Capture the Flag is a venerable Camp Leelanau summer tradition: tough, aerobic, strategic, tactical, and metaphysically challenging. This version of the classic, however, was not in the gorgeous summer that captivates one’s camp memories– sunny, and mild. This winter version in 18” snow drifts, at fairly steady 8+degrees, and really, really dark – before sunrise and after star-rise on the 21^st of January.

To camper-alumni, the invitation from Weldon Rutledge, Camp Leelanau Director, was one that could not be ignored, a Christmas gift that could not be ignored. Some 26 Camp Leelanau alumni signed on; most arrived at Camp on Friday, January 20. The big game began with a wake-up cannon shot at 5:00 am, literally shaking the Orion bunkhouse; teams flooded out the door and hoofed it to their sites. The Green and the Sand teams built their jails in the crisp pre-dawn air, and raids began at 6 am.

Before and after flag play, cozy fireside chats in the Great House were, in every respect, the Gold Standard for (1) warmth, (2), reminiscences and (3) readings in the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, including a full reading of the lesson (Truth) between the morning and afternoon games. This spiritual grounding was the glue that helped define sportsmanship, energy, and focus in the Christian Science way to all the players. Weldon clearly marked the spiritual and metaphysical landscape of the game – a spiritual focus on the game as a metaphor for healthy competition, tactical savvy, and adherence to the Divine Law.

Breakfast and Dinner were cooked over fires and judged with all of the usual standards for timeliness, quality, and presentation.  For the sake of authenticity, a “beach carnival” in the Great House included a series of games, skits, and original songs (which inevitably made fun of slogging through the cold and snow at uncivilized temperatures). After Game Off on Saturday night, Weldon facilitated a fireside chat where alumni participants were asked to name the single most important, and memorable, part of the winter game experience. It is perhaps difficult to summarize the thrill of the alumni…meeting up with old camp friends, comparing dates of campership/counsellorship, from modern and Paleolithic eras, but the spirit that imbued this group, the rekindled friendships, and love for Camp and Christian Science illuminated and pervaded the landscape of this joyous weekend event.

Steven Jareo

1955-59 Tiger

1960-65 Red

1967-70 Purple

Here is a link to our complete collection of Camp show photos on SmugMug

Maple City, MI

January 22, 2012

Getting to host a Camp Show at Camp is pretty darn fun!  We had a blast on the sledding hill, singing “Chester”, eating our delicious potluck, and sharing the joys and wonders of Camps Leelanau and Kohahna with a crowd of friends, both old and new.

The current Leelanau Outdoor Center staff got a good warm up in preparation for their coming weeks of managing the sledding hill for Winter Camp.  Between our General Manager, Marc Murphy, and his family’s antics trying to break the distance record, the whole Hronek/Hollister family’s attempts to fit on one tube, and Paul Paradis and the Moothart’s efforts to waterski on sleds, staff members Jared Jared, Trippy, Tom, Wheels, K-Dew, and Pippi really earned their keep!

It warmed my heart to see Glen Arbor and Traverse City church friends come out to camp in support of the good work we are doing here.  Amy Peterson, Annie McFarlane, David Watt, Carol Towar, Judy and Jerry DeNoyer, and Rick Taylor were not menaces on the sledding hill, but brought warmth and love for Camp from the community.

Of course, having so many Leelanau-Kohahna insiders in the audience was a joy.  Kathleen and I felt like we were rehearsing a play in front of our parents with Pamela and Andy Chernivsky, Sue Pierce and Steve Bluhm and their daughters Ella and Olivia, Sarah Jane Miller, Laura Ann Johnson, Pippi Schroeder, and Blair Anderson and his daughter Emily, in the crowd.

The Kunz- Murphy boys showed up with their mom just in time for dessert to be served, whereas Jim Cooley and his son Tanner were the first to arrive and last to leave – probably because Jim was hoping Camp could start today for young Tanner, who grinned the whole time.

It was exciting to meet more members of the Warne Family.  David and Nancy Warne brought four grandchildren, only one of which has had the pleasure of a Camp experience at this point.  Very exciting for the future.

