Compiled by Adam Fornear
Spring actually sprung about a month ago here in Duluth and then winter came back for a couple weeks and by the looks of it, summer will begin tomorrow when we will hit close to 70 degrees. So, to sum it for me and for you, I have absolutely no idea what season it is up here in the Northwoods! With that said it has been a pretty great “spring” up north. There’s been some fishing on the Brule for steelhead, cruising around on bikes (old school 5 speed Schwinn’s, kinda like the ones camp first bought) and floating the Chippewa River casting for bass on the fly rod…nothing but smiles here.
In bigger news though…camp is happening this summer and more specifically, I am still on the hunt for a couple more staff for the summer. It’s a huge staff that we put together every off season that have the heavy responsibility of providing our campers a safe and memorable summer, and passing along the traditions.
A young Fornear, coming out of his shell
I remember my first year working at Nebagamon like it was yesterday. I was a junior counselor in Logger 6 and my senior counselor was Randy Needlman. I showed up to camp as a silent, scared of his own shadow, 17-year-old, and the only person I knew was Eric “Rock” Kramer. Randy had the exact opposite temperament, and so did my co-counselor Sam Kohn down at the fishing project (I’m still waiting for my project head bonus from Judy and Roger because I taught Sam how to fish that summer). Anyhow, I’m sharing this because coming to work at camp that I was never a camper at, was one of the greatest decisions I ever made. I still make it out on a canoe trip every fall with Randy, Sam and others who I worked with on trip staff over the years. I am now GRATEFULLY stuck with the friends I made way back in the mid-90s for the rest of my life. I’m no longer afraid of my own shadow and lastly…good luck getting me off the phone when talking with anyone about camp…applicants, service providers for camp, or even someone who dialed the wrong number. The connections that you make working at Nebagamon are ones that will last a lifetime. When we do the reunion tour, many an alumnus tell me stories of glorious past summers, but more importantly, stories of adventures that they went on more recently with the friends they made at camp. I just love that about the Nebagamon family. It’s the first thing I tell applicants new to camp. Hopefully they can tell it from the smile on my face that I mean it when I say you will meet friends that you will be stuck with for the rest of your life.
So, I would like to ask a favor of all of you. I know you all have friends that are out of the Nebagamon circle. Help me make that circle bigger this summer by mentioning to your friends our sweet camp up in northern Wisconsin that still has job openings. As a non-camper having spent 24 summers up north, I can assure them that they will have the greatest summer ever! On the flip side of that, if you have already worked at camp over the past couple summers and have not signed on yet… Give Me A Shout. After we postponed camp’s 2020 season, this is going to be one for the record books – I want you former campers and staff members to be the magic that makes it happen!
We are currently looking to hire Senior Cabin Counselors, a Cook, Trip Staff, a Waterski Specialist, a Nurse Assistant, and other positions.
I’d love to hear from you all – alumni and current campers alike…so feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. Be well, have a great day and tell your friends and family that you know of a wicked sweet place for them to work this summer!
Gus and Nevins!
IT MAY INTEREST YOU TO KNOW that John Nevins (Chicago/Hampsted, NC ’00-’06,’08-’12,’14) crossed paths with Gus Peters (Durham, NC ’10-’15,’17) while en route to Colorado Springs recently and was able to show Gus his preferred method of travel.
IN THE WHERE-ARE-THEY-NOW DEPARTMENT: Jeff Rosenberg (Shaker Heights, OH ’92-’97,’99) is a filmmaker and writer who recently wrote and directed the movie WE BROKE UP that was just released on demand. Jeff took some inspiration from his time at camp: a lot of the movie takes place at a summer camp and Paul Bunyan Day gets a shout out. While it might not be shown at a Cruiser Day this summer, we think our alumni will appreciate the camp references!
WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS go to Wyatt Strombom (Ashland ‘17) and McKenna Robbins Strombom (Ashland ‘17).
IN THE BIBS AND DIAPERS DEPARTMENT: It’s a girl, Margaret Dea, for Danny “DCo” Cohen (D.C./L.A. ’95-’01,’03-’07,’10-‘11) and Emily Towers (L.A.).