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Pepe says Hello!

Pepe says Hello!

Let me tell you a bit about my friend, Pepe…..
by Shelly Duer Landau

As you probably know by know, Ann and Pepe are directors of Camp Nakanawa and have been for the past 39 years. We all understand how Ann found her way to Nakanawa…… First of all she’s of the female persuasion and secondly, she is Mitch’s niece. But Pepe found his way to Nakanawa via his “bride,” Ann.

Ann and Pepe were 29 years old when they became Nakanawa’s third directors. Pepe had already had a successful career in the poultry industry, working closely with his father in their family business in Georgia. When the call came to run a camp for girls, Pepe said he felt just that….. a calling.

And I can see that same “calling” today. As counselors, we are so busy teaching and taking care of our bunkies, that many times we do not see all of the behind-the-scenes work that Pepe does. I have seen a typical day in the life of Pepe Perron, and it is a long, full, busy day, for sure.

Pepe is the first to rise at camp, visiting the two camp dining halls, making sure all is set to go for the day, meeting the IWC truck, unloading the truck, all before our wake-up bell rings. He is usually at one of the camp flag raisings. What he loves most is to interact with the campers. How many times have I seen Pepe talking with a young junior camper before breakfast? They will be sitting together on the bleachers. Pepe will be asking the young camper how things are going. The little camper will be talking Pepe’s ear off about her favorite activity.

And speaking of activities, you will see both Ann and Pepe pop in to various classes. It may look random, but rest assured, they are checking in on a camper who may be homesick, who has some issues going on in her home life, or just may want to check in or a camper in order to give some feedback to a concerned parent.

Pepe makes his day look easy…..but it’s not. He is responsible for the entire physical plant at Nakanawa. That’s over 100 structures, with grounds larger than many state parks. Got a wasp nest? Call Pepe. An issue with any of the facilities? Call Pepe. An injured camper? Yes, that’s Ann and Pepe, too.

One of Pepe’s best roles is the leader of at Council Ring. Once a week, we gather by the council fire in the woods to celebrate the week’s activities and accomplishments. Pepe presides over the council, smiling at the campers, cheering on the challenges and congratulating all who receive their posture ribbons. After every council ring, Pepe will smile and say…..”It’s been a really good week.”

So whenever you see Pepe out and about camp, walk over and say hi. He loves to talk with all of us (campers and counselors) about our day, our activities, and (of course) our love of camp.

See you soon!
Shelly

CategoriesCamp News by

Ann says “Hi!”

Ann says "Hi!"

Hi, Everyone!
 
I’m Ann Mitchell Perron.  That’s me on the left with my sister Janet.  As most of you know, Pepe and I are the camp directors and live at camp year ’round in the Big House in Senior Camp.  I wanted to tell you about the time that I returned to camp during my summer off as a school teacher.
 
I returned to Nakanawa after an SOS was sent out from my sister to fill a vacancy on the staff mid-season. Being an Elementary School Art Teacher for grades 4-6 gave me summers of freedom to do whatever I wanted to do, as long as my husband agreed!
 
I came, got involved with the campers, staff, horses and riding, and returned for many summers. It was very different returning to camp after being in the “real world” for several years. As a teacher in a public school, you can really appreciate the true purpose of a camp setting and the benefits to be gained by everyone that is fortunate enough to live in such a setting if only for a few weeks.
 
There is a feeling of community at camp. Everyone is eager to help others, become involved, give of themselves, share knowledge, and freely give hugs, physically and emotionally. You seem to have more time to watch a snake move along through the grass and not be frightened; listen to the music of the birds and enjoy the fresh, cool air of early morning; appreciate the squirrels and chipmunks as they scamper and play; notice all the flowers and beauty that surrounds you; enjoy the laughter and singing of campers all around you; and feel the presence of God.
 
There are women of all ages, sizes, shapes, and backgrounds at camp. There is much to be learned by each and every one of them. The mature staff members are the mentors and role models for the younger counselors. The younger counselors are the mentors and role models for the campers. The campers provide the energy and enthusiasm to keep camp vibrant and alive! Everyone works together to provide a safe, healthy, happy environment.
 
Pepe and I are looking forward to a wonderful summer.
 
See you soon!
Ann