By: George Bredig

The date is August 20th and I have just returned to camp reuniting a large group of campers with their families in Westchester County and New York City. Returning to this quiet and pristine environment of Upper St. Regis Lake after my quick re-entry into the urban/suburban reality of life most of us. I have a renewed appreciation for the unique pleasures of this area. Yet today, something about camp is very different- it is a whole lot quieter and I am a whole lot less busy, but the buildings seem empty and the activity areas far to still. For me, camp is community, and community is people and without the people, the single most important element of my summer experience is now missing. I feel truly fortunate to have been a part of the 1994 summer season of the Apple Jack Teen Camp. It was a time of intense involvement, activity and friendship. In many ways the season went by all to quickly and I was sorry to part with the many friends I have made. It is reassuring, though, to realize that friends may part ways friendships preserve through time and distance. As I reflect over the past 8 weeks, I remember the enjoyable times out in the boat driving for the water skiers, and the thrill of seeing someone get up for the first time or perfect a new skill. I remember the excitement of the Camp Regis Applejack Olympics, and I remember the numerous out of camp trips where our teens proved to be model representatives for our camp. In most cases when I call to make reservations for about 120 teenagers the initial reaction is less than positive. It was therefore especially gratifying to me when, as happened at the Olive Garden Restaurant in Toronto where the AJ IIs had their final trip banquet, the manager made a point of telling me that our group was remarkably well behaved and polite and that the waiters and waitresses had all commented to him about that fact. In our society today, I feel that too often teenagers get a “bad rap.” Within our community, of course we’ve had our challenging moments, but whenever there is work needed to the good of the community, as was the case two nights ago there are always more volunteers than we can use. My last memory of the 1994 season was of a truly remarkable group teens who stayed up through the night carrying and loading trunks and duffels etc. for all of the departing campers. It is times like this that make me happy and proud to be working with the older youth of today and give me a good feeling about our combined future. I guess as I try to summarize the feeling of the AJ experience of 1994 the word that comes to me is “fellowship.” I truly consider the ’94 season to have been very special for the Applejack Teens and for myself. Partnered this year with a dedicated, capable and fun unit leader and a remarkable group of energetic and involved staff has been a real plus. Most of our community’s population, however, is made up of campers and the vast majority this summer have earned my respect, admiration, and friendship. As we all now head in different directions, I will hold the cherished memories of the ‘94 AJ summer close to my heart. I wish all the best for the upcoming year to one and all, and hope that in just 10 short months, many of us will again be sharing some special times and creating lasting memories as part of Applejack 1995.