Paivika Buddies: Memories

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Over hill, over dale
We will hit the dusty trail
As Paivikans go hiking along.

In and out, all around
You will never see us frown
As Paivikans go hiking along.

For it's hi-hi-hee
Paivika is for me
Shout out your name
And shout it strong -
PAI-VI-KA!!

Where'er we go
You will always know
That Paivikans go hiking along,
Always hiking
That Paivikans go hiking along.
HEY!!

Camp Memories

ALAIMO, Sal

Camp Paivika has always been a blast! I met my first girlfriend there in 1998, and I've made many friends abroad! Probably some of the most memorable moments are from the summer of '98, and with my past counselors, such as George and Billy! Paivika is probably the most R&R I get all year!

ALBAUGH, Frances

Hello All :-) My name is Frances Albaugh. I just got back from camp and I enjoyed it so so much. I just wish I was till there. The week went by too fast. I am going to try to go again next summer. I miss all my friends that I met there.

ALLEN, Jodie (now Mason)

I met my future husband (Robert Mason) in 1991 and married in 1994 after a long distance relationship from Australia to Los Angeles.

ALPERT, Dave (a.k.a. "Basic")

This is the way it really happened.

One night, Ev came into the lodge after lights out. She had had an especially hard day with her sons. She said "You know, I've only made two mistakes in my life." Tony without even pausing said, "I only made one." I keep that in mind when Judy and I (married 24 years) have a disagreement with our dependent adult children.

And yes, I still play my 12-string guitar. In fact, Judy bought me a 6-string banjo to plunk on. What I wouldn't give to sing just one more verse of "Now let us Sing" with UM BABY Don Fowley. But, do not ask me to play "THE CAT CAME BACK".

I look forward to hearing from the other staff in 70-71. Hey, what the heck happened to Big Mike Malone?

ATTARD, John Paul

Hey guys, the most memorable is Miss Paivika.

BALVIN, David

Falling in the pit of mud during the tug-of-war and spraining my ankle. In spite of the pain I continued on to throw the assistant camp director into the pool. He put up a very good fight. I don't think he thought it was as funny as we did.

BERTHIAUME, Mike

My funniest memory has to be when my shorts blew out on pick-up day at the Hollywood Bowl. Thank goodness we had a few sweatshirts left over in the sale box to tie around my waist.

BEST, Gary

My memories all flow together with the "old camp" and all of the old friends that I made there - many of whom I still see or hear from. But probably the best one is that Paivika is where I met my wife Shirley in 1961. She was a Unit Director that year and we were married the next - now going on 38 years.

BOWMAN, Pam

When I was first introduced to Paivika staff I initially thought that their real names were Leslie Crafts and Tom Pool until I was introduced to Gerry Horse.

Very late one night when I was Pam Maintenance, quite a few of us were at hang glider point enjoying a lot of "beverages", suddenly we heard the Paivika fire alarm going off. we ran/staggered/crawled back up to the camp only to find out a camper had accidentally pulled the alarm on the way to the bathroom.

Food fights in the lodge. The stuffed rhino head. Standing on chairs in the lodge singing to the campers "lordy to noah you're going to build an arky, arky". Tickle pink. The staff talent shows. Don Foley's "Mr. Moon" song. Serenading the campers outside their cabins on their last night. Having my pillow frozen. The old staff cabins.

Camp Paivika was a great learning experience for me. I'm still in the field of special education. I have to say sometimes I think I learned more about disabilities at Paivika than I learned in college.

BRYANT, Nancy

One of my favorite campers was an ambulatory but fairly involved CP camper named Wendell (I think). He was a Boy Scout and needed to complete a hike for a Scouting requirement. He wore a pelvic band with cables down his legs and looked like he might fall with every step he took, but he always had an enormous grin on his face. And he didn't want help.

I was assigned to be his hike companion. I think it was about a mile hike and a big effort for him. When we arrived back at the lodge, he was exhausted but so happy with his accomplishment, he collapsed to the ground and we all stood around him laughing with him because we were all so happy too.

Our actions weren't at first understood by some dignitaries who were visiting nearby with Norbert - they really wondered about a group of staff standing around laughing at a camper who had collapsed on the ground. I think maybe Kirk was the Unit Director who had been in charge of the hike and went over to explain the situation. This kid was a winner and had guts!

TOP

CARRIAGA, Vivian

It was the best summer of my life!!!

CONRAD, Jamie

I loved being the camp lifeguard. Nothing beats spending sunny days along side the pool!

COTANT, Jennifer

My most memorable moment is when I met my best friend Sal Alaimo in the summer of '98 during my first session as a Teen. I remember that Sal and I were introduced by a counselor named Alex who went by the name of "SPANKY". We met in '98 and have been best friends ever since!

