Spring 2020
Greetings from Hilltop
I
write that line at the beginning of every letter I write for this newsletter,every
blog post that I do in the summer. It feels strange to write it now, as writing
it usually comes along with all the other trappings of summer. This whole
spring has felt otherworldly, and I imagine that the rest of the summer will too.
As you all know by now, the Four Winds Board of Trustees and I made the decision in early May to
cancel Four Winds’ summer 2020 programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was heartbreaking when we
made the announcement, and it still is now. It’s a cruel thing that this pandemic has
increased the need for young people to have a Four Winds experience this summer,
while at the same time making that experience impossible.
We wanted, so much, to give good news to our campers, cooped up in houses
all spring, and forced to endure cancellation after cancellation of much-anticipated
events and milestones. Our summer staff, too, have had their young adult lives
disrupted in ways that would have been hard to imagine a few months ago. They
needed the community that Four Winds provides as much as the campers did.
As heartbreaking as the decision was, we know it was the right one. The facts
of the health situation made it quite clear that we couldn’t run our regular program-
ming safely this summer. Safety comes before everything else, and we can’t rational-
ize our way out of that.
Amidst the saddest decision I’ve ever had to make as the Director of Four
Winds, there are three points of optimism.
First, I’m so grateful for the Four Winds’ community’s response to the an-
nouncement. There’s a reality that when you make a difficult announcement to a
large group, you usually get a range of reactions, from lovely to ugly. I had steeled
myself for those people who might have reacted badly to such disappointing news,
but those reactions never came. The Four Winds community, to a person, was
lovely, kind, and understanding. Thank you all for that.
Second, there’s a reality that this pandemic is an existential financial threat to summer camps across the
country. Four Winds is set up to weather the storm better than the vast majority of camps out there. Due to
a combination of good stewardship from Directors and Boards over the decades, as well the generosity of
this community both over the years and right now, at the moment of the crisis, we will get through this. We
know not everyone is in a position to donate right now, but many of you have. Thank you.
Lastly, there is the summer of 2021. It will be here before we know it, and it will be the best summer
ever. Even in regular times, a year off from Camp can seem scary and threatening to young people. I’ve seen
so many over the years take that year off and then return to Camp so seamlessly, often even more able to
contribute because of the perspective they’ve gained, that I want to assure them that it will be okay. This
year, we’re just all taking that year off together. Even for those despondent because 2020 was going to be
their last year at Camp, don’t be so sure. Life is long, and Camp will be here any summer that you’re ready.
Just ask our Assistant Director, Danielle. She’s had three different summers she thought was her last.
For now, we’re sending love from Orcas Island. If we can get to Phase 3 of Washington’s reopening
plan, we’ll be allowed to accept visitors, so when that happens, if you’re on Orcas Island, be sure to stop by
and have a walk around. It will be strange to be at Camp in summer and have it be so quiet, but we’d love
to see you.
All the best,
Paul
community, simplicity & creativity
PIGEON WING
Notes from Danielle
I
t is definitely a strange feeling knowing that this year’s edition of the Pigeon Wing will be
in your hands at the same time as First Session should have been getting underway. The
past few months have certainly been very different and a challenge for everyone in the
Four Winds community in so many ways.
Here at Camp, it is much quieter than it should be as the days grow long and the weather brightens. It
certainly feels surreal and, to be honest, it’s hard to know what to make of it, what to feel and what to say.
What I do want to say is a huge thank you. I am so grateful for every member of our community and the
support and love that we have received since announcing the heart wrenching news that Camp would not be
possible this summer. Your support and love has been a bright light for me through these challenging times.
The loss of this summer is filled with so many emotions and it has helped me to view it as a grieving pro-
cess that everyone approaches in different ways. I want to say that, however you are feeling, your emotions are
valid and that you are not alone. We are all in this together, even though physically apart, and we
will get through this as a community.
What I do know, in these uncertain times, is that the spirit of Four Winds burns bright, is
resilient and is as strong as ever. Although Summer 2020 is not what we planned, we can look to
the past and gain strength and inspiration from the courageous and creative spirit of Ruth Brown.
An amazing woman who consistently used creativity to turn challenges into opportunities. Who
else could have created the tradition of Gypsy Day out of, what I am sure was a very stressful, lack
of water at Camp? I know that Ruth Brown would be hugely proud of how our community is sup-
porting each other through these unprecedented times.
To the Campers, CTs, Helping Hands and Staff of 2020, although we aren’t in our middies and
bloomers together this summer, keep the spirit of Camp alive wherever you are in the world. Do
folk dances, write letters, make friendship bracelets, play pickleball, sing songs. Know that all of us
will be waiting for you at the top of Greenie, with more excitement than ever, at the start of Summer 2021.
Take care and stay in touch,
Danielle
“Accreditation”—what it means and how it helps keep Four Winds as safe
and compliant as possible.
F
our Winds * Westward Ho is an “American Camp Association” accredited camp, which
means we abide by strict standards of safety and regulation set by the ACA.
“The main purpose of the ACA-accreditation is to educate camp directors in the administration of key aspects of
camp operation, particularly related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff,” says the
ACA website. “Earning and maintaining ACA accreditation takes time and commitment.”
A major component of getting accredita-
tion comes when ACA representatives
conduct on-site visits to Four Winds,
which happen every five years—the
most recent being last summer. Prepar-
ing for these ACA inspections is time
consuming, as we work to make sure we
are abiding by all the rules and standards
of the ACA. Fortunately, former FWWH
staff member
Sidsel Gadeberg
(’05–‘09)
has taken the lead and helped us with
the ACA visits on three occasions—in
2011, 2014 and 2019.
A Visit from the American Camp Association
Danielle Bone (left) and Sidsel Gadeberg (right) during the
ACA inspection.
2 community, simplicity & creativity
“Getting camp
ready for those
visits has been educational and rewarding,” says Sidsel. “When we
know it’s ACA-time, we go out of our way to show what an amaz-
ing place camp is. We organize, structure, double check, laminate,
highlight, print, label, every little detail we can.”
That includes things like— but not limited to—checking on the
rope at the archery range, ALL fire alarms and extinguishers, all
PFDs (life jackets), all areas working with food, following up on
horse medicine, talking to all Area Heads and having them check
on the standards in their areas, checking in with staff and having
the last forms and certificates signed and filed, making sure
all signs around camp are updated, and all the first aid kits are
stocked and in their places.
“At 1:00 am you could find me and Danielle in the Office uploading and checking off standard after standard,” says
Sidsel. “You might be wondering ‘why 1am?’. Because that’s when Camp is asleep, so no questions to be answered,
no ‘emergencies’ to attend, no in/out of the office … just us and hundreds of standards.”
When the ACA representatives actually arrive for the inspection, it feels like a final exam. How will they judge to
the work we have done to prepare? Let Sidsel walk you through the tour.
“The first they mentioned is the breathtaking surroundings,” she says. “They were also blown away by how camp’s
history is still everywhere around camp. They met our amazing staff and our happy campers, we answered all
of their questions, we showed them everything they wanted to see and
so much more and finally we met up in the Office and sat down—Paul,
Danielle, two ACA visitors and me—and we went through EVERY single
standard. After two hours of talking and checking off we heard the amazing
sound of ‘100%’”
This is the third straight time Four Winds has scored a perfect 100%.
