Letters Home
Two campers recall long summer
camp days and memories that will
last a lifetime. BY CALIN VAN PARIS
KIDS SAY THE darndest things — especially when they’re miles away at summer camp. And while that letter about the old toothless alli- gator that lives in the lake may be funny in retrospect, it was likely disconcerting to the parents reading back at home. Here are two collec- tions of letters from local campers who made it home safe and sound.
BARRY KUHN
What was the name of the camp attended?
Shady Lawn Farm Camp, Oakdale, California
How old were you when you attended camp?
I attended from age 6 to 14; this letter is from age 9,
I believe.
What’s your best camp memory?
Singing competitions between the cabins at dinner.
We sang songs from commercials. I also enjoyed
the campfires and skits. Working in the kitchen or
nurse’s office to earn “merits” was interesting, as
was swimming in the irrigation canals and lake.
Worst camp memory?
It was soooooo hot there — about 100 degrees most
days. On the hottest days they gave us salt tablets to
take. Also, the schedule was exhausting; there was
so much to do. I slept for two days when I got home.
Barry Murray (now Kuhn) is seated on the
bottom row, second from the right. She
addressed her letters to her parents and
her dog Ego as well as to the television
set and the family beach house.
What are you doing now?
I’m a semiretired maternity nurse and a stay-at-home mom. That’s probably why I liked the nurse’s
office and the kitchen.
