In addition to the work we do on the Archive Project website, many of us have volunteered behind the scenes to promote the history and traditions of Fuller and have stepped up for work days.  We organized and ran a few meaningful events which focused on assisting the new staff and leadership team to get ready for the 2024 season.

‍

MAY 22: SPIRIT AND TRADITIONS ROUNDTABLE

Before the gates opened this summer, we worked closely with Josh Schupack and his staff to introduce newcomers (including Josh) to the history and traditions of Camp Fuller.  Several of us met in the Ad Building with Josh for a “Roundtable” discussion about the Spirit and Traditions of camp.  Lead by former directors Kate Messier and Peter Swain, our group identified what we considered to be important traditions which make up the fabric of Fuller. Council fires, flag raising, songs and cheers, scary stories and devotions were all described along with ideas on how to keep them going.  At the end of the evening, all in attendance felt confident that the spirit of Camp Fuller would continue through the passing on of these important traditions.  Thanks to those who helped out with this important event:  Kate Messier, Louisa Votava, Rachael Lewis, Steven Schwartz, Jonathan Geiger, Dan Swain, Michaela Swain, Hillary Fifer, Peter Swain and Rick Gaddes.  

‍

JUNE 8: FULLER BOAT MAINTENANCE DAY

Kudos to Peter Swain and the group of alumni who participated in a full day of boat maintenance on Saturday June 8.  Several Fuller sailors showed up ready to roll up their sleeves and get the fleet ready for the opening of camp.

Among those in attendance to work on the Quests, 420s, Cape Cods and several windsurfing boards were:  Max Fater, Andrew Miller, Bruno Kleinecht, Sam Kaplan, Julia Miller,

Arial Shapiro, Tucker Drake, Chris Kleinecht, Louisa Votava, Danika Votava, Dan Swain, Michaela Swain, Brian Kahn, Ben Kahn, Toby Mueller and Kate Messier.

‍

Much of the work that had not been done in a few years was performed which included cleaning, re-rigging, sail inspections and hardware repairs.  By the end of the day, a fleet of boats was ready for the oncoming Fuller sailors and windsurfers.

‍

JUNE 19: STAFF TRAINING EVENING

Returning to camp for a third consecutive year, the Camp Fuller Archive Project Committee delivered a meaningful and impactful program to the 2024 summer staff.  Our goal was to introduce the staff to the rich history of Camp Fuller woven into conversations about the spirit and traditions of camp.  After dinner in the mess hall, we presented a slide show which showcased historic and current photos of camp and camp life.  Each committee member spoke about the important aspects of Camp Fuller and what has kept it going for generations.  Kate Messier, Rachael Lewis, Peter Swain, Louisa Votava, Steven Schwartz, Jonathan Geiger, Michaela Swain, Rick Gaddes and Dan Swain all spoke about the deep traditions of camp and suggested ways to keep those traditions alive.  We encouraged the staff to become a part of the spirit of Camp Fuller and start new traditions while there. The staff was eager to learn as much about Fuller as they could and participated in a lively question and answer session afterwards.  Historic artifacts, more photos, song books and memorabilia were on display for the new staff to see.

We closed out the evening with an ice cream social in the mess hall and mingled with the staff while continuing to answer questions and talk about the magic of Camp Fuller.  Those in attendance (about 80) left the evening with a deeper understanding about where they were, how Fuller has survived and prospered over the years and felt a connection to those who came before them.