Camp Quidnunc

A fun way to think about Quid songs

2011-08-22T10:05:00.000-04:00

Pictures From Patti McManamy's Archives

2009-12-27T22:28:00.001-05:00

Ellie, Cathy Lennon, and ?

Bridgie

Marjorie Remland's Pictures

2009-12-26T11:22:00.001-05:00

Please click on the side link to see 116 new (old ) Quidnunc Pictures!

A few found photos

2009-11-08T15:16:00.001-05:00

? Bridgie and friends

1951 Staff Manual

2009-11-01T16:06:00.002-05:00

Glo Arrigo sent me the 1951 Handbook. I have scanned about 20 pages, including many songsheets. Enjoy!

Judy Ecuyer Rhodes: 1949 and 1959

2009-10-30T14:55:00.002-04:00

Judy Ecuyer Rhoades loaned me her pictures from Sherwood Forest... some are identified, but others remain nameless. Hope you will look and let me know if you know anyone. Thanks, Judy!

Carol Jo's Memories

2009-10-29T16:39:00.000-04:00

You're asking a lot from a long time ago. Names of counselors? All I remember was they all seemed to hail from Michigan State U and were athletic. The other side of my memory brings up the songs we learned while sitting on the big rocks across from the dining hall 3 times a day: Baby Owlet. Ashgrove, 500 miles, Donkey Riding, Titanic, Blue, etc. Lots of songs I ended up teaching my own scouts. The 'kissing rock/Blarney stone' we could pass before crossing over to the lake if we walked 1 way. Sleeping out under the stars, grabbing for tent flaps in a rush when the rain poured, floating breakfasts, shampooing once a week in the lake, paddling canoes and not tipping them, finally making it to the advance swimming area and not being in a 'crib' anymore, no flush toilets but a community latrine. More will come as I push my brain. I probably was there every summer from1957-1964 for at least 1 month each year.
More memories: hikes to the iron mines, the bottomless pit and Flat Rock. Was there also a Bald Rock? Remember the wonderful cold water that came from the old pump by the Canteen?

Remembering the buses out of the Port Authority in NYC which was out method of transportation to and from camp each year. Rides there were a little scary at first, not knowing anyone. The rides home each year were a mixed bag......we wanted to go home, BUT didn't want to leave our friends we made (Make New Friends But Keep the Old). Bus rides home were filled with both laughter and tears while singing the songs we learned. I know there’s more.

Is anyone in this group a former Senior scout from Queens? In particular, Skipper Tracy was the leader of a Mariner troop from Flushing/Bayside, NY.

Camp Staff Manual, 1951

2009-10-02T15:37:00.002-04:00

Glo Arrigo recently sent me a package which included a great surprise- the Camp Quidnunc Staff Manual from 1951. She said she had not looked at it since then and it had been on a shelf for the past 58 years! It included a map of the camp, instructions on how to do Camp Kapers, how to plan program, and many other tidbits. I will scan some of the pages and post them here. She also said that her memories of Camp Quidnunc "are in my heart, and comfort me." She said she saw Ellie this summer and that it was hard to leave her.

Western (Quidnunc (Re)) Union

2009-09-27T17:13:00.001-04:00

We've gotten about 20 people who said they are coming so far. You can probably change your mind up until a few months before, you just won't be guaranteed a room in the same lodge as us but there are plenty of rooms at this facility. I say 'up until a few months before' because it is during a very popular summer vacation week, so can't guarantee anything.
------------------------------------
Hi Quidnuncers,

We have a temporary reservation for 10 lodge rooms at the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park camp, ymcarockies.org, from Saturday, July 9 - Friday, July 15, 2011. It is located approximately 1 hour from Boulder, CO and 1 hour and 50 minutes from Denver International Airport. It is 10 minutes from Estes Park, where there are numerous restaurants and lots of hiking. The rooms are all located together in one hall.

Rooms and Facilities:
1. Each room has 2 sets of bunk beds and 1 queen bed, with 3/4 private bath. They sleep a maximum of 6 people/room.
2. Under our group name, individuals can register for a room online and can arrange roommates ahead of time.
3. The following prices are per person, per day, depending on how many are in a room and include 3 meals per day for each person (meals are in a large common dining room, buffet style, all you-can-eat):

6 people - $47.50
5 people - $50.75
4 people - $55.75
3 people - $64
2 people -$80.50
1 person-$130

4. We have until October 9th to give them a deposit. The deposit will be $25/room. If we drop any rooms we will lose the $25.
5. We will be given a meeting room (Troop House) for our group's use during the entire stay.
6. We can reserve one of 3 campfire circles to use for our campfire
7. With 24 hour notice, we can have them pack a lunch for no extra charge (to take on a hike)

The following activities are also available and are free unless indicated:
1. Miniature golf
2. Can hike right into Rocky Mountain National Park from the Y camp
3. Basketball, volleyball
4. Indoor swimming pool
5. Arts and crafts center (need to pay for supplies)
6. Horseback riding (fee)
7. Tennis
8. Game room (ping pong, pool table, etc.)
9. Horseshoes

Although this is a YMCA Camp, all activities are non-denominational. Details of these activities can be found at http://ymcarockies.org/home/our-locations/EPC/EPCrecreation. Every day the Y has numerous planned activities that we can also take part in, including concerts and movies.

There is a shuttle, from the airport to Estes Park. The cost is $45 each way or $85 round trip. Or...you may actually save some money, by splitting a car rental, at the airport, with a number of people. That way you could also use the car to explore the town of Estes Park, etc.

We are including a questionnaire at the bottom of this message. Please return it, via e-mail, to lindasylvester@msn.com. Please send your deposit to: Monica Tremblay, 580 Lakeshore Drive, Boulder CO, 80302. Monica (Nicki Hecht) will need the deposit by October 5, 2009, the latest. You can come up with the money in 2 ways. #1) If you know who you want to room with, you can get together with your roomates and have one person send the $25 deposit to Monica (Nicki). #2) If you don't have enough people to fill a room to your liking, or you don't know/care who you will be rooming with, you can send Monica $25, and she will reimburse you an amount, dependent upon how many people will be in your room.

Both Nicki and I have been to this camp. It is in a gorgeous location, with the Rocky Mountains right outside your door. We think it would be well worth your while to send Nicki your deposit, even if you are not sure you can make it. The most you could lose is $25. 2011 seems very remote, but this is the only way we could be assured of availability for enough rooms in one location. So, please talk to your camp friends, husbands, families, etc., within the next couple of weeks, fill out the form below, and e-mail it back to Linda at the above address. If by some chance, you were unable to read this before 9/28/09, please let us know ASAP, and we'll do our best to fit you in.

Thanks for your prompt response...

Your Quidnunc Reservations Team :-),
Linda (Mouse) Hecht Sylvester, Monica (Nicki) Hecht Tremblay, Cindy Gavrity

Name of party attending_________________________________________________________
Number of people in party________________________________________________________
Number of days I will need room___________________________________________________
Number of people I am willing to share a room with____________________________________
People I would like to room with, if known (include friends, family, etc.)__________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am able to sleep in a top bunk (indicate yes or no)_________
I am willing to share a queen bed (indicate yes or no)________ Applies only to people sharing a room with 5 others.
I have sent my/our deposit to Monica (Nicki) (indicate yes or no)______________

In Memoriam: Dot Marquette Lyon

2009-09-09T18:07:00.000-04:00

Dot was everything a counselor should be. She was small, but tough and strong. She could make anything; she could fix anything, and she could out-work, out-hike, and out-paddle anyone on our three lakes. She wasn't soft or sentimental, but she knew her girls, and she cared. It was she who intervened when Miss Ford wanted to send me home (I had cut Arts and Crafts and had convinced Jerri to cut with me), but she gave me a talking-to that cut to the bone, left me in tears, but also with hope.

She was my head counselor in Sherwood Forest in 1939 and again in Neppie's Nook in 1942. She came back in 1944 (with her year-old son) to head the Prentie unit, but alas for me, I was still in Caravan. What I remember best were evenings in Sherwood. After supper, we 10-year-olds gathered in front of Dot's tent, and she read to us--all the Milne books and, a chapter a night, Bambi.

