Woodstock Whispers Podcast

Ken Langford continues to bring us an arc of content that reveals what Woodstock was like in the 60s and 70s, how the camp changed in some ways, but remained the same in others.  

Woodstock alumni Ken Langford  brings us another gem of oral history.  He recently held and captured a conversation with Johnny and Jim Holcombe.  It  provides incredible views as to what camp was like decades ago, including insights on prior camp directors, bathing in the lake, where chapel was ... a great "capture" of what Woodstock was like in yesteryear.Registration for the 100th anniversary of Woodstock is now open!  https://www.campwoodstock.org/alumni/register-for-the-100-year-celebration-weekend/Remember as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

Woodstock alumni Ken Langford shares the amazing story of the Louis and Corinne Babbitt - a naturalist couple that travelled to Camp Woodstock as teachers of the nature program for over 30 years!   Special thanks to the Town of Petersham, MA, Chris Eaton, Larry Buell, Brad Minor, Robert Clark and Henry Woolsey. Ken does an incredible job of sharing the details of the Babbitt story, and even has recordings of the Babbitts that we share on this podcast.  The Babbitts started coming to Woodstock in 1934 and kept coming session over session until 1972!  This three decade run might be longest tenure of anyone associated with Woodstock!Registration for the 100th anniversary of Woodstock is now open!  https://www.campwoodstock.org/alumni/register-for-the-100-year-celebration-weekend/Remember as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

This is a special episode:  Woodstock 70s Alum Ken Langford tells us about an interview with his uncle - Waddy Fyler.  We get to listen to the interview, and some of the stories of what Woodstock was like in the 30s.  As far as we know this is the deepest "reach back" we have into the oral history of camp we have!  A  big thanks to Aaron Fyler for conducting this interview!Registration for the 100th anniversary of Woodstock is now open!  https://www.campwoodstock.org/alumni/register-for-the-100-year-celebration-weekend/Remember as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1!  

We continue the conversation with Mike Bochinni, Michelle Rawcliffe, and Jason Ettlinger and discuss some of their experiences as campers, staffers, and LIT directors.  This is the second part of a two part podcast, so go back and listen to part 1 if you haven't yet!Registration for the 100th anniversary of Woodstock is now open!  https://www.campwoodstock.org/alumni/register-for-the-100-year-celebration-weekend/Remember as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

We connect up with Mike Bochinni, Michelle Rawcliffe, and Jason Ettlinger and discuss some of their experiences as campers, staffers, and LIT directors.  This is part one of a two part podcast (we talked alot - it was a great conversation!)Registration for the 100th anniversary of Woodstock is now open!  https://www.campwoodstock.org/alumni/register-for-the-100-year-celebration-weekend/Remember as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

Camp Woodstock is open for summer camp now!  Listen in as we check in with Tony, Terrence and Paola tell us how Camp is going, what does it look like in a post the pandemic, and what is like to be a support staff member at Camp!   And oh yeah, what does a night of Chaos look like?Registration for the 100th anniversary of Woodstock is now open!  https://www.campwoodstock.org/alumni/register-for-the-100-year-celebration-weekend/Remember as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

Hello Woodstockers,The Woodstock Spirit has been alive for the past century. Now, we are presented with the opportunity for it to continue to change lives for years to come. Camp Woodstock is proudly launching the 100 Year Promise Capital Campaign, and our goal is to raise $1.25 million to preserve camp's legacy and secure the Woodstock Spirit for the next 100 years. Together, we will allow children from future generations to experience a place to unplug and form true and vital connections where Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility are taught and caught every day.Thanks to the incredible generosity of early givers, contributions for the 100 Year Promise have been coming in and so far exceed $600,000 in Capital Campaign pledges.We all do not have the capacity to give at the same level. However, we do have the ability to consider a pledge at some level to this important cause. Please review the Capital Campaign web page and the campaign summary to read the background on the 100 Year Promise Campaign and to learn about the individual projects that this campaign will make possible.If you'd like to discuss a one-time donation or a multi-year pledge, please contact Tony or reply directly to this email. If you just can't wait to contribute to the campaign, you have options to pay today:Text cwcapital to 243725 to view the donation page or donate online right now! We can never remember a time when our community has been so galvanized to meet such an important goal with such enduring consequences. The early indications of the passion and commitment from our alumni network is astonishing (sign up here to join the alumni network!), both in terms of the fundraisers and fund givers. Thank you all for what you have already contributed, in so many ways, to Camp Woodstock. It has been an honor to be associated with you for so many years.