DERHAM, Jacqui

I have many wonderful memories but what mostly stands out are the campers such as Mint and her crowd and wonderful friends I made with other staff from all over the world. The sleep out used to be an experience! Rumours of bears and a struggle to get anyone to the bathroom! Also some amazing "off" weekends. I visited with my husband and children a couple of years ago when on holiday (I live in the UK) unfortunately it was over a break but it was great to see the place and the new lodge. I'm glad Paivika is still going strong!

DOERNING, Wayne

It would take several books to put down all of my memories of Paivika. The mud fights at the campouts always stand out. The evening programs, waiting for your night off camp, hiking, finding out that the unit director had assigned me 5 wheelchairs out of my 6 campers, and trying to get them all where they needed to go at the same time. Trashing people after meals (a tradition that is probably known only to staff that worked at that time and soon outlawed), serenading the cabins on the last night, chasing the bear out of the dumpster. Kissing raids, led by my first unit director Mike Vernetti, and of course meeting my wife of 16 years Wendy. I could go on and on.

DUNCANWOOD, Ryan

Going on 2 campouts.

EBERT, Katie

I love Camp Paivika a lot this year.

ECHT, Wayne

My fondest memories of childhood were at Paivika. Looking forward to a reunion on July 13. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

EGLEY, Megan

My favorite is the Ms. Paivika contest!!!

EVANS, Justin

My best memory of camp was the summer of 1999 when for the first time I got to meet the campers. It was the greatest feeling I will never forget!

FINK, Twyla

I have way too many memories of many wonderful people. But here is a funny one...

I was in the tree at the point and Conner(a fellow counselor) was "helping" me out of the tree. As he swung me down I slammed my shin on one of the rocks at the bottom of the tree. It swelled up to the size of a golf ball in one spot. :) I even have the scar to prove it!

FOLEY, Don

Wow...there are so many. ...The great outdoors, learning the needs of our campers, being able to share in the outstanding evening programs, meeting and interacting with new and returning staff, unwinding...at "Hanna's", gaining a better understanding of myself and early morning reveille are just a few - there are so many! Paivika has truly had a impact in my life!

It sure is great to hear from Chuck Rohe. I often wonder where many past staff have "Over Hill..Over Dale'd" to etc... Thank's Chuck...

January 2001 Foley Update:
Well I found more great photos... Maybe we can all organize a Paivika II, move in and stay for ever... Well, Na.. there's only Paivika..!

FREEDMAN, Irene

I was a very able-bodied kid who organized an audition, casting, and rehearsals of the play, Cinderella. A girl in a wheelchair was Cinderella. Although I was very involved and having fun, I missed home and kept writing saying how lonesome I was. On the day of our performance, my parents drove up to get me. I never got to see the show because my dad wanted to make it back before darkness fell on the mountains. This was the summer I made the decision to be a teacher and do plays with my students. Summer of being 12 was a turning point in my life and it is because of Camp Paivika.

GABLE, Marianne

Carol Ann Rohrer Benson (camp staff 1965) emailed me today and after 42 years I guess it is time to say hi. I recognized Don Foley's name...still the very nice man I remember. I was at Camp Paivika the year "Bunker" had her first puppies. Elaine Sims MacDonald was my college roommate, Norbert was our camp director.

I am presently teaching English at Peking University in Beijing, China with my husband Jim. I was a counselor in 1964...graduated and went to Vietnam in 1967 and ended up giving 22 years to the military as a Public Affairs Officer. We have two daughters and two sons...and three grandchildren. One son, one daughter and my husband also have served in the military. I hit the big #63 this year...if anyone would like to fill in the years from my 1965 era, please do. E-mail is our only contact with home these days.

GERSHAN, Glenn

The very best year was in 1983 when my counselor Chris White started the biggest food fight ever.

GORLICK, MD, Gary

It was long ago. Gary Best is recalled as being a counselor (or higher?) then also. Norbert was in charge of the counselors; we had two horses; Sue was a female counselor I recall as was Bob Short and Bob. S. We would get on the bus with a maniac driver with wild rides into the hills and even attend a local watering hole or two at times. Eddie B. did his drums deep in the hills when joined by his friends. He was also an accomplished artist who produced music album jackets. "Mosca" was a little camper gal with quite a spirit. It was long ago but it was special in memory to this aging Physician. Thanks Paivika for the learning, the sharing, and the rich experience. Much goodness was engendered that summer.

GRANT, Allison

2001 was the most important year for me to come to Camp. I am fighting my biggest battle with Lupus yet and I needed a distraction. Although I didn't get my mind completely off the problem I am facing, I had a lot of fun and I always enjoy meeting the Counselors from different countries.

GRAY, Jennifer

My favorite memory was making new friends and I always liked Miss Paivika. Especially, putting the make-up on the guys. I also liked riding the horses. I liked Tara reading to us girls every night. I liked Jamie doing the girls hair.

GUERRA, Michael

Mike agrees with Glen Waites - in 1982 or 1985 when Kelly was UD and we were on a camp out, she went back to get the apple cider she forgot, we hid from her, and that was so funny.

