Campeo appearances at Sprucelands involves alumni.

Joseph and Luke from two different camp eras worked together.

This last year I started an alumni page on facebook. It was one of the best decisions I made. To reconnect with so many campers and staff from years gone by. What wonderful memories we have been sharing. At the same time, we catch up with the people we are today.

I talked with my existing staff in the middle of the winter. They made a marvelous suggestion. Their idea was to invite those previous camper and staff members back to camp this summer so that they can share their adult skills, talents and interests with today's camper population.

Lily and Joseph spend a moment.

One staff member said, "They need to make a cameo appearance for a day or two or more to give a little back to Sprucelands." And then another suggested we call them 'campeo appearances'.

I started writing about 'campeos' on the alumni page and quite a number of folks have popped in to spend a day or an afternoon with us. It has been marvelous.

Caught Lisa and Carol together over an ice cream cone.

Joseph Keleher was here for a week, running hikes and art classes while sharing his stories from travel around the world. Luke DeBuyser spent a few days with us, pitching in with moving water jugs in the heat and helping with maintenance tasks. Julie Batelli pops in periodically to teach a riding class. She is attending summer classes at Geneseo College.

Karen and Jenna Watts spent a day enjoying camp. Karen helps me with our database program. She's a miracle worker. And Carol Reis who teaches at a local college worked her own miracles for a couple of very hot days helping in the art room with tye dying, in the kitchen with food preparations and of course, then there was the talent show.

Jaime Sawka took a break this past week from life in Chicago. For several days, she spent quality time with the riding staff, even taught a few classes. What a wonderful way to share her expertise with our existing campers. While she expanded our already quality horsemanship program, she gave our excellent riding staff a break in their teaching schedule. I know that was especially helpful this past week with temperatures near 90 degrees.

Jaime and Flirty came for a visit. It felt like old times.

I've heard from others who are still planning visits this summer. I love it. I feel as though my life is passing before my eyes because these folks are reconnecting. With each visit, we recall past camp stories and refresh our memories about the good times we had when they were campers or staff members. What a gift.

Guess I want everyone to know that you are welcome to make a 'campeo appearance' anytime. If you let us know when you are coming, we will roll out a royal Sprucelands welcome. Besides, when we know you are coming ahead of time, the best part is the anticipation of looking forward to seeing you.

Comments always welcome. Let us know what you think of our 'campeos'.