Camp Thorpe - For Children and Adults with Special Needs

ALUMNI


ALUMNI
The early days (1932). Walter and Vena Thorpe - second row, far left.
If you have ever been a Camp Thorpe camper or staff member and would like to be added to our alumni list (below), please click here to register. If you've already registered and would like to change your listing, please enter your name and birth date below then click Re-Register. First Name: Middle: Last: Birth Date: (Note: Middle name and birth date are not displayed in the alumni list.) If you'd like to be removed from the list, please send an email (to alanheath@adelphia.net). If you're able to contribute financially, please visit our Donate page. It's easy to do and every little bit ($5, $10, $25) helps.

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Alan Heath 824 Sunset Hill Road Randolph VT 05060 802 728 5855 alanrheath@gmail.com I am married (to Terry Heath 1977-1979) with 3 daughters. I've lived in Randolph for 12 years. I work in Hanover, NH as a software engineer. I like to spend time with my family, mountain bike, cross-country ski and read.	Camper 1964 - 1971 I remember fishing in the (big and little) ponds. Council fire, Pa-hee-tsi, end of the year awards banquet. Overnights at the Stone Cabin, Adirondack Shelter and Pine Shelter. Looking out the dining hall window and cheering (w/everyone else) when the last stroke of paint was applied to the new pool. Hanging out with Mike W, Brad C, BJ J, and (earlier) Stanley B. Singing in the dining hall (led by Lydia F). Plays, skits and musicals (directed by Mark H). Staff 1972 - 1977 Maintenance (and tractor/bus driver) Haying all available fields in Goshen (HOT!), mowing (and mowing...), 'fixing' leaks in the (old) big pond, seeing the new pond get built (by Ralph H.) Riding around on the tractor w/ Buffy, Cleary, and Cody leading the way (or bringing up the rear).
Alexander Farley 8433 N Lois Ave, Apt 101 Tampa FL 33614 (813) 541-7817 seminolefanboy@yahoo.com Please see my Myspace page, which can be viewed at www.myspace.com/steelersownyou if you would like to know more about me. If you have any questions just ask.	Camper 1993 - 1996 Meeting people from all over Vermont, as well as the rest of the US and world, starting friendships with other campers, the Olympic sized pool that deepened towards the middle rather than at one edge, nature hikes
Andrea Heath (1980-1994) Andrea (daughter of Alan and Terry Heath), although unable to communicate verbally or with signs, taught many who spent time with her the power of communication available through other more basic means - love, kindness, laughter, tears, and touch. She loved being around people and activity, the more chaotic the better. And she also enjoyed quiet time by herself or cuddling with a friend or relative.	Camper 1987 - 1993 Andrea loved the diversity, the constant activity, and the people of Camp. She also loved the food, especially fresh blueberry pie with ice cream - her eyes lit up when she saw it on the table and she said “mmmm” with almost every bite.
Basil Walsh (1898-1983) Basil was head counselor, and then took over as co-director (with his wife, Mae Thorpe Walsh) in 1933. He oversaw the design and construction of all of the stone buildings at Camp (including the dining hall) as well as many of the other buildings. Most of what we see as Camp today was put there by Basil.	Staff 1927 - 1966 Head counselor, director, co-director, treasurer In his later years as director, Basil owned a very brightly-colored turquoise Jeep with a white top. It was so bright it almost glowed against the backdrop of Camp, your eyes were automatically drawn to it. Once you spotted the Jeep, Basil could usually be found somewhere nearby, working…
Beth Weiand-Hughes 221 Chandler Blvd White House TN 37188 615-672-2428 weiandba@hotmail.com	Staff 1983 - 1983 counselor I have great memories of the summer I worked at Camp Thorpe. Amazing people..Nancy, Jeff, Brett, Connie, Barbara, Grant..all our campers...I learned so much during that fun filled, sleep deprived summer. Including how to make really strong coffee, how to check a cabin for bats before entering, all the words to Michael Jackson's Thriller and that Vermont in summer is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Thanks to the Heath family and Camp Thorpe for such an amazing summer.