Mike also says he loves Paivika.

TOP

HALE, Caitlin

I liked meeting Hagrid!

HANSEN, Curtis

My memories of camp are mostly of learning and growing, but that's not what I would have called it then. And what wonderful, wonderful people: campers and campers' families and staff and their families.

Moments: I think of campouts, Sunday activities, playing chess on the patio, singing late at nite in the lodge, dancing with people in wheelchairs, hikes, the view from the birdcage and the "point," and talking. And of course, I did meet my wife at camp (Elaine Smalley). We have been married nearly 30 years now.

HEAD, Thomas

June, 2005 memory update:

I've had so many good times at camp Paivika, ever since I started going, its hard to pick just one memory. The talent shows were always a blast plus all the people I've met over the years. I was fortunate that I was able to go back as a camper in 2003 after a 5 year absence. Camp Paivika will always be a part of my heart and soul.

March, 2000 memory submission:

One memory I have of my years at Paivika is when the new lodge was built. After years of the same one story wooden lodge, it was just mind blowing to see a completely new 3 story lodge. For the first few days of that session it was hard to believe I was at Paivika. I do miss the old lodge, but this one is a vast improvement.

Camp Paivika is definitely a great place that I will always hold sacred to my heart, and I hope one day to return to this magical place.

HEILER, Jonathan

Seeing the old campers' faces when they saw me, and most specially, in summer of 05, Greg and myself had much joy at using 2 rolls of masking tape to completely tape down Lyndons bed and clothes...and then watching him spend fifteen minutes just to get his jumper out. Aahh good times!

HEISTAND, Dave

So many memories, even if only over two summers, but... rooting around in the costume shack to get ready for the skits; music around the fire and with Betty during the day; that long, long drive in the back of the truck to get to our "wilderness" campsite downhill from the lodge and cranking forever to make that wonderful ice cream; transforming those rough old cabins into circus wagons; dreamy backrubs in the lodge at night; and every one of the campers I was privileged to know, work with and play with. Thanks folks.

HETMAN, Tish

I never forgot to kiss first boy under the swimming pool. There were nice underwater window. You can see campers swimming in the pool. I haven't seen him since I was 11. Where is Jack Montgomery??

HILL, Donald

My fondest memory of camp Paivika, aside from the day that I met my beautiful wife Montse, was the day that I spiked up Barry's hair for the dance. He looked so proud it filled me with joy to see it. The kid and teen sessions were always my favorite, it always seemed to me that we were able to bring much more joy to the younger campers (or maybe it's just because I never really grew up :) ). I always loved it when campers would recognise me, either the next year at camp or while I was working at the Claremont center. To me that meant that I had made some sort of lasting impression in their life. That sense of fulfillment is something that few outside of camp relate to.

HILL, Penny

Hi Everyone,

Just last week I was telling someone how one of these days I would like to learn how to ride a horse the correct way, not behind the saddle. Boy, that first week at camp my legs were always so sore. Hope to see you soon.

Penny

JOHNSON, Erin

Last year was my first at camp. I love everything about it. It was most fun to just hang out with all my peep. The people make Paivika what it is.

JOSE, Virgil

I was a counselor in 1956 and Nature Director in 1957. (I was a UCLA student 1955-60).

Recently I found this staff photo from 1956. The Director then was a Marian Heffernan (front row, middle, striped blouse.) I'm 6th from the left, top row.

I do not recall why I have no photo for 1957. It may be because we did not have one taken. The Hong Kong flu hit the camp late in the season. It was very serious. I myself became deathly ill. I've never been so ill before or since. The camp nurses were giving me sponge baths as I was hallucinating with a severe fever. Sounds dramatic and it was. People still on their feet had to help those bedridden. Parents with the means to do so picked up their kids.

Greyhound as usual donated buses and drivers their time to evacuate the camp. Almost every camper was delivered to his parents ill, but we had no way of dealing with the situation with maybe half the staff incapacitated with this flu which was in its 2nd season in the US and very nasty. Vaccines followed later, but they were too late for that season.

http://cns.miis.edu/flu_watch/history.htm

http://www.authorsden.com/virgiljose

KUMIYAMA, Jennifer

I think my favorite Paivika memory was the first time I went horseback riding. I loved it!

KURYVIAL, Jiri (George, CZECH)

The best thing about Camp Paivika is Camp Paivika itself. I will always remember that place and people I got to know and love forever. I want to say hello to all those who are part of the Camp Paivika spirit. The best memory of Camp Paivika??? All of them.

With Love, George K.

