memories of camp yallani...my best friend CLEAVER is still my most favorite person in the whole world. we shared summer after summer of dishwashing, cooking in the kitchen and finally, camp counselors...growing up at camp yallani. this was hands down the most memorable time of my teen life. it kept me out of big time trouble and i made the most lasting friendship of my life...can't tell her enough how special she is. now if i can just find those camp pictures!!! stay tuned for more.
some pictures found! :)
Ok - those pictures are the BEST! You were so way cooler than me in da 80s. Totally awesome!
ReplyDeleteI the the pictures and the "letter art"!! Reminds me of the old album covers!! You sure look like you were having the time of your life. Some people never have that experience, but I am sure glad you did!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! U still have all those letters and envelopes? Rad! What a flashback...and me as a blonde...and skinny..! THose were the days....I love u too Miss Pogo and cherish those days too! Now I'll have to dig thru my pics! Remember YO? and Dorothy, the cook?
ReplyDeleteFound your site through Google -ing "Camp Yallani" I am 55 years old and went to Camp Yallani when I was 9 -- just a few years ago. It was the best two weeks of my childhood. Recently returned with my husband (he is an understanding soul) to the former Camp Yallani -- now known as Camp Metoche. New owners were very kind and allowed us to wander the camp alone. Does anyone remember the butterscotch tree? The old camp bell was still outside the lodge and I was able to locate my cabin. It was wonderful. WoHeLo.
ReplyDeleteGoing through some old albums and letters that belonged to my mother and found a letter -- on "official" Camp Yallani stationary -- written to my mother with the words to the Camp Yallani song enclosed. This may jog your memory a bit:
ReplyDeleteCamp Yallani, Camp Yallani,
With the mountians pointing to the sky-
(boom boom boom)
Camp Yallani, Camp Yallani,
With the Santa Ana flowing by.
Have you roamed the forest for hours?
Gathering pine cones, wild ferns, and flowers --
Sometimes caught in downpouring showers-
That's our Camp Yallani, Yallani!
WoHeLo - Leslie
Yes, I do remember the Butterscotch tree....I was actually "crowned" Miss Magic Forest in 1959 or 1960 (somewhere around there). I'm sure they don't do that anymore! A beauty contest walking around the pool :)
ReplyDeleteGreat memories of Camp Yallani! We should have a reunion....5 sons and 6 grandchildren later.
I also found you when I googled Camp Yallani! I just turned 57 (yikes!) and went to Camp Yallani for 4 years starting when I was 9. I loved Yallani!! I was an 11 year member of Camp Fire starting in Blue Birds and leaving in high school in Horizon Club. I grew up in Westchester. After Camp Yallani I became a camp counselor for Westchester YMCA at Camp Big Pines, then onto camp staff of YMCA Camp Little Green Valley, Camp Round Meadow and Camp Mozumdar. My favorite memories of Yallani are of sleeping on cots under the stars! and hiking to Jenks Lake and up Poop Out hill to Dollar Lake and beyond! I remember the butterscotch tree! I washed many dishes when it was our cabins turn at dining hall duty!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and I love your blog! Janis
I was a counselor at one of those camps (Jewish Camp) that used Yalani in summer and you were the kitchen staff. I especially remember when several of you, led by dark-haired Traci (I saw her in one of your pics on another page) started a practical joke war with us -- it ended with Traci hog-tied and hanging from the rafters during lunch...remember that? Hard to forget, eh? thanks for the memories.
ReplyDelete