Olav Ha Shalom, Dot.

Lennie

Hard Jobs and Easy Jobs

2009-08-05T13:32:00.003-04:00

Remember Camp Capers and Kitchen Capers? Those were the euphemisms adopted in the early '40's for what we all called Hard Jobs and Easy Jobs. The hard Job I most remember was scrubbing the wooden latrine seats with a hard brush dipped in a mixture of CN and water. This job was memorialized in the only stanza I remember hearing the Prenti Unit sing in 1943 (to the tune of "I Have Spurs that Jingle, Jangle, Jingle"):

We have work, and little kids to do it

As we scrub all the la seats in the camp,

And we sing, 'Oh, ain't we glad we're Prenties,'

And that song ain't so very far from wrong!

Oh, CN dear, oh, CN dear,

We dilute you and salute you as we never did before...

Remember? Who could forget?

Lennie

Tin Mirror on the Tentpole

2009-08-03T11:43:00.001-04:00

Another story from the old days: our camp nurse, Gil (Betty Gilbert) was young and pretty. All the little kids loved her. Some even pretended to be sick so they could be near her. She would stand, smiling, in front of her tent, and there was a little tin mirror tacked onto the tentpole. 1942--Gil was gone. She had joined the Army Nurse Corps. We had a new nurse, Zicci (Mary Ziccarelli). She was nice, and we liked her, but we missed Gil. 1943/4(?)-I am at the Saturday matinee at our local theater. The Movietone News comes on with pictures of the war in Europe. Guns...soldiers...and suddenly, Gil, standing in front of her tent, smiling...and there was a little tin mirror tacked onto the tentpole. Lennie

I'm Gonna Sit at the Counselors' Table: Lennie Friedman

2009-07-31T11:27:00.003-04:00

Another story from the long-dead past, the true tale of the origin of " I'm Gonna Sit At the Counsellors' Table." It was 1941 or 1942. I am inclined to think it was 1942. Jerri (Wachman) and I were seated in adjacent booths in the lower la. We were talking about the songs we had just sung (we sang songs infront of the mess hall before each meal, Tuck (Kate Kirby) leading). We had just sung, "I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table," and we thought we could write one about the special life of a counsellor, to wit: the counsellors' table, red Hudson Bay blankets, iced tea and coffee... I forget the rest.

We heard a noise behind us, on the other side of the la. "Oh oh," we thought. "We're in trouble again!" I was frequently in trouble, dragging poor Jerri along. We said nothing to anyone.

That night at supper, someone (who?) introduced a new song, "Im Gonna Sit at the Counsellors' Table," which was rapturously received and was sung for many years. But we wrote it.

Lenny Kaufmann Friedman's First Story (for us)

2009-07-29T22:03:00.003-04:00

The people I remember most were my Caravan tentmates: Pat (Spargo) Bryan, Anne (Johnson ) Cook, Ann Pfohl, and Barbara Grever, and, of course, Jerri Wachman. Here's a funny Quidnunc story. It's 1938. I am 9 years old in the Brownie Unit. One of the kitchen staff is named Helen Pick. We called her Pixie. Fast Forward. It is 1945. I am 16 and I have a part-time job in Macy's on 34 Street. Across the street in an arcade is a store called "Pick's." I go in, and there she is..Pixie. Fast forward. It is 1973. I have just been appointed to Flushing High School as Chairman of English. At the pre-school faculty meeting I am introduced to the staff, including a librarian about to retire--Helen Pick. "Pixie!" I shout, and I am 9 yearsold again.

No one would be interested in this story, but it's true. and I thought to share it with you.

Lee (Lenny) "Ajax" Price Ellis

2009-07-29T09:17:00.002-04:00

Hi: I'm Lee Ellis, Quidnunc alum, camper and staff 1948-58.

Visited Q during my 5oth NYC HS reunion in 2004. I had heard that there had been some vandalism, but had no idea that the camp had been closed all these years. I was expecting the hustle and bustle of getting tents put up, etc. What a SHOCK! to find it not deserted, but completely removed!

Would definitely be interested in future reunions, tho I now live in CA. In 2004. I also visited ST. John's in the Wilderness. It was an unbearably HOT day - can't remember if I visited Claude's grave too. Will check my photos.

Incidentally, all of us are alumnAE of Quidnunc. I almost flunked Latin but I did learn that:

masculine singular plural

alumnus alumni

feminine alumna alumnae

plural of both males and females together: alumni

Miss Walsh would be so proud!

I'm absolutely amazed at the number of women who have the same deep feelings for Quidnunc as I. The blogspot is addictive!!

Hope to meet you at a future alumnae reunion ;)

Lee Ellis

camp name: Ajax

Lennie Kaufmann Friedmann

2009-07-24T13:08:00.008-04:00

Hi, Kathy! I'm Lennie (Kaufmann) Friedman. I'm new at this computer stuff, and it has taken me literally months to figure out how to do this. I was at Quidnunc from 1938 to 1945, and my sister, Barbara (Bobby) was there until 1950. We both stayed all summer all those years, and we both have long and pretty accurate memories. If this reaches you, please contact me and ask me anything you want. My e-mail address is teach306310@att.net.

Both of us have stories and remembrances of people up the Wazoo. You mentioned Bridgie. Of course, I remember her. Her name was Margaret Lynch; her sister, Ethel was the camp director of Brady, and they lived together in an apartment in Jackson Heights. Once, I was in their apartment, though I can't remember why. Bridgie and Tommy (Annie Sue Waldrop) became the joint directors of Quidnunc after the death of Miss Ford (That's Constance Evangeline Ford, nicknamed Gay). Miss Ford's last year was 1942, the year I was in Neppie's. I got in trouble for cutting arts and crafts and Miss Ford sat me down on the back porch of the Cabin and told me that she was seriously considering sending me home. She didn't. I think my head counsellor, Dot Lyon, intervened. Bridgie became sole director in 1943 when Tommy joined the WAVES. Tommy left Shanty Wu (Shanty Wu was an Irish Terrier) behind her and Randy (Marjorie Holm) the head counselor of Caravan took him on. 1943 was my first year in Caravan.

There are three other prople on the "do you remember list" that I knew very well. Joan (Jerri) Wachman was a camper with me for several years. She lived in Kew Gardens, and I haven't seen or heard from her sice she left Quidnunc in"45 I think. I would dearly love to know where she is. Nancy Dunham was a prentie in 1943; her sister Jean was a counsellor that year. They lived in Jackson Heights, and she went to Newtown High School, as I did. Maggie was Maggie Magenheimer, the youngest counsellor of the three in Caravan in 1943. The three were Randy (Marjorie Holm), Stevie (Lorraine Stevenson), and Maggie. And Shanty Wu.

Lennie

Glo's Midnight Swim

2009-07-23T12:09:00.001-04:00

Glo recently sent me a letter detailing a midnight swim escapade involving Flip...

"Many hot nights when the 3 of us...Cathy, Ellie, and myself...looked for mischief. The idea was to go down to the lake for a "swim" in the Brownies crib. ( I didn't know how to swim, so my buddies were kind enough to stay with me.) One night we caught sight of a lantern moving toward us-until we saw the legs in the light we didn't know it was Bridgie. Wow, did we move fast and of course she read us the riot act. That part of our evening entertainment ceased for the rest of the season. When I returned to Cleveland I received a letter from Bridgie telling me I was fired unless I shaped up. Needless to say I apologized profusely and was able to stay on. Later we found out that Flip-Jean Allen- waterfront director had squealed on us."

Linda sends new pictures

2009-07-23T10:26:00.002-04:00

Girls in Front of the Infirmary

2009-07-20T17:08:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Wilma Franco for this picture!

