Scott Bowman
So, I was first introduced to Chanco as a staff brat in the late 70's. I attended my first session as a camper in 1981, living for a week in Revelations with Dane and Brian. I attended camp every year, either for a regular session or for Jr./Sr. High over the next 8 years. Also, I worked several summers in the late 80's and early 90's until I moved to New York in December 1991.
1977 or 78? - First introduced to Chanco as a tag along with my mother
1981 - First session
1984 - Order of Chanco (Man, did I think I was a big shot!)
Coolest memory - Living for an entire summer in the small cabin (I can't remember the name to save my life) behind the dining hall heading toward the Non-con cabins. Maybe it was only part of the summer, but seemed like forever. Anthony Cox and I shared the place and thought we were kings of Chanco. I'm sure all you staffers at the time thought differently!!!
Second coolest memory - Riding that blue Ford lawn mower all over camp for just about everything EXCEPT cutting the grass.
Since moving to New York...I was blessed to meet my wife in 1993. We were married in 1997 (BY KEITH OWENS!!! GO FIGURE!!!). We have two kids, Jared and Emily, 10 and 9. They are truly the blessings of our lives. They are the coolest kids ever and I couldn't imagine my life without them. I finished college in 1994 (SUNY-Albany), but had accidentally fallen in love with EMS. I was a volunteer EMT at the time and decided to abandon my degree that I had worked on for the last 4 1/2 years and go to Paramedic school. I have been a Paramedic now for 12 years and work two jobs - Paramedic Supervisor for the Albany County Sheriff's Dept, and Chief of Operations for Valatie Rescue. They tie up a lot of my time. My wife manages the household (and me for that matter) and is there for our kids. Aside from living in the arctic and hating the high taxes, I couldn't be happier.
I truly cherish my years at Chanco and give credit to Chanco and everyone involved there over the years for the man I am today. I wish that my children could have the same experiences.
Greg, nice job!!!! This is cool as hell!
Comments
YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT TO BE SAVED Mr. Bowman
I recall that summer as well staying in a the single room wood clapboard dwelling that rested on centerblocks between the non con buildings (new at the time) and the Dining Hall.
It was my favorite place to stay for its location made for easy rousing in the morning for breakfast/ it was close to the showers/ it was like no other structure on site - out of place yet proper for the setting.
It was screened in all around the exterior but like the tents had the same dimensions. It was not the Hurt Hut - after 1982 or so - I think the HH was primarily inhabited by snakes after a tree collapsed on the roof.
During Senior High sessions as staff brats we would play flashlight tag and it was a choice spot to hide under because one could get a good vantage point of the entire playing field.
I snuck a few session campers in there during rain storms that socked along the James.
The place and name were all but one - it was The Hilton. There was nothin' finer and we were Kings...
that cabin you an Anthony lived in
I think is was what used to be the Hurt Hut! When we built to new D-hall, we moved the infirmary there! Rebecca D lived there one summer, but didn't really "Cay-uh fer it" "Day=yum bugs bite me raiht through my pants"!
Hi, Scott!
Welcome home to Chanco (the online version anyway)! It has been a long time, but I am so happy to see you here!!! Oh, by the way, you would remember me as Helen Hamaker. Somers is a name I picked up along the way from my husband. Oh, yeah! You remember Boomer, right? :)
It was great to read your bio and know where you ended up and how you are doing. Sounds like you have an amazing family!! I am not surprised to hear from your mom's bio that you are a great dad and husband, and I am really glad to know you are happy. Somehow, your job choices make a lot of sense to me!
Did you ever admit to the best Chanco Chum gift ever? I can't remember...