Bettejane Barnes PO Box 303 So Orleans Ma 02662 barnescape@comcast.net I had polio in my right leg,when I was 2 yrs old. I walk with a limp. I had red hair but it is very light now. I am a very happy positive person. I am a Registered Nurse now retired but work 30 years as a pediatric nurse. God has blessed me . I am married have three children and 9 grandchildren. Our family mean the world to us.	Camper 1936 - 1945 (Bettejane Daniell) The happiest years of my growing up days were when I was at camp. I went for the whole summer. I loved overnight hikes on the long trail. gathering for meals, singing at meals, rest hour, different activities and store night. I guess you could say I loved it all Staff 1945 - 1948 junior counselor 2 yrs - Senior counselor 2 yrs. The college girls were so much fun to be around and they were so good to me. I think I was the first camper to be a junior counselor. I loved the campers. What a fantastic experience it was to go to Vt Thorpe camp for 12 summers. I encouraged my children and also my grandchildren to have the camp experience. Camp Thorpe played a very important roll in shaping my life. It was my second family.
Bill Heath (1928-1996) In his early years at Camp, Bill was involved in the construction of most of the stone buildings and was also head counselor. Later (1974-1990), he became co-director (with his wife, Joyce) and oversaw many major improvements at Camp including the pond, the pool, the playground, trails in the woods, and the maple sugar works.	Staff 1955 - 1990 Head counselor, maintenance, co-director Bill was a summertime father figure for many campers and staff during his years as co-director. He was always ready with a warm smile, an arm over your shoulder and (depending on the situation) words of encouragement, praise, sympathy, admonishment, a quick joke, or just a hello.
Brian Baker 14 Washington Street Apt #105 Barre Vermont 05641 802-476-9858 wizkid33@verizon.net I am a 35 year-old college grad (1996) with a BS and an AS in Business from Champlain College, I live at the Washington Apartments in Barre - I do computer consulting work and some webpage design - My Websitefeel free to email me	Camper 1979 - 1986 I remember overnights, skits, cabin inspections, movie nights, hayrides, and the 5am swimming practices I had with Jerry in my later years - first in the pool meant first in the dining hall. I also remember trips to Brandon, Blueberry Hill and hayrides -when I asked Bill Heath to drop Melody (Head Counselor - Pine Haven) into the POND because she wanted to ride on the plow - He did, and I laughed as she fell ;) Lot of memories: Please email me with any updates as to activities: would love to reunite sometime.
Clare Coady Jordan 2623 N 8th St Terre Haute IN 47804 812 466 4657 kitsuneclare@yahoo.com	Staff 1974 - 1976 Camp Nurse ( Coady) I enjoyed being the camp nurse for 2 summers and working with an energetic staff who literally hauled some of the campers up the mountain side on their back to pick blue berries. My children Shawn and Christa were also able to enjoy camping and it gave them an experience that they have utilized in their adult lives. Christa worked at a school in AZ with kids who had various physical challanges before she got married and Shawn has been able to more effectively deal with his son's Legg-Perthes disease. I'm so happy to know that the camp is continuing to offer summer respites to adults with their own challanges.
colleen mcnamara 161 north avenue burlington Vermont larry moore27@earthlink.com	Camper 1965 - 1967 (colleem McNamare) learning to dive off the diving board ,taking my junior lifeguard test ,conoe in the pond, friday night mivies or skits, council fires with counslors dressed like indians, counsler maned lydia can't rember her last name , Mr. Mrs Heath and family , being so nice being so nice. really miss those years! I am married mow and love in Mexico Mo. 65265 not sure about the dates
Craig Ferguson 282 Mosher Way Palo Alto Ca 94304 fergusoncr1@aol.com I was a general counselor the summer of 1980 and it was a terrifically rewarding experience. I remember several folks, including Jeff, Nancy, Tim Bockes, etc. What a great summer. After college and eight years in the Navy I have worked at several government facilities. I am currently the Environment, Safety and Health Director at a research facility in northern California.	Staff 1980 - 1980 general counselor Great kids and Staff. The overnights were the best. Practical jokes on the various counselors (usually boys vs. girls).
