Stoney Lake Reflections

Go back to when it was hip to be square and take a listen to this beautious recording of camp from the 1980's.

More trips; Don's favorite place at camp and his favorite job. A former surgeon wants to work on the maintenance crew !?! Emerson Barn overhaul Building a new maintenance barn Don's appreciation of the 'E' in Stoney Lake! Repurposing the North Center dining hall to the Doc Miller Learning Center What advice he would give people working at camp today Don's one word for camp and what it means to him

A modern take on a YMCA Storer Camps legend. As old as fire, gathering together and sharing oral traditions hve been an important part of almost every culture. Such traditions evolve, change, and adapt as permutations occur through time and the re-telling.  There are several versions of this story that have been shared through the years.  The Stoney Lake Reflections Project recorded this version to mend a break in the chain of this storytelling tradition.  Now Alumni and friends can enjoy this as a piece of nostalgic 'recorded history' and current staff can reference the story to prevent it fading into obscurity. The Legend of Mona Greenfield performed by Mary Mennel Edited & Produced by Dustin Smith ©2018 Stoney Lake Reflections / GoldenTime Marketing; All Rights Reserved

Our guest: Mr. Don Klotz, Dr. Don Klotz, or just 'Uncle Don'. Don arrived on the shores of Stoney lake in 1943 and was one of the original Doc’s Boys. We talk to Don and get a glimpse of what camp was like during his time. We also learn the various positions done had as well as some interesting stories along his camp adventures. We learn of a promise he made and later fulfilled about YMCA Storer Camps.

Download Episode! Stoney Lake Reflections Show Notes Episode: 09 Clark Ewing What I have to say: I visited with Clark and Marilyn in August of 2017. Jenni Lane :) made all the arrangements for this interview to happen and for that I am grateful. The Ewings invited me into their abode in Saline, Michigan for an afternoon of great reflections. For starters, Clark hasn’t changed a bit! As an interviewer I was on the edge of my seat as I listened to his reflections. At once I was a camper again, waiting to be entertained…and I was also that young staffer who absorbed any crumbs of wisdom from this camp giant (or is it oracle?). As an adult, I sat there in awe. It is impossible to separate the history of camp and this couple, without one, you would not have the other. This fact cannot be overstated and is not up to debate. I’ll wait to publish more insights on my meeting with Clark & Marilyn in a devoted blog article.  But for now, I’ll let Clark tell his story in his own words. You will also hear Marilyn ch

Download Episode!   Stoney Lake Reflections Show Notes Episode: 07 Clark Ewing What I have to say: I visited with Clark and Marilyn in August of 2017. Jenni Lane made all the arrangements for this interview to happen and for that I am grateful. The Ewings invited me into their abode in Saline, Michigan for an afternoon of great reflections. For starters, Clark hasn’t changed a bit! As an interviewer I was on the edge of my seat as I listened to his reflections. At once I was a camper again, waiting to be entertained…and I was also that young staffer who absorbed any crumbs of wisdom from this camp giant (or is it oracle?). As an adult, I sat there in awe. It is impossible to separate the history of camp and this couple, without one, you would not have the other. This fact cannot be overstated and is not up to debate. I’ll wait to publish more insights on my meeting with Clark & Marilyn in a devoted blog article.  But for now, I’ll let Clark tell his story in his own words. You will also hear Marilyn chim

Download Episode! Stoney Lake Reflections Show Notes Episode: 07 Clark Ewing What I have to say: I visited with Clark and Marilyn in August of 2017. Jenni Lane made all the arrangements for this interview to happen and for that I am grateful. The Ewings invited me into their abode in Saline, Michigan for an afternoon of great reflections. For starters, Clark hasn’t changed a bit! As an interviewer I was on the edge of my seat as I listened to his reflections. At once I was a camper again, waiting to be entertained…and I was also that young staffer who absorbed any crumbs of wisdom from this camp giant (or is it oracle?). As an adult, I sat there in awe. It is impossible to separate the history of camp and this couple, without one, you would not have the other. This fact cannot be overstated and is not up to debate. I’ll wait to publish more insights on my meeting with Clark & Marilyn in a devoted blog article.  But for now, I’ll let Clark tell his story in his own words. Enjoy.   Show Notes: How Clark g

Download Episode!  Editor's Note: There were some great challenges with audio quality on this episode...apologies in advance! Show Notes Episode: 05 Jim & Judy Mohr In this second episode I spoke with Jim ‘Father Nature’ about the natural environment at camp and what makes it special. Jim details the diverse and unique ecosystems found at camp, some of them that are rare globally. Examples of varied ecosystem on nearly 1400 acres. Boasting 17 different types of soil lead to such a diverse environment. From fens, sedge meadow, rich Tamarack forest (almost gone) wet meadow to Black Oak barrens to Savannah.   South Fen is Jim’s favorite place at camp since it is such a unique blend of plants and every time he visits he seems something new. And this is after viewing it for 57 years!  What is a Fen?    The benefits of prescribed burns are discussed as well as clearing buckthorn swamp giving way to new growth after the invasive species were addressed.   Jim outlines unique flora and fauna, in and around