Flip (Jeanne Allen)

2009-07-02T16:45:00.000-04:00

Map of Quidnunc

2009-06-12T18:26:00.000-04:00

From Last Import

Quidders from the 40's and 50's

2009-06-09T16:29:00.008-04:00

Mary Margaret (Mollie) French (lived in Douglaston, went to Bayside HS, attended Allegheny college but don't think she graduated)

Barbara (Doc) Pesch (lived in Queens, went to Andrew Jackson HS;

Gertrude (Gigi) Gallogly

Ruth (Scottie) McPherson

Carolyn (Dobie) Dobak

Linda Ceriani

Vida Kahn

Iselyne V. (Ivy) Maughn (counselor)

Janet (Jinx) Lipschultz (counselor) was attending Brooklyn College in 1956

Enid (Edie) Pardini

Virginia (Ginny) Colbert (waterfront counselor, from down south)

Jean (Chet) Shelley (nurse)

Finnie Everhart (waterfront counselor, from down south)

Betsy Lapidus

Ann (Andy) Diamond (went to John Adams HS)

Iris Epstein

Ruth Botwinik

Carol Fassbender

Dorothy (Red) Lee

Judy (Browni) Brown

Linda (Chick) Lehr

Willie BonDurant (C.I.T.)

Cynthia (Cynnie) Hibberd (counselor)

Mickey Kabel (administrative staff)

Lennie Richardson (admin staff)

Kitsy Curtis (waterfront)

Peggy Carney (waterfront)

Gail Johannsen (waterfront)

Hazel (Phyl) Coblenz

Joan Conlon

Michele Shapiro

Linda Ewing

Joan Heller

Judy Berek

Vivian Conan (Cookie)

Ellie Alf

Cathy Lennon (deceased 1990)

Glo Arrigo

Joan (JC) Connelly

Lennie Kaufman Friedman

Ruth Healy

Linda Ardrey

Doris Biggio Manganero

Dot Deaver Long

Hilda Witte

Jeanne Allen (flip)

Lenore Price

Paula Strong

Ivy Maughan Hennessey

Louise Black

Barbara (Bobbi) Klazkin

Anyone know any of these alumni??

Wilma Franco White

Nancy B Dunham

Doris Ann Heinze

Jean Patmore

Anne Dicke

Ethel Axelson

Constance Evangeline "Gay" Ford

Margaret V Lynch (deceased in 1982 or 83)

Annie Sue "Tommy" Waldrop (former director)

Marjorie Stamler Snyder

Lennie Kaufman Friedman

Joan Smith Gaetano

Hope Smith Apollony

Judy Brandes

Madelyn Bulmer

Joan Wachman

Maggie

Dot Lyon (deceased)

Ellie's Art

2009-06-09T15:39:00.002-04:00

Glo Arrigo sent me this copy of a drawing Ellie made for her for Christmas in 1959. Ellie is at left, sleeping at the desk. Joan Quigley is seated in the middle, Glo is at right drinking a coke and smoking, and Joan Connelly is lying on the floor reading.

Dianne Kesner Baldwin

2009-04-17T11:26:00.001-04:00

Hello,

I am one of the Kesner girls, Dianne. I was at Quid in the early 1960s before the new Dining Hall was built and then afterwards. I was in Hundred Acre Wood and Pioneers for 4 weeks. I was also in Sports and Games. I don't remember that much but I do remember Peri and KB. I still remember the songs we sang and sing them on long car trips out loud to my 2 dogs. I also spent time at Merrywood GSC, later Henry Kaufman GSC, due to generous donations from the Kaufman Foundation. I recently met a GS leader who is a Hospice CNA at the Nursing home where I work who goes to Kaufman even now with her troop.

How do I join the Blogging?

Dianne Kesner Baldwin

"Willie" Franco looks for Quid friends 1939-1946

2009-04-16T09:35:00.002-04:00

“Willie” Franco, now Wilma Franco White wrote the following to me about her years at Quidnunc.

Did you know that Quid was the GS Camp for the girls in Queens, NY?
I guess they opened it up to others at some point in time.

Here are some of the girls I went to camp with:

Nancy B Dunham, Doris Ann Heinze (Terry), Jean Patmore, and Anne Dickie all from Queens, NY

Another friend that I was a counselor with was Ethel Axelson.

I went to camp from 1939 to 1946. I was in Sky Blue the first two years.

After that I think it was Caravan. The next year I was in the Apprentice training and then a Counselor.

Does anyone remember Gay Ford? She was the director in 1939 and 1940

I also remember Margaret V. Lynch ("Bridgie") and Annie Sue Waldrop. Does anyone remember her nickname? They were the Co-Directors in 1941.

I have lots of pictures to go through as I just found my scrapbook from Camp. My daughter, (Carol “Daisy” White) will post them when she comes to visit.

Wilma Franco White (“Willie”)

Linda Nahum

2009-04-13T19:40:00.002-04:00

I went to Quidnunc and Laughing Water. I was a Pot GIrl, Requisition CLerk, and Business Office Assistant. My sister Elizabeth (Beth) Nahum also was a camper at Quidnunc and Laughing Water. I went in the 1960s I think the last year was 69.

I remember Splint, Cass, Beth Cruse (I think we bunked together and worked in Business Office) also Elyse Springer, Carol (Daisy) White - we were in the same troop and school,

Hope all is well with you - I am sorry I missed the reunion. Hope to make the next one.

Take care and keep in touch - Linda

5240 39 Drive

Suite 8R

Woodside, NY 11377

718 /606-9918

Cell: 917/599-6899 Email: Linda@LENsolutions.com

Rose Remembers

2009-04-13T08:50:00.004-04:00

I saw the songs blogspot, and the girl scout alumni web site.

I did see my picture, middle of lower row of "canoeing on the Susquehana" in Ellen Muth and Elyse Springer's photo. Ellen is correct, though: I know I never made the cut for the Delaware trip, but instead went twice to Candlewood Lake in CT. In that photo, the beauty on lower right is Kathy Barbatsuly, who was in my girl scout troop. I lost track of her many years ago, unfortunately.

I know I shared a tent my last year (1965, Neppies) with Doggie and Patty McBride; I didn't write names on photos and unfortunately don't remember any others. My photos are few, small, and fuzzy.

Thanks for tracking me down!

Best,
Rose Weitz

Elyse's Reminiscences

2009-03-30T11:54:00.001-04:00

I was really, really quiet in those days. I think my tentmates were Carol White, Rosemalie Uht, and Toby Lipschitz. The reason I remember their names so well is that way back then, I actually wrote everybody's name on the back of my photos. I wish I had been as careful about doing that when it came to the rest of my life. I certainly remember Peri and the other Minnesota twin, KB (although KB was not our counselor) and Ellen Muth because they were just so dynamic and fun. I also remember Boni (isn't her real name Bona?) who came from Texas. I can't remember Karen at all though. One of my picture shows Peri, Ellen & Mo McConnell. Weren't they the Neppie's Counselor? My memory is playing tricks on me; I remember some things so well and others not at all.

I know Joey Tyson and Sandy Dunbar were in Neppies because I have them in my pictures and recognize their faces in them, but not because I have real memories of them at this point. I do remember the Kesner girls, Debbie, Diane (Debbie's twin who I don't think was in Neppies that year) and Libby, who I did a lot of canoeing with. I also remember Doggie Grossman and her sister Babs; Doggie always seemed like everyone's older sister somehow. I don't remember Laurie Schultz or Grace or her cat.

I have some additional names for you, thanks to the backs of my pictures. Do you remember Lois Sotinsky, Pat McBride, Rose Weitz, Gwynn Danielson or Kathy Barbarsuli? Or someone named Shelley? Or Pam Crabtree? She & I suffered as kitchen aides in 1968. Do remember bear scares?

By the way, the Swedish counselor's name was Lena Nillson, not Oleson. I just found it spelled on the back of a photo.

It's good to know there are other women out there who were as affected by their time at Camp Quidnunc as I was. Forget Disneyland, Camp Quidnunc was the happiest place on earth.

Cheers,

Elyse

Two Potgirls: "Daisy" and Elyse

2009-03-27T13:22:00.002-04:00

My name is Elyse (Springer) Ellinger and I attended Quidnunc from 1965 through 1968. My first year I was in Sports & Games. Counselors I remember were Jackie O'Brien, Ruth Klein, Swede, Terp and someone from Georgia with a gorgeous southern accent, and "Cokie", although I'm confused about who was counselor when. There must have been a Danish counselor too because I remember a Danish song that she taught us (sounds like - Den serman han ma leeter, lan meer unt es comp, comp, comp...komfederah hurrah un meer unt es comp), plus having a Danish penpal the next year) I remember lots of softball and hiking with those old woven basket backpacks that were filled with food. I remember sleeping in a bedroll and cooking green blueberry pancakes using the lid from a trash can as the griddle (that's why they turned green - and we survived!).