Danny Perry South Burlington Vermont 05403 babybassethound81381@hotmail.com	Camper 1986 - 1996
Debra McSweeney 125 Allen RD South Burlington Vermont 05403 802-8631044 jmbackus@comcast.net Mother of four, living in South Burlington, Vermont. Married to Verne L. Backus for 29 years. Part time writer, full time mother. Have son 21 at UVM, twin daughters 18; one going to Smith College fall 2010, the other possibly going to Pace University and modeling in NYC. Another daughter a junior in high school.	Camper 1966 - 1970 (Debra McSweeney) I can say without a doubt, Camp Thorpe was one of the most positive experiences in my childhood and young adulthood. I loved always having something to look forward to doing being arts and crafts, sports and other activities. But most important I remember the friendships and there were many. I sometimes wonder how everyone is doing and send positive thoughts out to all of them.
Delsie franworth 59 river rd briston vt 05443 453-29096 dewy05753@yahoo.com	Camper 1990 - 2004 i lilke camp
Edmond Parent 1968 north ave Burlington Vermont 05408 (802) 8637019 enparentsr@yahoo.com	Camper 1965 - 1969
Elizabeth Martin 1517 Forrest Ave. NE Grand Rapids MI 49505 616-322-6992 martinelizabethlynn@gmail.com I was the music counselor in 2005. I LOVED camp and am considering coming back for summer 2009!	Staff 2004 - 2004 music counselor 2005 (Elizabeth Martin) Trips to Blueberry Hill and enjoying blueberries by the dixie cup full :)
Elsa Ingpen 326 Chandler Pond Rd S. Wheelock VT 05851 802-535-1817 ebetit@gmail.com	Staff 1995 - 1998 General Counselor, Nature Counselor, Head Counselor (Mountain Reach/Adults)
Emily Alford 12 Carver Street Brandon VT 05733 228-596-3697 emilyalford@msn.com	Staff 1999 - 1999 General Counselor
Grace Ohlhaut 1536 17th St NW Washington DC 20036 704-877-7116 horsebreakerr@yahoo.com I was the music counselor at Camp Thorpe in 2000. Since then I graduated from NC State and went off to see the world. I lived in South Korea for 1 year, Iraq for 5 months and Germany for 1 and 1/2 years working for the American Red Cross. I currently work at The White House in DC.	Staff 2000 - 2000 Music Director
Harry Benner 3806 Underwood Street Chevy Chase MD 20815 nancyabe@verizon.net	Staff 1963 - 1963 counselor for the summer of 1963 taught handicrafts remembered hitch hiking into Rutland on my half day off saw The Longest Day was attacked by a dog and bitten on the road walking back in to the camp scared the daylights out of me
Janet Heath PO Box 2905 Edgartown MA 02539 508-627-4440 heath@mvpreservation.org	Camper 1961 - 1967 Council fires, overnights at the Stone and Adirondack cabins, skits, flag raising and lowering, Honor Cabin, singing in the dining hall with Lydia Feole on guitar, arts & crafts and lots of fun! Staff 1968 - 1975 Laundry, Kitchen, Counselor, Cook Hanging out (what seemed like) thousands of sheets, Mrs. Severy's graham cracker pudding, end of the season banquet.
Jeffrey Heath 747 Campground Road New Haven Vermont 05472 802-545-2347 sironald@gmavt.net I live on a small farm in New Haven, Vermont with my partner of 8 years. I have a 21 year old son (Justin)who lives in Hadley Mass and also works at Camp Thorpe as a counselor. I worked in Special Education for twenty years in residential services for adults with developmental disabilities while providing foster care to John Heath (former Camp Thorpe camper). John lived with me for 12 years. I am currently a Public Health Nurse and work for the Vermont Department of Health in Middlebury, VT. I enjoy horses, swimming, cross country skiing, playing guitar, and mountain biking.	Camper 1967 - 1974 Capture the Flag! Counsel fire. Overnight Hikes in the rain. Olympics. Swimming lessons. Trigger and Smokey. Friendships. I loved the first day of camp when we sang "We welcome you to our Camp Thorpe, we're mighty gald you're here. We'll send the air reverberating, it's a mighty cheer. We'll sing you in, we'll sing you out. To you, we'll raise a mighty shout. Hail Hail the gang's all here and you're welcome at our Camp Thorpe". Staff 1975 - 1992 Maintenance, Counselor, Head Counselor, Co-Director The years I worked at Camp Thorpe were the most enriching, fulfilling, and enjoyable years of my life. I am most grateful for the fond friendships, the valuable learning experiences, and the teamwork. Walter Thorpe was my great-grandfather and I am proud of the longstanding family heritage at Camp Thorpe.
