Southern Illinois University - Obelisk Yearbook (Carbondale, IL)

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tween the two. The mariners construct a raft and spend an intense 24 hours water-bound. The mountaineers learn orienteering and spend time climbing and rappelling. The nature program, which is closely linked with Touch of Natureis Environmental Workshops, combines an appre- ciation of beauty and ecological acclimitization. Tom Marcinkowski, graduate student in forestry and environ- mental studies, sparks camper interest in nature with hikes and night-sky interpretations. Gardening, astronomy and life-styling games were regular features. The Cedar Creek slide show presentation ran a close race with the natural berry yogurt-making sessions for the category of best loved activity. A sizeable portion of Touch of Natureis 3,100-acre retreat borders Little Grassy Lake. During their two-week stay, campers of all ages and sizes are exposed to the delights of water travel. The security of a wheel chair belt is joyously exchanged for that of a life jacket. Canoeing can be challenging. Oar strokes are effective even when modified, and campers can splash and sun and snack on all day canoe trips. For shorter distances, a stop- off at the boat dock store is a treat. Without a doubt, the most popular water event was the float trip. Inner tubes were secured to the pontoon boat's side railings and campers were given the stimulating sensation of gliding through the cool tumbling wake of the boat. Sunrise events were special too. Before dawn, groggy grumblings could be heard from mud-eyed campers and counselors alike. Occasionally groups attemped to capture the experience of the unborn sky with cameras or crayons and paper. continued 21

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deft; Heidi Filmore feeds Mike OtConnor lunch at the F reeburg Dining Hall. !Below left; ttNaturett Tom Marcinkowski comforts camper John Lock after a minor misunderstanding. tRighU Sheryl Sungail is entertained by counsellors Amy Dixon and Bob Shreve. mower righu Easter Seal camper Daisy Gressel poses as ttGlenda the Good Witchtt during the campts production of the ttWizard of 02? A look at camp activities would not be complete without mention of past-times related to counselors only. ttPimping demanded a sense of humor and usually resulted in retali- ation. It involved prank-playing-like smearing vaseline on toilet seats, mooning, toothpaste decorating, panty raids and beaching pontoon boats. And dontt forget the between- session parties-celebrations in SIUts finest traditional style. The most dreaded part of the entire camp experience-for campers and counselors alikkwas the end. How would you say goodbye to someone who has just shared an unforgettable and intimate segment of your life? How could you easily part from someone whom youtve held in your arms to ease the sadness of missing a parent? What do you say at the time of closure to someone who has touched you and has left you changed somehow? At times there was denial, even avoidance of closure. But mostly there were thank-youts and hugs. There was crying and laughter. Addresses were often exchanged and there were hopes and promises for the year ahead. And then you are alone. In time, lightness returns, and you sigh with a sense of relief. An inner calm predominates and your smile begins to broaden. You know that you have been enriched and that you have made a difference in the world.