The one and only beauty pageant I ever entered was at Camp Ta-Wa-Si in 1972 (when beauty pageants were cool). I can remember preparing for the big event. While the other entrants were busy deciding what bathing suit to wear and what song to sing, I was off negotiating with other campers the loan of some needed props and bits of costuming to make my presentation unique and impressive. I’m pretty sure construction paper, scissors and glue were involved.

There is a photo of me somewhere as a 10 year old tom boy, traipsing across the stage in full home-made scuba regalia. I remember a mask, snorkel, fins, cut-out bubbles attached to my head and a concocted striped bathing suit that covered my entire body. Needless to say, I did not make it to the semi-finals based on beauty, but I kicked butt in the talent category.

My first big singing debut was one of several cartoon songs in my repertoire, “Hello My Baby”, from Looney Tunes “One Froggy Evening”, and I sang it as the frog. (Michigan J. Frog was the frog’s name, he was the frog who was discovered at a construction site in box, and sang this song.) Anyway, I won the talent segment but came second overall. I guess the judges didn’t appreciate my take on beauty pageants…Winner or not, I can’t help but smile when I think of Summer camp.

Just a couple of days ago, I had the privilege to attend the open house for Camp Gencheff right around the corner from my place. Located in between Keppoch Beach and Tea Hill Park, Camp Gencheff sits right on the shore where you can see the sun come up in the morning and go down at night. The Camp’s mission:

“To help people with disabilities realize their full potential and experience the best quality of life that is possible.”

I met camp councilors, members of the Board, volunteers, sponsors, community organizations, and the campers themselves. And let me tell you, I have never been around a group pf people who understood the meaning of community and exercised more compassion for each other as I did during this wonderful event.

Those who have helped were thanked. And those who were thanked felt appreciated and part of something that does good. Something that makes a real difference in people’s lives. I had a chance to speak with a few former campers who are now grown-ups and their camp memories are as vivid and memorable as mine are of Camp Ta-Wa-Si.

To the Charlottetown Rotary Club, the Lions Clubs of PEI, the Harley Club, and the many other sponsors and volunteers who have helped to make Camp Gencheff a lasting experience for so many Island kids, congratulations and thank you.