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