Jerry Bardwell 67 School St. Middleboro MA 02346 508-946-1966 chefjerryb@comcast.net Director of Operations for Caritas Norwood Hospital Paramedics for a number of years, am now semi-retired from paramedicine and am working toward my degree in Culinary Arts. Working as a chef for a country club in Massachusetts. Married with a 13 (going on 25) year old son, Joshua. Living in Middleboro Massachusetts where my wife and I have finished renovating an old farmhouse. Feel free to contact me.	Camper 1966 - 1975 (Leroy Bardwell) All the cabins by their original names. Councilors Barry Heath, Andy Giancola, Tom Wormwood, Paul Carpenter, Mark Hutchins, Marty Bock. Swim lessons with Lydia and Carol in incredibly cold water. The evening sing alongs, who could forget 'Titanic', 'Kum-ba-yah', 'MTA' 'Flea' Janet Heath's 'Going on a lion hunt". The overnight hikes, blueberry hill day, skit night. Hanging out with Jeff Heath, "Ernie-Ernie" Cushman. Those wonderful carefree, fun filled days. And finally, the gentle smile, the friendly greetings, and above all the kindness of Joyce and Bill Heath.
Jessica Boden 54 Langslow St Rochester NY 14620 (585)506-2443 jessboden@yahoo.com	Staff 1998 - 1999 General Counselor, Pool Counselor
Joel Nichols 4821 Windsor Ave. Philadelphia PA 19143 joelanichols@gmail.com	Staff 1995 - 1997 Kitchen help, Counselor, Aide Learning to mop the right way from Mary!
John Wagner 51 North Union St #4 Burlington Vermont 05401 802-865-9829 JOHNBOYVT1956@YAHOO.COM My name is John,everybody calls me Johnboy.I live in Burlington,Vermont.I work as a professional stagehand/Independant Sound Engineer.My favorite hobby is swing dancing and taking dance lessons.	Camper 1962 - 1969 I remember some of the fun times working in the Arts and craft.One of the funniest moments was when I was afraid to go off the diving board.The head counsler brought me to edge and pushed me off,after that I wasn't afraid any more.I remember the dedication the Heath family has always put into the camp and wish I could reconnect to say hi.(Alan,Barry,Janet....Hi!
Joyce Heath 13 Marble St Brandon VT 05733 802-247-3962 joyceheath@verizon.net I retired as Camp Co-Director in 1990, but continue as a member of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer of the Board. I remain active in Brandon and hold several elected positions. My children and grandchildren(20)and greats(3) are a very important part of my life. My Camp Thorpe heritage is very dear to me.	Camper 1933 - 1942 (Joyce Walsh) The girls (campers) from Boston & New York; eating in the old dining hall with girls on one side, boys on the other; swimming in the old pool (freezing water); learning camp songs; shortsheeting the counselors' beds; Uncle Harry, maintenance man for 36 years; fireflies dancing in the meadow; campers Nancy Young, Margaret O'Brien, Victoria Fritzi, BJ Daniels Staff 1943 - 1990 Junior Counselor, Head Counselor, Secretary to Director (my Dad); Director; Co-director with my husband Bill (Joyce Heath) Struggling through the war years with rationing and shortages; as a jr counselor working with college girls; wonderful campers; hiring great staff and getting to know so many fine people. My camp years in all areas are some of the most rewarding of my life. I am so proud to be a decendant of Walter Thorpe.
