In Memory of Rich Hoffmann

In honor of the memory of Rich Hoffmann, today's post asks you to remember the many times you each spent with Rich, Vicki & Mitch whether at camp or elsewhere. I know I will always remember "Camp Linda Kwa" the year that Vicki & Rich celebrated Rich's birthday the same day as camp. Vicki gave Rich a trip around the Indy 500 race track in a race car!! He was so thrilled, and we all loved hearing about it. Another good memory I recall is from camp when Jean Sherfick was expecting Everett and was about 7 months pregnant. In the camp photo album you can see Jean & Rich standing belly to belly comparing who has the greater girth. Such fun! The end of camp is another moment which always makes me think of Rich. It's that time when the mess hall is empty and leftover food is stacked outside on picnic tables. We are waiting for the DNR folks to come do the check-out inspection. Inside the mess hall, Rich and Mitch are mopping. At this point at camp it is time to say good-bye until next year. Good-bye, Rich, until we meet again.

Mail from INDIANA DNR today

Got mail from DNR today. This is the letter I get each year reminding me of our reservation and requesting payment in full no later than 30 days before arrival. Each year when I read this letter, I get this excited feeling that tells me, "Claire, get serious about camp plans! Do it NOW!" After I send the payment, I get out the camp planning binder and end up looking through much of the information from past years. Then I make the mental TO DO list: touch base with Indiana folks who can help with groceries, revise the camp budget spreaddsheet for 2010 camp, remember where I stored the camp box (which has actually grown to be BOXES). Then I count the days and weekends until we pack up the Ultimate Camp Vehicle and head for Spencer.

I always know exactly how many days of school are left, but I rarely know the number until camp. Usually camp gets here quicker than I expect. Remember when we were kids and it seemed that the year was SOOO long and that camp might never get here? Well, we are older now and it's time to get serious about camp...it's paid for. Seven more Friday's until Family Camp!

Family Camp Blog

Starting a family camp blog! Seems like another good way to share information about family camp. Remember that camp is June 4, 5, & 6 at McCormick's Creek State Park. Please share this blog with your family members so that everyone can read it and make comments. Let's start with this: "What is one thing you really want to do at camp this year?"