It is unfair to rank Camp Shows, but I can certainly state this was one of the best.  I consider it covering home plate, and we sure love getting to open up camp to our friends that live in the neighborhood.

Orlando, Florida

January 15, 2012

We were warmly welcomed to the sunshine state by more than just blue skies and temperatures in the 60s; we were embraced with radiance by a number of current and future camp families! Weldon and I attended church in Winter Park, FL followed by lunch at a local restaurant, and a camp show at the Ariail family home. In attendance were veteran camp families such as Don and Susie Quitter and their children Cole (Leelanau camper) and Kinsey (future Kohahna camper), Missy Saulsbury and her son, Sam (Leelanau camper), the De Los Santos children (Brandon and Brianna) and their grandpa Rafael and uncle David Kirkwood, Clark McFarlane (Leelanau camper), and alum siblings Billy, Leigh, and Tommy Shugart. Future camp families included our host family, Anda and Scott Araial and their children, Amaia, Ovella, Isa, Katie Higgins and her daughters, Molly, Lauren, and Sarah, and Tom Raupach and his two boys, Fritz and Max. We lo

ok forward to welcoming these three families into the greater Camps Leelanau and Kohahna family in the coming years. A big thank you to everyone for coming out to the show! It was fun to share the joys of camp in a temperature that felt like Michigan in June!

Evanston, IL

January 8, 2012

The Evanston, IL camp show was hosted by Kohahna Alum, and current Evanston Asher House Manager, Joy Deal. What a special opportunity to share while supporting the Asher Student Foundation and Camps Leelanau & Kohahna simultaneously! We welcomed several new families, returning campers, and happy alums. Guests included Tracy Meyer (Kohahna Alum), parents Gary and Kim McCullough with children Ian (Leelanau Alum) and Grace (Kohahna CT ’12), camper parents Abe and Tanya White and their children Alexander and Andrew (current Leelanau campers), future camper parents Gary and Stephanie Broadhurst and their children Caleb, Connor, and Annabelle, and future camp mom Maria Freeman with her two sons, Edward and John (future Leelanau Campers). Interested community members, Hildur and Joan Freeman, came to learn more about camp in order to pass along the information in their local Sunday Schools.  We also got to see Leelanau staff all-stars Steve Creighton and David Libbe. We had a delicious potluck and joyful atmosphere celebrating the enthusiasm for the start of summer 2012.  If we had a nickel for every time we have already been asked by a camper “when does camp start?” we would be prime contributors to the campership fund!

We are only one weekend into our camp show tour and the energy is already growing for what is shaping up to be a great Camp Show season. Thanks again to all who came to our Evanston show. It was a great close to a fruitful weekend.

Clarendon Hills, IL

January 7^th, 2012

The Clarendon Hills show can be better qualified as an enormous camp reunion! We saw a great number of our Chicago land camp families, who made the journey from many neighboring suburbs, congregate in the Stillman family’s home. Our host, Carla Stillman, CS, has been a Camps Leelanau & Kohahna summer camp practitioner for the past two summers and she generously opened her home to over 45 guests! We welcomed the Dunsire family, the Sholeen family, the Harley family, the Casper family, the Beard/Varchetto family, the Burghard family, the Moller family, the Mahon family, the Griswold family with guest Jack Lunn (future Leelanau camper), the Donnelly family, Hannah Gates (Kohahna Alum), the Harrison family, Anna Whiteway (Kohahna Alum and former camp parent), the Moore Family, and the Pacyga Family. We had a scrumptious dinner prepared by Carla Stillman and the Portillos (thanks to Kim Beard). We also enjoyed the ooh-ing and aah-ing over the new camp video! Lively conversation was had as we celebrated the spirit of camp and the love we all have for one another as the Camps Leelanau & Kohahna family.

Weldon and Kathleen thank everyone for coming out and spending the evening with us (and for the delicious food and great company).