JUDITH KEOUGH-DALY 8 PILLING STREET NORWICH CONNECTICUT 06360 86022 9484 KAYLAFAMILY@SBCGLOBAL.NET	Staff 1985 - 1986 85 COUNSELOR 86 HEAD COUNSELOR (JUDY KEOUGH) CAMP THORPE IS SET IN A BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN REGION OF VERMONT BUT IT IS THE PEOPLE WHO'S LIVES TOUCHED MINE THAT I REMEMBER MOST VIVIDLY. THE CHILDREN AND ADULT CAMPERS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT LIFE AND LIVING UP TO ONE'S POTENTIAL (NOT OTHERS EXPECTATIONS). CAMPERS LIKE RICHARD, "A REAL CARD" FROM SPRINGFIELD VT, COULD MAKE US SMILE AND LAUGH EVEN IF IT HAD RAINED 4 DAYS STRAIGHT. PRE-TEAN RITA TAUGHT ME ABOUT INNER STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION AS SHE CLIMBED BLUEBERRY HILL RATHER THAN RIDE THE WAGON. MARC FROM VERMONT ACHIEVEMENT CENTER STOLD MY HEART FROM DAY ONE WITH HIS CHARMING SMILE AND SPARKELING EYES. FLOATING CAMPERS IN THE POOL, SUNDAY MORNING CHAPEL, TEA TIME ON THE VERANDA, SINGING AROUND CAMP FIRES, SKITS, NATURE CLASSES, CHRISTMAS IN JULY AND CAMP OUTS IN A CABIN FULL OF BATS ARE JUST A FEW OF MY MEMORIES. HEARING ROLAND TELL PETER AND CHRISTIAN WHAT THEIR FRIEND,"D. GRAY" WOULD HAVE TO SAY ABOUT MATTERS STILL BRINGS A SMILE AND FOND MEMORIES. SO MANY OF THE CAMPERS YOUNG AND AGED WERE INSPIRATIONAL BY SIMPLY BEING THEMSELVES. I THANK THEM FOR THE LIFE LESSONS THEY PROVIDED ME. THE CAMP EXPERIENCE AT CAMP THORPE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE IF NOT FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL STAFF. THEN OWNERS BILL AND JOYCE HEATH REMAIN SOME OF THE MOST CHRISTIAN AND LOVING PEOPLE I'VE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING. MORE THAN JUST CAMP OWNERS MR. AND MRS. HEATH WERE A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE WHEN IT CAME TO CARING FOR THE CAMPERS AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. YOU COULD ALWAYS COUNT ON THEM IN A PINCH. (UNLESS IT WAS THUNDERING AND LIGHTNING THEN YOU HAD TO WAIT FOR JOYCE TO COME OUT OF HER CLOSET!) THE ENTIRE HEATH FAMILY HAD A HAND IN MAKING THE CAMP EXPERIENCE SPECIAL FOR THE CAMPERS. MANY OTHER COUNSELORS WERE DYNAMIC PARTS OF THE CAMPERS SUMMERS AS WELL. THERE WAS TERRY HEATH WHO NURSED US ALL WITH TENDER CARE AND WARM SMILE, NURSE LYNN CROWLEY WHO MADE HER YEARLY TREK CROSS COUNTRY TO BE WITH THE CHILDREN WHO ADORED HER, MIKA WHO MADE ART COME ALIVE FOR ALL CAMPERS, JEFF, MELODY, GREG AND KAREN(?) FROM WESLEYN UNIVERSITY, CAROL FROM NORTH DAKOTA,AND MANY, MANY OTHERS. A TRUELY UNIQUE BLEND OF PERSONALITIES AND MINDS COMING TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CAMPERS. NONE OF US, STAFF OR CAMPERS, WOULD HAVE MADE IT THROUGH THE SUMMER WITH OUT MRS. HEATH AND ANNIE IN THE KITCHEN COOKING UP HEALTHY MEALS SUN UP UNTIL THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN SUN SET. BIG THANKS TO YOU ALL!!! JUDY KEOUGH-DALY (CROSS COUNTRY LYNN IF YOU HAPPEN ON THIS SITE AND READ THIS RAMBELING I'M STILL WAITING FOR YOUR LESSON PLANS!!!) HEE HEE HA HA!
