Memories of Skaneateles Country Club Day Camp
The Skaneateles Country Club, founded in 1915, became a summer sanctuary for many, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. Among those who cherished this time were the Ringwood siblings, who participated in the club’s day camp. The camp operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, offering a mix of fun, camaraderie, and structured activities that left a lasting impact on its participants.
As campers, the children engaged in various activities, including swimming, field games, archery, and arts and crafts. Friendships blossomed, and even guests were welcomed to join the fun. Parents' Night was a special event where campers showcased their talents, and it was a highlight for many. The counselors, often former campers themselves, played a crucial role in guiding the younger ones through their daily routines. Lifeguards ensured safety during swimming sessions, while counselors led games and activities.
Nancy, one of the counselors and lifeguards, fondly recalls her time at the camp, though she never attended as a camper. Her first summer as a counselor earned her $100. One summer, as a lifeguard, she developed a foot infection that required hospitalization. Despite the difficulties, she loved the swimming portion of the camp, though she regrets being too tough on one camper, Mike H, during cold swim lessons. Her time at the camp also included experiences like working with a strong colleague, Gail S, and putting together a synchronized swimming team in less than a week for Parents' Night. Overall, Nancy’s most significant memory of her time at the camp is simply the fun she had.
Mike, another camper, has only a few memories of his time at the camp, but they are vivid. He recalls being surprised when informed that he would receive a camp award. He also remembers the challenge of participating in an archery display at the Awards Dinner, where campers had to shoot from unusual positions. Mike's typical day at camp involved packing lunches, piling into a station wagon with no seat belts, and heading to the camp where he would engage in activities like swimming, softball, and his favorite, archery. The camp routine was well-organized, with groups rotating through different activities, creating a sense of structure within the fun-filled days.
For Tom, the camp experience was a mix of enjoyment and challenges. He recalls the chaotic drive to camp, with up to 12 kids crammed into a car, and the excitement of capture the flag. His memories also include the thrill of archery, the relief of free swim after lessons, and the desire to return home to play basketball on Bradford Street. Despite his overall enjoyment, Tom wasn’t particularly fond of the club, feeling that too many spoiled kids were there, buying candy and soda while he and his siblings brought homemade lunches.
Teresa, another camper, reminisces about the friendships she made at the camp, which were the highlight of her experience. She fondly remembers her counselors, Sue and Betsy, who guided her through activities and fun. Synchronized swimming was a special activity Teresa enjoyed towards the end of her camp days, and she still remembers learning archery and participating in art projects. The friendships she formed with fellow campers, like Jeanne H, Dorothy B and Wendy W, were the most significant takeaway from her time at the camp.
David, who attended the camp twice—first as a camper and later as a counselor—has a treasure trove of memories from his time at Skaneateles Country Club. His experiences include playing capture the flag, earning the nickname "Robin Wood" for his archery skills, and watching his swim instructors, including some of his own siblings, test his abilities in the water. As a counselor, David enjoyed working with the younger campers and relished the opportunity to be paid for doing something he loved—playing outside. The memories of day camp, from the camaraderie to the structured activities, left a lasting impression on him, and he is grateful for the experiences that shaped his childhood.
In summary, the Skaneateles Country Club Day Camp provided a unique and memorable experience for the Ringwood siblings and many others. It was a place where they could enjoy the freedom of summer, build lifelong friendships, and create memories that would stay with them for decades. The camp, with its mix of fun activities and structured routines, became an integral part of their childhood, leaving them with stories and experiences they would cherish for years to come.
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