Brookfield, WI

January 6, 2012

We (Kathleen Moyer and Weldon Rutledge) opened Camp Show season 2012 with smiles as we welcomed a full complement of camp enthusiasts to the Morales family home. We had Kohahna & Leelanau alums, current campers and staff, interested community supporters, and even a new family to recruit! Guests included Jamie Sloan and her daughters Margot (current Kohahna Camper) and Meredith (future Kohahna camper), Jori Clarke (mother) and her daughter Takota Clarke (future Kohahna camper), Anjuli Graunke (Kohahna Alum), Todd (Leelanau Alum) and Connie (future Harvest Weekend participant) Jaremko, Ted Gast (community supporter), and the host family, including Jennifer Morales (mother), Maddie Morales (Kohahna Counselor), and Caroline Morales (Kohahna CT ’12). We enjoyed a delicious dinner and dessert, watched the premier of the Come to Camp in 2012 video, and shared highlights, gratitude, and insights on the strengths of the Camps Leelanau & Kohahna programs. We are very grateful to all who attended and for the wonderful hospitality of the Morales Family.

The following are some thoughts on “Living Love” at Christmas time:

Love is the law and the liberator: Above all things, if we love, we will fulfill the law.

Set your mental standard high – you are free of any material claims which may be trying to take hold of you.

Kindness: The demonstration of Love in action.

There are many ways to express kindness during the holiday season and beyond: spend quality time with loved ones, speak kindly towards others and about others, and do something nice for others as often as possible.

Unselfishness: The demonstration of Love through service.

Think about others this holiday season – how can you help with cooking, cleaning, and caring for family members?

Courtesy: The demonstration of Love in consideration of others.

Remember the manners we learned at Council Fire – a “please” and “thank you” will go a long way, and of course your family will appreciate your full attention at family gatherings without texting under the dinner table! J

Good Temper: The demonstration of Love in being patient and judgment free.

Be patient with yourself and others. If you can think about eliminating complaining from your conversations that will help you keep your cool and help others feel comfortable when they are with you.

Seeking the Truth: The demonstration of Love through seeing only the good in yourself and in others.

This takes practice!  Enjoy reading the Bible and Science and Health, go to Sunday School and Wednesday evening meetings, and keep on praying!

We are thinking of you and send you all the warmest Christmas Wishes!  See you in 2012!

Much love,

Sue and Kathleen

Click on the image to view the full newsletter

Unpack your camos and flashlights; the Alumni Flag Trip has arrived!  That is correct, here at Camp Leelanau for Boys the first ever Alumni Flag Trip will occur this winter, January 20-22.

So mark your calendars and start planning your strategies.  We will gather on Friday evening, make teams and tell stories around the Greathouse fireplace.  On Saturday, early AM we will head into the woods for a day of Capture the Flag including cooking two meals over a fire, just like the olden days.

It will be a memorable event that you won’t want to miss.  Tell your camp friends, get them here in January, and get ready for the next generation of “old timer stories” as we make new memories and share old ones, out on THE trip that is so dear to so many of our hearts.

RSVP to weldon@leelanau-kohahna.org so we know we can count you in!

More Reasons to come to Harvest Weekend:

Harvest Weekend is a wonderful combination of reflection and engagement.  While there are many wonderful activities and events to enjoy, participants may also choose to seek out a quiet spot in the Great House, on the sun-lit lawn or the sandy beach for quiet time, rest and reflection. Even in the midst of those precious times, you won’t want to miss breakfast, lunch or dinner— because the food is GREAT!

Harvest Weekend brings together women of all ages and locales to share a few days in beautiful northern Michigan. Whether you come by yourself, with friends or relatives, by the time you leave your new acquaintances will have become dear to you whether sharing an arts & craft project, a vigorous canoe trip, a beach walk, a church service, an hymn sing or one of many other special activities.

“Ladies, come spend a few days away from the din of work (wherever and whatever it may be). Refresh and renew within one of God’s most glorious spots, with other seekers and a loving staff of counselors…not many resorts can rival the beauty of a Lake Michigan sunset, the friendliness of campers and staff and the unmatched spiritual renewal!” ~ 4^th year Harvest Participant

KOH Parents: We loved being able to view pictures on the camp website, as it was such a nice way to feel connected, while still giving our daughter her independence. Each picture assured us she was happy and fully immersed in the whole camp experience.