Larry Andrews 5907 Arrowwood Road Lincoln Nebraska 68526 laruandrews@yahoo.com Following my PhD at Missouri, I had a 40-year career at the University of Nebraska. I am retired now, reading and writing. I have only wonderful memories of my summers (1963 & 1964) as a counselor.	Staff 1963 - 1964 1963-Counselor; 1964-Head Counselor (Larry Andrews)
Leo Fennelly 1361 Shoemaker Drive Westland Michigan 48185 (734) 721-5578 leojfennelly@hotmail.com We left Somerville in Dec. '43 and moved to Michigan, where I learned the Tool and Die Trade at Ford Motor Company, completing my Apprenticeship in October 1949. Having been stricken with Polio in 1930, I was very fortunate with my left leg in a full length brace, orthopedic shoe with 3 3/4 inch lift, and retired the trade in 1989. Am active in the Knights of Columbus, and sing in the Choir at St. Mary's Church, Wayne, Michigan, and also sang with them for Pope John Paul II in the Vatican, Rome in 1997. Keep up the good work about VCCC as I will check the web-site often. Thanks again, Leo J. Fennelly, born and raised in Somerville, Massachusetts.	Camper 1940 - 1941 Thank you for the beautiful photos and story of the Camp I attended for three years, two weeks each year in August usually. Now at age 79, I still have vivid memories of those happy days, including the great personel in charge, Basil Walsh, Mrs. Walsh,and their daughter, also some of the Counselors at the Boy's Camp, Dean Northrup from Middlebury College, Charlie Wiggins whose father had an apple orchard near Lake Champlain, Bob ? and others whose names escape me, the totem pole next to the boy's lodge, Christie Cabin overlooking the dam and pond, the pollywogs, the overnite trips on the Long Trail, climbing up the ski trail on Killdevil Hill, and the climb to the summit of Mt. Horrid, overlooking Brandon Gap. Never forget the Aurora Borealus one night as we watched from the boy's campus lawn near the flag pole. Our cabin won the Honor cabin award constantly and we were treated to an allday picnic at Lake Dunmore. The train ride back to Boston was beautiful but somewhat sad, ending those great summer days, and the generous people of Camp.
Mae Walsh (1898-1973) Mae, daughter of Walter Thorpe, was co-director (with her husband, Basil) from 1933-1966. Over the course of many years, she helped to instill the caring and compassionate thinking of her father in 2 generations by encouraging her children and grandchildren to be involved with Camp.	Staff 1927 - 1966 Counselor, co-director The following story from a camper typifies Mae's presence at Camp: When I was a camper one year, about nine years old, (1958?) we had gone to a movie night in the auditorium. When it was over, for whatever reason, I pushed some girl on the lawn outside, and when we got back to the boy's camp, the head counselor chewed me out for it. I decided I wanted to leave camp and this opinion got down to your grandmother, Mae, who was the Director at that time (or perhaps Basil, I do not know). At any rate, she approached me after chapel the next day and asked me if I would walk with her up the road to get a bunch of some kind of flower she had in mind. So, of course, awed at being in the presence alone with the Director, I agreed readily. She talked with me the whole way about how important each camper was to the whole. And how she needed me to stay and help her make it a successful season, etc. By the end of that walk I loved that lady like my own grandmother. I never forgot that moment of understanding, tact, etc. I can still visualize her in a white dress and a little bag for her flowers. I do not remember getting the flowers and suspect it was just a ruse.
maria hadley po box 862 howard ks 67349 620-374-3016 ria66067@yahoo.com I am a mother of two beautiful children, living in a small town in Kansas. I can't wait to get back to Vermont and show the kids the mountains. I had a great summer at Camp Thorpe and met some amazing people. I think about you often.	Staff 1994 - 1994 Arts and Crafts Counselor It was me, the infamous art girl who thought it would be fun to paint the outside of the arts and crafts cabin with watercolors. Who knew it wouldn't come off??!! But the campers loved it. I had Heather C. in my cabin and had a great time with her.
Mark Hutchins 825D MOnterey Avenue Monrovia CA markhutchins60@yahoo.com Architect/Developer Will turn 55 (and enter senior-hood) this Spring. Lots and lots of memories and stories. Thunderstorms with Joyce hiding in the closet....	Camper 1957 - 1959 Well...many many. Think I will write them out and let you pick and choose. Staff 1967 - 1969 Theatre, Crafts, Chaplain (for one strange summer)
melliss forbes 1847 meehan rd Bristol vt 05445 4535262 mellissaforbes34@yahoo.com ujuu	Camper 1988 - 1999
Nancy Heath PSC 811 Box 124 FPO AE 09609 802 247 3962 heathwiz4@hotmail.com Married, two children,currently living in Italy, moving to San Diego soon.	Camper 1969 - 1973 Terry Maher bursting into the dining hall with flowers for Mrs. Heath EVERY morning. Lydia's sing-a-longs after supper Council Fires Water carnivals Capture the flag Blueberry Hill The time it hailed on July 25th when we were celebrating Christmas! Staff 1977 - 1984 Kitchen help, Counselor Mt. Reach Dances at Mt. Reach Lots of broken windows!
