How has CSL impacted your life?
Why is it important to you? In attempting to write about my time here I am
overwhelmed by so many wonderful memories of the nine summers I have spent on
staff; my first Cayuga bunk (5 of the original 8 are on staff this summer!), being
a captain for both Mass Program and Color War, many Friday nights at the Fire
Circle, running camp play and project runway for hobbies, leading the village
of Cayuga as unit head, and on and on and on. When I first drove down that long
dirt road nine years ago I had no idea that my life would be changed forever. This
amazing place has come to feel like home and the people have become my best
friends and family. CSL helped me to embrace my true identity, reignited my
spirituality, brought me out of my shell, inspired me to go back to school,
showed me the true meaning of community, encouraged my passion for working with
young people, developed my appreciation and respect for nature and the
environment, and so, so much more. The months between summers seem to drag on
forever and then next thing I know I’m here again!
CSL has had such a huge impact on
my life that I decided I wanted to make camp my life’s work. This Fall I will
start my final semester at SUNY Cortland where I am pursuing my degree in
outdoor recreation and camp management. I sit in a lot of classes talking about
camp, but CSL has, by far, been the best classroom and the directors and staff
the best teachers. I firmly believe that our camp is the best model for anyone
who wants to see how to do camp right! I know that one day when I am directing
a camp of my own I will strive for the standard of excellence set here!
Jumping in on what Betsy
mentioned in her post last week, if camp has played a major role in your life
and you want to ensure that it is here for many generations to come, please
consider joining us as members of the CSL Legacy Society. I am very proud to be
one of the inaugural members of this group of individuals who have committed to
including CSL in their estate planning. It makes me happy to know that even
when I am gone I will still be able to contribute to this place that I love so very much!
Thanks for taking a minute or two
out of your day to read about my CSL experience. You’ll hear more from me
throughout the summer in my Office Observer posts where I will share helpful
reminders and information for CSL Families. In the meantime, I am here in the
office every day ready to answer and address your CSL questions and concerns. I
look forward to hearing from you!
Gregg Houck
Operations Manager