Charcoal Boy.  Isabella.  Chapel Man.  The Green Flame.In addition to Woodstock Charlie, there are several other story legends at Camp Woodstock.  In this episode Executive Director Emeritus Mike Sherman is joined by current Woodstockers Avery Grace, Lucy Newman and Ryan Eberman to share some of these stories.Also, you can end up on the podcast now!   We have set up a Google Voice account at: ‪(303) 834-7639‬. You can call and leave a voice mail and then we can use that as content for a future podcast. What should you leave as a voice mail you ask? I'll challenge you to leave a VM of you singing your favorite cheer or Woodstock song. You can leave it anonymously if you like. If you rather not sing, you can leave a voice mail related to anything on Woodstock - your favorite program, a favorite place, a favorite memory - anything. Remember as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

In this episode we listen into the Woodstock Charlie story as was told by Mike Sherman in April of 2020 on a Facebook Live feed.  The original FB stream here:  https://www.facebook.com/30862276328/videos/200193891430253/Also, you can end up on the podcast now!   We have set up a Google Voice account at: ‪(303) 834-7639‬. You can call and leave a voice mail and then we can use that as content for a future podcast. What should you leave as a voice mail you ask? I'll challenge you to leave a VM of you singing your favorite cheer or Woodstock song. You can leave it anonymously if you like. If you rather not sing, you can leave a voice mail related to anything on Woodstock - your favorite program, a favorite place, a favorite memory - anything. Remebmer as we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

In this episode, Tony Gronski, Hannah Richardson, Conley Cummings, Alyssa Shapiro, Jeremiah Huntt, Tara McVeigh, and Jesse Gresshin share stories about the Camp Woodstock Staff Creed and the Staff Creed Award.  THE CAMP WOODSTOCK STAFF CREED:There is no one more responsible than I. I realize that I am a member of a time-honored tradition, which is known as a “Woodstocker.” I am proud of the Woodstock tradition, and will at all times conduct myself to bring credit upon Camp Woodstock, the YMCA, and the CHoRR values. I recognize my position here is a privilege which I will not abuse.Respect is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind: to facilitate a safe environment, and maintain the welfare of my campers. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent to that role. All campers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my campers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and consequences. Camp staff will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence, as well as that of my campers. I will respect those with whom I work, regardless of their position. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of instruction. I will not compromise my integrity nor my CHoRR values. I will not forget, nor will I allow my peers to forget, that we are counselors – leaders!Also, you can end up on the podcast now!   We have set up a Google Voice account at: ‪(303) 834-7639‬. You can call and leave a voice mail and then we can use that as content for a future podcast. What should you leave as a voice mail you ask? I'll challenge you to leave a VM of you singing your favorite cheer or Woodstock song. You can leave it anonymously if you like. If you rather not sing, you can leave a voice mail related to anything on Woodstock - your favorite program, a favorite place, a favorite memory - anything. Rembmer As we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture (and re-capture) conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

"May I add my fire to your fire?"A long standing tradition at Woodstock has been the entry of Acquittimaug or the Storyteller at Opening Campfire.   In this episode, Mike Sherman, Tony Gronski, Carey Greene, Andy Bauer, and Ryan Ebermann share the story of Acquittimaug and how the historical character has become a cornerstone of Woodstock lore.  As we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture (and re-capture) conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!If you are interested in connecting with other Woodstockers and staying informed about the run up to the 100th - register with us at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1

Another great conversation with Woodstockers - this time we speak to four members of the current board:  Alex Lucas, Mary Schone, Tim McGrath and Ivo Jaquez.   We kick around some of the history of the Board, some of the topics the Board is currently involved in, and why the members of the Board - well, why they are members of the Board and what it means to them.  ... we even have a little bit of Woodstock music in this episode!!As we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture (and re-capture) conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!Interested in getting involved with the planning for the 100th?  Let us know how we can contact you here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecpakUkOWDCCHSrt7LeKxMNymUnJJlOeQPZprBaT6HNACCmA/viewform?c=0&w=1 or drop Mary S. a note:  mary.schone@gmail.com Have a show idea for us?  Want to be on the 'cast?  Reach out to us at georgezack@gmail.com.  

The LIT year - that year where you are no longer a camper, but you are not quite staff - and you learn to grow as a leader at Camp Woodstock!As we continue to have conversations with campers and staff in our runup to the 100th anniversary of Woodstock, we have a very entertaining conversation with LIT Directos over the years.  In this conversation, we hear from Andy Bauer, Diane Belcher, Shelby Harris, Ken Rogers, Lindsey Kotowicz, Conley Cummings, and last year's director Scott Kellock.  They discuss what the program looked like when they were director, some of their fondest memories, the thread of growing as person and in leadership in the LIT program, how the program has changed and what has been constant over the years.As we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture (and re-capture) conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community!Have a show idea for us?  Want to be on the 'cast?  Reach out to us at georgezack@gmail.com.  

Black Pond - if there is a physical place of Woodstock that any more the cornerstone of Camp?  And what CW staff is at the focal point of connecting all the campers to the waterfront?  As we continue to have conversations with campers and staff in our runup to the 100th anniversary of Woodstock, we get an incredible walk down memory lane with waterfront directors from the past to current.  In this conversation, we hear from Carey Green (a director in the 60s!), Lauren Drago, Jenna Scinta, Ned Furtner and current director Sara (SCP).  They discuss some of their fondest memories, the gravity and importance of being in such a key position at camp, and how the waterfront has changed and been the same over the years.As we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture (and re-capture) conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.   Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community as a part of this history project.  

Between them, Tony Gronski and Mike Sherman have been the executive directors of Camp Woodstock for a third of its existence.  In this conversation they share some of the challenges they have faced with facilities over the years, what common values have been there all the time and some of the pivotal moments they encountered in their history in the Pines.As we "run up" to the 100th reunion in 2022, we are looking to capture (and re-capture) conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives.  This conversation with Mike and Tony is hopefully our first episode of many.  Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community as a part of this history project.