Alumni Group

Amy got us set up on a Google groups list for our former campers and staff to share their Coppercreek memories. I pulled a few quotable quotes out for you to enjoy. It has been such a gift to read how important Coppercreek still is to so many.

Enjoy!
Becky

PS, if you want to join the group, please contact amy@coppercreek.com!


POST #1
Coppercreek remains my treasure chest of happiest experiences. I could never sleep that first night after I'd arrive, because I'd be so excited to finally be back on those creaky-spring bunkbeds with the plastic-covered mattresses, and those solemn trees outside the cabin windows (which were open back then). I remember store stops, the smell of red dirt, horses, and pine (and, well, insect repellant), and the sounds of coyotes and wind, the porch shaking under the weight of party night, and the Trek vans coming back into camp, playing "Rock Lobster" or "Louie Louie"
(even though we probably weren't supposed to). I remember friends my own age and the revered staff. Among all its lessons, Coppercreek taught me how to value time, since every day felt so precious and so mine to spend: such a luxury, with dirty feet and dirty T-shirt and biscuits and gravy and red punch. There's no way I could ever describe all of it, but I remember it in great detail.

It was incredible to drive up from San Francisco, where I live now, last May and feel how the spirit of the place is still completely alive in me even though
I'd been away for almost 15 years. The occasion of John's memorial was a very sad one, of course. It was an awesome monument to him, though, to see how many lives Coppercreek has enriched, and how indelible its mark is. Every summer that I hadn't gone back, I'd felt a strong sense of displacement. Going back and reconnecting with some dear souls last spring gave me some peace that the spirit of camp, and the essential place, are intact despite the time away and the changes to the cabins and property lines. Matt Evarts once told me, "I hope you come back to Coppercreek
till you die," and I'm sure I will, one way or another.

POST #2
"Wow. I am so thrilled that there is a list now of people who went to Coppercreek. I went there from 1979 to 1985(i think). It's kind of amazing, but the memories of those days are still with me and when times get tough thinking about Coppercreek seems to brighten my day. Anyone else out there remember "The Tubes" "Dead Horowitzes" or "Johnny Destructo?" I'd love to hear from some of you all.

One of the things that I remember best and occasionally brings a tear to my eye when I remember it is campfire nights. Some of those wonderful songs I learned are still my favorites. I remember fondly the end of campfires where everyone sang "day is done." (taps) I remember the couple of moments of quiet peace that always followed.


I guess other coppercreek campers and staff can attest to this. The memories and warmth linger many years after the camp experience. Sometime if I am ever driving through northern California I would love to drive by and see the camp again. I'm sure a lot has changed, but as much as things have changed I'm sure some have remained the same. "

POST #3
I Was at camp with my three brothers and mom, who was the camp nurse.I am looking at an orange juice can covered in felt with the face of a dog ,which has been with me since that summer of fun,Boy do the thoughts of long ago come back.

Spring

What a fantastic day! Although we are all a little worried about our dry winter and it's impact on the summer fire season, we are sure enjoying the spectacular spring weather. Craig mowed the top part of the meadow today. He has some pipes to fix in his irrigation system, but hopefully, the playing field will be green and lush when the campers arrive in June. It looks a little bit like a golf course today.

The other exciting news of the day is that Miss Ryleigh took her training wheels off!!! It was so exciting. With a little push from Craig, she was off and running down the camp meadow. She got it on the first try!

Hope you are all enjoying the spring weather, and if you celebrate Passover, you are enjoying time with friends and family.


Becky