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LA BARRE, Jeff

While 1971 was a good year for me, the trust CCS and Tony 'CD' Magnante had in me in asking me to come back as Program Director was very special. Still, the summer of 1970, my first year at Paivika is something I will never forget. I was Jeff 'Truck,' the camp truck driver back when the insurance companies and the ACA still allowed campers to ride in open (stake bodied) trucks. This was the greatest job in the world! The truck rides to Lake Arrowhead or Santa's Village and the picnics on the way home where we made homemade handcranked ice cream; the afternoon rides on all the local fire roads (I had a key to them all); trips to Mazumdar's Temple - these are memories I will never forget. Nothing I did before or since has given me as much satisfaction.

LENNOX, John

Wow I don't where to start, there where so many memories for me. I first came in '89 and my 1st thought was "Oh my what did I get my self into", to '94 thinking I never want to leave. From winning Miss Paivika, to racing Mike to the Hollywood Bowl in those old trucks at 5am, from singing just a boy and a girl in a little canoe to sneaking to the bar when we where off. It was so much fun and unreplaceable memories - Paivika thanks for having us misfits. And thanks to all the staff and campers that made my time there so much fun.

Comment: Can't remember what year it was but we had an earth quake at 5am, had to get all the campers up and out of bed in no time flat, and the staff worked harder and faster than I ever saw them move that whole summer half the water jumped out of the pool, I'll never forget it.

MAISNER, Vivienne

Dear Fellow Paivikans,

I went to camp in 1967 (I'm almost positive that was the year). I think Camp Paivika must be where my love of horses began. I still ride. Five years ago I went on a pack trip near the white mountains, and riding back down the mountain, I thought of Honeycomb and his hooves crunching the leaves as we went winding around the pine trees. I'll never forget Honey Comb the Palomino, Little Joe the Paint, and Buttons the 3-year-old who was too young for us to ride. Does anyone know if he ever became a Paivika horse? He could even still be there -he'd be 43 . And Steve Horse - thank you for letting us ride your horses. I also remember the hike we went on where we saw a deer and Sherri scared it away. And I used to ride piggyback (horseyback) on my counselor to the pill box when I got an earache. Santa's Village, the campout, the campfires, the haunted house -- I loved Camp Paivika!! I hope someone reading this remembers the Summer of 1967 - and me.

MARTIN, Jim

When I first came to camp, we slept in tents and Paivika was the place where all my school friends were who I hadn't seen since June.

MC DONAGH, Conor

There are many things that remain in my mind about camp. It is hard to highlight any one single memory. But i will say this much. Camp Paivika is the most amazing place in the world. Never before have I experienced so much love and happiness, and of course smiles.

Here's to going back next year.

MC GARRY, Danny

I must share a memory of a shy lonely 25 year old 1st time counsellor at Paivika. It was a defining moment that made me feel like someone actually noticed me. And boy was I ever noticed! That was...

Getting Trashed the First Time!

As a new counsellor I had no idea what happened when the Blues Bros. Fanfare started blaring in the dining room. Well I was to find out! I was grabbed bodily by campers and staff alike and stuffed butt first into one of those large plastic trash cans near the window to the kitchen. Fine, wow, that wasn't too bad. I'm lookin' at the ceiling and my shoes.

But then this deluge started. Meal over, its time to clear tables and you know where the plates were cleaned into. Yep all over me - half eaten food, juice, half eaten food, hot coffee, half eaten food, dirty napkins AND half eaten food! Imagine the view from the bottom of a garbage can, I see the sky, my feet, and - incoming...

Actually as an older staff member (I turned 25 that summer) I wondered how I was going to fit in. Well, after that indoctrination I felt part of the team and I wore that "trashing" as a badge of honor for the rest of the summer.

Also, That summer I learned the value of hugs. My family was not overly demonstrative of love but I changed that after my times at Paivika!!!

Thanks Wayne and Wendy, for being there for me thick and thin guys... And all my campers from 82/83.

MC GINNIS, Leslie

Curtis and George doing Laurel and Hardy... campouts..... great comraderie...

MC GREEVY, Bill

One particular evening's entertainment was a "moondance", planned by Tony "Pots" (we miss you, God bless), at 6:30, on the patio. After dinner, we brought the campers out of the lodge, while Debbie "Rec" turned the PA speaker around to face the pool. Tony said,"All right, campers, if you dance real hard we might coax the moon to come up!" and Debbie put on a record of Van Morrrison's Moondance. Son of a gun, at 6:35, the biggest moon I'd ever seen started to rise over the arts and crafts bldg., and I thought,"Whoa! how did he DO that?" I loved it and we were all a little late getting to bed.

MILLER, Ted

Memories have left us all with a special Paivikan spirit. My memories start with my confusion at the Hollywood Bowl - what were we going to do with all these "disabled kids" that were so happy to get back to camp. Then there was the fireside singing of our favorite songs like Kumbaya and Blue Moon, dancing with the "wheelchairs and walkers" at the lodge, being careful with the fragile campers; carefully watching the kids with epilepsy at the pool, dressing the campers in the morning for breakfast, cooking at the campouts, saying goodbye to one group and waiting for the next group, going to Santa's Village, going horseback riding, or just going on our "off" weekend to Strawberry Point. Then there was the thrill of suddenly being able to understand the CP's who were so hard to understand when I first met them. I loved learning to communicate with my deaf camper.