Download Episode! Stoney Lake Reflections Show Notes Episode: 06 Jim & Judy Mohr What I have to say: Jim & Judy were very much parental figures for me and countless others.  Their roles as 'in loco parentis' were not cemented because of their age in relation to younger staff, but with their stage in life, Storer experiences, and willingness not to only support campers, but support the staff.  It was a knowing look, a reassuring glance, a quick chat during some long days that helpred many of us to dig a little deeper to make the Storer magic happen.  They were a couple who had seen it all at camp, who were once in our shoes.  With their experience came great wisdom and calm, almost silent leadership for us 'young kids' on staff.  It was quite wonderous in the 1990s to have Jim & Judy as true examples of what we were there for.  It was amazing to think, we were fortunate enough to work along side with these two 'legends' who preceded us (at that time) by a few decades.   It was such a solid example

Download Episode! Stoney Lake Reflections Show Notes Episode: 04 Jim & Judy Mohr I Sat down with Jim and Judy in August of 2017 at their home in Ann Arbor to catch up with what they are doing now as well as discuss their reflections.  As you can imagine they were as welcoming as ever, even though it had been around 16 years since our last face to face meeting.  (Don't let that happen to you with your camp friends).  The great news is, as it happens with most camp folks, we picked right up where we left off! Our reunion started with Jim & Judy welcoming me and Jen into their home.  When making plans to visit, they had invited us to dine with them after recording our chat.  An invitation we could not turn down.  And  boy was I glad we didn't have conflicting plans.  Upon entering their lovely home, it quickly became apparent Judy had stareted cooking some tomato sauce for that night's dinner.  The smell of simmering tomatos and spices certainly set the stage for a great evening to come.  This was an in

Download Episode! Enjoy our last of three episodes with Mary! 0 Stoney Lake Reflections Show Notes Episode: 03 Mary Mennel SHOW NOTES   Staff housing and living in the "THE 'A' Frame" later known as 'Mary's A Frame' (even after she left) The importance of selecting the right staff and what qualities to look for Special and favorite traditions Co-Leading Storer’s first European Biker in 1977 Leading other venture out trips Favorite place and activity at camp Mary & Mona Secret to Mary’s success In celebration of Mary… ‘Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble’- I push her to accept some praise ;)   [caption id="attachment_4802" align="aligncenter" width="701"] Mary Mennel Trip Leader[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4793" align="aligncenter" width="672"] Mary Mennel; Andrew Smith '77[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4763" align="aligncenter" width="498"] Bassem el-Hibri '77 European Bike Trip 'Karanvansari'[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4754" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Mary Mennel and trip

Download Episode!         The interview is one part reunion and many parts reminiscing. Interviewers usually shouldn’t be fawning, but this is a podcast, not a formal interview :). Considering Mary’s 17 year professional tenure at camp, I was naturally eager to sit down with what I consider a Storer legend. She is much more humble than to easily accept such a distinction or moniker.  I felt that she would be my perfect guest to launch the Stoney Lake Reflections Podcast. Her laugh is as contagious as her enthusiasm for Camp Storer and I appreciate her graciously accepting my invitation to record her thoughts for Stoney Lake Reflections. Quick Facts Staff: 1968-1989   – K1973-1983 OE; 1984-89 OE Director –As camper: 1959-1968 –Positions: Summer Camper, Trip Camper, Volunteer, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Ranch Counselor, Trip Leader, Kitchen Supervisor, Village Director, Horse Barn Manager, North Center Summer Camp Director, OE Staff, OE Center Director, OE Director   HIGHLIGHTS Representing the child

    Download Episode!         Stoney Lake Reflections Show Notes Episode: 01 Mary Mennel   I sat down with Mary Mennel at the 577 Foundation where she was the Executive Director for 28 years.  It was a beautiful August afternoon to discuss some of her Stoney Lake Reflections. I have known Mary since childhood, but we really got to know each other when she was the North Center Director and I was a long term camper during the Summers of ‘84 and ‘85. (Unbeknownst to me at the time, by me going to North Center , it created a small custody battle between Margaret Spoleman and Mary). Before Mary departed Storer in ‘89 she and Greg McKee interviewed me prior to my first year on staff in 1990!  During my time at Storer through various positions, I came to fully appreciate Mary’s approach to leadership and how important it was to have such a positive Storer role model. The interview is one part reunion and many parts reminiscing. Interviewers usually shouldn’t be fawning, but this is a podcast, not a formal interview