“For 94 summers, Four Winds Camp has provided a safe, fun, loving and
warm environment for thousands of children,” says Sidsel. “What most of
these children don’t realize is the amount of work that is put into a magical
summer—both prior, during and after, and the reason they don’t see it, is
because it is carried out by dedicated, passionate and hard-working people
who all work with ONE goal in mind: To create summers that will forever
leave a mark in the children.”
community, simplicity & creativity 3
Off-season Work
I
t was the most expensive, most complex,
most challenging—and perhaps least
“attractive” project we’ve ever tackled
at Four Winds: During this past winter we
had to overhaul the entire septic system that
serves Camp. The massive project became a
requirement when the state of Washington
passed a law back in 2011 modernizing and
increasing regulation on large septic systems. After years of planning and countless hours of
research and preparation, the project got done over the past nine months.
“We started working with the state Department of Health on the girls’ side system, built in 1978, shortly after their
new law went into effect,” says Executive Director, Paul Sheridan. “We knew we were facing a big investment in the
system for a while, but just how big, and how it would look, started to come into focus over the past couple years.”
The new system is technically two systems, separately serving the girls’ side and the
boys’ side. The complexity involved with weaving all the parts together was enor-
mously challenging. Underground tanks, pipes, pumps and electrical components
being connect ed to new drains field—all on a rocky, remote, tree-covered island at
a Camp that cherishes it’s traditional and historical setting. It was not your average
project.
“Anytime there are contractors on the site, we have a time investment,” added Rick
Mollner, the Head of Maintenance throughout the project. “This involves monitoring their
actions as well as providing support, which ultimately saves Camp a lot of money. For ex-
ample, early on in the project we spent weeks burning debris and stumps from the mas-
sive tree cutting that was required for the new drain fields. There are ongoing repairs to
the landscape that are underway—as well as dozens of other details to complete.”
The actual construction, while daunting, may not have been the most challenging
part of the project. Working with multiple government agencies and navigating their
respective regulations turned out to be ‘astoundingly difficult’ according to
Jeff
Stewart
(Camper ’77–’83; CT ’84 & ’85; AC ’86; Staff ’89 & ’90; BOT ’19-present),
a member of Camp’s Board of Trustees who volunteered hundreds of hours to the
project. His vast experience in underground construction and extensive knowledge of
dealing with regulatory departments was crucial in getting the job done.
“We walked the property repeatedly with engineers, contractors, the maintenance crew,
and an ‘Alphabet Soup’ of agencies,” he says. “We met with the State and San Juan
County Health Departments, the Washington State Attorney General’s office, the Lummi
Tribe, local archeological experts, Federal Wetland officials and more to help us maintain proper compliance. We
made numerous design changes to the project to appease all those concerns.”
“The most difficult part was simply that the
law wasn’t written with a seasonal business in
mind,” says Paul Sheridan. “There were chal-
lenges around meeting the new regulations
while also getting the most environmental and
operational value out of the major investment.
We’re very pleased with the result in the end.”
The final cost of the new septic system was
$778,000. More than $500,000 of that
came from generous donors, with the rest
coming from Camp’s “Major Projects Bud-
get” and other liquid assets.
4 community, simplicity & creativity
New roof for the
boat barn
Top: New wood for the deck
Bottom: New Mizzen stairs
“The reason it was so important to invest thousands of staff and volunteer hours is because it gives us a long-term
tremendous upgrade to the system,” says Jeff Stewart. “We’ll have a lower cost of operation by switching to two
systems, and we’ll be regulated by the county rather than the state. That is a very important detail.”
Once the grass grows back and the natural look of Camp returns to the construction areas, you won’t even know
what happened underground during the winter of 2019/20. But the benefits of this “unseen” project will be felt
for generations to come.
“Obviously, this wasn’t a glamorous project,” says Paul. “But it’s vitally important that Four Winds have a robust
infrastructure. This project was another step in that direction, improving on several other big projects we’ve
taken on over the last few decades. We now have a modern, robust system which will serve camp well for
decades.”
Off season projects–besides the septic system!
A
s massive and
time-consuming as
the septic system replacement
project was, it isn’t the only
off-season maintenance
happening at Four Winds.
The boat barn got a new roof (which
will fade over time and look more
weathered). Several tent platforms
received new railings and stairs, and the
dock float where the entry ramp lands
got new planks.
There was also one project that has been long-been on Rick’s “Wish List”: A proper storage area for
firewood. Located across from the barn in the old “pig pen” area, it will help freshly cut wood dry and
cure, before being delivered to the lodge and girls’-side cabins. After several off-seasons of having
that project get bumped by more pressing jobs, Rick was able to finish it—just before his career at
Four Winds comes to an end.
“The wood storage area is what I would call my ‘capstone’,” said Rick. “We now have ample storage for
Camp’s needs and a nice area where campers can split and stack wood for their own future use.”
Rick’s capstone; the new wood storage area
community, simplicity & creativity 5
A New Head of Maintenance
T
he cancellation of all 2020 sessions has a unique impact on the Four Winds Maintenance Team. For the first time since
1927, the property will be vacant during the summer, which means our crew can attack some projects that need to be
done during sunny summer days. Here is a list of what’s on the maintenance agenda for the next several months (good luck to
Caleb and his team!):
➤
Cabin and tent platform repairs
➤
Lower Camp landscape (to clean up the aftermath of
the septic project.)
➤
Sea chest repairs
➤
Repair the Wishing Well
➤
Replace the boat launch in the Amphitheater
➤
Install steps to the drama stage
➤
Replace junior and senior boys’ shower house steps
➤
Trail maintenance
➤
Oil/refinish Amphitheater and Helm benches
➤
Repair hole in Holiday House roof
➤
Repair awning on lodge deck
2020 Projects
T
here is a big change in the year-round staff at Four Winds. After ten seasons of
working for Camp—five as shipwright and five as Head of Maintenance—Rick
Mollner and his wife, Heather, are moving on.
“Being camp’s ‘Head of Maintenance’ has been fun, frustrating, challenging, and rewarding,” says Rick. “I have
laughed, cried, yelled, and sang. I have learned some things that I wanted to learn—like public speaking—and some
that I did not want to learn—like sewer jetting.”
Part of being Head of Maintenance means living at Camp year-round to trouble-shoot any emergencies. While many
former campers may have dreamt of living at Four Winds full-time, for the Head of Maintenance it can be a whole
different story
“Living and working on the same property can be difficult—especially when you are the person who gets called anytime
something isn’t right,” says Rick. “This is a yearlong phenomenon that intensifies tremendously during the summer. Managing Camp’s systems, a crew of
three (who also live on the property) and contracted-out projects means that work often overflows into personal life.”
In the next chapter of life, Rick and Heather are planning more adventures on the mainland and on the water.
“We’re going to take our boat north for a summer and south for a winter,” says Rick. “Our new home on Decatur Island will be
our home base, but also a place we can leave for months at a time. Heather’s landscaping business is doing great, and I’ll look
for interesting niche work on Decatur and other outer islands. I am ready for a change. I am ready for new adventures, more free
time in the summer, and more separation between work life and home life.”
Taking over Rick’s position is a familiar face:
Caleb Weichert
, the Assistant Maintenance Director at Four Winds since 2016.
“During my employment here, I have grown closer to the Four Winds family as well as developed a great appreciation of this
place and what makes it so special,” says Caleb. “Camp is much more than just a place—it’s THE ‘place’ that can enhance the
experience of being a camper. This why I am excited to be the leader of our maintenance team that demonstrates what makes
the ‘place’ so special.”
