waboos

keewaydin: the camp my brother went to as a child; where, on parents' visiting weekend, i told my mom that i too wanted to attend the camp. "it's only for boys" she said "i don't mind" was my oblivious response. i was about 9 at the time. several years later the organization reopened the girls camp they had closed in the 60s and as a 17 year old staff i finally had the opportunities i had missed as a potential camper.

i discovered mother nature for the first time, discovered boys for the first time and fell in love with the darkness that doesn't exist in new york city, where i had grown up. i learned how to paddle a canoe, build a fire, lead a group of 8 year old girls through the woods and believe in myself.

throughout my brother's time there as a camper, and our time there both as staff (me for five years, he for six) there were certain staples and traditions that went unchanged. songs that were sung at distinct parts of the day, ceremonies marking various achievements and routines shaping our summer lives. and there was always waboos.

waboos had been the director of keewaydin for over 50 years after having been a camper there in the 20s. when he retired from being the official director of the camp, he remained the symbol of the camp's history and identity, always around, always welcoming, always ready with a compelling story from the past - his memory was sharp for a man in his 90s.

this morning i received an email with the news that waboos passed away last night. while he had an incredibly long and rich life, i cant help but feel sad - but also grateful, for having met him and having been a part of the world he helped create.