The Spirit of Paivika takes over as soon as you get there. Campers and staff just naturally come together to enjoy companionship and friendship. Suddenly a new world with new and old friends evolves into an experience that is completely devoid of the problems of the giant cities that lie below our world on the mountaintop.

After just a few days I realized just how special these campers were. The realization that despite their limitations, they still knew how to enjoy life far more than I did with all my physical advantages.

I have spent the last 34 years recounting to myself and others all the funny and meaningful things that happened to me in the summer of '66. It was more than an experience; it was a time when our inner spirits reached out and gave all the love and care that we never seemed capable of in our college world. I have lost contact with all the campers and staff but I will never forget how much we lived and grew that summer. I would also like to give a special thanks to Marian Gable, wherever you are, because you have inspired so many people with your positive and giving nature - including me. Keep up the good work Kelly Kunsek and staff!

The spirit is alive as Paivikans' go marching along.

TOP

MILLER, Tribbey

My Camp Paivika years were the happiest times in my life, because of all the counselors and staff. I still have so many great memories!

MOLONY, BIG Mike

Memories??? Alice's Restaurant with Basic Dave on the 12 string guitar... Truck rides with Jeff Truck... food fights with Connie Clay... trips to Santa's Village and Lake Arrowhead... getting the truck stuck one night and having to wake Gil for help... talent shows... Las Vegas Nights... movie nights with Disney Films and pop corn... the archery & bb gun range... mean horses...

Tony, Ev and Little Mike... Uncle Tim... Mother Nature... Sharon Nurse and the Pill Box.. feeding Suzy Ka-Ding who had a smile that would make me melt at every meal... broadway shows like: "Oklahoma", "Hello Dolly", "South Pacific" and the staff's version of "Charlie Brown", and waiting up in the lodge for the reviews... stapleing ALL of the pages together for "The Paivikan" on the last night of camp... and of course KAMP Radio with every other song being dedicated to Judy Pool as the DJ's gazed out the window and watched her across the patio.

I carry with me so many wonderful friendships and memories that still burn brightly all these many years later!!!!!

MONDRAGON, Joseph

I have so many that it's hard to begin - but probably what sticks out most is when the old water tank exploded. Mike (Berthiaume) and I had just gone down there to check on it and were about halfway up the hill back to camp when we heard the explosion. It blew out half the building and threw pieces as far as 30 yds away. We probably would have been killed if it had blown moments earlier when we were INSIDE the building.

Ahh, the good times...

MONFILS, Linda

The old cabins and all the great friends I made. That is where I got my nickname George. I remember when we hoisted a bra up the flag pole. I have so many memories it's hard to pick out one.

MOSLEY, Kameela

I was only there for 4 days because I got really sick & ended up in the emergency room. But while I was there I did have a wonderful time! I met some awesome people from all around the world, I was very excited to go to camp because I�ve been on my own for 5 years and I needed a vacation badly!!!

NASH, Bob

This was an evening in 1977 early in the summer, and a group of staffers was admiring the view on Teddy Bear Point. Somehow we all ended up sitting in a line, leaning back into the person behind, and someone said (I think it was Eric Rude), "Hey this looks like a slug!" This became the buzzword for the summer, and we eventually decided that "slugs" could be formed in any direction.

Then there was the time in 1983 when Danny, Kris, and Wayne fixed the truck. I'm still not sure how they accomplished it. Mostly I remember that at Camp I had some of the best times of my life and met the most amazing people, campers and staff, that I have ever known. The effect on me has been immeasurable. It is a magical place.

NASHEF, Salim

My fondest memory and the one that has kept me going is meeting my friend Catriona the last year that I was there.

NAKATSUKASA, Mitzi

I remember the lodge where we sat in front of the huge fireplace and the original 8 log cabins where roughing it meant really roughing it. Dust, dirt, bugs and all. Those were happy times, forgetting you even had a disability. All you thought of was fresh air, horseback riding, hay rides, crafts and swimming.

NOCETI, Steve

It's funny, because my overall sense of Camp Paivika has always been one of incredible love, warmth, camaraderie, and long, long hours of hard work, but as a Camp Director, my specific memories are mostly the nightmarish moments that only the Directors can truly relate to. Remember, in a camp full of kids, staffed by basically teenagers, where everyone is out to have a ton of fun, the Director (and possibly the Nurse and the Cook) are the only genuine ADULTS, who therefore have to be "in charge", and deal with everything from plumbing explosions to driving a camper down to a doctor at 2 a.m. It ain't easy!!