Although he was already part of the maintenance crew, Caleb certainly wasn’t handed the promotion.
“We conducted a nationwide search for that job,” says Executive Director, Paul Sheridan. “Over 50 candidates applied, and I was very impressed with the
skills, experience, and attitudes of many of them. I did 13 phone interviews, and three extensive face-to-face interviews. Caleb went through the process
that all the other candidates did, and I’m absolutely convinced that he’s the right fit person for the job. He’s been a remarkable member of our team. He’s
hardworking, he knows our property, he understands our culture and our aesthetic, and he’s ready to step up to this new challenge. I’m thrilled to have him
take this next step.
Rick Mollner, Outgoing Head of
Maintenance
Caleb Weichert, New
Head of Maintenance
6 community, simplicity & creativity
E
ach summer, our 62-foot wooden yawl, Carlyn, takes 12 campers on a three-week trek to Canada.
Here is the account of the 2019 journey, as written by Captain David Leanza:
This Carlyn trip went as far north as Port McNeill, 220 nautical miles from Four Winds. We began
our voyage by hitting the most-loved spots from previous summers, such as Princess Louisa and
Desolation Sound. As we traveled north, the water temperature increased from 55 degrees at
Orcas to 72 degrees in Tenedous Bay. We enjoyed swimming in what we called tropical Canada.
We then traveled west, through Johnstone Strait and then Queen Charlotte Strait with water
temperatures dropping down to 49 degrees. But was not all bad news. Whale sightings on
Queen Charlotte Strait are a several-times-a-day event. There were humpbacks and orcas in the
area. The first whales we sighted were Minke whales. On this trip we saw 8 different marine
mammals: Dalh’s porpoises, harbor porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, seals, sea lions, ot-
ters, orcas and the Minkes. Queen Charlotte is a place of wildlife in abundance as I have never
seen before. This spot also featured a (cool) sea breeze from the west every day, which made for
great sailing.
Campers always enjoy the towns
we visit on the Canada trip. This
year’s itinerary included different
towns such as Alert Bay and Port
McNeill. These towns include a
greater population of Native people.
We were able to experience native
art in museums, shops and on
display in the communities. We
visited the U’mista Cultural Center
at Alert Bay to learn about the life
and history of the native people of
that community. We also visited the
Big House at Alert Bay and saw the
traditional music and dancing that is done there. Adjacent to the Queen Charlotte Strait is the maze of islands known
as the Broughton Archipelago—an amazing cruising area! Among the many sights we experienced there was the
village of floating houses at Echo Bay.
—David Leanza, Carlyn Captain
2020 Four Winds
Camp Year-Round
Staff
Paul Sheridan
Director
Danielle Bone
Assistant Director
Mariah Armenia
Registrar
Caleb Weichert
Head of Maintenance
Jim Kruse
Shipwright
Mike Smith
Development Director
Sandra Green
Finance Director
Linda Sheridan
Special Project Manager
Victor Hartney
Groundskeeper
David Leanza
Carlyn
Captain
Mission Statement
Four Winds
*
Westward Ho
fosters a spirit of adventure
and delight, cooperation
and compassion, creativity
and self-confidence within
campers that will enrich and
inspire them throughout their
lives.
Carlyn Trek 2019
community, simplicity & creativity 7
The Past, the Present and the Power of our Program
F
our Winds Camp is exceptionally rare among sleep-away summer camps for many
reasons, but one that is “quantifiable” stands out: Our Financial Aid Program. Since
1968, Four Winds has offered financial aid to help children attend Camp who may
otherwise not be able to afford it. Each summer, approximately 20 percent of our campers
attend on full or partial tuition grants.
“Historically the Four Winds ‘scholarship’ program was small and run by Ruth Brown,” says Mike Douglas, Camp
Director from 1980 to 2000 who was instrumental in growing the scholarship program. “It benefited friends of Miss
Brown, siblings who visited Camp and wanted to stay on, or other benefits to Four Winds.”
According to “Mr. D”, the first “formal” scholarship fundraising began with the formation of the “Ruth Brown
Scholarship Endowment.” Donations to the fund totaled $30,000 to $40,000. He says the next extensive growth
in the F.A. Program took place in the early 1980s.
“A few issues caused the Camp Financial Aid program to grow in the early 80’s,” says Mr. D. “For one thing,
enrollment was stuttering. Camper re-enrollment was around 40% and attracting new camper families was slow.
Westward Ho was expanded to equal the bed count of Four Winds resulting in additional empty spaces. The sum-
mer staff was drawn more from universities and relied less on hiring past campers. The staff voiced an interest in a
more broadly-based camper population. At that point we began soliciting applications for Financial Aid youngsters
to attend camp.”
“The board and staff began a concerted effort to build an endowment fund to finance the financial aid program,”
he says. “The end goal was to fully fund Financial Aid expenses from interest generated by the Endowment.”
This was also the time when many of the formal guidelines of the Financial Aid Program were established, start-
ing with the 20-percent threshold and including the following:
➤ Financial Aid campers would be guaranteed three years.
➤ The grants would be evenly divided between Four Winds and Westward Ho, as well as
the 1st and 2nd session.
➤ Financial Aid recipient identities were to remain in the office, not shared with the
counseling staff or campers.
➤ In addition to demonstrating financial need, applicants were to bring some character-
istic that would add to the camper community, such as leadership potential, musical
ability, etc. Applications would a letter of recommendation from school, coach, youth
group leader in supporting the applicant.
“To find appropriate Financial Aid applicants we began working with schools and groups offering summer programs
to lower income families,” says Douglas. “Our initial effort was concentrated in various Seattle elementary schools.
We worked with the principals, teachers and staff to identify qualified youngsters who were on the free and re-
duced lunch program. We found that parents of these youngsters needed a fair amount of our support to under-
stand and complete the application process. Many lacked experience with application processes. Left to deal with it
alone would have left deserving youngsters unserved.”
Now entering its 40th season as a “formal endeavor”, the Financial Aid program has grown to unprecedented
heights. Camp’s endowment is nearly $3-million dollars, and donations to Camp (which also got to programs
besides Financial Aid) regularly surpass $500,000 per year.
“Starting the financial aid program, funding it and keeping it operational has required a huge expenditure of energy
and resources form folks across the camper community for an extended period,” says Mr. D. “It has broadened the
base of the camp community effecting lives well beyond those of the recipients. It helps underscores Four Wind’s
emphasis on valuing the unique nature of each youngster, diversity and debases elitism claims often assigned to
private camps. Camper’s experiences are why we fund the camp.”
Financial Aid Turns 40
Above: Mike Douglas
in the 80s
Below: Mike Douglas
today
8 community, simplicity & creativity
How the Financial Aid Program Changed My Life
A
pproximately 500 different kids have received full-or-partial scholarships over the 40 ‘formal’ years of the
Financial Aid program. Their stories of appreciation are extensive, and always heart-warming as they talk about
the “life changing” experience of coming to Camp. Here are three such Financial Aid recipients who wanted to
share what the program meant to them.
Danielle Kittleson (Camper ’97-2000; Staff ’02-‘04)
I was 13 years old during my first summer at Four Winds. My parents couldn’t afford to send me
to camps, so this was my first experience at a sleep away camp. I loved sailing and being outdoors, so
I was very excited to get to do those things while away from my family.
