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Sad to learn that Bernie Glickstern passed away this morning. This man who loved children, sports and camping had a great impact on so many of us. I don't think he realized that. We were lucky enough to know him in our youth and some of us were lucky enough to know him as adults. Always positive and always supportive. His legacy is built into everyone who calls himself a Balfourian. Balfour men are indeed fine; none finer than Bernie.

For the folks that were at Balfour during the early Seventies- there was a water skiing counselor named Dave Dierre. Don’t remember where he was from but he had an accent. One time during a display in front of the entire camp, Dave water skied while sitting on a lawn chair, perched on top of a disc. It was the stuff of legend. He made a huge impression on the campers and staff. I think that he was trying to drum up interest- and it worked. 

This is great. I was a camper from 1945 or 46 through 1955. I remember very well the names I saw so far like Ditty Fine and Sol Press. Arnie Amster was a with me all the time. He’s the grandson of the former owners. Robert Dunn, the son of the owners at the time was there too. Kit and Chick Kodak were there also. Climbing Mt. Marcy, canoe trip on Long Lake and softball games with other camps made the summers but nothing beat the color wars. Loved it all.

Still have my tee shirt though but would need a stretcher to get it on. Oh, that I was that thin again. :O)

My brain must be fried. I don't remember the years I attended camp. If you recognize me, please help me and be kind!

Thanks and Best Regards to all,

Bob

This will only be a short introduction. Fortunately my memories are endless. Despite reaching Age 75

in 2,weeks,,Balfour’s memories are very strong. I will try to be chronological from

my first year on. I hope some of those campers whose names are remember will be still be around 

to respond.

Never ever had a hot shower at Balfour. 

Any one remember Chef Harry? Sol Press? Oscar Dombrow?

The author R.S. Duchin wrote a book titled "Not Enough of Her- Ordinary People Extraordinary Love". Chapter 14 is about his years at Balfour Lake Camp! There are some interesting details and it is fun reading this chapter. Google it!

FYI- Robert Garrow was shot to death after he escaped from Fishkill prison in 1978. I thought you all would like to know that he is not around anymore.

The first girl that I ever kissed was from Camp Chenawa. Her name was Susan Hagler. Funny thing, she lived two blocks away from me back in the world. Can anybody top that? Probably.

So yesterday was the 45th anniversary of the walk on the moon. It was also the day that our bunk got to go to Bernie and Phyllis’s house for dinner and TV. It  just happened to coincide with the day that we took "one giant step for mankind".   My memory of that historic event will forever be tied to Balfour Lake Camp and the incredible childhood that I was so privileged to have had.  I can't believe it was 45 years ago or that i am that old....lol  Time goes fast!

I was fortunate enough to have bunked with Don for at least 4 years, maybe 5? Along with Go-Go Ginsberg! Don was an excellent left handed batter, and an agressive basketball player. He was always quick with a joke, or a light of your smoke. No seriously, Don always was an upbeat person with never a bad thing to say about anyone. To me, he made Balfour a happier place to be. Good to hear from you, Don! I don't think that I've heard from you since 1975!

I had breakfast with Don over Thanksgiving.  In addition to being at Balfour together, we went to high school together in Bellmore, NY.  Don and his brother are both doing great and it's nice to get more members who actually have a long-term memory and can share things from the Balfour days!

Some day soon, as I uncover from a recent move, I'll be searching my archives for photos to post as well.

I believe that, around 1972, we had a head counselor named Ernie, and that he began each morning with:

Good morning, good morning, gooooooooood morning,

It's a beautiful Balfour morning,

Counselors get the campers up, campers get the counselors up,

Open up the shutters and let the cold air out and the warm air in.

Ironically, he would then, as often as not, go on to tell us to wear long pants, long sleeves and a jacket.

Green, green, the Briar's green

At the rock of Minerva Hill,

Four flats, a hundred bucks,

And it's down at Gallagher's still.

I'm sure that I'm not alone in remembering that one, but I have no idea if I have the number of bucks correct.

I remember an amazing parody by Balfourians of Buffalo Sringfield's "Stop Children What's that Sound" that was about bugs and 6-12. The line that I remember is "Stop, hey, what's that sound, everybody pass the 6-12 'round." Does anyone remember more of the lyrics?

Fellow Balfourians:

I am sad to report that Gary Fader passed away today of natural causes.  He was my brother and best friend for many years and while recent years were hard on him I will never forget his brilliant mind and sense of humor.  Rest in Peace, my brother...