Why I Did Not Return To Camp #4

Families members passed away and families moved, so those events affected the decisions of girls to return to camp. Others had to earn money instead of camping, and then some were fortunate enough to take advantage of other opportunities with travel. Jane McKinley attended camp 1956, 1957, and 1959, but her parents moved to Portland, […]

Why I Did Not Return To Camp #3

Camp was an escape from home on many levels for the girls who attended, but once they reached a certain age, other experiences, situations and relationships took precedence. Margot Homburger (1946-51) continued until she could no longer camp due to her age. For Nancy Keeler (1973-74, it was as simple as her friend Alice Pollock not […]

Why I Did Not Return To Camp #2

Camp Maqua had its own appeal, but some left to attend other camps for various reasons, and a few were disenchanted and returned to the happy camp. Marybeth Morton could not recall if it was finances or if she began babysitting, but she camped the summers of 1974-75, with all great memories. Jeananne Jakobi came […]

Why I Did Not Return To Camp #1

Many girls made a summer tradition of returning to Maqua, beginning at an early age, and aging out when they could no longer qualify. For others, it was not enough to be a camper, they aspired to be counselors, which extended their camp careers until college and beyond. Many just quit going and the reasons […]

What I Missed At Home #2

They missed family members, pets, and summers that continued on without them,  but those feelings were not so overwhelming that the girls wanted to return home. Some, like JoAnn Kern (1953,) said she was ready to go home after her two weeks at camp.  She always felt like she was missing out on her summer […]

What I Missed At Home #1

Aside from the usual bouts of homesickness, many of the girls missed some dramatic events at home or in their hometowns while they attended camp. The girls in hut nine expressed their views perfectly in the last edition of the “Loon” in 1950. The first thing they would do when they got home; “Run and […]