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Alex Quigley || Amy Fisher || Kelly Ann LaPietra Kelly Ann LaPietra was a counselor at WK for one summer. She lived with the oldest campers and taught athletics. She comes from Maywood, New Jersey and attended the Rutgers University. The following summer, she sent us the this letter. Dear WK Staff, Well, it's that time of year again -- the days are getting longer and the crowds at the beach are getting thicker, and of course, it's time for another spectacular summer at Camp Wingate Kirkland. I just wanted you all to know that, even though I am not returning to Yarmouth Port this summer, it doesn't mean that last summer wasn't the greatest summer of my life. Boarding the bus at the corner of my little street in Maywood, NJ, and taking it all the way up 95 N, up the coast to the Bonanza bus depot in Hyannis that warm June day, a million thoughts were running through my head. Would I be a good counselor? Would I like camp? Would I be able to pay my bills without having made any significant money this summer? (just kidding) Would I make friends or would I just be some girl from Jersey who wanted to be a part of something special, but couldn't just show up the first day of staff week and be accepted? Surprisingly enough, the moment I saw Brian Beale at the bus depot, I knew I hadn't made a mistake. Although the majority of both campers and counselors at WK have been a part of the tradition for years, I never once felt like an outsider. From the plethora of email exchanges with Joris weeks before camp began, to the long chats I shared with Barb and Ilene over the summer, I felt like WK was where I belonged. I can't really explain what it was, still is, about that little camp off White Rock Road, but I really felt a connection to both the place and the people. I remember hanging out during staff week and hoping that it would never end. I remember the long chats I shared with fellow counselors before the campers arrrived, the activities we did together -- bowling, a soccer game, and a trip to the ice cream store. I remember being in the car with Avi and Jamie, discussing the camp video, and thinking that I couldn't understand what it was about camp that could stir up so many emotions in people. In explaining the video to Jamie, who had never seen it, I realized that I would probably feel the same way as the campers and counselors on the video by the end of my summer at camp. Although I couldn't understand it at the time, I accepted that I, too, would go through this transformation and would have a hard time not returning to camp the next summer. It may seem silly. If I felt so strongly about such a place why would there be any hesitation in returning for another wonderful summer? The truth is that last summer will forever stay in my memory as such a unique and perfect experience. I cannot imagine another summer being as great. This summer I am working as a counselor for a teen tour company. My trip is scheduled to start in Salt Lake City and head north into Western Canada and then down through Seatlle. We are going to travel down the coast and then through Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. It should be another great summer -- at least I will get to see some beautiful things that I have never seen before. I want you all to know that you and WK will be in my thoughts this summer. I hope this summer is even better than the last one for all of you. Take care, and enjoy yourself. For all you new counselors -- you couldn't have picked a better place to spend your summer. I will miss you. Love, Kelly
Alex Quigley || Amy Fisher || Kelly Ann LaPietra
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