What is your role at camp this summer?
I am going to be a CIT at WEHC this summer!
When was your first year at WEHC, and who or what brought you?
My first year at camp was technically 2020. West End was closed for the summer due to COVID, but I joined their virtual summer camp House at Home. 2021 was my real first year at camp. My dad went to a very similar summer camp when he was a kid, which is now closed. He wanted me to have the same experience, so we went searching for camps in Maine. We found this one just by chance, and that was it!
Do you have a nickname at camp?
Most people just call me Son.
How many years have you attended as a camper and counselor?
I have spent 5 years as a camper at West End House Camp, and this will be my first year as a counselor.
What are your first memories of West End House Camp?
I remember when I first arrived and my bunkmates grabbed my stuff for me and carried it to the bunk. I thought that the camp was huge.
What were your favorite camp activities as a camper? A a counselor?
My favorite activity as a camper was definitely Color War. The intensity of the counselors and campers around me was always surreal.
What is your favorite meal in the mess hall?
I love the chicken nuggets with ketchup.
What is it that keeps you coming back to WEHC?
The community and the activities, so many memories and good times, every summer is something new.
Can you share a funny story from or about camp?
One time Shane Gallagher drank a whole jar of pickle juice, you had to be there.
What is the best Color War memory you have?
Having Blue Eternals name called in the mess hall as the winners of Color War last year. It was a crazy feeling, it was a great way to end my career as a camper.
A life lesson you learned from going to West End House Camp?
I learned a lot about friendships. I feel that every year I get to know more people, and it’s crazy how there could be someone I never knew who’s so similar to me. So the value of friendships and meeting others.
Steve Lepler and Bill Margolin mean a lot to so many people, how have they had an influence on your life?
The history of Bill is pretty insane. I couldn’t imagine going to this camp for so long and seeing generation after generation of kids. I remember playing chess against him when I was in 2B (I got crushed). Bill is a big role model in my mind, he is the core of camp after all!
What does it mean to be ‘one of the boys’, and how important is that to you?
Being ‘one of the boys’ is experiencing all the emotions and excitement of camp together. Our experiences make us who we are, and bring us closer together.
Can you give an example of a random West End run in or connection you’ve had outside of camp?
One time I went to a Red Sox game and saw (former counselor) Sean Karass working as the ball boy! He was chatting it up with Aaron Judge). His job is pretty sick!
