As far as Kilcoo’s alumni are concerned, Kilcoo’s 80th year drew to a close on Sunday, September 25th as the more than 160 who participated in the reunion weekend began to face reality as they dispersed and drove out beyond the camp gates to begin the drive home. And what a weekend it was!

For 37 dedicated golfers it began on the fairways of the Pinestone Resort golf course which very quickly became awash with heavy rains, rains which continued into the evening as the remaining alumni made their way up Highway 35 towards camp.

Saturday dawned cloudy and damp but that did not deter the 19 intrepid voyageurs who ventured forth on a paddle back mission from Minden, nor the many who played Frisbee golf, toured camp or in the case of two, set out for Bob Falls by canoe. Then in mid morning, defying all forecasts, the sun emerged and the rest of the weekend was sunny and increasingly warm. Those daring enough went swimming and those who didn’t made good use of the time to “catch up” with many friends from their days at camp. The cocktail party on the beach was a huge hit as it had been in previous reunions and while there, Brent Knightley brought everyone up to date on Amici’s 2011 achievements(145 campers sponsored) and its vision going forward(1000 campers).

The banquet featured a tasty roast beef meal served up by Chris and his staff and was followed by a singsong. Imagine if you will the spectacle of 170 staff and alumni of ages ranging from 20 to 80 singing When You Walk Through a Storm and All for One. Yes, the lodge was “rockin” and it was at times emotional. Followed by a slide show prepared by Andrew Short(2011 staff) and a great evening of fellowship that extended well into the early morning hours it was a time to remember. As Bill Braithwaite(Kilcoo,1949-51) summed it up, it was a lovefest.

Sunday morning featured our chapel service which was highlighted by a call to all alumni to cherish the best of memories while allowing for some smiles while thinking of those who have left us and a perspective on Kilcoo past and present by Bruce Haines(Kilcoo,1946-55)

With an attractive commemorative gift in hand, alumni slowly made their way to the lodge for a last meal and then home. With good memories of a great weekend to last us we can look forward to a return engagement in September, 2014.

To David and the entire Latimer family, to Chris and his staff in the kitchen, and to the hard working sleep deprived post camp staff we all offer our thanks for hosting and facilitating a great weekend.

Paul Chamberlain
Alumni co-ordinator