Pam (Calmus) Brunette
I learned what it was like to be close to nature at Camp Tannadoonah. Back then, we had no indoor plumbing.
Camp Fire may be changing, but I hope they keep the history of Camp Fire USA, and the fundamentals they taught. Those will never go out of style. I believe our young people could use those values today to be better individuals. I was a Bluebird and Camp Fire Girl in the 50's. Later, I became a Bluebird leader when my son was old enough to join, and boys were included in the organization. (That was a little difficult to fathom after so many years being a girls-only organization.)
I look back on my wonderful days at Camp Tannadoonah and especially remember Camp Director Dorothy Denton, and camp counselors who always made our stay a fun experience. I learned what it was like to be close to nature at Camp Tannadoonah. Back then, we had no indoor plumbing. Using your flashlight for a trip to restroom in the middle of the night was real exciting. I would pray that there were no spiders. (I never liked the bugs.) Since there were no showers back then, every morning we would bathe and wash our hair in the lake. That was usually a brisk wake up!
You definitely felt close to nature. The log cabins had no fans ... just screens to keep us cool. We chose Indian names and cut out symbols for the name, which were put on the back of our vests. The same vest was used to display our beads that noted our various achievements. I was very proud of that vest and actually still remember my Indian name. I am of Potawatomi heritage and already had an Indian name given to me by my Great Grandmother, who was full blooded Potawatomi Indian.
Camp Fire is a great experience for anyone. At Camp Tannadoonah, I learned how to cook over an open fire, and still have some recipes, which I use today when we go camping. Learning archery and how to canoe, along with singing around the campfire ... all of these experiences made my days at Camp Tannadoonah most memorable.