Allison Frame
I always could spell Tannadoonah the fastest both forward and backwards. And I could whistle Yankee Doodle the fastest. These were my claims to fame! Other strong memories of camp include the playing of Taps ever so softly ... and then off to bed. As for early morning Reveille ... I sure don't miss that!
For the first time, I had freedom and no one could tell me what to do -- except the counselors.
My first year at Camp Tannadoonah was 1984. My two older brothers had already gotten to enjoy a few years at Camp Tannadoonah -- without having their little sister around to bug them. But that year, they were instructed by mom and dad to look out for me. I remember Mr. Dewayne riding up on his lawnmower and trailer, to get our suitcases and pillows. He always whistled through his teeth. (I learned the same trick, just to show him I could do it.)
I gained many new friends in my cabin and all around the camp. Archery with Mr. Dewayne was my favorite activity, along with other sports and games. Seems like I was always running back and forth between activities. I can't forget Miss Toody's swim tests and burning my bracelet ends together at craft. Everyone loved Store time. I particularly loved interrupting my brothers, and talking to all girls at Store on the picnic tables! For the first time, I had freedom and no one could tell me what to do -- except the counselors. Miss Sue was one of my first counselors at a young age and then again when I was a Morris Girl. I also loved Mr. Dewayne's sister, Miss Allyson Weaver, because we shared the same first name.
I remember hiking to the Princess Tree, Princess Tannadonah coming in by canoe, KP duty, the Golden Broom Contest, Order of the Birch, The Patteran and, of course, the sound of ... Announcements ... Announcements ... ANNOUNCEMENTS! I loved to bang the table. I remember trekking to the bathroom by the store from Rotary in the middle of the night. I also remember taking my first shower in the new shower house. (I also learned to buy water shoes to bring the next year!) I remember when Miss Toody thought I was finally a great swimmer, and let me be the person who goes off the diving board and fakes drowning, and then gets taken in on the backboard, so the lifeguards could practice a rescue.
I remember Turtling my first sailboat, and being the only one who could flip it upright, so I kept Turtling it. I remember kicking a whole lot of booty; playing capture the flag. I was short and quick -- and wasn't afraid to slide to get those bowling pins! I remember sitting between the Judge and the Jail, saying: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'll never do it again!"
Morris days at camp I remember the most vividly, and cherish my friendships, as well as raiding the dining hall and torturing the boys' cabins. Other memories: Having electricity and plugs to do our hair for the dances with Exchangettes and Luta Koda . Also getting to have a kitchen and huge sitting area in the cabin. Writing our names on every wall and beam in the cabin. And of course being cool enough to go upstairs to the counselors pad.
If you get the chance to go back, go back. And if you have kids continue the tradition.
Miss Sue taught me how to play the guitar. I was supposed to sing with a trio and lost my voice, so Miss Sue taught me the song on the guitar. I sat in the Morris in front of the fireplace and the whole camp and enjoyed it as my friends sang and played my new song on the guitar. I will never forget that moment. (Ooga Booga, I forget about.) I had the most fun when I was a counselor in 2000, having found myself with Morris Girls. I was the Archery Instructor and painted the golden arrows for the weeks. I said to myself, "Wow, how strange it is that one of my first students was Miss Sue's daughter." Strange how quickly we grow up.
But something always draws you back to Tannadoonah. You can never forget that gathering of friends on a hill above a lake in among the trees. My seven-year old had his first year at Tannadoonah in 2009. I was so glad to see the familiar face of Miss Sue to ease my mind, when dropping of my first born for an experience of a lifetime. What a relief she was there and my son had a blast! My two year old is not far behind as his favorite good night song to sing begins: "I see the moon the moon sees me...." Gosh he is so cute, especially when we get to the coo coos part. I am almost 33, but wish I could be in Kindergarten awaiting my first year at Tannadoonah. If you get the chance to go back, go back. And if you have kids continue the tradition. I never camped anywhere else. Tannadoonah is the only place for me and my family!