Derek & I both attended summer camp at Camp Living Waters near Cadillac, Michigan. We both starting going there around 1979 and we know of at least 3 years where we were definitely there at the same time. We have common camp friends and even photographs of the same events but we never knew each other until 1991 when we were on staff together.
I was the Aquatics Director and Derek was a counselor. One of my jobs was to give all the staff a swimming test and then train some of them to be lifeguards. When I saw Derek swim, I decide he had potential. (To be a lifeguard! Geez, what were you thinking?) The first few weeks of Camp we got to know each other. Then on July 4th we went on a group date and saw fireworks- both literally and figuratively. By mid-August we were unofficially (so as not to completely freak our parents out) engaged. On December 27, 1991, we went back to Camp for a winter retreat and in the same spot where we first saw fireworks together, Derek officially asked me to marry him. (I said yes.) On July 25, 1992, we got married.
It's been a long time since we been back to visit. Some things have changed (like the location of the swimming area!) But a lot of its the same.
Jack Pine Lodge & Cabin Row- The steps used to be concrete and the Pepsi machine wasn't always there. When we started going to camp there was a Pepsi machine with glass bottles! The rule was you were not allowed to leave the lodge with a bottle of pop so counselors use to sit on the steps watching the sports court and hoping a camper would forget and come out with a full pop so they could confiscate it!
The Sports Court
The Dining Hall
Derek's Cabin. He was the Counselor for the Wolverine boys. There are 4 double cabin buildings similar to this one. Then there are 5 cabins connected to the main lodge (cabin row) and then 2 larger cabins connected to a smaller lodge. For a total of 15 cabins- each has its own bathroom and has 8-12 bunks.
Cant Hook- Kelli's cabin her very first year at camp!
The Horse Barn (where we snuck our first kiss!)
The old metal canoes we remember are still there but Nate had more fun on the kayaks, fun bugs & paddle boats.
4 comments:
How fun!!!!! For al of you:)
I enjoyed reading this post. I love hearing about how couples meet and fall in love. Probably a bit surreal to be back in that place 16ish years and 3 kids later...Very cool.
I have many memories of CLW! It is great to see the pictures of the camp. They need to do a staff reunion retreat.
Well, it sounds like you had fun- for those who haven't tried- camp is NOT the same with young kids in tow. Dirty children has whole new meaning and naps?!?!??
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