Please take a moment to view the messages left by fellow Phantom Lake YMCA Camp attendees!
You may also add an entry (bottom of page).
"Mountain Mike" ( jbrightb@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-06-02 at 23:01:31:
Hi Riley!
I'll have to get back to you re: the camper with the big grin. That looks like half of Harry just behind him. That's a great photo. Thanks for including it. Great site! MMike
"Jeff Foucault" ( jf@jeffreyfoucault.com ) wrote on 2002-06-03 at 11:36:34:
Well Done Riley- a fine idea and a real resource in the making. JF (PLYC 1980 -present)
"Jeff Harrits" ( jeffharrits@netscape.net ) wrote on 2002-06-05 at 05:43:19:
Hey Riley and other Phantom folk,
Greetings from Tokyo. Great to see the pictures posted here. I reminded Mike Rule that it was twenty-five years ago when he, Harry Kline, Mark Quinn, and I became staff members. How time flies!
I may be back this summer for a visit. Certainly your pictures bring out that spirit.
All the best,
Jeff
"Gary Fishleigh" ( Gary_Fishleigh@sbk.com ) wrote on 2002-06-06 at 17:09:16:
Good job Riley! Great pictures, great memories. I will get back to with some contributions. Gary
"Nancy B Poulsen" ( almondln@msn.com ) wrote on 2002-06-11 at 11:22:53:
I'm Dave Hodges little sister. He sent me some of the pictures so I looked around and found your web site for some more! My son is attending Phantom's Day Camp this year. The camp sure looks different from and adults point of view!
"Riley Cooper" ( KJRC1104@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-06-14 at 11:21:11:
Boy, this is a great web site! One thing this web site needs is more pictures of famous Phantom alumni... like you! Send 'em in!
"Bob Holloway" ( bobh@cs.wisc.edu ) wrote on 2002-06-18 at 08:07:36:
Riles,
Nice pics, Coop. After having been
involved in the 60's, 70's, 80's and
now in the 00's the consistently high
quality of staff and the Phantom Spirit
warms my heart. Working at camp now is
as rewarding as it was 30 years ago.
Bob Holloway
"Joe Murphy" ( jmurphy@meyercapel.com ) wrote on 2002-06-22 at 20:31:44:
I was a counselor from 78 through 82 and boating director for the last couple of those years.
Thanks for pulling this together, Riley. Its a real trip back. I will see if I can find any pictures. Your recollections of the Phantom 4/5 remind me of The Pit, a group into which I was a later entrant. As I recall the originals were Harrits, Rule, Kline, Willson, and Olson.
"Joe Murphy" ( jmurphy@meyercapel.com ) wrote on 2002-06-22 at 20:39:48:
Sorry. Not Olson, but Anderson as the original 5th in The Pit, I think. (Sorry, Dave. Sorry, Ted.)
"Joelle Horn" ( Joloho8994@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-06-28 at 10:06:50:
I am still currently working full-time as Phantom Lake's registrar. "Thank God your'e a country boy !!"
"Molly Cunningham" ( stearnsfamily4@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2002-06-30 at 01:54:52:
Camper,staff member 80's-90's!
What a great site. One of my memories you you being the PD is this song... Riley Cooper sits in the Old PD...Laugh..Rily Cooper Laugh...Riley Cooper gay your life must be...I know I kind of skipped around a little bit but I am sure you can remember it. I love a miss PLYC!
"Lynn (Alles) Bulanek" ( samstaff@prodigy.net ) wrote on 2002-07-02 at 23:21:54:
The second phase of Riley's song is merry merry king of the camp is he. I was a camper when Riley was the PD. KJ was my counselor one year. I camped from 1975-1982. Riley was a great PD and I had a great time at camp. I especially liked the records he would spin after breakfast. It was a great pick-me-up. My oldest daughter is 5 and went to day camp for the first time this year. She had a blast. I see Phantom in both my daughters' future. P.S. There was a Dave Schlegel (sorry if I spell it wrong) who was a Programmer at Heritage Insurance in Sheboygan. Any connection?
"David Schlegel" ( DAV717587@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-07-03 at 17:04:46:
Riley, This is really a fun sight. That's for the time and efforts. I'll try to scan some of my pics and send them to you soon. Lynn Bulanek - the Dave Schlegel in Sheboygan ISN'T me. I'm in Howard (Green Bay), WI working as an associate principal at Bay Port High School. Thanks for thinking of me though :)
"Dave Olsen" ( olsen@jefnet.com ) wrote on 2002-07-06 at 17:55:57:
Riley, what a FUNTASTIC site! Thanks for putting it together and "thank you for being a friend."
