Thank you!

Dear Generous Souls,

For years John began his letters about the Killooleet Sing with these words, and never have they felt more appropriate. Thanks for all of your help, in all of its many forms, Killooleet 2021 was a tremendous success. Yes, we were short-staffed (like most other seasonal businesses); yes, COVID protocols changed the look of many things (outdoor Sings and Pro-Nights, half of us eating in tents); and yes, it really did rain on 26 of the 48 days campers were here (including 18 of the first 24). But there were still Choice periods, recalls, Special Events, and Ellie candy. Cabins slept out in the Perera field on top of Fassett Hill. Our strongest bikers still made it to Canada, while other campers explored the Ice Cave or backpacked in the Adirondacks. The campers trounced the staff in the All-Star softball game, and somehow the commandos won Commando Raids again. Barter Day’s “Beach Party” theme (three coconuts to one palm tree) out-lasted another passing rain storm. So many campers were in the musical, “Space Pirates,” that we could actually  have the audience (masked) inside the theater for the performance, the only time all summer we could. We cried at the last dance not because it rained again, but because it was “Hey Jude” at the end. The last campfire sounded like a normal summer:  burning Barter Day money, letters from home, and pieces of the job wheel; shout-outs to cabin mates and softball teams; and thoughtful acknowledgement of the growth and accomplishment campers (and staff) had experienced.   

None of this would have been possible without you. Your help—whether it took the form of planning advice, communication, physical work, monetary donations, spiritual support, camper or staff referrals—was indispensable. Please know that with each letter we receive from grateful parents, we think of you and hope you know that you have a share in that gratitude. Without support from the whole community we could not have reached the point of receiving campers on June 29. Once the campers were here, our full summer staff were heroic, and gave their all in one of the most challenging summers ever. We also have a special shout out for the steady stream of alumni volunteers who came to camp for a week or two at a time this summer with fresh infusions of their energy, reativity, and wisdom, to keep us going, among them Brian B, Jeremy B, Dan B, Sylvia K, Sam K, Emily L, Sara L, Anjali M, Dan O, Greta P, David P, Matt R, Natalie S Jonathan S, Chris S, and Ariel T.  

So, with your help, we are moving forward. Even as we clean up lost and found and begin the process of closing up spaces for the Vermont winter, staff are talking about their plans for next summer. Construction of the new Cabin 6 is well underway, despite the costs driven by shortages of building materials. Parents are writing about the ways their children’s lives have been changed and asking about next summer’s enrollment. And we are gratefully celebrating a resilient, caring community, of which you are a key member.   

Thank you.
Kate and Dean