December 19, 2015

It has been seven years since I was last on Eagle Island. Since that time the Island has never been far from my thoughts. Nor would I want it to be.  Like all of you, I feel strongly that the time I spent at Eagle Island positively influenced the way I think, feel, and walk through my life. It still does. There is no mistaking it. I know that the tasks I completed there, the friends I made there, the songs I heard sung, and the time I spent at Eagle Island all contributed to making me the person I am today.

I consider myself to be an extraordinarily lucky individual. I was able to spend almost thirty-two years at the Island. During that time I met tens of thousands of campers, thousands of staff members, family campers, and volunteers. Each person I met was part of a mosaic of what the Island was and what we all know it will be again. Over those decades I watched as each new generation of campers fell in love with the Camp and what it had to offer. I am thankful that I was able to be a small part of that process. And I am grateful that I can continue to be a part of sharing of those experiences with others.

We all know that the Island is a special place.  We all know that it is easy to slip back in time and relive those summer days of sunshine and rain. Those nights gazing at the star filled sky or watching the full moon rising over Ampersand casting soft shadows along the Lakeside path.  We can easily recall the sound of the sailboats gently rocking at the moorings as a slight breeze skips across Upper Saranac Lake.  All the memories of these sights and sounds can bring us back in time. And, once there, we remember all the people we met and all the friendships that blossomed on the Island. Friendships that still hold strong decades after we first met. Friendships based on the shared experiences of time spent at Eagle Island.

Now we have the opportunity to make sure that new generations of campers will also see and hear what each of us still hold close to our heart.  We have the chance to ensure that new campers will grow up making lifelong friends, learning the same skills that we learned, and provide them with the chance to make the same memories. How can we do less?

Recently, I received word from the Friends of Eagle Island that the matching goal of $100,000 had been surpassed. I was very happy to receive that news. Each time another goal is met we all move closer to reopening the camp. There will be more challenges. But each goal that is met moves all of us closer to making it possible for future campers to also have the opportunity of one day reflecting back on summers spent at the Island.

On the day I left Eagle Island, as I tied the boat for the last time, a hole opened up in my heart. Now that hole is beginning to close. I’m asking you to join BethStar and me as we continue to support the goal of reopening Eagle Island to campers. Keep giving what you can, and give back to all of those who helped you come to Eagle Island. You should only contribute what you can afford. We already know that the gift comes from your heart. Thank you and I hope to see all you again at Eagle Island.

Sincerely,

Pete Benson, Saranac, NY
Eagle Island 1976 - 2008