In August, Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) marked its 50th anniversary with a special alumni reunion. More than 20 former campers and staff traveled back to Greenville to share stories and participate in camp activities they enjoyed years ago.
The day was filled with activities that transported everyone back to their earlier years. For lunch, the group gathered around a campfire, roasted hot dogs, and enjoyed a picnic in Red Pine Pavilion—just as they had many times before—to enjoy their meal with old and new friends.
"It’s wonderful, not only the facilities and the actual grounds, but it’s the people,” said Laura Fialek, who served in various Camp T roles in the 1990s.
After lunch, alumni took a tour through camp, noticing the many changes that have been made throughout the years while enjoying familiar smells and sounds that have remained the same. In addition to the sounds of bird calls, the smells of Roth Cabin and White Pine Lodge sparked memories for many campers.
"When I came down the dirt road [to camp], I just knew I was home," said Jordyn Castor, who began coming to Camp T in the mid-2000s. "It’s been so good to be back and get to hang out with everyone and talk about our memories."
Most alumni tested their skills at the climbing tower before heading to the waterfront for canoeing and swimming. The entire camp came alive once again with the sounds of laughter and fun, echoing through the trees as the day drew to a close.
As with tradition, no one wanted to leave camp at the end of the day. Alumni joined together to sing several Camp T songs that everyone remembered word for word. Saying goodbye is always the hardest, but Camp T will continue to grow memories and impact the lives of campers just as it has since 1974.
“It’s been great seeing this place evolve, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where it goes from here,” said Austin Shepherd, who began coming to Camp T around 2006. “Today, as we are celebrating 50 years of camp, it’s so much fun to share stories with so many great people.”