I also remember the night a bat flew into our tent and we had to wait in some kind of cabin (what was that room?) while the poor counselors bravely tried to get the thing out of there. I most vividly remember my time in Neppies with Peri, Ellen Muth & Maureen "Mo" McConnell; KB and Lena Olson were around too. That was also because my best friend Carol White was there (we met at camp by the way). Carol & I just found each other online after all these years and are having a blast remembering all the great stuff we did at Quid. I loved the canoe trips, especially going down the Susquehanna, shooting the rapids and sleeping on the banks of the river (although the spam is NOT a fond memory). I was never so tan or my arms so strong as after that trip. There was also one doomed portage trip one year; they made us take those dreaded salt tablets (remember those?) and we trekked for miles down the road in the blazing sun with aluminum canoes over our heads. Almost every kid in the unit got sun sickness and we spent a day or so recovering back at camp.

I loved the singing in the dining hall and to this day shake a pot to make sure it's really, really dry. And then there were those great campfires, with more singing. Those camp songs really stuck.

I also remember being a kitchen aide in 1968 although I would most certainly have liked to have that experience wiped from my brain. I will never forget the MacNab family and how they gave us all derogatory, sarcastic nicknames (mine was Speedy) or how they would smilingly chat with one of the black campers and call her "Oatmeal". I'm sure Pam Crabtree would agree that that summer was a horror. The only blemish on my happy, happy memories of Quid.

Camp Quidnunc was what I waited for all year long. It was the reason I remained a girl scout through high school. We did so many fun activities and I made so many great friends.
I had no idea the camp closed down because I've lived in California since 1972, so I'm really sorry that more girls didn't get to experience what was one of the highlights of my life.
I haven't thought about all this in years, so now it's really flooding on back. I'm so glad I found this website. Thanks for making me remember.

Elyse 64-68

OMG! I just came across your site and I am so excited! I was in Camp Quidnunc from 1963 to 1967 (12yrs old to 16yrs old).

Ellen Muth was one of my counselors! Also Boni Evans! Oh the memories are just rushing back. My first year I was in Gypsy Skies which was next to Sports & Games just beyond the Dining Hall.

The other years I was in the Waterfront Unit, which was Neppies and then Caravan I think. My last year I was a pot girl.
I am a photographer and have dozens of old photos, but am getting a new scanner soon, so it will be a while till I can contribute.
Do you have a list of emails? I would love to contact Ellen or Grace Aldag or ?

Please write back, I love your website!!! My mother also went to Quid in the 1940's and even she's excited! We were originally from the Bronx, but I am in Minnesota now and she is in Ohio.

Thanks for the blast from the past!!!

Carol "Daisy" White (the Daisy is from when I was a pot girl)

Who are You?

2009-03-26T12:19:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone...I have been glad to see new names on the blog as people find it and post their comments and memories. The problem is we don't know who you are...so we can send on info about reunions or try to connect old friends. It would be helpful if you could email me directly and give me your real name and address, so we can update our "Quid Alumni "list. This is only if you feel comfortable sharing this. My email is :klena @roadrunner.com, and the people I am interested in hearing more from are: Carol White, elyseglenna, Lennie Kauffamn Friedman, "footprint" among others...Someone may be looking for you!

Become a "Follower"

2009-02-22T09:42:00.002-05:00

If you would like to keep track of changes and additions to the Camp Quidnunc blog, add your name to the Followers list at right.

Beth Cruse

2009-02-21T10:02:00.005-05:00

Hi, I'm Beth Cruse. I was Program Coordinator my first year at Quidnunc and Assistant Director the next. I was a Troop leader in New York City for my daughter's (Vicki Cruse Sengele) Brownie troop and I brought her to camp with me those first two years. They were the best two years of my life. We grew up singing the Quidnunc campfire songs, playing them on our guitars, and Vicki has taught them to her daughter.

Thank you for the memories. I still love singing the songs and still love the harmony parts. What a joy it would be to see the Camp Quidnunc again and to sit around the campfire. I can't wait to conect with the Alumni.

Does anyone remember how Kanawaukee lake got its name? An old Indian had walked across the country and when he got to the shore of the lake, he sat on a stone and declaired, " I kanawaukee no more!"

"Do you remember one summer during the break two counselors went to Yellowstone to camp. During the night (zipped in sleeping bags) they were attacked by a bear. He killed one (she was from a nearby camp) and the Quidnunc counselor returned to camp ith a broken arm? She was avery pretty curly headed blonde. Short. I will be able to pick them out of the picture when I find it or we get the other enlarged. I can evrn remember the sound of her voice, but not her name."

"Mother Nay Nay was our nature counselor (a bit heavy with long curly brown hair) I think her name was Jeanette.One night the campers filled the bottom of her sleeping bag with spagitti left over from dinner. Every one turned in early that night and Mother Nay Nay was the last to go. I was already assleep and did not know what had been planned. We were all concerned about snakes in our sleeping bags. When her feet hit the bottom of the bag, all hell broke loose The next day there was spagitti for 10 feet out from the door of her tent platform. Sue and Sue were the water front counselors. Ronny ( Short heavy red- blonde hair) was the Director. We had a pretty ,tall, young Rustic camping counselor whose name I can't remember. "

Vickie Cruse Sengele

2009-02-17T09:44:00.001-05:00

Hi! I went to Quidnunc and my mom was a staff member in the 60's. I saw her in one of the staff pics and just emailed it to her. Thank you sooooo much for pulling this together. I'll start looking for pics to scan and share. have talked of going back to Quidnunc for years. We hold so many precious memories of people, activities and songs. It would be a dream come true!

One of my favorite memories was when a young visitor was in the double decker and asked "Is that a pet?" There was a huge snake hanging from the rafters! ANd no, it wasn't a pet! aaauuugh! Such a state of panic!

I have such great memories to share! I'm sure that some of you could clarify them or add your own. Let's post memories one at a time here. That way others can add to them (or correct them if they are fuzzy!)

My absolute most dramatic memory from Camp Quidnunc was when one by one people began to get up during dinner and run to the dining hall rail to throw up. They were vomiting pink koolaid and chicken chunks! I think the whole camp got sick that night. If you weren't actually feeling sick yet, the mere sound of others retching was enough to get you started. I still dream about it every once in awhile!

Marjorie Stamler Snyder, 1942

2009-02-17T09:35:00.002-05:00

Camp Quidnunc in 1942!
by Marjorie Stamler Snyder

I'll always remember the 4 weeks that I spent at Camp Quidnunc in 1942. The campfires, the tents late at night (watching the mice run along the posts), the campfires, the sound of rain on the tent, also the open air dining room, are all treasured memories. One of the counselors played the recorder, and it inspired me to learn to play the instrument. It was probably the best summer of my life, and I'm nearly 78 years old.

Judy Ecuyer Rhodes

2009-02-17T09:28:00.001-05:00

Quidnunc 1947-52 and 1957?
by Judy (Ecuyer) Rhoades

I went to Quidnunc from Brownie through maybe 8th grade which would have been about 1947-1952 and then returned as a counselor for a year as a college student. I have papers somewhere with the words to most of the songs and many many pictures someplace. Lots and lots of memories (although not too good on names and dates.) I was even a member of a special unit that Ellie had (as a counselor not director) that consisted of all girls who had been to Quidnunc before and we stayed for a full month and got permission to do all sorts of "special" things. And there were some cute kids who came to visit me at home after I was their counselor.

Linda Peck surfaces

2009-02-17T09:19:00.002-05:00

I recently found your blog with all the pictures people have sent in and I can't thank you enough for posting all the comments and pictures. I went to Quid the summers of 1956, 57 and 58 and the experiences changed my life (also worked as a pot girl at Merrywood in 59 and counselor at Brady in 60 and 61). I still remember most of the songs we sang (still sing them and use them to concoct my various computer passwords), all my counselors' names and the names of a lot of the other girls. I'm sorry that I did not discover the blog until after last summer's reunion. I'm definitely interested in attending whatever is happening this coming summer. I'm not very computer savvy so could not figure out how to publish on the blog the fact that I'm interested in being involved. Could you put me on the list, or whatever is needed so that I am included in the get-togethers? I live in Virginia now. My snail mail address is 1603 Mulberry Ave, Charlottesville, VA, phone 434-979-9348, email linda.ardrey@gmail.com. I have pictures too but I'd have to get a lesson on how to scan them into the computer and make them available.

