Campfire Girls at Camp Andover 1950

[Waldron]

Camps Andover & Waldron

I attended Camp Waldron (for boys) during the summers of 1969, 1971, and 1973.

In 1969 I was in Cooper Cabin, in 71’ in Ellison Cabin, and in 1973 Wilderness Outpost, which consisted of tents on platforms ½ mile from the main camp. At Wilderness outpost the campers spent 10 out of the 14 days away from the camp. We canoed down the Connecticut River for 5 days, and hiked the Appalachian Trail for 5 days. The few days we actually spent at the camp were just a blur.

It was a life changer, I learned how to swim, to appreciate the outdoors, we climbed Mount Ladd, there was a particular tough section called the “Lemon Squeeze” and I learned how to handle a canoe. I remember the outdoor chapel, the mile swim, off-bug spray (which never worked) flashlights with the orange cones, war-canoe races on Lake Winnisquam, and bug juice which was a refreshing relief from the summer heat.

One of my most memorable experiences was actually away from the camp when Ellison cabin went hiking in the White Mountain National forest. We climbed a section called the “three sisters” and spent the night at an old watchtower 30’ above the forest floor. The wind was blowing at 50+ mph and the tower was rocking back and forth seemingly ready to tip over any second – It was the most terrifying night of my life

[RLW]

Waldron, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

[Waldron]

Thank you, I see you’re a Navy vet well I’m an Air Force vet. I was assigned to North Truro Air Force Station on Cape Cod back in late 70s to early 1980s.

What originally drew my attention to this forum was the hope of engaging in some dialog concerning Camps Andover & Waldron. My memories are as vivid today as they were 45 years ago during the summer of 69'

[BroadHopper]

The bug juice that they give you
They say are might fine
They're good for cuts and bruises
and they taste like iodine!

[Waldron]

There are dozens of versions of that song; the one I’m most familiar with….

The girls in the air force
They say are mighty fine
You ask for Farrah Fawcett
They give you Frankenstein
Oh, I don’t want no more of air force life
Gee mom I wanna go, but they won’t let me go
Gee mom, I want to go home

[RLW]

jddel, While browsing I noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

I see that you made a thanks, but haven't posted. Please feel free to drop in and start or add to a thread.

[bclaker]

Originally Posted by Waldron

Camps Andover & Waldron

I attended Camp Waldron (for boys) during the summers of 1969, 1971, and 1973.

In 1969 I was in Cooper Cabin, in 71’ in Ellison Cabin, and in 1973 Wilderness Outpost, which consisted of tents on platforms ½ mile from the main camp. At Wilderness outpost the campers spent 10 out of the 14 days away from the camp. We canoed down the Connecticut River for 5 days, and hiked the Appalachian Trail for 5 days. The few days we actually spent at the camp were just a blur.

It was a life changer, I learned how to swim, to appreciate the outdoors, we climbed Mount Ladd, there was a particular tough section called the “Lemon Squeeze” and I learned how to handle a canoe. I remember the outdoor chapel, the mile swim, off-bug spray (which never worked) flashlights with the orange cones, war-canoe races on Lake Winnisquam, and bug juice which was a refreshing relief from the summer heat.

One of my most memorable experiences was actually away from the camp when Ellison cabin went hiking in the White Mountain National forest. We climbed a section called the “three sisters” and spent the night at an old watchtower 30’ above the forest floor. The wind was blowing at 50+ mph and the tower was rocking back and forth seemingly ready to tip over any second – It was the most terrifying night of my life

On Labor Day 1970(?) I climbed Mount Chocorua and spent the night in the Jim Liberty Cabin, with 5 others. As it got dark we sat outside watching both a full moon and a forest fire creep, up over Mount Whittier. The next morning I hiked over to Middle Sister and got lost on the way back and decided to just keep going rather than go back and find the trail. I ended up down over a steep cliff. With luck I was able to get back up, with the help of a 1" bush, without it breaking loose. What is it that makes Middle Sister so scary? Maybe Chocorua's curse!!!

[RailroadJoe]

I think I was one of the last at the cabin about 14 years ago.. Seems some people were taking it apart for fire wood. I think it has been gone awhile.

[Waldron]

Originally Posted by bclaker

On Labor Day 1970(?) I climbed Mount Chocorua and spent the night in the Jim Liberty Cabin, with 5 others. As it got dark we sat outside watching both a full moon and a forest fire creep, up over Mount Whittier. The next morning I hiked over to Middle Sister and got lost on the way back and decided to just keep going rather than go back and find the trail. I ended up down over a steep cliff. With luck I was able to get back up, with the help of a 1" bush, without it breaking loose. What is it that makes Middle Sister so scary? Maybe Chocorua's curse!!!

Looks like we followed in your footsteps one year removed. Not certain what it is about Chocorua but the only other mountain I’ve climbed that holds a similar mystique was Mount Moosilauke.