Peter Margerum 17 Plymouth St. Salem MA 01970 978 744 3824 7443824@comcast.net	Camper 1977 - 1978 I'm Peter's father. Peter, who is autistic, may have been the first mentally handicapped person at Camp Thorpe. Peter seems to have thoroughly enjoyed his time at Camp Thorpe as he likes to talk about it now. He talks about it a lot. (He talked infrequently about anything at the time he attended.) He gets quite happy looking at the pictures of the camp on the web. Peter says that "Camp Thorpe was a good camp" and "I had fun at Camp Thorpe." For Peter, that's garrulous. (He had previous attended a now defunct camp based of B.F.Skinner's theories and tells me "---- wasn't a good camp.") Peter profited greatly from his time at Camp Thorpe by being with "normal" handicapped kids rather than his usual association with kids with mental and psychological limitations. Being big, strong and physically adept, he was able to help those with physical problems despite his mental limitations. Peter through the years has continually increased in functionality and speaking skills and Camp Thorpe was part of that continuum. Ed Margerum
Rachel Audy 1427 Singleton Rd East Calais Vermont 05650 Danbygrl@hotmail.com I live in East Calais Vermont and work at Central Vt Home Health and Hospice as a Speech Language Pathologist. I am originally from Danby Vermont. I love spending time with friends, family and being outside and taking pictures	Staff 1997 - 2001 Pine Haven Head counselor, nature counselor There are so many...hay rides, camp songs, star gazing, weekends off, bedtime stories, capture the flag, Tom, folk singers, carnival, thunder and lightning storms, bears, campfires, all of the truely amazing campers and the wonderful counselors and i could go on and on. These were certainly some of the best times of my life and I think very fondly of my time there. I love to visit and see all of my old campers but miss the old counselors who I do not get to see very much...we should have staff reunion!!
Rebecca Lane-Basler 8264 Windmill Farms Drive Cotati CA 94931 707-793-7559 lanerebecca@hotmail.com I am living in Northern California with my husband and our Jack Russell Terrier. I work in a homeless services organization managing transitional housing for single mothers, and I'm also currently working towards my Masters degree in Public Administration.	Staff 1998 - 1998 General Counselor (Rebecca Lane) The summer I spent working for Camp Thorpe remains one of the best summers I've ever had. I learned more about myself and more about humanity than I ever expected. I remember loving the long walks and blueberry picking, the pure comedic genius at skit nights, singing before meals on the porch, hiking, how fantastic Ben & Jerry's tasted in the staff cabin, cleaning up our cabin with my co-counselor Katie after an unfortunate incident, great art projects, picking themes and decorating cabins in the beginning of the sessions, thunderstorms, and all the camp songs and celebrations and joy and challenges of every day. I still wear my tee shirt and am so happy to have found the website! The campers, the counselors and the staff are all in my thoughts and have my warmest wishes.
Stephen Bonuccelli Fairfax Station Virginia 22039 703-323-4932 I am 18 years old and a student at Chantilly High School in northern Virginia. I've attended Camp Thorpe for the past six summers, and I love Vermont!	Camper 1998 - 2001
stephen smiel 215 susan lane rutland vermont 05701 802-773-8678 jsmiel@aol.com	Camper 1989 - 2001 (stephen smiel) everything to everybody,when i started going to camp,my 1st memory was in 1989, on a haywagon ride and swim in the pool,now im 37, i have been now of 27 years at camp thorpe, thats my life. steve Staff 1989 - 2001 camper coordinator (stephen smiel) lyle and i have termendous memory of being there for each other,not just great summer,its really about friends and fun.
