60th Anniversary of Summer Camp Draws National Crowd
Camp Waupaca in Wisconsin was opened by two educators from Chicago in June of 1951. American summer camps were just beginning to hit their stride but Irving “Skipper” Kuklin and Joe Rosen had to contend with a building shortage due to the Korean War the threat of polio, and a late April snowstorm before their cabin doors could open to 60 boys from Chicago and Omaha.
Regardless, they opened the camp, ran it successfully, and in 1966 sold it to Manny Desnet. Mr. Desnet sold the camp to the Hadassah in 1988. There are still kids, counselors and fun on the shores of Lake Stratton.
Veteran campers, counselors, nurses, kitchen staff, and vendors from all over the country will meet August 12-14, 2011 on site at the camp to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the camp they attended, worked, and still love. They will play softball, run fun marathons, swim, water-ski, tell stories around a campfire, and in general reminisce about the good days they had. Many bring their children to show them where they spent some of the best days of their youth. Activities are for all ages.
The group has an organization, the Camp Waupaca Reunion Group, which keeps the memories alive through a website, (www.campwaupaca.com) reunions, and special activities.
Big Chief (Chairman) Paul Warshauer attended his first year in 1966 and has rarely missed a summer to get back to Waupaca. “I attended Camp Waupaca from 1966 until 1988 but have returned to Waupaca for many years after that.”
His friend and collaborator, Mike Lurie, attended camp from 1970-1981 and agrees with Warshauer. “Paul and I formed the group and have found many former campers, counselors, and staff!”
The two formed a not-for-profit group, built a board of directors, and have coordinated formal and informal reunions nationwide. It takes a lot of work to put the on-site reunions but the new owners enjoy hosting the alumni.
For information about the event or if you are an alumni and plan to attend please contact Mike Lurie at [email protected] or Paul Warshauer at (312) 550-7868 or go to the website, www.campwaupaca.com.