NSEREKO, Moses

Miss Paivika is one of my most memorable days at the camp. it makes me feel so great to see a smile on every face at the camp that day. I can't forget the double dare too. But most importantly are smiling faces of my campers that I used to see every morning. Today I still have sweet dreams of Paivika as heaven on earth. Hopefully we will meet next summer. May god bless us.

PARR, Michael

When I was the archery instructor teaching 4 campers the a.d., Nancy, came down to observe my activity. While she was observing my activity she walked in front of the campers in the line of fire. My response was to say something like, "What the heck are you doing, get behind us." I reminded her of this often because she was the back up archery instructor.

PARR, Michael (Camper, 2007)

I remember the time an assistant walked in front of the archery when we were getting ready to shoot.

RAINSBARGER, Gregory

After a nine year absence, I returned to Paivika to the position I once held so many years ago - fine arts. This has been an amazing summer for me. To see firsthand how camp has changed for the better in such a short time, it was very cool. Kelly and Kenny have done a wonderful job of taking care of camp.

My memory of this summer has to be one of my campers from ten years ago actually remembered me as his counselor. I thought that was really cool. Also, and more importantly I met my love zhanna..........

September, 2005 - more memories...
After another long summer I'm proud to say that I have spent 5 summers at Paivika. After all this time I can say that my feelings have not changed about this magical place. I will most likely not be able to come back in 2006 but I will be there in spirit if anything. Also, I'm proud to say that I'm still with my love zhanna.

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RAMIREZ, Alajandro

My favorite memory of camp with my camper was when I was finally able to understand one of my campers after about 3 days. My favorite memory of camp with the staff was the day I met the woman that would later go on to be my wife.

RILEY, Mike

Christmas in July: One summer during the first session (little kids) it was so foggy and cold that we could not use any of the outdoor activities. The program staff put their heads together and struck a deal with Santa's Village, we got Santa, and his minions to come and we decorated the lodge with a large Christmas tree and had a roaring fire going. Presents were generated and quickly wrapped and a great time was had by all. Santa left some "rain deer" for the nature area and we were able to extend the theme until the sun finally came out and we all could go swimming and have a summer camp.

ROGERS, Jackie

I remember all the great times with LeeAnn Gabler (assistant Camp Director). Also, I remember working with Janet and Kelly. We had great times!

ROHE, Chuck

I came to camp as a dishwasher at age 14, and spent the summer in awe of the "grown up" college students who were counselors and program staff. What a let down when camp ended for the summer and I had to go back to high school.

My 15 minutes of fame came toward the end of my first summer, when I participated in pushing the Maintenance Chief, Gil, into the swimming pool, fully clothed. I had to watch my back after that, because Gil threatened revenge daily. Luckily, summer was ending and I was soon relieved to have some miles between us.

ROHE, Ronn

KAMP Radio Paivika was a standout. From the Harmonicats to Hendricks, there was always something to listen to. Tony, Beaner, Rich Pool, Melissa, and some of the coolest campers I've ever been fortunate enough to share a summer with. None of you "are replaceable," whatever that director may of thought. Best regards to all.

ROHRER, Carol Ann

I arrived at camp not knowing what to expect. I had no previous experience, but friends Juti Marsh and Mike Mccormick had applied and talked me into doing so. Juti was Lodge director and Mike was a counselor, like myself. Being at Paivika is one of the happiest times in my life that I can remember. That first freedom from family and being off on one's own.... or almost anyway. I loved the campers and made some of the best friends of my life. Many are still in touch today. Super good friends today are Elaine Sims MacDonald and Marianne Gable Reynolds.

Ah, but a memory you say, it is arriving at camp on a hot day and there is Gil and his boys herding rattlesnakes out from under the cabins. The count was in the hundreds, or so he said? I often wondered how much of the story was true. Still, I did have my run in with the rattlers. Once I caught a baby snake and ran over to the nature house for a quick I.D. only to be told that the baby was venomous. What followed was a delicate plan for getting him out of my hand without a bite. I may have learned a lesson with that move.

Wonderful memories were full of singing around the campfire or in the cabins and of Don Foley's wonderful sense of humor and great truck rides. Campers and staff alike looked forward to those.

ROSANDER-MILLER, Karen

Teddy Bear Point

ROSENBUSH, Hokulani

I always loved Bowl Days, riding down with the busses and getting reved up with camp songs. Riding back with everyone was such a rush, seeing the happy and exciting faces of the campers gave me a high I've never experienced anywhere else. As Unit Director during 1995-1996, I'd always follow Mikey B. down to the bowl driving Baby Balooga. He'd change lanes constantly and even though I'd been there a thousand times, I'd change lanes also - too gullible to realize he was doing it to bring out the a$$ in me! Then on the walkie talkie he'd so BOOOH-shuure boku -do- do. Loved every year I spent there.

RUDE, Eric

One of my fondest moments was winning the Miss Paivika Contest! And, I miss all of those morning hugs--I once figured I received over 10,000 hugs in my years at Paivika!