Camp played a major role in my personal development, as it was there that I learned how being
outside of my comfort zone could help me grow in ways I never imagined. I was able to really enjoy
being a kid without a care in the world. Camp developed my confidence to be the best version of
myself, and also taught me that I wanted to be a leader for other children.
I would have never had a chance to experience FWWH if it had not been for the scholarship program. The benefits of the environment have the
ability to impact the trajectory of a child’s life, especially one who may not have access to a place like FWWH because of financial constraints. These
scholarships are an incredible investment in each one of these children, to give them an equitable opportunity to experience all that FWWH provides.
The memories I have as a camper are full of so much laughter and joy. I have incredible friendships that have lasted through the years, and I am so
thankful for that. I truly feel like Camp had a huge influence on who I am today and I can’t wait for my own children to experience the Gypsy spirit!
Adam Lion (Camper ’04–’07; Carlyn ’08; HH ’10; Staff ’13 & ’14)
Four Winds had a significant impact on my childhood growth. I learned so much about independence and
self-determination. Four Winds helped me understand what it meant to be truly alone, both in a physical
and spiritual sense. I will never forget my first year at camp when I was nine. I left Evening Fire to go to the
bathroom, only to find that the toilet was clogged. Disgusted, I returned to the lodge and shared the problem
with my counselor. He marched me right back to the bathroom and taught me how to use a plunger. I don’t
know why this memory is so vivid, but the experience was shocking to me—in a good way. Experiences like
this that taught me to take action into my own hands. If I wanted something done, I had to do it myself.
I learned a lot about creativity and self-expression. Four Winds is a judgement-free culture that encouraged me to be myself. I took classes across
many disciplines: sailing, fiber arts, drama, woodworking, pickleball, etc. The opportunity to learn many different skills in a supportive environment
nurtured my own self-discovery and development from young-child to young-adult.
Four Winds taught me the importance of community. There is this sense that we are all sharing an extremely special and unique experience
together. Some of my most cherished memories at Four Winds were around campfires or chatting late into the night with my tent-mates before falling
asleep. By the end of the session you have an unbreakable bond with your friends because you have shared these delicate moments together. This
taught me the importance of community building at a tender age.
I feel extremely fortunate to have benefited from the Financial Aid program, because without it, I would not have been able to attend Camp. One
of the best parts of Camp is the diversity of the community. The FA program helps create a community at Camp that is encompassing of kids from a
wider selection of economic backgrounds, and it helped make me the person I am today.
Annie Ryder (Camper ’09 & ’10; CT ’11; HH ’12; Staff ’13-’16)
Camp was incredibly formative for me. Before Camp, I was pretty quiet and self-conscious. I did well in school but I
wasn’t great. I had friends but I didn’t feel like I really belonged anywhere. Camp changed the way I viewed my own
value. At home, I didn’t feel visible. But at Camp, I was valued as an integral member of a community. I was known
for the things that made me happy - I was the sailor girl. This gave me a sense of individuality and identity that I
didn’t have before. This gave me the confidence to push myself both at Camp and back home. I graduated at the top
of my high school class with honors and scholarships. I don’t think this would have happened without the confidence I gained from my time at Camp.
People are 100% their best selves at Camp. The emphasis on community, compassion, fun, and authentic experience are all a huge part of it. But
the biggest thing is love. I have never felt more loved than when I was at Camp. As a result, I have never loved myself more than when I’m at Camp—
though it’s hard without the support of the Camp community.
I was incredibly lucky to be a Financial Aid recipient. To the people who donate to FA, you honestly change lives. My experience is a testament to
that, and it is only one of many. You also better Camp. The diversity that the FA program brings to Camp is SO important. Without it, the social make
up wouldn’t be as rich. Scholarship kids are shining stars. They know how fortunate they are to be there, and so they do everything they can to get the
most out of Camp. I remember one Financial Aid camper who wasn’t close with most of her cabin mates and could have used that as a reason to have
a terrible time. Instead, she had compassion and understanding for the reasons why they were different. She never held a grudge and never let it bring
her down. She ended up coming back as a counselor and is passing that message on to her own campers..
Adam as a camper; Adam now
Danielle as a camper; Danielle now
Annie as a camper; Annie now
community, simplicity & creativity 9
Supporting Four Winds Financially
Ways to Give and Help Camp
F
our Winds is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation, and as such, we rely on the generosity
of donors to offset the costs within our annual budget. Donations are crucial to our
operations, and help support our programs, facilities and Financial Aid. During 2019 alone, we
received more than $700,000 in donations. We are humbled, grateful and forever thankful for
the loyalty and support we receive, and would like to thank everyone who gives to FWWH.
Without your kindness and sharing, Camp would be a very different place.
Here are some of the ways donors contribute to Four Winds:
Cash Donations: Via cash, checks, credit card, Pay Pal or stock transfers, generous people send us gifts of
various sizes. Those gifts can be directed to specific areas of Camp, such as “Programs and Preservation” or
“Financial Aid.”
Gifts in Honor and Gifts on Memory: Many people donate to Camp in “honor” of a friend or loved one. We’ll
send the person being honored a card letting them know about your gift. Want to remember someone who
loved Camp and has passed away? Donate in their “memory”. We will send a card to the family of the one being
remembered to let the family know of your donation.
Annual fundraisers: Each year we create a Wish List of items we need for Camp, and each year generous donors
offer to supply them. Everything from kayak paddles to paint supplies, arrows to new Bloomers! The Wish List is
such a fun way to support Camp.
Another annual fundraiser we participate in is “Camp Moves Me”, which is run by the American Camp Associa-
tion. In October, Camp staff and alums pledge to exercise in exchange for donations. Similar to a “walk-a-thon”,
our team raises money for each step, pedal, swim stroke or hike they accomplish in a month. The proceeds go to
our Financial Aid Program.
The Ruth Brown Legacy Club: Another meaningful way to donate is via “Planned Giving.” Please read the
article on the RAB Legacy Club on the following page for details.
10 community, simplicity & creativity
I
n recent years, we have seen a growing interest in a wonderful way of donating to Four
Winds—by including Camp in your “Estate Planning.” In this manner, you are promising to
contribute to Camp via your will after you pass.
Donors who include Camp in their estate plan become members of the “Ruth A. Brown Legacy Club.” There
are currently 44 people or families in the RAB Club, including nine new members in 2019/2020. We have made
growing the RAB membership a priority, and have set a goal of ten new members each year. In
2019, we received more than $100,000 in donations via Estate Plans from alums who passed
away.
Here is what one donor said when she decided to put a gift to Four Winds into her will:
As a professional fundraiser, philanthropy and volunteering has always been important
to me and a big part of my life. I created a will because I wanted to ensure that, even
though I didn’t have a lot of assets, I wanted to be intentional about what happens to
them after I’m gone.
I think of my will as ‘the last thing I say’, so while I have a husband and four kids, and they
are, of course, included in my estate plan, I also wanted philanthropy to be part of it. My
family would probably find it odd if I didn’t include philanthropy in my end of life plan, since
it has been so important during my lifetime.
While there have been many organizations I have supported over the years, there are two
that have had a significant impact on my life. One of those is Four Winds. So, I joined the
RAB Legacy Club to give back to a place that I (and my kids) have enjoyed immensely over
the years. No matter how large or small my gift is in the end, I feel great about the opportu-
nities future campers will have due to my generosity.
