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Who knew that an idea launched over Show Weekend 2008 would become a decade (plus!) of annual summer wilderness trips for campers and counselors who attended Aloha in the 1970s?!
For our first “70s” trips in 2009 and 2010, we revisited familiar Aloha trip locations, starting with two nights at the Crawford campsite, followed by a trip to the Rangeley Lakes a year later. On our five canoeing trips, we paddled in the Rangeley Lakes, Green River Reservoir, and the Adirondacks. Hiking trips have been based in Crawford Notch and at Lonesome Lake Hut. Last summer, we treated ourselves to three nights at the AMC’s Gorman Chairback Eco-Lodge in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness (where former Lanakila camper Ethan Duffany was the manager) for hiking, canoeing/kayaking, and swimming.
Needless to say, we have shared in camp remembrances, stories of our lives since the 70s, fun, games, and singing at our campsites, along the trails, in our canoes, and most recently, in Gorman Chairback’s dining hall. The other guests were quite interested in this group of a dozen women who would break into song at meals!
The former Aloha maidens who participated have varied each year, and on occasion, included honorary 70s members willing to share in our adventures. Trips have been advertised through word-of-mouth and occasionally through the Foundation Office. After some of our trips, members chose to collectively donate funds or equipment to Aloha as well.
We’ll be returning to the 100-Mile Wilderness in 2019. Please email jenn_merritt@alohafoundation.org if you are interested in joining us July 15-18, would like to know about future trips, or discuss ideas for how to organize a trip for your decade or group!
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