New Pictures from Deni

2009-02-06T08:43:00.006-05:00

Denise Maynard sent these photos in. They recently surfaced as she cleaned out her father's house. Click on the picture to the right to get to the whole album on Picasa.

Cindy's New Pictures

2009-02-04T16:37:00.003-05:00

Ellie and Libby Kesner

Memories from Marjorie and Marianne

2008-12-28T15:26:00.005-05:00

Camp Quidnunc in 1942!
by Marjorie Stamler Snyder

I'll always remember the 4 weeks that I spent at Camp Quidnunc in 1942. The campfires, the tents late at night (watching the mice run along the posts), the campfires, the sound of rain on the tent, also the open air dining room, are all treasured memories. One of the counselors played the recorder, and it inspired me to learn to play the instrument. It was probably the best summer of my life, and I'm nearly 78 years old.

Quidnunc- A big part of my life
by Gilda Kormes Zucker -Splint
I haven't finished reading all of the messages but I have been overcome with so many emotions. I began at Quid in Hundred Acre Woods in 1958 and was in just about every unit as a camper, program aid or counselor. My last year 1970, I was asst. Waterfront Dir. My memory for names is not as good as all of yours seem to be but when the names are mentioned I can place myself back at camp with many of those people. Unfortunately, a flood in my basement wiped out a lot of memorabilia but it is all still in my heart. I am still in touch with several Quid alumni , some of whom have posted on this site. Thanks for stirring up the memories. I still have my song books with all of our favorites and used many of them in my classroom throughout my career.

Quidnunc - A big part of my life
by Marianne Skeeter Bradford
You may not remember me (Splint) but I remember you. You were my counselor in Trails End in 1968 and it is because of talking with you that I decided to work as a counselor at camp. I was still a camper in 1969 in Caravan but then I was a kitchen Aide in 1970 and a unit Counselor in 1971. While you were on waterfront you helped teach me Senior Life Saving. I have since been a lifelong Girl scout and have been a resident camp staf for nearly 30 years. I am tall and had long brown hair. My e -mail address is Marianne. B @cox.net

Army of Women

2008-10-02T09:11:00.003-04:00

Susan Love spoke on the Today Show about the need for healthy women to participate in breast cancer research. If you are interested in finding out more, or in being involved in finding a cure for Breast Cancer, please click on the title of this post.

Quid Vids

2008-09-30T21:20:00.002-04:00

2009 Summer Plans

2008-09-29T11:35:00.003-04:00

Hi Girls,

Hope all of you had a great summer and are well rested. We have big plans for the coming year. A few of us have come up with some ideas and thoughts of a way to get Quidnunc back into a working camp. It may take a while but we think it is well worth it. We would like to see it used as as alumni camp for all Girl Scouts. There isn't a camp anywhere in the GSUSA organization, specifically meant for that purpose. So, in order to get things rolling,we need to organize an alumni group and make our presence known. With that in mind, we thought it would be great to have an alumni week end at a GS camp or at Baker Camp this coming summer. It will be set up just like summer camp with a full program, arts and crafts , hiking, nature tours etc ..you get the idea...We also want to do a service project for Camp Addison Boyce and maybe Quidnunc. I have been in contact with GSCGNY and the Heart of the Hudson councils about this. They are fully behind us and will help as they can.. The Heart of the Hudson council already has a wonderful alumni group called the Green Hats.. who do similar things.. Now with all this said, I need to know who would be interested in this and would be able to make it.. The date is July 17th..2009 at Baker camp. Please let me know what you think and if you would be interested in this association.. I think it is important for girls to learn the things we did at camp and to show them what they can achieve...Look at us!!
This is open to any former girls scout whether they were staff members (remember you were all registered GS when you worked at camp) or campers.. all ages. This is a start towards getting our old camp back...I know ...big maybe..but you have to start somewhere.. We would also like to do this as an annual event, with many different ideas to come..Gilda..your name was mentioned specifically for waterfront duty..Let's get this going and show GSUSA and GSCGNY what it means to be a former Quidnuncer..!!!! Cindy PS Full program, fun and new people..Price is $65.00 each per person per day. Lunch will be $10.00 each.. Be apart of history, Girl Scout history that is, lol... More info later..any questions welcomed ...any help more than welcomed.. New tee shirts and ties..arts and crafts.etc...Hope to hear from everyone soon..

Ellen's Reunion Comments

2008-08-09T12:14:00.002-04:00

Hi, it's Ellen Muth Davison!

You asked for comments about the reunion... Wow! It was magical, it really was--more than I even dreamed it could have been. From my point of view now, almost a month distant, what impresses me the most is the quality of the women who were there. What an amazing, accomplished, intresting, fun, exciting group of women. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to one, work at Quidnunc, and two, reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. I'm determined to keep in touch. A million thanks to all who made the reunion possible. Hopefully, even more of us will be able to get together sometime in the future. Ellen

Looking For Quidnunc Alumni!

2008-08-04T15:05:00.008-04:00

Debbie Wood

Jeanne E. Thelwell

Gwen Jones

Peggy Johnson (Feeley)

Barbara Thomasy (Bops)

Janet "JoJo" DeCreny

"Bunky" Bailey

"Chinky" Cheryl Rose

Saadia

Belle Gross

Donna and Lynn Jeffries

Kathy Prime, of Douglaston NY, dad was tugboat captain

"Cass" the counselor in 1969

Ruth "Pokey" Williams, counselor, from Jackson, MI

If you know the whereabouts of any of these Quidnuncers, please email me and we will try to contact them. If you would like me to post any more "lost girls" names, email me at klena@roadrunner.com.

Cindy's Pictures

2008-07-21T11:01:00.005-04:00

Hi Girls,

Is everyone back into their routine yet? Or are you still high on the weekend events? Well,we couldn't have asked for better weather if we ordered it ourselves. The adventure at Baker Camp was great, the food was good and the lodging was adequate. The lake was warmer than I remembered and still clean. It was fun swimming out to the raft there like we did at Quid, even though we had to keep our suits on. LOL.. I'm ready to go back and do it again. Thank goodness they had the coffee ready for us early.. we needed it after staying up to all hours talking the nights before.

What a blast from the past seeing friends from 40 years ago and meeting new ones. Everyone was talking, smiling and singing. What more could you ask for? I do want to send out a special thanks to a few people that helped make this a success, and for my pack basket and pins..From me to you ..thank you thank you thank you.....I would like to personally thank Linda for the camp fire program, Ruth for the help in finding a camp to have it at,,I was really worried we wouldn't find a place.and for the chocolate bars..Norma and Diana for being my wing men and keeping me sane throughout the year. Pixie and Ruth for their efforts in tee shirt making. Great Job! Doggie for schlepping the smore ingredients up from Miami..and camp Addison Boyce for the use of the camp..

Some of the girls were asking about the evaluation sheets..Please email Norma and ask her for them..She is in charge of them..Once she has them , she will let everyone know what was the outcome. For those of us who have pictures ..please send them to Kathy Lena for the web blog.. There are some on there now ..Suki has hers on there and they are great..Can't wait to see the others ..So get to it! That's about it for now. Some of us are talking about doing it again next year and some new people have popped up so we will see...Not a hike to camp or anything formal ..just getting together for fun..

Well that's it from here.. keep safe and keep close! We are Girl Scouts! we can do anything!

Quidnunc Forever,

Cindy

Click on the title "Cindy's Pictures" to access the slideshow.

