The Director’s Spring Message to the Boys and Staff

To Mowglis Campers and Counselors,

As the end of April approaches there is certainly much to be shared.

Following what was a relatively easy winter, thirteen inches of heavy snow the night of April 5th uprooted a rather significant pine, causing it to fall across the upper driveway and onto the north end of the Jungle House, largely in the area of the camp kitchen. As dramatic as it looked, the roof was built to be very strong, thankfully, and there was little serious damage. Nevertheless, removal of the tree required a great deal of skill, and so I am indebted to Messrs. Don and Doug Merrill, Mowglis campers and counselors from 1971-1991, for miraculously appearing and coming to the rescue with the necessary talent and equipment.

Both of the Merrill brothers are Mowglis legends, Don having served for many seasons as our Watermaster and Crew Coach, and Doug as our Tripmaster.

It is very gratifying to report that the 2007 enrollment reflects a 95% rateof- return from last season. This seems to me to be an extraordinary figure, trumpeting not only the viability of the Mowglis program, but also the dedication and efforts of the Mowglis staff and the quality of Mowglis' boys. As well, it is very exciting to announce that more than twenty campers will be coming for the first time. I returned just yesterday from meeting Manning Sears in Marblehead, Massachusetts, who will be joining the Cubs, and next week I expect to visit Anthony Coons and Joey DiBona in Boca Raton, Florida. Both Anthony and Joey will be in Baloo. Speaking of Cubs, there will be at least ten boys in Ford Hall this year, and I feel very happy and privileged that Mrs. MacDonald and Mr. Kingsley will again be their Directors.

A bit of trivia: Did you know that Ford Hall was Mowglis' first dormitory in 1903?

Although Mt. Washington, Mt. Lafayette and other peaks to the north remain brilliantly snow-capped, the ice is now gone from Newfound Lake, fishermen and ducks routinely make a showing in the early mornings, the spring runoff is quickly diminishing, the woods are waking up and the birds are chattering non-stop. It is encouraging to have Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Marsh back working on the property, for multiple late storms left us with more than the usual amount of brush to be cleared. But with each day camp becomes that much closer to being ready. Soon we will be opening buildings, moving boats, installing docks and arranging campfire benches; and by the time you arrive, Panther, Hathai and Baloo Cove Bath House will all have new roofs. Behind the scenes, Mr. Greenwell is very conscientiously at work on the trip program, Mr. Raul Medina-Mora, Mr. Wright and Miss Melanie check in on a regular basis, and communications flow in and out of the Mowglis office.

I wish there was room in this short letter to say a few words about each of you, which I could well do, but we will all be together soon and we will have the summer to catch up.

Whether you are new or returning, a camper or a counselor, you will all contribute to and gain from the friendship, fun, adventure, resources, challenges, opportunities, fair play, warmth and "Mowglis Spirit" which abound here; and you will each be a cherished member of the Pack.

Mowglis 2007, I salute you!

Good Hunting!

Camp Mowglis