NBZ Newsletter: 2023 February
What we'd do to sit on the dock of Beulah right now
A Wintery Weekend at Camp
Even driving in the snow, Camp remains one of the most beautiful places on earth. With the changing of seasons, it is refreshing to be back where some things never change. We still saw the bright brown cabins, we sought peace on Chapel Hill and walking through the pines continued to be both frightful and calming all at once. We were transported back to simpler times and reminded of all the silly things that camp brings. In January, a committee within NBZ went up for an evening to discuss the future of NBZ and plan and prepare for the summer that is approaching. As I reflect on our short time that weekend, the thing that sticks with me the most is: NBZ needs to continue to be a presence in people’s lives at camp and at home. We discussed the success of the merchandise we sold; we went through boxes and boxes of camp photos and memorabilia. We spent hours laughing at old photos of people on the docks, cleaning cabins, and doing other shenanigans around camp. We had four generations of NBZ members present. It is clear that no matter what, at camp, there is always a time for fun. We traded cabin prank stories, first love stories, and crazy camper stories. We talked about our different ceremonies, the sanctity of how those never change, and the importance of that consistency. It was a reminder to us all, that there really is a time for camp, now and in the future. Camp Edwards stays at N8901 Army Lake Road, and there is a time for us to head back there, whether physically or spiritually. We, as a tribe, need to be participating more in our mission as Senior Master Campers. This summer, you will see NBZ at check-in and check-out days, so please stop by and share your stories. Bring your trinkets and photos to be preserved at camp. We look forward to seeing you!
We have a more active presence on social media (TikTok, meet NBZ!), and we are working with the young staff and campers to stress to them the importance of making time in our life for NBZ and creating legacies that will live long after our time at camp is physically done. I don’t know if Mr. and Mrs. A.D Edwards and the other founding fathers of our camp realized the amount of joy and love that Camp Edwards brings to our hearts, but we have it, and it’s not going anywhere. There truly is a time for some things at Camp Edwards, and we are ready to see you there!
Like the Trading Post for grownups!
We have new merch!
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Megan Miles Hahn (NBZ ‘88, LIT ‘90, JL ‘91, staff ‘92-94, current NBZ Treasurer) and although I'm a math teacher by trade, my passion is photography. One of my camp besties had asked me for a photo of the waterfront at camp to hang in her office so that she can look at it anytime she needs to be reminded of her happy place. That got me thinking that we all could use a reminder of our happy place so I decided to share my photographs of all the beautiful spots at camp and also raise funds for NBZ. I talked to the rest of the NBZ board at one of our meetings and we came up with the idea of turning the photos into posters ala the vintage National Park posters that are so popular. The challenge was laid down and I happily accepted it and created the posters that are currently for sale here <insert link to Shopify site>. I included spots from around camp so whether you want to be reminded of happiness and fun at the waterfront, the excitement of walking up the camp road to start your adventure, the quiet solitude of Sunset Hill, or maybe even the majesty of the Cathedral in the Pines, there is a poster for you. I even made a poster with 9 of my favorite spots for those of you who just can’t choose one. And as part of our Legacy Subcommittee meeting at Camp this January during a snowstorm, I was able to capture the beauty of camp in a season that we normally don’t get to experience. I am so proud of these products and all proceeds will go straight to camp to fund the honors program. So clear off some wall space in your home or your office and get yourself a camp poster. You’ll be so happy you did and your contribution will help make a positive impact on hundreds of kids this summer.
Link to Merch: https://nani-ba-zhu-camp-edwards.myshopify.com/collections/all
Camp is Family and Family is Camp
Hello from an unseasonably sunny Illinois day in February! I’m Jennifer Schmidt Stoner (NBZ ‘85, LIT ‘88, JL ‘89, Staff ‘89-93, former NBZ board president ‘96 and current NBZ Board member)
That sun on my face as I walked our dog this afternoon takes me right back to sunny summer camp days on the pier on beautiful Lake Beulah.
I started going to camp when I was 8 years old waaaay back in 1980. My Dad and Uncle were campers even further back in the 1950s! My brother and I spent many weekends at camp doing service projects with my Dad until we were old enough to attend summer camp.
Those days, summer seemed endless. Throughout my 13 summers at camp, I learned so much about myself, grew in independence and made lifelong friends.
When our daughters were 8 and 3 we started attending Family Camp to get them acclimated to being at camp. Our oldest is a member of NBZ and our youngest is not far behind!
With 3 generations of campers in our family, Camp Edwards feels like our home away from home. Camp has of course changed over the years, but the heart of camp still beats true. If you haven’t been to camp in some time, stop by! See what’s new: Cooper Recreation Center, the new Office and Nurses Station,the paved camp road(no more gravel to rake!) the KYBO revamp, etc. Have no fear, as you explore the new sights, you can still get transported back in time with the scent of the pines, the sunshine sparkling on the lake or the familiar warmth of Micklewright Lodge. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Please send this to anyone that might not be on this distribution list. We have about 200 people on this list but our NBZ family is much bigger than that.