sue stoodard 5490 lake st Bridport vt 05734 lita200105443@yahoo.com I am married for 26 years and work on a farm for 15 years i have two boys 23 and 24 years old and 2 grandkids	Camper 1969 - 1976 (susan welch) i love going to camp and making friends and returning ever year seeing my freinds i have learn may things at camp i joy summing and going to blueberry hill
Suzanne Hopkins 411 Sked Street Pennington NJ 08534 609=737-8676 suzhopkins@gmail.com I was Suzanne Oliver when I was a counselor. I am now married and have 4 children, 16 year old twin girls, 15 year old girl, and a 12 year old boy. My training is in Art Therapy and I worked as a therapist for 6 years. I now babysit 2 children, a 4 year old boy and a 2 year old girl.	Staff 1984 - 1986 Art Counselor (Suzanne Oliver) I loved it all. It was such a good growing experience for me and it confirmed it for me that I wanted to be an Art Therapist. I worked on the children's side and absolutely loved it. I enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with most of the counselors and with Joyce and Bill Heath. I enjoyed the every day activities as well as Christmas in July, Carnival night Backwards day, movie night etc. I met many people whom I Loved working with and getting know them such as Kathy, Craig, Melody, Jeff, Nancy, Connie, Steve and the rest of the Heath clan. Each summer I went back, it was like returning to family again.
Tad Willard ewillardjr@vzavenue.net After living in Texas for 23 years, Annapolis Maryland is home. I am the proud uncle of 7 wonderful children. Love spending time with family, downhill skiing and yes I still enjoy playing jokes on folks. Also, I work at TASH, an organization for people with disabilities as co-director of a self-determination project. Would love to hear from fellow campers, and counselors. Please contact me at ewillardjr@vzavenue.net	Camper 1973 - 1981 How do you spend eight summers at Camp Thorpe and not treasures them.? From the warm smile from Mrs. Heath, greeting campers as we arrive, to piling into the green VW van going to Blue Berry Hill. Little things such as a special dinner with sundaes the first night to get our summer off to a wholesome kid friendly start to the summer, and the top notch caring counselors, made Camp Thorpe my “home away from home” A few campers and staff dream of having a Camp Thorpe reunion, we just need to hear from YOU! Once we get a good reply, plans for a wonderful weekend on “Thorpe Hill” will get underway.
Terry Heath 824 Sunset Hill Road Randolph VT	Staff 1977 - 1984 Nurse (Terry Ward) Fun times - overnights with campers, blueberry picking, skit nights.
Tim Bockes 36 Diana Drive Scottsville NY 14546 tbockes@rochester.rr.com Camp Thorpe helped steer me away from my original path (unsuccessful writer) to my current path (Professor of Psychology for the past 15 years).	Staff 1975 - 1976 Counselor Lots of 'em! Dave & Adele from England, Bob from Oklahoma, Craig (who posted above), Ted Russell, Bert and Arthur, Martha and Barry (not necessarily in that order), Barry's banjo playing on overnights, listening to Creedence and the Beatles' White Album over, and over again! More than anything, camp taught me how lucky I am, and how much value there is in sharing that luck and good fortune with others.
Vena Thorpe (1875-1959) Vena immigrated from Scotland with her family at age 17. She encouraged and supported her husband, Walter, in his efforts to start a camp for handicapped children. She remained very involved with Camp for many years after Walter's death.	Staff 1927 - 1940 Co-founder, Co-director, Director Vena encouraged her children and grandchildren to be involved with Camp. After her husband’s sudden death (at age 57), she helped in the transition to the next generation by supporting her daughter (Mae) and son-in-law (Basil Walsh) in their early years as co-directors.
Walter Thorpe (1875-1933) Walter immigrated from England, by himself, when he was 16. He put himself through college to become a minister and was well known throughout New England. In the summertime, he gave "chalk talks" (telling stories while drawing pictures) at summer camps. He saw there were no handicapped children at any of the camps, which led him to start the "Crippled Children's Camp" (commonly known as the 3Cs camp).	Staff 1927 - 1933 Founder, director Before donating the land and buildings to Camp, Walter made his summer home in Goshen, and he loved to work the land. During his years as director, the roads, trails, and buildings at Camp were lined with flower gardens, stone structures, and birdbaths.