LEE Parent:  Our son loves the friends at camp… That was his number one reason for wanting to stay four more weeks.  We know he loved all the fun activities, especially the flag trip and group games.  He also really liked border camp, waterskiing and cabin days.

He learned to be a team player and exhibit good sportsmanship.  He also grew in his ability to apply Christian Science, especially with a healing of a hurt knee.

KOH Camper:  I had lots of fun my first year of camp.  It was nice to meet so many Christian Science girls.  My activities were dance, canoeing, horseback riding and drama.  I also went on a rock climbing trip…I earned 6 out of the 7 K quality beads: orderliness, sportsmanship, graciousness, persistence, joyfulness and initiative.  I’m going to use the qualities this year at home and school.

LEE Camper:  What I love most about camp is the brotherhood; all the friends and how quickly you can make friends in the first week because all the people there are so nice.

KOH Camper: My favorite thing at camp was the rock climbing trip we took up to Marquette, in the upper peninsula of Michigan. I also loved all of the activities I took at camp, especially dance, archery and of course sailing. It was the first time I had ever been sailing and I loved it!

LEE Parent:  I loved that everything is brought from the standpoint of Christian Science.  In the atmosphere of great adventure learning to really live Christian Science in every aspect with kids his own age.

Camp makes CS cool and not just something mom talks about.  I love the home reports from the counselors.  They were always presented in a positive way and very detailed.  The counselors were very in tune and interested in helping their cabin kids grow and develop through the whole man concept.

KOH Parent:  My daughter loves the incredible overall positive, loving environment and the beautiful setting with all the numerous fun activities.  She also loves her counselors every year and the close relationship that develops.

As a parent, I value the role models of the counselors, the warm loving environment, the emphasis on expressing good qualities always and the fantastic choices of wonderful activities for her and the opportunity for her to grow more in Christian Science.

LEE Camper: I liked being friends with the big kids. They really loved me like we are taught in the Bible.

KOH Parent:  the people are SO welcoming and the counselor makes sure they don’t form clicks, they are all inclusive, and it is great.  I value that the kids do fine in whatever kind of weather; also they are “unplugged: from their iPods/TV, etc.

My daughter came home, marked her books and has read the entire lesson today, when I wasn’t even home (she did it on her own accord).

LEE and KOH Parent:  I am really impressed that all the things that I have been working on are exactly the things their counselors honed in on immediately and they are really making progress with them.

KOH Camper:  I love all the love that they give me and how pretty it is (at camp).

LEE Parent: He is doing fun, outdoor activities while being challenged to achieve excellence.  He is surrounded by quality friends, mentoring counselors, and top-quality staff.  He is learning how to be a better team player, contributor and leader.

KOH Parent:  I love the energy of the staff, the love.  So far it is the best there than anywhere else in the world…even other camps we have experienced.

LEE Camper:  I liked being friends with the big kids.  They really loved me like we are taught in the Bible.

KOH Parent:  My daughter learned how to live life as the person she aspires to be.  I love the love, the CS, the nurturing of each child’s potential, the encouragement and support of both spiritual growth and development of skills.  Thank you.  Profound gratitude for the work, the dedication, the devotion of all those who make this place possible.

LEE Parent:  This was our son’s first summer at camp and he LOVED it.  He loved learning how to make campfires and tie knots…This was definitely his right place this summer.  He got to meet other Christian Scientists and learn how to use it more.  In one activity he picked the part of healer “because he wanted to be like Jesus”…He came home with a greater understanding of CS and an even bigger, kinder heart and a huge smile.

KOH Parent:  (My daughter) saw why “never say never” is a saying people use.  She tried land sports for the first time (another great aspect of camp-the freedom to try new things!) and excelled in athletics where she never dreamed it was possible.  She once told me “I will NEVER do land sports.”  I know she appreciates the freedom camp allows for personal growth – choosing activities, working toward goals, and the spiritual growth gained by expressing the K-qualities.

LEE Parent: Our son loved every part of camp and did not want to leave when we camp to pick him up.

KOH Parent: Our daughter loves everything about camp: the nature, views, her counselors, friendships, CS, the cabin, singing, campfires, food and especially bacon.  Oh, swimming too.

