Sunday, August 9- Come Campers Mark This Day!

Usually, on the first or second Sunday in August, the Camp Birthday was celebrated. This was a huge event, often with costumed skits performed by campers and counselors, special activities, and of course, special food. The culmination was a banquet-like dinner, which included a humongous, beautifully decorated cake by Albert. The cake was so special, that we all had to line-up in order to take pictures of it. The day even started specially. In 1959, Mrs. Spec was still quite lively, and always had a significant role in making the day's announcements. On a typical day, when she would stand, the entire dining room would have to come to a complete standstill. She would totter around the Director's Table, and say, 'Good morning everybody." We would dutifully reply, "Good morning, Mrs. Spec." She would then proceed to tell us what was in store for us. However, on the Camp's Birthday, when Mrs. Spec would say " Good morning, everybody.", we could respond, "Good Morning, Mrs. Spec-torrrrrrr-SKY!!!" This was apparently quite hilarious, and we would have to be calmed down by the counselors in order for Mrs. Spec to continue. Starting from breakfast on, there was singing. Special songs that only could be sung on the Camp's Birthday: Ho Lenore, Come Campers Mark This Day, We're From Camp Lenore,- along with the "standards' of No Common Task, Here's to Thee, 196_, The Spirit of Lenore, and many others. An entry from the 1960 Lenorlog, by Judy Klimpl, captures some of the ambience:
"The usual Sunday program was altered on August 7, due to the celebration of Lenore's 43 birthday. After the Assembly, which consisted of team, and numerous camp songs, we were divided into three groups according to our individual birth months. This year's theme was "Happy Birthday!" The sound of the bugle at 3;30 summoned the three groups, arrayed in colorful costumes, to the front lawn for the presentation of the skits. The skits were delivered as part of the birthday celebration of Margie and Eloise, played respectively by Sandy and Foxie (head counselors) Artistic flats, designed by Penny and Fifi, represented each of the three skits, "King Size Birthday", "Out of this World", and "Witches Escapade." The cutting of the cake by the oldest campers completed the enjoyable tradition."

I had forgotten that if you were a returning camper of at least four years, (I think) you could cut the cake. And the camper who had attended Lenore the longest was saved for last, and got some sort of special recognition. So, Lenore, in honor of your birthday, here's a rousing 'Ho Lenore" to you! (There are two different lyrics printed in past Lenorlogs!)

Ho Lenore! Honor and glory to your name
Ho Lenore ! Brighter and brighter grows your fame!
With love sincere, shouting your name so clear
Sounding a chorus with resounding cheer
Ho Lenore! Sing it aloud of it we're proud
Our camp, dearest of all Lenore!

"We're From Camp Lenore":

Group #1:We're From Camp Lenore!
Group #2; (We're from Camp Lenore!)
#1: Lots of things to do
#2: (Lots of things to do)
#1: Here at camp
#2: (Here at camp)
#1: We're from Camp Lenore!
#2: (We're from Camp Lenore!)
#1: Joys and laughter
(Together) Mem'ries ever after
Of our camp!