RYDER, Betty

As I look back on those Paivika years, there were so many wonderful (and a few not so wonderful) experiences to remember. I have yet in my life worked with so many dedicated, smart, caring, and talented individuals. My fondest memory would have to be the spontaneous creativity of all staff & campers to make a regular activity into a Carnival, or a Theater, a Broadway Production or any other mode we dreamed up! I know Paivika made a difference in my life. We did have fun!!!

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SANCHEZ, Bruce

Meeting the girl that got away! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

SCHAEFER, Kevin

I remember all the great people there, Campers & the Staff. I also remember all the shows and Camp Fires, & the Dances comment - I remember all the great time, and the great weather.

SEPULVEDA, Elianna

My first real job. I wouldn't of had it any other way.

SHATTLER, Darren

Super Juice(prune juice) "You Drink it to make me happy" Michael "I'm watching you Nurse Darren" and I can't forget "Luke I Am Your Father".

October 2004 Update:
Thank my lucky stars I had the opportunity to be a part of the Paivika experience again! Wonderful summer! Kelly and Kenny are the greatest! I can't believe how that special feeling comes back to me year after year, and the happy memories of all the campers just add to a new special place in my heart. I hope to be a part of the "Paivika Experience" again.

SIMPSON, Emma

FRIENDS

Glasses mended with wire.
The best of friends gathered laughing round a fire.
Loud music and dancing in the art room.
The heart wrenching pain of leaving this wonderful place.
Toilet mix ups! (Ali, Gene & Rainbow)
My overwhelming memory of Paivika is love and acceptance, a place where everyone is free to be as they are without judgement or conditions.
A place that fills your heart and never leaves.

SKANTZE, Kristofer

Rumors were spreading that a bear had been seen on the camp ground in perfect(?) timing for the only camp-out night we ever did in 1994. The closest thing to bear we ever saw that night was the camp horse that had freed itself and came visiting us. :)

SMITH, Lucas

The thing I remember most about my four years at Camp Paivika (all those years ago), was the top-notch staff. A wonderful bunch of people every single year.

SOBOLEVA, Katya

Summer is over, it was a tough one at some points but now I can say that of all the great summers I had it was the best one. I experienced many new things I met so many new people who became part of my life, because they were the most amazing and interesting people you'd ever meet.

Camp has a great atmosphere. They are always trying to make a difference in every camper's life. Here you learn how to work not expecting any thank yous, you learn how to do it for the simple things in life: the smiles, the hugs, the friendly hellos. I can't describe how much this mean to me.

Paivika became my second home, I miss counselors and staff, campers and the whole spirit of the camp. I'm proud to be the part of Paivika's world. I wish you good luck and many summers to come. I hope to see everybody next summer.

SOMERS, Jonathon

What a brilliant time, working with all those different people. Memories include being drenched with water the first day I arrived and the Miss Paivika competition. It was hard work but lots of fun. The time travelling in our break was great - apart from the dodgy tummy in Mexico. Would love to hear from Wallace Lavery.

TANNER, Sarah Jane

Paivika means fond memories of happy smiles and giggles, sometimes when you least expect it. I was so spoiled at Paivika because I worked at the pool. Even with a water shortage I got to see all the 'kids' (clean) at one of their favorite activities; lots of smiles, screams, snickers and splashes...

TARIN, John

I truly enjoyed the campers and the counselors who were my same age.

TICHAUER, Tina

One year when my Mom was on the phone to the camp nurse, the camp horse ran by the window escaping down the hill....!!!

TRONVOLD, Kris

Camp Paivika taught a very selfish young man [me] that by focusing on other people I could become much more like the man God had intended me to be. Sadly, it was some years before I learned to apply this lesson down the mountain in "the real world". When the first campers arrived at the Hollywood Bowl that first summer I remember thinking "What am I doing here? I can hardly take care of myself!" But all it worked out! Those 'Beatles' were my first group. Chris Radvansky grew from a cute kid into a fine man and good friend, as did many others: Joe O'Brien, Sal, Tom Head. I would love to reconnect with lost but still loved old friends and see old photos of those days. Thanks for all you've meant to me and made of me. Bob - Wayne and Danny actually fixed the truck, I just stood around with a wrench in my hand telling jokes! To sweet, lovely Councilor J. (84)-I hope the world has been as kind and good to you as you always were to me. I was a fool.

VENTO, Ray

When I first arrived at Camp Paivika, I couldn't imagine what to expect. What I found were staff and camper friends, and life-events that lasted for many, many years. I will be so bold to say, working at Camp Paivika was the best.

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WAITES, Glen

2003 Article in Paivikan Sun

Memories of Camp Paivika

In 1971 my first year at Paivika was a funny one, my first counselor was Ray Robinson, he had to spend so much time knocking flies off my head, my stores classes were radial, Audrey and BB Gun, I was pretty good in archery, and I remember that we also did sing-a-longs.

