Camp McDowell Reunion

Camp McDowell: Time of your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:50:00 +0000

Found this on Youtube.

Fletcher

Online McDowell Communities

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:26:00 +0000

For those of you who Myspace or Facebook, there are several groups/pages set up to help folks reconnect with one another.

One of my favorites, probably because I'm getting old is the facebook group called
"Camp McDowell - 80s/90s Edition"

Once you have joined Myspace or Facebook, you can access these pages and reconnect with folks!

Facebook Groups for McDowell

Camp McDowell - 80s/90s Edition

CAMP MCDOWELL IS AWESOME

Wonderful Wonderful Camp McDowell

I encourge you to give it a shot!

Fletcher

P.S. Post any questions you have in the comments!

Rumor's Confirmed, It's On!

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:23:00 +0000

Michael Goldsmith has confirmed:

Greetings from Wonderful, Wonderful Camp McDowell!

It is time to start registration for the 2007 Reunion. Here’s the plan:

June 23rd-24th

The Lodges at Miller Commons

Come anytime on Saturday but we will only be serving Supper on that day

The Cost is $65/person: This includes Supper Saturday Night/Brunch Sunday, Lodging, Entertainment, Camp Fun

Your check is your reservation!

Make check out to Camp McDowell and put Reunion in the Memo Line

Mail to 105 DeLong Road, Nauvoo, AL 35578

PLEASE forward this [information] to anybody you can think of! If you want more folks from your “age group” to come this year, find them and invite them!

-----------------------------------------------

Folks, this was a real treat last year, a real charge for the spiritual batteries!

So Fly, get Thee to McDowell, the Reunion is on!

Last Year's Reunion, Summer 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 12:45:00 +0000

2nd Annual Summer Staff Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:30:00 +0000

Coming to a Clear Creek near you, June 2007

Or at least that is the rumor I heard...

Stay tuned for more updates here on the blog.

P.S.

While you wait, go by the New Camp McDowell Canteen Online

More Pictures Coming...

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 13:30:00 +0000

I've posted almost all the pictures we have received from the Reunion Weekend, and starting next week, I'll be scanning a number of Mary Gamble Yancey's pictures from the past.

The McDowell Archive Project begins...

There are a number of ways you can help:

1. Email us "full camp" pictures, which dates/sessions if you know it.
2. Email us individual camp pictures, with names/dates, if you know it.
3. Begin writing a personal testimonial as to the role Camp McDowell has played in your life. We will start publishing these in the Fall of 2006.

This will probably take many moons, months, years even to record an accurate record of Camp McDowell and its magic, but let it begin now...

Summer Staff Reunion, 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:29:00 +0000

Reunion Weekend Music Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:53:00 +0000

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-

Staff Reunion 2006, Day Two

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 00:16:00 +0000

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."

Summer Staff 2006, Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 15:03:00 +0000

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!

Teaser Post

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:24:00 +0000

-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!

Clear Creek, Camp McDowell

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:39:00 +0000

This picture came from a Webshots search of Camp McDowell.

Emily B and Will M

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:37:00 +0000

See You Tomorrow!

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:26:00 +0000

Guess, I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!

Talent Show, Camp McDowell

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:28:00 +0000

The Guacamole Brothers, hosting the Talent Show at Camp McDowell, circa 1990.

Just Wondering...

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:24:00 +0000

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.

=)

Clear Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 11:12:00 +0000

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.

Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 11:10:00 +0000

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.

=)

Camp McDowell, 1985

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 10:41:00 +0000

More from McDowell

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 01:54:00 +0000

This picture from Urbantank's Flickr Photostream.

Template Tweak

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 22:45:00 +0000

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!

News from Michael

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 21:32:00 +0000

"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"

Pool at Camp McDowell

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 12:53:00 +0000

This picture from Urbantank's Flickr Photostream.

Staff Reunion Information

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 12:19:00 +0000

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:

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

St. John's Cabin, Camp McDowell

noreply@blogger.com (Uptown Ruler) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 00:54:00 +0000

This picture from Urbantank's Flickr Photostream.