Camp Tannadoonah Journal

The Order of the Birch is the highest honor that a camper at Camp Tannadoonah can receive. In order to receive this award, the camper must have attended camp for at least 5 years, and be going into the 8th grade or older. In addition, he or she must attend each activity at least once during the week they are at camp, attend Polar Bear every day during the week, complete a service project, lead sing for a day, keep their bunk neat and clean, be a model camper all week, and finally, write a poem or song about what Camp Tannadoonah means to them. This poem or song is read or sung at Council Fire on Friday night in front of the entire camp. Two campers completed the Order of the Birch during this past week at camp. Here are their poems. I think that the last two verses of Katie’s poem are especially poignant, as this was our last week of camp and we were all sad to close up and go home.

If I’d Never… by Katie Luecht

If I’d never heard a cicada cry
In the middle of the night
I’d never wake up and see the moon
In the dark blue sky

If I’d never walked the path
To see a half-dead tree
I’d never know what a peaceful sight
The Princess Tree could be

If I’d never woke up early
To jump in the cold lake
I’d never enjoy anything else
More than a hot pancake

If I’d never picked up a bow
And let an arrow fly
I’d never know how good it felt
To hit a bullseye

If I’d never left this camp
And stayed here every day
I’d never know how much I’d miss it
When I went away

If I’d never came at all
I wouldn’t be able to see
How incomplete my life
Without Camp Tannadoonah would be

Tannadoonah by Tyler Rondot

Tannadoonah we love you,
Your light is so true.
Handcraft, sports, nature, and archery,
Are all so much fun you see.

Miss Calleen is so mean,
And Miss Catherine is a fiend.
Mr. Jake looks like a snake,
Grandma Rose swims in the lake.

Miss Amber and Miss Lori are so kind,
The counselors are a great find.

Miss Kayla’s pretty funny,
Miss Swabbie Ashley is so sunny (burned).
Mr. Alex hits his head,
Miss Stephanie never wants to get out of bed.

Mr. Ian is my pal,
Miss Joan is quite a gal.
Mr. C. J. never wears PJs,
We so need a DJ.

Miss Molly is so sweet,
Miss Katie has pretty feet.
Mr. Cain is my friend,
Me and Mr. Josh will be buds ‘til the end.

Mr. Dave is quite handy,
Miss Kahley gives me candy.
Miss Peggy makes awesome food,
At photo, Miss Lauren is good.

Mr. Phil is so tall,
Nurse Cathy helps me when I fall.
Miss Steph and Miss Diana live in the bird yard,
Miss Abby is a star.

That’s all there is, there ain’t no more,
Until I come to Tannadoonah more.