Susan Graham's Words

2008-07-21T09:19:00.012-04:00

July 20
The Quidnunc Reunion
A few months ago some women started the idea of a reunion of campers that attended a New York City Girl Scout camp in Harriman State Park. I’m not sure how it got started, but it trickled up from the younger women to those who attended when I did. Long story short, there were women at the reunion that went to the came in the 30s and 40s, as well as the 50s and 60s (the camp closed in 1972). I personally attended from 1958 to 1965, graduating from camper to Program Aide (counselor-in-training) to Kitchen Aid to Counselor. All but 2 of the Program Aides attended the reunion (one had an emergency but we saw her on Sunday) and one, unfortunately, has already passed away. The experience was, I’m sure, different for every attendee. For me, I was on a high for the entire weekend. With our “collective memory” a lot of good times were reflected on, laughed about, enjoyed as if it were yesterday. It wouldn’t mean much for me to review these things here, but suffice it to say that not only was it wonderful to see these women who share a wonderful history with me – but it is exhilarating to realize that new friendships will be going forward from here, built on the history but with much more promise than “remember when..” conversations. For the attendees reading this, check out the picture (towards the end of the lot) of Dusty I took on Sunday. She is the grandmother of 6 and looks incredibly fabulous. Also check out the “re-creation” before and after pics. (Click on title "Susan Graham's Words" to get to the website with the pictures.)

A perfect Reunion Weekend!

2008-07-19T22:21:00.005-04:00

Remember the blazing campfire, the hills against the blue...

For you girls belong to Quidnunc, and Quidnunc belongs to you

Quidnunc Reunion Details

2008-06-17T17:08:00.002-04:00

The First Official Quidnunc Reunion will occur July 11-13 at Camp Baker and Camp Addison Boyce. Activities and a campfire, complete with somemores and wishing boats, will occur Saturday evening. Please email klena@roadrunner.com for further details!

Infirmary at Quid

2008-04-20T09:35:00.003-04:00

I got the picture of the infirmary on a Christmas Card from Ellie in 1991. On the card she wrote: "I found this winter picture of the infirmary in a box of odds and ends this past summer. I have no idea of when I took it or even if I took it but thought it would make a great card for all of you gals out there who were once entwined in the spider's web." Kelly Rice

Sappy

2008-02-24T10:28:00.001-05:00

Sappy was the camp director in 1969. That was the year she tried to rehabilitate the mildly bad girls of Neppies by telling us late-night stories of how we should be going on hayrides in Montana and quit trying to make herbal tea in our tents by boiling the water in our tin GS cups with a candle (fire hazard you know). She thought New York girl scouts lacked gumption. She gave up on us but we reclaimed our Juliette Lowe history just in time to practice our lashing skills—I think we lashed anything that moved—and put on a Winnie the Pooh skit for Sleepy Hollow.
Splint, you were the Ass’t Waterfront director then, you let me keep my buddy tag as a souvenir at the end of camp.

Patti McManamy

E-mails regarding Reunion!

2008-02-24T10:04:00.007-05:00

Hi All:
I'm coming; not sure which days. I live about an hour from camp in Parsippany, NJ. My sister in Suffern is half an hour closer, so I won't be needing accommodations.
I have memories, letters, pictures, bracelet, pin, and patches, even though I only went to Quid two summers, only one 2-week session each time. I was in Sky Blue in 1963, I think, and Sherwood Forest in '64. One of my counselors was Char and another I think was Teddy. A friend I made in Sky Blue (Audrey Seidman) is a friend to this day.
I don't think I had a nickname. I wrote poems, one of which I half remember. My name then was Ellen Forman, and I was from Queens. Mosquitoes were particularly partial to me. Ditto spiders and little green fish.
efm2@optonline.net

Hello Everyone,
I attended Quidnunc 1969 (Sherwood Forest) 1970 (Rocky Ledges) 1971 (those cabins on stilts things) 1972 (Caravan). Always in the month of August.
I live in California now and it's doubtful I can make the reunion. Back then I lived in Brooklyn. I don't recall having a nickname.
I would love to hear from anyone that was at Quidnunc around the same time. I remember the canoe regattas on Sebago Lake. Canoeing on the Delaware and Ramapo Rivers, hikes down to the Red Apple Rest and socials.
Carol Smith rickysmom@yahoo.com

(from Reunion Website)...I went to Quidnunc from 1968 until 1972. I lived in Sherwood Forest, Rocky Ledges, those Cabins on the hill (what were they called?) and finally Caravan. I started 3rd session and by my 3rd year was staying 3rd and 4th sessions. I loved going there.

I remember starting in swimming as a Green, having to swim in the cribs until I could become a blue intermediate swimmer and be allowed to swim out to the platform.

We had a canoe regatta against other camps in 1971 on Seneca Lake and we won our division. We had practiced every day for the entire session.

I remember dances with the coed camps, Camp Trexler. There was a girl named Pebbles who had a boyfriend in the other camp and was considered scandalous.

Quidnunc was where I smoked my first cigarette. It is also where I started drinking black coffee.

We would climb up to bald mountain. We also sat by the road and threw green apples at the cars.

The first two years I went we had to cross the road to swim. The bridge came later.

I remember being consigned to rowboats on the lake until you could pass the test in the canoes, by tipping over and righting it and paddling back to the dock.

I remember campfires, the arts and crafts shack, splash parties. I remember the trespassers. I especially remember the campfire songs.

Carol Smith rickysmom@yahoo.com

Quidnunc 1955 and 1956 (Posted on Kids Camp site)

by Marlene Toth, 2/21/08

I went to Camp Quidnunc in the mid-1950's. I also think of it each time it rains hard. The rain on the tent was amazing. I also remember the fire drills where we all had to exit the camp area to a deep gully and walk on stones in a creek for what seemed forever.

I won a costume contest. I glued dry leaves to a paper bag hat, that looked like curls on my head!

I also recall arriving the first day of camp, and being placed in a large circle right off of the bus from NYC. We were asked to remove our shoes and socks to be checked for athlete's foot, which I had never heard of - I was eight years old. I HAD it, and was banned from swimming for the first week, until it cleared up. To this day - I am 60 years old, I cannot stand walking in bare feet. If my feet touch the floor before bed, I have to wash them in the sink.

I loved the camp, and especially the songs - White Dove, and "I love the mountains, I love the daffodils" Boom di ada... etc. Marlene

Some New Pictures

2008-02-17T09:29:00.010-05:00

Melinda O'Sullivan sent some new pictures for the blog.
Click on the photo of tentmates above at right for more.OK! I'm the one of the far right. The 3rd from the left is KB, the sloe gin fiz girl. We're both from MN.... we rode the Greyhound Bus all the way from St. Paul to NYand we actually put on our white pumps and dresses so we'd arrive in NYC properly dressed. What a laugh that gave everyone at Camp Quidnunc. I did not give anyone my ID so that must have been KB. On the left in the back row is Lena Nielson from Sweden. And on the left side on the front row is Jay, the waterfront director. I can't remember the others. I have a better copy of the picture. I'm still paying for that glorious tan with trips to the dermatologist!!!! Peri

Neppies Staff 1964: Ellen Muth, Boni Allen, Grace Aldag, Karen

KB, Dusty, Dee, Sukie, Lena, Linda Hecht(Mouse), ? , Cathy Ramirez

Camp Quidnunc Reunion Plans!

2008-01-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

Plans are in progress for a camp reunion this summer, July 11,12, and 13, 2008. Come for any or all days, more information will be forthcoming. Cindy is trying to arrange to stay at a cabin at Sebago. Hiking to Bald Rock, swimming, cookout, campfire and singing are all on the agenda! Get those pictures out of the attic bring your guitar and songbook, and let's reminisce a little! Email Cindy at spare1@mindspring.com if you want any more information.

Remember?