Her counselors inspire her in so many ways. She has become more organized at home because of camp. So many things she learns and does at camp are evident throughout the school year.

LEE Parent:  The thing our son loves most about camp is the brotherhood.  He learns the practical application of Christian Science, has outstanding role models, and experiences brotherhood and a great, wide variety of activities.

As we pulled away from camp this year, I looked over and big tears were rolling down his cheeks.  He said he just loves his Leelanau brothers so much!

KOH Parent:  Our daughter had an amazing summer filled with many opportunities for growth.  The theme of Kohahna this year was “Living Love” and while I was watching the end of the summer show, I was overwhelmed by the sense of love being expressed.  I knew then that my daughter had been in the right place.

LEE Camper: Some of my favorite things this summer were the 4^th of July parade, the flag trip and the LIFE tournament.  I became comfortable with using Christian Science to heal myself without the help of my mom.  I can’t wait to see my friends again next year!

LEE Camper: I’m going into 8^th grade now, and camp is just as special for me as it was my first year when I was going into 3^rd grade.

LEE Camper:  My favorite part of camp happens when we are having cabin time. I love being pushed to do my best every day and the end result being I leave camp a better person.

KOH Camper:  The atmosphere of friendship was wonderful and everyone at Camp Kohahna was really kind.  The people there made me really want to bring compassion back home…I hope I get to come back next year.

LEE Parent: Our son has matured 1-2 years in four weeks.  The most impactful point to both myself and my husband was our son’s visibly changed disposition and demeanor after camp. The character building, discipline, work ethic, structure and general love of the divine Principle, Love – has provided an environment like none other in which our son has thrived.

It was somewhat of a surprise to him (and a joy to us) to find that the counselors at camp stood in the exact position of his parents in terms of what they expected from him regarding discipline, manners, and behavior in general.  Learning these lessons away from us helped him realize that the lessons were not just arbitrary rules that we were personally requiring him to follow – but rather the universal laws of his heavenly Father, divine Love.

KOH Camper: …immediately upon arrival at camp, you’re embraced by that loving atmosphere. I am just so grateful that I was able to experience that.

LEE Parent:  This year’s camp experience was such a full expression of divine Love meeting every human need that it’s hard to know where to start…With immeasurable love, tireless patience, great compassion, spiritual sense, and the necessary tough-love, the counselors worked with my son to put off self-imposed limitations and successfully complete the CT requirements.  He found – and demonstrated – God-given strengths and capacities within himself that he didn’t think he had. This has provided him with the confidence and moral courage necessary for successfully facing any challenges that may appear during his last year of high school, as well as in college and beyond.  For me, (the biggest blessing) has come from what he learned from the beautiful expressions of true manhood and true fatherhood he witnessed and experienced.

Lee Parent: All my apprehensions and fears of separation fell away as soon as we hit camp ground.  The feeling of Love and our son’s excitement were overwhelming.  I had to grab him in order to get a hug!  That was really a gift.  Then getting to have lunch with old friends was great too.

LEE Camper: I had a great summer this year!  Probably my best year at camp.

KOH Parent: Our daughter came home with a greater understanding of using Christian Science in her daily activity and with her friends. She has a new sense of self-confidence and a more responsible attitude.

LEE Parents: Our son wrote us each week and we could just tell in each letter we received he was building up with more and more excitement within each sentence. We could “hear” the excitement in his words as he could hardly get an entire sentence written without the words, “Camp is awesome!”

KOH Camper: My favorite thing about camp is the friendship. Even though you don’t see them all year when you come back your friends are always there for you.

LEE & KOH Parents: Each year it is a joy to see them joyously separate from their computer, cellular phone, and all the more mundane temptations that culture would put before the, for 3 or 4 weeks.

KOH Parent: My daughter said she has never been in such a loving environment as Camp Kohahna.

LEE Camper: The main thing I learned is God’s ever-present love and protection.

KOH Camper: I learned that God is always there for you and healings can happen instantaneously.

LEE Camper: This past summer was my CT (counselor-in-training) summer and … it was the best summer I have ever had at camp in my seven years going there.

