Pretty early in the session, the village of Mohawk had a visit from Ari Baum. He started telling us stories of his time in Mohawk. It was a very different time then, caring counselors who do their best to make our time here safe and memorable, was not a common practice. He told us about how that experience taught him what we believe is the true meaning of both Mohawk and camp. All you really need is the person on your left and the person on your right. Understanding this concept is where brotherhood starts.
This was exemplified by the eldest Mohawk campout. The Tiyulim staff informed us that a bus would drop us off and we had to hike 6 miles to our campsite. Throughout the campout we had to walk through muddy trails, purify our own water, cook our food, and set up our tents. Then, we got to do it all again the next morning. Obviously none of us were too excited to go on this trip. Once we started it was clear to us that it would be challenging. We were not even an hour in and there were many complaints. Once we stopped for lunch and ate, our moods naturally improved. We started joking around and telling riddles. The fun continued throughout the rest of the campout. As we returned to camp it was clear to us that we were able to have fun, even if doing something that was a burden to us. We now realize that we would trade anything to be there again. We learned what brotherhood is. The men of Mohawk being happy when we are together. All you need is the person on your left and the person on your right.
This lesson applies very well to Mohawk. Having your brothers next to you can make it the most special place in the world. The moments of July may now have passed, but we have forever changed the legacy of Mohawk. It will continue to be changed by youngest, middle, and all future Mohican's.
-Owen Gudenrath (Eldest Mohawk Camper)
