Paddle of Pride Award

The Paddle of Pride Award

The Paddle of Pride is a new award created on Taylor “The Chief” Statten’s birthday designed to celebrate his determination and indefatigable spirit.  This award is given at Ahmek in each of the 4 camp sessions during the summer to the camper who best exemplifies the qualities The Chief set out to encourage in all young men: independence, strength of character, honesty, fairness, and warmth.

July 2011 2nd session recipient -  Charlie Gormley.

Charlie Gormley is an amazing camp success story.  At the P-Store pick-up Charlie was clearly very hesitant about camp and took some convincing to get aboard the bus.  Once at camp, Charlie remained unsure about camp life and quickly became homesick.  Through talks with his Counselor and Section Director Charlie set about creating a system that would work for him in terms of his daily and nightly routine.  Within a few short days, Charlie was laughing often and, though he sometimes got blue at the thought of home and loved ones, he didn’t let that affect his participation in activities or the many friendships he made.  For sticking it out and actively working to rid himself of homesickness, we salute Charlie and his incredible spirit.  May the Four Winds carry him back to us next summer!

July 2011 1st session recipient – Conner Bourke.

Conner Bourke is a very enthusiastic and happy young man whose enthusiasm was not always shared by others.  Rather than become daunted by the negativity of a relative few around him, Conner went on to have an excellent time, to share stories for the 15-day Final Banquet, and to show off his incredible dance moves.  Congratulations to Conner, may he continue to be himself and to exhibit all the amazing qualities that we have seen in him.