2007-12-06T12:47:00.001-05:00

When young, camp was the best time
of my childhood. Even if there is no one out there from my time, it does bring back so many good memories. Knowing that talking about camp they know what I am talking about and I know what they are talking about. I remember the smell of honeysuckle on the way down to the lake. Do you remember that? (My troop # was 4- 708. 4 is Queens. Mine was in St. Albans. Our co-leaderwas Mrs Romano. I always went to camp the last two weeks in Aug.)
Judy Caputo

I don't remember the honeysuckle, but the smell of pines and woods always makes me homesick for camp. My troop was from Staten Island, # 5-180..my mom was the leader for years. I usually went to camp in July, but once I went in Aug.
Cindy Cleveland

Our troops were 4-750 and 4-40 in Queens. They were based in the Community Methodist Church in Jackson Heights. My mom was one of the leaders of 4-40 for several years. We moved out of Queens late in 1965, but that was about when Quidnunc was opened up to folks from outside the city.
Pam Crabtree

I came from a troop in the Bronx and went to Quid for the month of Aug every year as a camper. I agree that reading everyone's memories has brought me great joy. Camp was such a big part of my life. Remember the crab apples on the way to the waterfront?
Gilda "Splint"

I don't remember the crab apple tree..? Where was it? I remember having to take those darn salt tablets before a hike, esp. if it was real hot that day. YUCK..Even trying to swallow them with the delicious cold water from the pump, it was hard. I think I faked it most of the time. I remember all the canoe trips from lake to lake. I never got to go on the long distance trips, I wasn't there at the time or didn't qualify. But the last day of the session, we would take the canoes out on the lake and swamp them. That was great fun. We didn't get in trouble and went home the next day. The unit leaders were not too happy with us because they told us not to do it. But back then, we thought we were invincible. That was our one big defiant act all summer...Sitting on the stern, paddling over to the boys camp, and half way back , then oops....Who taught the Junior Lifesaving in 65? Well, I wasn't very good and when she tested me I didn't want to dive down in the mucky bottom of the lake,...sooo..I waited for her to come up and then used the hair pull rescue on her, needless to say I failed.Who ever it was could sink like a rock!

Ok, how about a gross memory?? Do you remember the first day or two we had to go to the infirmary to have the nurse check for head lice and spread your toes for athletes foot? All of us lined up on the porch, spreading our toes one at a time and then someone else picking thru our hair. Guess it wasn't fun for them either.
Cindy Cleveland

Staff Pictures: 1964, 65, 66 from Boni

2007-11-26T11:54:00.002-05:00

Name those Counselors! Click on the picture to enlarge. Then send me an e-mail with the names! 1964

Bottom row L-R: Char, ?, ?, ?, Beaver, Mary Martin, ?, ?, ? ,Ruth (Took Ellie's place that year),?, Judy Globinger (Glob), me (Linda,Mouse), Sue Frish,???
Middle row: ?, Sukie, Dee, ?, Ram (Cathy Ramirez), Max (Maxine Klein, twin), K.B., ? Dusty, ?, ?, Peri, Boni, ?, ?, ?, ?, "Danish girl", ?, ?, ?
Top row: ?, Moe (Maureen McConnell), Ruth Klein (twin), Mary Lynch (office manager),?, ?, Ruth Henderson (Sunny), Kathy (ass't. office manager),?, ?, ?, Gus (Nancy Augustus), Grace Aldag, Lena Neilson, Ellen Muth, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?

1965
Bottom L-R: Maureen (accountant?) Max, ?, Char, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Ass't. Director
(Maureen's sister and good friend of Ellie's), Ellie, ?, Grace Aldag, Peri, Judi Jankovitz(from MN), ?, Jan, Sue Frish, Me (Linda, Mouse)
Middle: Charlie (handyman), Flip, ?, ?, Lynne Jeffries,?, ?, K.B., Buzzer,?, ?, Bonnie
Sukie, Cathy Ramirez (Ram), Lena Neilson (Sweden), ?, ?, ?, Don,?, ?, ?, ?, Kathy, Ruth, Boni
Top: ?, Wink, Brownie (nurse), Swede,
Mary Lynch, Moe, ? , Ellen Muth,?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?

1966

Bottom L-R: ?, Mary Lynch, Maureen, ?, ?, Don,?, ?, Ellie, ?, Cathy Loudis, Faye Hildenbrand, Linda Hecht (Mouse), Gilda (Splint), ?,Mary Muth, Boni, Char, ?

Middle: ?, Pam Burke, ?, ?, ?, Judy (Glob), ?, ?, KB, Brownie, ?, Cook, ?, Faye Muth, Jan,?, ?, Kathy,????

Top: ?, Swede, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Office Aide, ?, ?, Ruth Klein, ?, ?, ?

Name those Staff Members!

Lake Kanawaukee

2007-11-05T18:42:00.000-05:00

Woodcut of Lake Kanawaukee

Pictures from Boni

2007-11-03T13:10:00.001-04:00

Joey eating spaghetti with an eggbeater

Boni's birchbark place card

Waterfront 1967

Pudgy in Boni's ditty bag

Boni's Memories

2007-10-31T13:56:00.000-04:00

Love your blog. Here are some memories for you. The pictures of Pudgy (Neppies mascot) and Joey are from '64. Pudgy went canoeing regularly and always jumped into my canoe when she was ready to throw up. She earned her beginning swimmer card also.
Our girls planned an overnight at a nearby Girl Scout camp and they forgot to pack eating utensils and were forced to eat with what was available, hence the eggbeater.
The birch bark place card had a rosette of pine cones, but they didn't survive. I don't know who painted the lake, but it's really neat. What I liked best about singing at Quid was when a bunch of counselors would circle through camp serenading the girls at bedtime. We only sang the really pretty ones. Boni

Painting of Kanawaukee 1, Eva Wittlinger, 1994

2007-10-27T13:15:00.000-04:00

Kanawaukee 1

Words to Songs

2007-10-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

It was suggested in an earlier comment that we make available words to some of the songs we learned at camp.

I have been making clickable links to many of the songs that I had listed on an earlier blog posting (February 07)

On some of the songs, you can click on a player and hear the song.

Now, if you click on the name of the song, the words come up.
I have also found some good websites to look up Camp Songs on.

This site below is very comprehensive and the link relates to Girl Scout songs.

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=77412

Ellen

2007-10-26T14:54:00.000-04:00

Camp Quidnunc 1963 and 64
by Ellen Forman Muraskin (borrowed from the Camp Reunion Website)

I went to and absolutely adored Camp Quidnunc when I was 10 and 11, in the summers of 1964 and 65. I stayed in Sky Blue the first year and Sherwood Forest the next.

I had a counselor from Texas named Char.

I hiked to Bald Rock. I slept outside in a bedroll one night.

I washed my hair in the lake with Prell. Fish bit me. Spiders bit me. Mosquitoes covered my arms and legs with bites. If I hadn't looked so happy when I met my mother after two weeks, she probably would have been alarmed at all those bites.

I made a friend (Audrey Seidman) that I have to this day. The day we met, she dropped her footlocker on my foot.

I wrote poems and burnished copper and learned to make campfires and washed dishes in buckets that were brought to every table in the dining room. We sang

"Mandy was a little Bahama Girl..." and "I Won't Grow Up" while we washed dishes.
I peed in the "la" which did not flush. The faucets were rabbit-ear devices you had to squeeze together. They only ran cold water. I washed my clothes with a washboard.

I had a black tent mate named Gwynn, who was a good friend. I noted this in a letter home, describing her as "Negro."

I wrote letters home to my bathroom. Also my family. My mother has kept them; they are so excited and enthusiastic. I still have the Q spiderweb pin and the little charm bracelet with the fir tree.

And you?

Ellen Forman Muraskin, from Troop 612 (I think) in Middle Village, Queens, circa 1963-64

Wendy's Recollections

2007-10-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

...quite a few of the people mentioned in the blog I do remember. I remember being very upset the first time Pam went to camp and I was too young to go – I think I drove my mother nuts the whole time see was gone. I think I was 7 my first summer and having an older sister in camp was a definite asset. My time at Quid included Sleepy Hollow, HAW, Sky Blue, Cricket Hill, Gypsy Skies & Caravan. The summer of ’71 I followed my sister’s footsteps and was the Dining Hall Supervisor – I remember I tore the ligaments in my foot that summer, and lived on Hershey Bars and apples (seeing how the food was made definitely wasn’t very appetizing.) The summer of ’72 I worked on the waterfront.

I remember hiking through the deserted boys camp and the counselors telling us scary stories. I wonder what kind of stories were told to campers in later years that hiked through Quidnunc. Did you hear of “Irving the Pervert?” I think he appeared the last year I was a camper in Caravan.

