Alumnae Spotlight - Megan Grinder
Interviewer: Rachael Groves
Name: Megan Wellford Grinder
How many years & which years were you a camper?
I was a camper for 7 summers 1984-1990.
Valk or Zon?
Valk!
How many years & which years were you a counselor? Which activity did you teach?
I was a 2 week counselor in 1991 and a 6 week counselor in 1992 and 1993 and taught riding.
What’s your day job?
I’m an artist.
What’s something you’re proud of (personal or professional)?
I’m most proud of raising two decent humans with whom I enjoy spending time.
Is there someone at camp who influenced you or made an impact on your life?
So many, but Jan Harper stands out. I was a dining hall aide almost every summer, and she was in charge of the dining hall. Jan had high expectations of us but never had to do more than raise an eyebrow to inspire us to meet them. She was also our TR Mama.
Any advice for younger campers/counselors (personal or professional)?Keep in touch with your camp friends as years go by. Friendships formed at camp are so special.
What’s something that’s not on your resume?
Oh Lord! What is? I haven’t updated my resume in years!
Did you ever pull any pranks?
I think we were always planning pranks – not sure how many we actually pulled off, though. We short-sheeted counselors’ beds, started barnyards, etc. As a counselor, I painted a mural in the hayloft of the barn and, with several others, attempted to “steal” the canoes of a group that was on an overnight to Carson’s Point in ’88. I’m sure there were others.
Favorite camp memory:
So many, but the simple ones stand out:
-Dance parties in cabin 13 with counselor, Stephanie Robinson
-Hanging in the hammock behind Ann and Pepe’s with friends
-Walks to the gate or dam
-Sunset in the field with Katie Hansen Heckel
Favorite camp meal:
Taco lunch and Saturday supper. Oh my goodness, I love frozen fruit salad!
Favorite camp song:
So hard to narrow down – I love them all! But, if I had to choose, I’d say the rival songs – both Amazon and Valkyrie. I loved singing “We never knew we could love any rivals…,” and I loved hearing “Hail dear old Valkyries…” Such a great way to end healthy competition.
Memorable devotion:
One year a counselor taped a piece of paper to each of our backs, and we all wrote something we liked about each bunkie on the paper taped to their backs. At the end, everyone had a sheet full of love and kindness to treasure.
Favorite camp activity/special event:
I really loved a good Evening Entertainment game – Human Bingo was a favorite!
Did you ever break any camp rules?
Certainly not any big ones!
I definitely talked after taps…
Dream job:
If not what I’m doing right now maybe landscape architect or forest ranger.