Thank you to all the members of the “Ruth A. Brown Legacy Club.” Your commitment to Camp will
carry on your legacy for generations to come.
The Ruth Brown Legacy Club Members:
3 Anonymous RAB Legacy Donors
Arden & Brad Hofler
Barbara W. Demere
Bruce & Marty Coffey
Carlyn Kaiser Stark
Charles & Alberta Lamson
Dave & Mary Beth Baker
David & Akemi Louchheim
David Lowy
Diana Wiegel
Don Priday
Dr. Kris Saldine
Eleanor Dootson
Eleanor “El Bell” Crebs
Elizabeth Crispin
Ella Brittingham
Emily Glass & Gerry Santillan
George & Marion Mohler
Jackson Payne Ballard
Jeff & Samantha Stewart
Joanne “Charlie” MacPherson
John DesCamp
John Wineman
Karin McKinnell
Katie & Jess Weinstein
Margaret “Peggy” Enderlein
Marilyn J. Anderson
Megan McCaslin
Melissa Palmer &
Michael Marshall
Mike & Sharon Douglas
Nate Benjamin
Nicole & Matthew
Murray
Paul & Linda Sheridan
Pieter Van Zandt
Ryan Glant &
Alison Bettles and family
Sam & Cynthia Coleman
Sarah Baker Morgan
Sue Clauson
Sue Metcalf Robertson
Valerie & Scott Corvin
Wendy Gilbaugh Kelley &
Steve Kelley
W.P. Stewart
If you are interested in learning more about Planned Giving, we can help. Email
mike@fourwindscamp.org
to find
out how you can become part of the Ruth A. Brown Legacy Club. For details about giving to camp, go to our
website and click on the link called “Giving to Camp.”
The Ruth A. Brown Legacy Club
community, simplicity & creativity 11
Virtual Evening Fires
W
hen “Social Distancing” became the norm throughout the
world, and so many people felt isolated from their community,
it seemed like the perfect time to remind each other that we are
so fortunate to be a part of this Four Winds Family. No matter how physically
far apart we may be, we are all very much connected and going through this
challenging COVID time together.
But how to spread that sentiment and Gypsy love to our alumni? By taking our very “non-tech”
Camp’s most beloved tradition onto the latest tech platform: A virtual Evening Fire via Zoom.
“I was chatting with some of my best friends from
Four Winds via group text, and we threw out the
idea of a digital Evening Fire,” says
Stephanie Roush
(former camper), one of the leaders of the group that
drove the project. “We reached out to
Ayja Bounous
(former camper) about performing, and she told us
that she had the same idea and had reached out to
Four Winds about making it happen.”
After some email exchanges with Paul and Danielle,
and some sharing of information about the techni-
cal aspects of making it happen, everyone agreed to
make it an “official” Camp event.
“We all felt like ‘this is such a crazy time’, and Camp is such a comforting and familiar
tradition and place for so many people,” said Stephanie, who also credits former campers
Elizabeth Field
,
Wells Fray Smith
and
Eloise
LaHorgue
for putting the details into place.
“Pre-pandemic we would have said ‘Digital
Evening Fire—I don’t know about that.’ But
unprecedented times called for something like
this.”
On April 2nd, the first ever virtual Evening Fire
took place, with Paul and Danielle in the lodge,
joined digitally by performers from across
America and the UK. It was a coordinated hour
of singing and poetry, with Stephanie Roush at
the controls of the Zoom Meeting, switching
to each performer right on cue. The reactions were immediate and
intense.
“What a lovely and special afternoon,”
said
Alex Neureuter
. “It was wonder-
ful to hear familiar names and get to
see the folks behind songs I’ve come
to love.”
“It’s weird how connected it made me
feel to you all, and to the Four Winds
community at large, even though I
was sitting alone on my side of the
computer screen,” said
Will Drake
.
“That sort of emotional resonance is something that Camp is
uniquely capable of creating.”
While physical
distancing is the
norm at the
moment, social
and community
connection is vital.
Ayja Bounous performing
from Utah
Top: Tom Goff performing from
the U.K; below: Maria Elzinga
performing from The Netherlands
Elaine McDonald
12 community, simplicity & creativity
“Memories of long ago came flooding back of what
great people and incredible Camp culture has meant in
my life,” said
Scott Linberg
. “We can do this!”
“Just what my heart and soul needed,” added
Pam
Krepchin
. “Gypsy love and song!”Above:
The first Virtual Evening Fire was such a hit, that
members of a Facebook Group aimed at alumni from
the 1980’s put on their own event on April 11th, catered
specifically to their 80’s peers. Then, another Camp-wide
Virtual Evening Fire on April 19th. The reactions once
again reminded us all of the love we share, connected
forever by the magic of Four Winds.
“While physical distancing is the norm at the moment, so-
cial and community connection is vital.,” said
Ele Dootson
.
“Thank you FWWH for creating the space for Gypsy love
and connection to thrive and grow.”
“I cannot thank you enough for the amazing words, songs
and poems,” said
Katie Wisdom Weinstein
. “You have
filled my heart.”
“My heart is filled with
gratitude, memories,
goosebumps, tears and
Gypsy love,” said
Sarah
Baker Morgan
. “Each
song, each poem, each boon, each memory prompted.
Seeing so many wonderful faces and hearing your voices
was the best dose of all things good.”
“Gypsy Magic rarely needed more than now,” exclaimed
Harry Hanson
. “Such a nice idea.”
“You filled my living room with warmth and my eyes with
a few tears,” said
Katie Forsythe
. “Be well, all. Gypsy
love.”
Be well indeed. Now more than ever, we need each
other, and all the Gypsy love we can get.
Through mid-June, we had hosted four Virtual Evening
Fires, and with all summer sessions cancelled for 2020,
we feel there is certainly a need and a purpose to keep
the newest Camp tradition going. Look for more events
through the rest of the summer, and check our website
and Facebook page for dates.
Just what my heart
and soul needed.
Gypsy love and song!
Paul and Danielle in the lodge
David Brinkley performing from
Boston
Marni Sheppard
You have filled my
heart.
Anne Zesiger and family
community, simplicity & creativity 13
A Return to Camp—After 64 Years
J
oanne Sherrod Whittington Sigler was a counselor at Four Winds in 1955, and says she still
remembers “that wonderful summer on Orcas Island—because once you’ve slept on an
Island, you’ll never be quite the same.”
Joanne had not been back to Camp in 64 years until last summer, when her daughter, Liz, brought her to Orcas as a
birthday present. Here is Joanne’s story about that visit, 64 years after she had worked at Four Winds.
“When we drove off of the Ferry my ‘Memory Book’ broke open—as did my tear ducts. I’m back at Four Winds, walking
up and down the hills, riding in a boat in that beautiful water, and remembering my bloomers and middy and my red
scarf.
In 1955, my cabin had a centered fireplace. Across the mantle was a carving that
said ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.’ Throughout my 87
years of life, I have taken many personal journeys, mentally, physically and profes-
sionally. And, they have always begun with that one step!
Camp itself has changed since 1955—but only physically, with taller trees and a few
new buildings, but the atmosphere is the same as ever. Campers learn so many more wonderful things that they can’t be
taught at home. Those who are reading this certainly can reflect on sunrises and sunsets, as well as the unique experienc-
es for which Four Winds stands for and please don’t forget! If I remember correctly, there were 34 states and 27 countries
represented this past session. How special for the Camper’s address book!