KOH Parent: Our daughter made many friends which she is now keeping in contact with.

LEE Camper: The silver L is a way of having campers see the good in others and award the silver L to those people they see the good in. I decided to take the concept of the silver L and apply it in my life in all aspects at ever second of the day I could. By the end of the first week I was not only seeing the good in all of my friends at camp but also in the situations that didn’t always go according to plan I found that there was always an upside to them. This change in my thought transformed my camp and home experience for the better and I am truly grateful.

KOH & LEE Parents: One of the things my husband and I appreciate most about sending our children to camp is the renewed spirituality that they come home expressing. Both of them told us how it seemed natural to turn to God when they needed help at camp.

This is the sixth year our children have attended camp and my son was able to be a CT this summer. He has come home expressing such strong leadership qualities and also has shown such a renewed sense of confidence.

LEE Camper: Weldon talked about sharing highlights and gratitude before going to bed. He told us that we should also ask ourselves what we learned, who we helped, and who we want to thank. I really liked the idea of asking myself those three questions in addition to the usual highlight and gratitude. After coming home from camp I continue to go through those questions before I go to bed each night. I even shared those questions with some friends of mine who aren’t Christian Scientists.

KOH Camper: This was my first Challenge experience ever, and being one of the two rookies on the Pine team was intimidating. As we set out on the trail, I had to let go of any self-condemnation and fear and just live in the moment. Throughout the trip I faced several personal challenges. The main thing the Pine team Challenge girls and I worked with was gratitude and how it shuts the door on any self-doubt and self-condemnation.

LEE Camper: My counselors were great. They were funny, planned good cabin days and encouraged us to work together. During quiet time when we read the Bible and the Science and Health they would explain words to us and help us to better understand the message of that weeks Lesson.

The final week is always a whirlwind: heartfelt hugs, exciting activities, frantically completed team stars, well-earned awards, memorable cabin days, mountains of smiles, and torrents of gratitude for Camp Leelanau and Christian Science are unleashed.

As the dust settles, the lost and found gets coagulated; the Men of HQ look back and reflect on the great good that has occurred this seventh week and all summer long.

We got everybody out to the dunes one more time on Monday evening.  On Tuesday evening both camps gathered to cheer for the dramatic arts as we watched Oliver performed by our drama classes.

Speed and Agility with Phil Hufstader was an exciting event this week as many of the boys and girls worked hard to prepare for their fall athletics.  All of the boys found new ways to push themselves and dig deeper into Christian Science while learning new torturous workout schemes.

The celebrations began on Thursday night as we gathered around the Ottawa fire ring for our Funny Awards exchange.  Many campers and counselors were recognized for both hilarious and heartfelt moments.

Final Banquet brought us a great deal of mirth as we celebrated the summer of growth, learning, brotherhood, and excellence.  Many people were recognized for their achievement and excellence with the Core Camper, and Core Artisan awards, the Trips awards, the Seven Medals, the CT Certificates, and the Tom Hilton Award.  At the end of the evening it was revealed that the South Team finally ended the 6-year streak of the North Team and South is the winner for the year.

We welcomed our parents to join us on Saturday for our activities; highlights included a waterski show on our beach and the classic horse show at the riding ring.  After singing and dancing for the parents in the Leelanau Lodge we showed off our athletic prowess with the final game of the L.I.F.E. Tournament.  It was a properly exciting game.

Our Final Council Fire brought us the dramatic conclusion to the “Waterfront Sopranos”.   Turns out those waterskiing thugs thought they could ambush HQ, but Whip was working both sides in an effort to bring about his plan of teaching only plumbing and electrical work.  Everybody held tightly to their sides as we laughed our way through portions of the evening.  We also reflected quietly on our summer, and our commitment to return to the shores of Pyramid Point in 2012.

Sunday morning brought us to those heartfelt hugs that I mentioned at the top of the page.  It was a beautiful 7^th week to match the beauty and growth that our campers saw all summer long.  A huge thank you to everybody that made Camp Leelanau for Boys exactly what it was this summer.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Gratefully,

The Men of HQ