Alumni Reunion 2021
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Camp Owatonna and Ropioa
Harrison, Maine – More than 250 former campers, staff, and friends made the pilgrimage back to Long Lake for an incredible reunion weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Camp Owatonna and Camp Ropioa over Labor Day weekend (September 3-6, 2021).
The reunion
festivities commenced on Friday afternoon as reunion goers checked into their
cabins and participated in various camp activities. Everyone assembled at the Flagpole before
being treated to the first of many excellent meals served up by Chef Lizzie
Loomis and her kitchen staff (mostly from the 2010 summer). Evening activities included presentations
from the Executive Director, Seth “Chic” Johnson, and Alumni Reunion
Coordinator, Terry Coolidge. Veteran
Owatonna Program Director, Duncan Wilder, laid out the schedule of the
weekend’s activities. Participants also
gathered in singing led by alumnus and former Owatonna Director, Dave Pelton,
including a fun rendition of “My Owatonna Home Away from Home.”
A gorgeous
Saturday started with early morning activities such as the Cherry Island Swim,
Hawk Mountain hike, and Water Skiing. A
traditional Owatonna morning schedule was followed with calisthenics, Flagpole,
Breakfast, and Morning Meeting. An
Ultimate Frisbee tournament commenced in the late morning amongst the four teams
(Greens, Blues, Reds, Golds). After an
excellent lunch with Congo Bars (of course!) more activities were open across
camp, which included more waterfront activities and a team Softball
competition. Prior to dinner, all
reunion participants gathered at the Flagpole to recognize our military service
members and our former Owatonna Directors in attendance (Reid Charlston, Dave
Pelton, Forrest Bless, Brandon Frank, Travis Brantingham, Jamie Bollinger, Seth
Johnson, and Burt Cady.) Photos were
also taken of the entire reunion group, former team members, Newfound alumni,
and barefoot water skiers just to name a few.
A giant birthday cake to celebrate 100 years of Owatonna and Ropioa was
presented at the Flagpole complete with the “Hap” happy birthday chant and
song.
Saturday
night included a “social” with music and dancing down at the Newfound tennis
courts while others took the time to visit around the campfire and make
s’mores.
After a
chilly overnight (48 degrees in Harrison at 6:00am), Sunday morning offered
more early activities before breakfast and a church service at the outdoor
dining space. Camp activities were
opened again for the late morning including boating and water skiing. There was also a soccer competition amongst
the teams. After a delicious Sunday
lunch, teams prepared for a modified version of “The Great Race”, which is the
long-standing relay race across camp requiring participants to demonstrate
different athletic and key camp skills.
In the late afternoon, camp activities were open again including model
rocket building, which featured several successful rocket launches from Coomber
field. Sunday evening wound down with a
delicious dinner from the barbeque “pits” followed by more camp singing and
gratitude sharing.
Monday morning
brought another round of early activities (Cherry Island, Hawk Mountain,
Water-Skiing) for those who weren’t exhausted from the previous two days before
calisthenics and breakfast. Everyone
gathered for Morning Meeting outside before the final morning of camp
activities. Reunion participants also
began to pack up and prepare for departure after lunch. In less than 72 hours the Alumni Reunion was
over, but what an incredible weekend it was.
Reunion goers were also provided some very cool parting gifts that
included a special reunion t-shirt, a reunion beverage mug, and an Owatonna
History book compiled by alum James Suber!
Click here for a link to a short video of highlights from the Reunion weekend.
The official Newfound-Owatonna web site also has a dedicated Alumni page featuring more information about the reunion and other alumni activities.
Special thanks to the current Newfound-Owatonna Executive Director, Seth Johnson, and all of the Reunion Staff for organizing this fantastic weekend.
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