritchett
The Michael Goldsmith Band
The Soultones - Danny Whitsett (husband of: Susanna Hayes Whitsett), Miles Parsons, and friends
Help spread the word, we're not full yet but we're getting there. Lodging is limited.
via Michael Goldsmith
You can see old posts from this website if you simply click the links under the Archives. There are many more pictures on this site; however, for display purposes, I've shortened the amount of posts that will display on the front page.
May Archives
June Archives
May Archives
June Archives
The 1st Annual (hopefully) Summer Staff Reunion will be held roughly two weeks from now at Camp McDowell.
I don't know about you, but I pretty excited about being at camp again and seeing a bunch of old staffers, whether I know em or not.
See you there!
=)
I don't know about you, but I pretty excited about being at camp again and seeing a bunch of old staffers, whether I know em or not.
See you there!
=)
(With motions)
In a cabin in the woods, a little man by the window stood,
Saw a rabbit hopping by, knocking at my door,
"Help me! Help me! Help me!" he cried,
Ere the hunter shoot me dead.
Come little rabbit come inside, safely you may hide.
(Sing with motions, leaving off the last sentence or phrase each time until only the motions are left)
In a cabin in the woods, a little man by the window stood,
Saw a rabbit hopping by, knocking at my door,
"Help me! Help me! Help me!" he cried,
Ere the hunter shoot me dead.
Come little rabbit come inside, safely you may hide.
(Sing with motions, leaving off the last sentence or phrase each time until only the motions are left)
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us seek truth together on our knees.
Let us seek truth together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us find strength together on our knees.
Let us find strength together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us seek truth together on our knees.
Let us seek truth together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us find strength together on our knees.
Let us find strength together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun.
Oh, Lord, have mercy on me.
Blogger is a free webpage builder/hosting site run by Google, and literal millions of people use it.
It seems the coding for our page here is not being picked up for whatever reason; I'll check back tomorrow.
If it's still caddywumpus in the morning, I'll change the template!
=)
It seems the coding for our page here is not being picked up for whatever reason; I'll check back tomorrow.
If it's still caddywumpus in the morning, I'll change the template!
=)
Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life
End over end neither left nor to right
Straight through the heart of them righteous uprights
Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life.
Make me, oh make me, Lord more than I am
Make me a piece in your master game plan
Free from the earthly tempestion below
I’ve got the will, Lord if you’ve got the toe.
(Chorus)
Take all the brothers who’ve gone on before
And all of the sisters who’ve knocked on your door
All the departed dear loved ones of mine
Stick’em up front in the offensive line.
(Chorus)
End over end neither left nor to right
Straight through the heart of them righteous uprights
Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life.
Make me, oh make me, Lord more than I am
Make me a piece in your master game plan
Free from the earthly tempestion below
I’ve got the will, Lord if you’ve got the toe.
(Chorus)
Take all the brothers who’ve gone on before
And all of the sisters who’ve knocked on your door
All the departed dear loved ones of mine
Stick’em up front in the offensive line.
(Chorus)