I was at Camp in 1955 with my best friend, Beth. She and I shared memories of Four Winds all of these years. Beth died this
past year. However, I felt her presence with every step, looking at the beautiful blue waters and seeing Ms. Ruth’s house up on a hill. How proud I am that I
am a part of the 92-year history of such a special summer I spent there.”
Joanne on the Yuk
Joanne in Madrona
The Gypsy “Ambassador” Program
S
hortly after the Pigeon Wing went out in 2019, I received a call from
Eve Nott
(nee
Bascom), who lives in Boulder, Colorado and was a camper from 1950–55. Evie wanted
to chat about a few things she had read, and also mentioned that she was excited to still be
connected to Four Winds. After several minutes, I asked if she would like to re-engage with
Camp even further—perhaps having coffee to share stories and memories with a fellow alum
who lived in Boulder. She accepted without hesitation.
I reached out to
Julie Teel Simmonds (camper ’82–88; CT ‘89’ AC 91)
who immediately accepted my proposal to
take Evie to breakfast… and thus was born the idea of Camp’s “Gypsy Ambassador Program”, a way to connect
alumni from the earliest years of Camp with alumni from more recent years, or even current campers and staff.
“When I first met Evie, we hugged and smiled ear to ear in that understanding that is wrought from shared experi-
ence,” says Julie. “She is amazingly youthful, sharp, and fit for her age of 81. We spotted each other’s Gypsy bracelets,
and she mentioned that hers was too large to comfortably wear. I let her try my newer one on, which fit, and we
simultaneously suggested ‘Let’s swap?’. Just like that, we were wearing each other’s Gypsy bracelets. It feels symbolic of how Camp bridges generations. I am
carrying around Evie’s memories of Camp and she mine.”
“My get-together with Julie was absolutely amazing,” said Evie. “Both of us, even with a huge gap in age and years at Four Winds, bonded immediately with
shared experiences, tears and laughter. We shared our thoughts of Camp’s influence on our lives after so many unique experiences. We could have reminisced
for hours!”
“Evie told me about her first summer at Camp,” said Julie. “Maintaining the garden (which at the time was at Hilltop) under the kind but stern tutelage of Miss
Ruth, and spending time with her friends. Her memories of Magic Ring, the Gypsy Wagon, Gypsy Day, the dock, craft courts, and cabins, wearing flowers in
our hair, evening light and evening fires seemed touched by the same essence and magic as my own.”
Would you like to have a similar experience, and re-connect with an alum who lives in your area to share Camp memories and stories? Email Mike
Smith at
mike@fourwindscamp.org
.
14 community, simplicity & creativity
Julie Teel Simmonds and Eve Nott
Alumni News
Nancy Johnsrud Dudley
(Camper ’52 & ’53) Majored in Biology
in college, including some marine biology. Rode horses for 50
years and competed in dressage. Have been fortunate that my
husband enjoys traveling. We have been to the Arctic, South
Pacific, Antarctica, Africa and on a number of trips to Europe. I
still have wonderful memories of Four Winds—and look where
the winds have blown me!
Linda Good
(Camper ’63; Staff ’72–77 & ’98) Len & I are semi-
retired, still doing some teaching. Our daughter, Nancye Good, is
living in the Catskills in NY state. Our grandson, Jason, will start
college this fall. Our granddaughter, Faye, is in Brooklyn, NY and
has been helping Nancye with her camps, “Earth Living Skills
School.”
Deirdre McCarvill
(Camper ’66–’70) One of the dearest friends I ever made was Robin Patterson-Nenninger,
who I reconnected with just a few years ago! It was fantastic!!! I have such incredible memories of Camp, but
in particular sailing, horseback riding, evening songs, poems and stories at night in the lodge -- and of course,
Gypsy day! I work in family law, have three grown children and my husband and I are retiring this June. We’re
building a home in Vernon, British Columbia, to live a slower life while still remaining active.
Whitney Lane
(Camper ’67–’69; Weaver in Residence ’77; Board ’93–’96) I went to Manitoba, Canada in
February on an all-women’s trip, where I learned how
to build igloos and got to see the Aurora Borealis. It
was truly a once in a life time event!! I spend my time
between Portola Valley CA and Bainbridge Island WA. My
mom, Joan Fletcher Lane (Camper
’40 –’43; Board ’68 –’86) is doing
well and in good spirits despite being
confined indoors most of the time
to keep her safe during the corona
pandemic. She likes to read novels
about women set during WWII and
has suggested singing Camp songs
from her balcony!! We both loved the
Zoom evening fire! Thanks to all who
organized it!
Jennifer (Tuck) Hobson
(Camper ’67–’71; CT ’72 & ’74; Staff ’75, ’76, ’82 & ’01) I live in British Columbia and
am finishing my 38-year teaching career, most of it at a co-ed in Vancouver. It has been a hugely rewarding
career teaching history, geography, and a number of other subjects. I am currently teaching online during the
coronavirus isolation and am loving the connections I can still have with my students online. My current pursuits
are pottery, painting, cycling, baking, walking my dog, small-boat sailing, reading, and listening to podcasts;
soon I hope they will also include international travel.
Katie Wisdom Weinstein
(Camper ’78–’83; Staff ’87–’96; Asst. Director
’95 & ’96; Board ’05 & ’06) The Wisdom/Weinstein family is busy and
creative! Skylar (Camper ’07) is living in Bend, Oregon and studying forestry
in between fishing, skiing and working on his beloved car. Carrot/Ruby
(Camper ’07–’13: Carlyn ’12; CT ’14; Staff ’16 & ’19) is living temporarily in
Portland since her big trip to New Zealand got cancelled due to the virus. She
plans on going back to school this fall, unless a pirate ship lures her away!
Jess (Staff ’89, ’90, ’92 & ‘94–‘97) is working his magic with brands who
need a hilarious, experienced Brand Director. He is working with some awesome CBD brands. Katie is teaching
crafts and art to teacup humans until she finds her next gig. Life is good for this band of Gypsies!
Nancy and
Stephen Dudley
Aurora Borealis in
Manitoba
Whitney Lane enjoying a Manitoba igloo
Katie Wisdom
Weinstein and
daughter Carrot/
Ruby
community, simplicity & creativity 15
Shelley Machell
(Camper ’81–’84) I live in Thousand Oaks, CA with my husband of 20 years,
Simon, our 15-year-old daughter, Grace, and 12-year-old son, Harry. One of my biggest regrets is
not sending either of them to camp: waiting lists, sports injuries, trips abroad, world threatening
plagues... all the things that got in the way were legit at the time but still don’t make me feel
any better that they missed out on what we all know was probably one of the better parts of our
childhood. Thank you, Pigeon Wing Editors, for keeping this going!
Jennifer Brown
(Camper ’81–’85; staff ’90) I live in New York City, working in consulting and
speaking with organizations on the topic of inclusion. Business had been going gangbusters
until recently due to the virus, but I continue to promote my latest book: “How to be an Inclusive
Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive,” and podcast
focused on diversity, called “The Will to Change.” I have enjoyed reconnecting with a bunch of
80’s campers in a Facebook group led by campmate, Adrian Jones. My niece—daughter of my
sister Amy “Mimi” Brown’s (pictured with me) enjoyed being
a first time camper last year!
