“I learned to swim at camp,” said Carol Requadt (1945), “and although I would hover in the background at the lake, there was a day I will never forget. I wasn’t getting what I needed as far as swimming instruction because I was shy. It was a cold day and the waterfront instructor was in […]
Kathy Baker
Janet Dixon’s Personal Camp Swimming Story
“I learned to swim at Camp Maqua, and for me it was a life altering event. Truly! When I went to camp, I was very frustrated that I could not swim. I couldn’t figure out why, since I was good at everything else I tried. I couldn’t do this. But, swimming, like most abilities at […]
Taking The Plunge–Lake or Pool
Swimming for some came naturally because they grew up with a pool at their house or belonged to private swim clubs. It did not ease the shock of the cold lake water, and for some a pool felt more secure with walls and known depths in clean, clear water. . Phoebe Atha (1947-48) was never […]
Taking The Plunge–Summer Homes
Two of the girls who swam in Saginaw Bay had their skills in place for swimming at camp all ready by the time they arrived. Lori Fobear (1975-76) grew up one block from the bay and loved to swim. Barb Ballor (1951-55) summered there. Other girls either rented summer cabins on lakes or had family […]
Taking The Plunge–YWCA
For Harriet Crumb, who camped in the early twenties, it was tough to face crawling into a cold, wet swimsuit in the morning. “Of course, we swam three times daily, if that first dip can be called a swim. It was a matter of in fast and out fast and how quickly we could dry, […]
On The Waterfront
What is camp without a lake, swimming, and boating instruction and fun? Wet towels, sand in bathing suits, leeches on limbs and tests to determine swimming and boating abilities were part of the waterfront rites of passage. But, prior to any waterfront activites, there was work to be done at pre-camp to set up the […]