My first new friend was Yolanda Ramirez, on the way to the fire ring which now we call the infant theater she had broken her ankle, I don�t know if her ankle was broken at the dance or what, but in those days the first night at camp were dances and truck rides, and I used to enjoy the truck rides, and my favorite songs were Kuhn by ya, Tom Dooley and She�ll Be Coming Around The Mountains.

Each year that I returned to camp was old friends and meeting new ones, my best friend and I try to return together, sometimes when we get up here we don�t have the same cabin so we talk to the unit director, and we end up in the same cabin.

It is always fun to come out and meet the new staff and become friends with them also, and we liked to play games with them too, throughout the years the staff and I stay in touch, by writing letters back-and-forth to each other, in the old days my friends and I user called camp after we leave it.

In 1972 Jim Herald was my counselor and he was funny it was different that year they had removed the glass patio and the camp looked funny without it, I believe that was the year that I made four out of five bullseyes with bows and arrows.

In 1973 Jim Duty was my counselor that year, and he was different but nice, Paivika always had a great Staff up here, and this is just some of the memories of Camp Paivika, I hope everyone will enjoy reading this.

Paivika is my home away from home.

WALCZYK, Hendrik

O.k. my name is Hendrik. In these days I am nearly 37. In 1989 I was a Counselor from Germany at Paivika. I met a lot of very nice friends up the hill. I remember everything, in my mind it�s really near by. In my heart too.

So I wish all you guys a very nice and hopefully living. Maybe someday I will come back with my son. I wanna show him a really nice and beautiful place. Heartly greetings from germany sends to you. - Hendrik (Jonathan Livingston Seagull)

WARD, Kelly

Camp Paivika echoes with memories and creates new ones each day. I love to hear the old and new stories alike and feel so privileged to be a "link" for many to this special place. The memory of my first summer at Paivika that always sticks out the most was when our water system broke down for 2 days. Mark Gray was our fearless director and worked feverishly with his duct tape to get things running again while we lugged buckets of water to the cabins for flushing toilets and enjoyed daily "all camp swims"...

WEBSTER, John

So many memories. Wonderful experience. It shaped future career decisions.

WHEATLEY, Steve

Ahhh, memories of Camp Paivika. It's really hard to come up with any specific things. Now in my 40s, I've looked back on those three summers, all before I even turned 10, and recalled them in sort of one wonderful memory --- years blended together. Rides on the horses, the Nature Hut, meals in The Lodge, the campfires in the fire ring. All those have always evoked very pleasant memories. It is so wonderful to have a tool like the internet so we all can share our stories like this. Reading through the roster, I see a few names of campers I recognize. Also, I saw the names of two of my counselors, Ted Miller (1966) and Dave Heistand (1967). Please know, Ted and Dave, that those times still remain in my mind as very happy moments among many happy moments of my childhood. May Camp Paivika keep "rolling along" for moany years to come.

WILKINSON, Candace

I went to Paivika thinking that this was just another job, boy was I wrong. This camp brought me joy and tears, friendship and new beginnings. If it weren't for Paivika I wouldn't have my daughter, now a toddler. I will always love Paivika and the pool will always be mine. So good luck and one day we'll meet again.

Comment: If you stand in the middle of the fire pit you can hear your own echo.

WINTERS, Jim

I remember that when we got to camp, they always served us grilled cheese sandwiches and soup. The last year I was at Paivika there was no grilled cheese, and I was disappointed. I was a camper at Paivika from 1954-1964, and at Camp Joan Mier from 1965-1966. Does anyone remember me?

WOODRUFF, Melissa

I remember the night the electricity went off in all of Crestline because of a really huge electrical storm "down the mountain." Luckily it was almost bedtime anyway so we just got everyone to bed in the dark. I was "on camp" duty and went down to Inspiration Point to watch the lightning show down in the valley. It was incredibly beautiful because we were above the storm clouds. Then a fire started in Joshua Tree so we stayed up late watching that too. The weather at camp was perfect, warm with a pretty good breeze coming up the side of the mountains. I forget what time it was when the electricity came back on, but when it did, half of the cabin lights were still on, so we had to scramble around to turn them all off so that the campers would not be awakened. Even that was a fun event!

P.S. I still have contact with Cindy "Counselor" from way back then too! I was known as Melissa "Horse".

YODER, Joey

I met my best friends and counselors, Nolan and Tiffany at Camp Paivika.

ZELENIS, Joe

The false alarm: One night a deaf camper pulled the fire alarm. It worked, all Paivikans poured out of the cabins in various stages of undress. Thankfully it was a warm night.

(News alert 11/5/03, Re: the fires in California)

Dateline Paivika. Prayer and a heroic director and husband and fire department, saved Paivika from becoming a real memory. It was close. Thank you Lord. Good work prayer warriors!!!!

Joe Zelenis '67-'73 mission Accomplished.

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