Sonya Lenzi
(Camper ’82–’85; CT ’86; HH ’90; Staff ’91) I live in Boise,
Idaho close to my sisters, Kendra Lenzi Arnt (Camper ’84–’88; staff ’91
& ‘92) and Nicole Lenzi Amideo (Camper ’86–’89; CT ’90; AC ’91; staff
’97–‘00 ) and their families. My nephews, Ben and Alex Arnt, have both
been campers.
I’ve worked as an Interior Designer and General Contractor for the past
20 years in Boise. A true Craft-O through and through! I love the joy that
Facebook brings by allowing me to stay in contact with so many Gypsies.
Much love to all Gypsies, and if you’re in Boise let me know. All Gypsies are welcome by my fire!
Dana Shell Smith
(Camper ’82–‘85) I stepped down as US Ambassador to Qatar in June 2017, after 25 years
in the foreign service. I am living in Arlington, Virginia with husband and two sons. My older son is a freshman
at Carnegie Mellon University, and my younger is in 10th grade. I am doing private consulting in international
business, teaching at Georgetown University and spending summers in Maine enjoying that island spirit I first
discovered at Four Winds.
Chris Sheldon
(Camper ’90–94) Chris, Dana, Vivian (7) and Isabel (4) are doing great, living in the
Outer Richmond district of San Francisco. Vivian is in 1st grade and plans to attend junior session
at Four Winds in summer 2021. Izzy is in preschool. Chris works in commercial real estate and
Dana is a family law attorney. We love spending our free time at the beach surfing, playing soccer,
basketball and tennis, rock climbing, biking and spending time in the outdoors hiking and camping.
Andrew Roberts
(Staff ’93–’03; Assistant Director
’97–’00) My wife, Sarah Trelease, and I are hunkered down
here in Portland, where spring is lovely and the artistry of
peoples’ face masks is second to none! I’m a cardiac nurse,
and am training up for ICU care of patients with COVID, and
if things get rough, I’ll be right in there fighting the hard
fight. But as a survivor of multiple summers of Gypsy Plague, COVID-19
should be a piece of cake! Sarah is a mental health counselor, so she is
busy giving time to those for whom isolation is difficult to handle. So, we
are alive and busy and grateful and wish all you Gypsies a lovely spring
and a song in the ear.
Emily Dachs Taylor
(Camper ’94–’98; Staff ’03 & ’04) We added another
child to our family! Elliot Abigail Taylor was born on March 24th, 2019. She
joins Bennett, 8 and Georgia, 5.
Sonya Lenzi
Jennifer Brown
with her niece,
Kay Ercil
Shelly Machell
and family
Chris Sheldon and family
Sarah Trelease and Andrew Roberts
Alumni News, continued
16 community, simplicity & creativity
Jessica (Pettus) Vose
(Camper ’94–’96; Staff ’99–’02) welcomed second daughter, Westley, in
September of 2019. Husband Greg, and older daughter Adelyne (age 2), are thrilled with the new
addition to the family as we adjust to life as a family of four in Orange County, CA.
Jessica works in marketing in cybersecurity. Greg will be completing his PhD at UC Irvine in Plant
Ecology later this year or early next year, at which point the family will decide where they are headed
next. FWWH continues to be an immense solace to our family in these very uncertain and troubling
times. We want to wish everyone in the Four Winds community all of the health, peace, and
happiness possible in 2020.
Ross Carlson
(Camper ’98–’02; CT ’03; AC ’04) I must go down to
the sea again. I live in Missoula, MT with my three-year-old border
collie, Nemo, and make it over to smell the Pacific Ocean every few
years. Montana keeps me busy and fulfilled with skiing in the winter, fishing in the
summer, and trail running through it all. Work continues to challenge me positively
at onXmaps; I recently moved into a Software Engineering role after a decade in
GIS (digital computer mapping). Looking back, Camp was the most formational
experience of my childhood. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each of you
that contributed to that magical experience. The recent online evening fire was a joy
to watch and hear old favorite songs and poems, I assume I was not the only gypsy
out there with misty eyes. Stay safe friends!
Yogi Letfus
(Staff ‘99–’03) and
Alison (Kovach) Letfus
(Staff ‘01–’03) We live in Woodinville, WA, just outside of
Seattle. Our days are filled with chasing after our four-
year-old son, Thatcher, and our one-year-old daughter,
Emerson, as well as house renovation projects and work.
Yogi works in business development and Alison works
in nonprofit development. In our spare time we enjoy
catching up with our Four Winds friends that are scattered
throughout Seattle. Many of those friendships are twenty
years old now and so precious to us. We enjoy escaping
up to Orcas Island several times a year—it continues to be
one of the most important places to our family. And this
past Christmas we were able to travel to New Zealand to
introduce our baby daughter to her many family members
and friends that she had yet to meet. Life is busy and full
and so, so sweet at the moment.
Will Drake
(Camper ’99–’01 & ’05-’07; Staff ’12 & ’13) My times spent at camp have been some of my fondest
memories, and I cherish the friendships I formed there. In the time since I’ve been at Camp, I discovered my
passion for science and have been pursuing a career in physics. Skipping forward a few years, I’m now making
progress towards that goal: I’m currently at the University of Arizona, studying optical engineering! (It’s a type
of science about how light is produced, how it interacts with materials, and how we can use those properties to
make interesting things, like lasers, camera/telescope lenses, and even the screens we interact with every day.) If
anyone wants to reconnect, I’d be excited to hear from you and see what you’ve been up to!
Adam Lion
(Camper ’04–’07; Carlyn ’08; HH ’10; Staff ’13 & ’14) I am a professional musician based in
Knoxville, TN. My practice revolves around the creation of new work, experimentation, and collaboration. A lot
of what I do depends on following my heart, believing in myself and others, and unhindered self-expression—
all important traits Four Winds instilled in me. The lessons I learned over my 10 summers at Four Winds had a
monumental impact on my life, and helped give me the confidence and skills to build an adventurous career for
myself in the arts. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Camp!
https://www.adamlionpercusion.com/
Ross Carlson
Jessica (Pettus) Vose and her family
Yogi Letfus and Alison (Kovach) Letfus and their family
community, simplicity & creativity 17
Joe and Susan Babcock
(Year-round staff/Head of
Maintenance ’05–’14) After a sabbatical apart, Joe & Susan
quietly REMARRIED last year on what would have been their
40th Anniversary. Although we live miles apart—Joe is in
Amarillo, TX keeping an eye on his 96-year-old mom and
teaching orchestra for the school district. Susan lives near
Atlanta, teaching Pilates. Living apart is hard, but practical for
NOW.
We’ve spent recent summers on our Honda motorcycle,
taking adventures as far as Alberta, Canada, and those
trips have helped get our lives back TOGETHER again!!
The younger Babcocks, Jackson & Trish, live in Utah and
welcomed Brooks Robert into the world last July to join big
sis, Cora (age 9). Jackson works for Live Nation and Trisha is
a Registered Nurse. Carly and Taurell are in Seattle, taking care of Fender the Cat—you may remember him as the
barn cat with opposable thumbs!