Some of my other memories were the canoe regattas and trying to beat Camp Mahetu, hiking to the Red Apple Rest, and backpacking parts of the Appalachian Trail, canoe trips, sneaking into DD at night, the final banquets, campfires – s'mores and singing, lots & lots of singing . One summer there was a big storm predicted and we all got our bedrolls or sleeping bags and crammed into the Troop House. I remember that someone talking in their sleep was quite a source of amusement. There were always tears at the end of the summer. I was supposed to work at either Brady or Kaufmann ( can’t remember which) the summer after Quidnunc closed but I just couldn’t do it – it would have never been the same.

Flag Ceremony and Postcard

2007-10-23T09:31:00.000-04:00

Old Postcard purchased on Ebay by Cindy Cleveland

1953 Flag Ceremony
Ellie Alf, in red shirt and red hair

Memories by Lisa

2007-10-12T16:53:00.001-04:00

Camplife was difficult for me because I was sent so young (6 years old) and had trouble adjusting. Like everyone, I've got lots of memories but what really stands out is what I learned.

I learned how to make smores, how to collect kindling and build a campfire, how to make a bedroll, how to pack a duffle bag, how to make "hospital corners", how to roll up tent flaps, how to fold a flag, how to swim, how to paddle a canoe (bow and stern), how to tip a canoe, get back in it, bail it out (with our bathing caps) and continue home.

I vividly recall going on a ridiculously long hike and sleep over where I stepped in a next of yellow jackets and had to spend the night in the woods, feeling just horrible. Last summer when my daughter stepped in a nest of caught 16 stings, I was truly able to sympathize!

My favorite part of camp were those nights when we would have a sing. We would form a giant circle. I always wondered where these songs came from and how everyone knew all the words. It was very comforting to me to hear the music and harmony. I learned how to sing in a round. Today I am a musician and I teach music to pre-schoolers in Manhattan.

I attended Quidnunc until 8th grade when I decided to hang out with my friends in New York but what I learned at Quidnunc has truly endured.

Lisa Ellex

Deni Speaks

2007-10-10T15:21:00.000-04:00

Lynn Jeffries, HAW 1965
(Thanks to Denise Maynard)
More new pictures in Quidnunc #2 file

Thanks for putting together the Quidnunc page with photos.
I really got teary eyed when I saw the Double Decker, Waterfront, the camp bridge and Neppies Nook. I remember some of the girls in the photos such as Belle and Saadia; they were with me in Neppies.
In the photo of 2 counselors tying a canoe to the camp truck, the gal in the plaid shirt was my swimming instructor "Flip" in '65.
In the photo of the 4 counselors in their "greenies" the short blonde
is Donna Jeffries as her sister Lynn was one of my previous counselors.

I attended Quidnunc as follows:

1965, Hundred Acre Wood: counselors were Pokey, Kathy, Lynn and someone else
1966: Gypsy Skies, counselors were Kathy, Skipper and Lee
1967: Trails End: counselor were Davey and ???
1968: Neppies Nook: Brenda, ME (Mary Ellen) and Kathy Giffin
1969-70: Caravan: Splint, Inga and "Mouse"
1971: Kitchen Aide living in Hilltop
1972: Counselor in Sleepy Hollow

Ellie was our director for my 1st 2 years, then Smitty and later some other women took over.

Some of my camper friends were: Wendy Crabtree, Robin Fields, Gayle Goldfarb, Lorraine Collazzo, Jody Krissiloff, a girl called "Rex", a girl called "Irving"(Marie Kallmeyer) who packed a trunk of mixed drinks in baby food jars, a girl called "Mushy" and a host of other girls who's faces I can just remember but not their names.

I will try and dig out some photographs over the summer. Please keep me on your mailing list and blog.

If there is a reunion or a pilgrimage to the Quidnunc site, I would definitely be interested. I still reside in the NY metro area.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful memories.

Best regards,
Denise (Deni)

Quidnunc Song

2007-09-17T17:18:00.007-04:00

(Tune: Drifting and Dreaming"

from Staff handbook, 1951

Thread after thread, the spider weaves...

It weaves a friendship that never leaves.

With spirits ever high, we'll always be

Faithful and loyal,

Quidnunc to thee.

Happiness reflected in silken thread

High ideals woven into each web

All other camps, you may all try-

But, at Camp Quidnunc, true standards lie.

Thanks to Lanie Hildenbrand Sussman for reminding us!

New Old Camp Pictures!

2007-05-15T08:58:00.001-04:00

Staff Picture

2007-02-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

Waterfront Tent, Quidnunc

2007-02-19T13:55:00.000-05:00

Alumni contact Information

2007-02-18T18:21:00.000-05:00

Anyone who wants to be in touch with other alumni, please email me and I will start a contact list.

Camp Songs at Quidnunc

2007-02-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

White Wings
Little Drop of Dew
Roundup Round
Scarlet Ribbons
Border Trail
Witchcraft
I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table
Eppo
Dem Bones
No Man is an Island
Say When
Happy Wanderer
Up in the Air Junior Birdsmen
The Owlet
Braves
Spider's Web
Blue Walkin'
Remember
Magic Melody
I'm a Little Hunk of Tin
Lonesome Valley
The Donut Song
Mandy (was a little Bahama Girl)
The Silver Moon is Shining
The Border Trail
Dickey Bird
Sarasponda
High Silk Hat
Where Have All the Flowers Gone
Let there Be Peace on Earth
Flea
Green Trees
Campfire's Burning
Baby Duck
Tell Me Why
Taps
Barges
Once an Austrian Went Yodeling
Grey Squirrel
Lion Hunt
Each Campfire Lights Aneww
Linger
Flicker
Green Grow the Rushes O
Today
Music Alone Shall Live
The Ash Grove
Donkey Riding
Canoe Song (My Paddle's Keen and Bright)
Peace of the River
Our Chalet Song
Rise Up O Flame
Make New Friends
Rise and Shine
Walk Shepherdess Walk
Bed is too Small
Little Rabbit Foo Foo
Have Fun
All Night, All Day
Circle Game
I Love the Mountains
Land of the Silver Birch
Swinging Along
Buddies and Pals
Animal Fair
On My Honor
The Other Day I Met a Bear
Land of the Silver Birch
White Coral Bells
A Boy and a Girl in a Little Canoe
Ally Ally Oxen Free
Say When
Fried Ham

Graces
Johnny Appleseed
Back of the Bread
'Neath These Tall Green Trees
Wayfarer's Grace
Blue Grace
Hark to the Chimes

Any other suggestions?

Old Friends at Neppies Nook

2007-02-18T12:20:00.000-05:00

Ellie Alf and Catherine Lennon's friendship began at Camp Quidnunc. In this picture they are both wearing staff ties, and Cathy has an apron with the words "Neppies" on it and a picture of a campfire. The second picture is taken at the same spot, my dad, sister and brother and me slightly blurry, but no doubt about the location.

2007-02-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

Quidnunc Bridge

2007-02-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

My sister Patti, me, brother Dan, and Dad cross the
wooden bridge to swim, on a visit to Quidnunc to visit my mother's friends.

2007-02-18T10:31:00.000-05:00

Old Patch and Postcard of swimming rock, Camp Quidnunc

QUIDNUNC Definition

2007-02-17T20:03:00.000-05:00

Quidnunc \KWID-nuhngk\, noun: One who is curious to know everything that passes; one who knows or pretends to know all that is going on; a gossip; a busybody.

Waterfront Camp Quidnunc

2006-05-22T12:27:00.000-04:00

Double Decker, Quidnunc 1953

2006-02-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

"Spider Web"

2006-02-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

"It's a web like a spider's web,
Made of silken light and shadows
Spun by the moon in my room at night
It's a web made to catch a dream,
Hold it tight til I awaken
As if to tell me my dream is alright..."

Camp Quidnunc

2006-01-27T23:00:00.000-05:00

There have to be people out there who were campers and staff at Camp Quidnunc, on Lake Kanawaukee, Bear Mountain, New York. I would like to invite any former campers or staff to communicate via this blog, share pictures, memories, maps, stories. Welcome!

Bald Rock

2006-01-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

Bald Rock Postcard

2006-01-27T19:59:00.000-05:00