And Now a Word from Your (Camp) Mother…

"We love you Rita...oh, yes we do--oooh!" Photo h/t Steve Lifshatz

After all the great comments left on our Facebook pages about Rita LeVine–former Camp Mother extraordinaire–we reached her by phone at her home on the West Coast. She was very touched by the memories and sent us this message to share with the Camp Laurelwood community:

“When I was told there were many responses from [CLW] that mentioned me, I was overwhelmed. After thirty years I felt surprise, excitement, and warmth as I plunged into memories of Camp Laurelwood.

Remembering the fun we had at the head table in the mess hall, the long walk to my cabin at the end of the road, the good years I had with “Foxy” as my companion (and I don’t mean Sherman, I mean the Welsh Corgi), and the impressive creativity and energy of the productions in the Rec Hall and at the “Big O”–we can leave laundry days out.

But, of course, the relationships I developed with the campers and counselors affect me most: the beautiful faces and the raw emotions of the campers who allowed me in to try and nurture and help; and the counselors who needed someone to talk to about handling campers, fear of rodents, or just needing someone to vent to become unburdened.

I hope I was able to put a smile on your face back in the good old days, just like you put a smile on mine just now with your memories. Your words truly put a spring in my step.

Thank you so much.

Rita LeVine
May 17, 2011