Chet Kittleson
(CT ’05; Staff ’06–’09) Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I
spent a summer at Four Winds. It feels like yesterday, and like a million years ago
at the same time. It’s been a busy decade though! My wife and I have two kids
(Emma is four and Thatcher is two) with a third (and final!) on the way. They each
already have plenty of Camp songs memorized. Dorade and Black Socks are two
they’ve really latched onto, but they love the goodnight song as well, which we
sing every night at bedtime.
For work, I’ve managed a couple of different businesses for the Seattle-based real
estate company, Redfin, for the past four and a half years. I love my job, and am
thrilled that nobody has yet come to see how incompetent I am. Everyone feels
this way though, right? (that’s what I tell myself anyway) Outside of work and the
family, I do my best to keep in touch with friends (picture is from a visit with Camp
friends from earlier this year) and I’ve come to love building stuff. I’m still relatively
new to the craft, but have built beds for my kids and random pieces of furniture for
around our home.
I still think of my days at Four Winds often, and am thankful to still be in touch with some of my fellow Four
Winds-ians!”
Mairead Willis
(Camper ’07–’11; CT ’12; HH ’13; Staff ’14–’15 & ’17–‘19)
I am working as a research coordinator in the Department of Psychological
Sciences at Purdue University. All our work has shifted online, and I am working
to become an A+ Zoom user. I hope that everyone is safe and well, and I look
forward to hearing their updates!
Annie Ryder
(Camper 09 & ’10; CT ’11; HH ’12; staff ’13–’16) I’m currently
working at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, doing research on PTSD and
cardiovascular disease. I speak with Veterans on a daily basis about their mental
and physical health and investigate how those two things are related. This past
year I’ve gotten really into rock climbing and am hoping to get into outdoor climbing soon. I’m think about Orcas
Island (where I grew up) and my parents a lot, hoping everyone there is doing okay, but I take comfort in knowing
that the community is supporting each other.
Pippa Lother
(Camper ’10 & ’11) is a Freshman at Duke University studying Computer Science, where she also
mentored young students in the Durham area on coding. Now back home in Alabama for the summer, she is
mentoring high school students by video call.
Mairead Willis
Chet Kittleson
Pippa Lother
Alumni News, continued
Joe and Susan Babcock
18 community, simplicity & creativity
Charles Heath
(Camper ’10–’16) and
Sydney Heath
(Camper ’07–’14) Charles will be
starting at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis in June. We look forward to 4 more years of
watching him play squash before we head back to the west coast. Sydney is a sophomore at
Claremont McKenna majoring in International Relations with a sequence in Human Rights
and Genocide Studies.
Sophia Cajune
(Camper ’15 & ’16) I’m finishing
my first year of college at Montana State University
and pursuing a degree in Paleontology. I am in the
process of writing and publishing my first research
paper, on “Triceratops Growth and Development.”
Emma Walsh
(Camper ’05, ’10– ’13; CT ’14; Staff
’16) I am due to graduate from university in Scotland
in June, but will be in the U.K. another year as I was
just elected to be my university’s Director of Wellbeing. It is a full-time
position making sure that all students have equal representation and
access to health and wellbeing services.
Besides that, I am very much enjoying Orcas Island life now that we live
here, and love being a part of the local community as well as the Camp
one. My parents and I have gotten into the swing of being locals and are
only falling more in love with this island.
Passings
Eunice Margaret Erb Goodan
(December 20, 1925–October 3, 2019)
Eunice was a camper in 1941. She graduated from Stanford University in 1946. Eunice married
Douglas Goodan in 1946. They celebrated 62 years of marriage, before his death in 2009. Eunice is
survived by her three children and their families. Eunice lived her entire life in Southern California.
She was a long-time docent at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History and most recently was a
Governor Emeritus at the Huntington Library. Eunice enjoyed traveling and loved to read, especially
books about world history.
Robin Ann Chadwick
(June 12, 1947–March 9, 2020)
Robin was a graduate of Mannes School of Music, New
York City, NY, and was an Honored member of the Music
Teacher’s Association of America and the Washington State
Music Teacher’s Association. She attended Four Winds with
her sister, Marcy, from 1952-1958. Her mother, Marion
Chadwick, was Head of Dock for several years during that
time. Robin sent her two children to Camp, and four of her
grandchildren. The photograph is of her and her family at
Camp, and was framed and hung on her wall until the day
she passed.
Robin Chadwick and her family;
Robin is pictured at the far right.
community, simplicity & creativity 19
Emma Walsh
Charles and Sydney Heath
A drawing done by Robin at
Camp in the 50s’
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAI D
SEATTLE, WA
PERMIT NO. 1793
Four Winds, Inc.
Post Office Box 140
Deer Harbor, WA
98243
A Gypsy Thank You
to our 2020 Slide Show
Host Families!
O
ur annual slide show tour takes us to
alumni homes in five different states
Including Alaska this year!) as well as the District
of Columbia and Canada. It’s a great way to
spread the word about Four Winds Camp. If you’re
interested in hosting a slide show in January or
February of 2021, please email Danielle Bone at
Danielle@fourwindscamp.org
.
The Sheridan Family
Deer Harbor, WA
The Hofler Family
Seattle, WA
The Goodrich-Ainsworth
Family
Greenbrae, CA
The Shaw Family
Woodside, CA
The Sanford Family
Piedmont, CA
The Foster-McDerby
Family
San Francisco, CA
The Bede Family
Bellevue, WA
The Neill Family
New York, NY
The Penhoet Family
Washington, D.C.
The Kincade Family
Vancouver, B.C.
The Markham Family
Santa Barbara, CA
The Kozak Family
Portland, OR
The Berry Family
Bend, OR
The Adams Family
Pasadena, CA
The Havens Family
Pacific Palisades, CA
Board Roster
2020
Diana Wiegel
Chair
Oakland, CA
Henri Broekmate
Vice Chair
Sammamish, WA
John Wineman
Treasurer
Portland, OR
Charlie MacPherson
Secretary
Altadena, CA
Catherine Adams
Pasadena, CA
Dave Baker
San Anselmo, CA
Ella Brittingham
Santa Barbara, CA
Sue Clauson
Seattle, WA
Bruce Coffey
Pasadena, CA
Eleanor (ElBell) Crebs
St. Helena, CA
John DesCamp
Bellevue, WA
Amy Fields
Portland, OR
Wendy Gilbaugh Kelley
Seattle, WA
Judy Murphy
Portland, OR
Matt Murray
San Francisco, CA
Allie Torrance Okner
Seattle, WA
Ann Russell Felton
Seattle, WA
Jeff Stewart
Santa Rosa, CA
Printed on 30% post
consumer recycled paper with
soy-based ink
Lifetime
Advisors
Cynthia Coleman
Pasadena, CA
Mike Douglas
Deer Harbor, WA
Marion Mohler
Mercer Island , WA
Carlyn Stark
Port Townsend, WA
Stay Connected…and keep up
with what’s going on at Camp!
We always need your help keeping our
database current. If you have changed
any of your contact info—new email,
phone number, etc.—let us know.
For former campers who still receive the
Pigeon Wing at their parents’ houses,
please send us your own contact informa-
tion. And if you have never received
an email from us, send us your email
address. We send great email missives
throughout the year and want to make
sure you don’t miss them.
Also, stay in the loop during the entire
year through these various means:
Website:
www.fourwindscamp.org
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/fourwindscamp
Twitter:
twitter.com/fourwindscamp
Email:
mike@fourwindscamp.org
Phone:
360.376.2277 or 541.408.5511
community, simplicity & creativity