"Ted the Ed Anderson" ( tvanderson@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2002-07-08 at 17:28:35:
I visited camp the other day and was so impressed with the summer staff! I took a box of stuff labeled "camp" and was surprised to find a rag, a harmonica, a couple yo-yos(not mike & harry), a box of candles(guess I didn't burn 'em all on Christmas Night) and a nut on a lanyard. But I forgot why I got the nut. Is there a register somewhere that records our foibles?
Great pictures! So excited that at least one of my daughters has become a big camp fan and can't wait to return each year.
Hope we can have a big reunion in 2003 on july 4 weekend!! Who's up for it?
"Dave Hodge" ( russianhodge@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2002-07-11 at 11:39:33:
Thanks for all of your work with this website. Just moved to St. Pete, Russia one week ago.
"Lynn Bulanek" ( samstaff@prodigy.net ) wrote on 2002-07-11 at 23:02:42:
Thanks Dave Schlegel for clearing that up for me. Riley, I can't believe you remembered what songs you played for breakfast over 20 years ago. I like all the songs but my favorites were "Devil Went Down to Georgia" (everyone pretended to play a violin) and "The Theme from the Greatest American Hero" (everyone pretended to fly around the dining room.) Great Pics. Jane Ralph, Nez and Karen Johnson were all counselors I had. They were all great.
I have 2 questions. First There is a new song they sing at camp about Tarzan swinging from a rubberband. Its a fun song. Where did it come from? Second I thought I saw Dave Olson at MATC north campus about 10 years ago. Did I? He escaped before I could find out. I was teaching a math class there at the time.
Again, thanks Riley. This is a fun site.
"s'Connie Meek" ( cmeek@ticon.net ) wrote on 2002-07-15 at 14:50:34:
Great website, Riley. Now you need to get the 60's going. I'll try to scan some pics for you, although most of my 60's photos got water damaged from being in the attic of the dining hall, when it caught fire. I probably have some 50's photos too. Ya, I'm old! And since I hung around for 16 years, I probably have early 70's photos too. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
"Kaitlin Cooper" ( Bballgirl25@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-07-18 at 10:46:11:
Hi dad! My connection to PLYC is you, and I'm an SDP, just so you didn't know. Haha I really like mom's hair in that last one.
"Barb (Spoehr) Schlaefer" ( pinecone@isd.net ) wrote on 2002-07-27 at 23:50:03:
Riley, Only you! I worked (and I use that term lightly) at PLYC from 1975 to 1979. I have no scanner so can't scan my Insta-matic photos. But I'll paint these mental pictures: 1) staff meetings on the ancient furniture in the back CC, 2) program announcements on the flagstones and 3) staff skydiving field trip with Harry Kline, Jeff Harrits, Jill Scheer, Jane Relf, Karen Johnson, Mike Rule, Dave Russell (who else?) Nice effort Riley. Keep in touch.
"Ted Anderson" ( tvanderson@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2002-07-28 at 01:05:50:
Second verse, not like the first. Little bit new and a little more terse.
So I picked up Camila at Camp today and it was like a reunion. She was in Buccos and so was the daughter of Kate Stewart and Karen Gates from the early 80s.
Then I saw Diane Battin Rogers, Toni Edgar, Linda Ellis Olsen and Dave Olsen picking up their daughters.
Finally, I visited the nurse, and it was Ruthanne Reichert. And Charlie Russell was helping with maintenance.
Wow! What fun!!! I could've talked all day.
Thanks for the great songs Riley. I love to listen to Oldies stations and sing along after breakfast on my way to work.
"Beth (Matzek) Boaz" ( BethBoaz@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-08-07 at 23:44:51:
Riley -
Even more on the site than last time I checked it out, and looking great! I was just looking at some of my old camp photos, looking for the best ones to scan. Sure wish I'd labelled more names.
Who can forget the classic song (to the tune of the Hallelujah Chorus): "Riley Coopey, Riley Coopey, Riley Coopey, Riley Coopey..."?
- Beth Matzek Boaz (Camper in the 60's, SDP and Staff in the 70's)
"molly S" ( stearnsfamily4@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2002-08-15 at 00:45:36:
I was sitting in church tonight and a few camp songs came to mind.
I was wondering if anyone has an old camp song book? I would love to have a copy and would pay to have copies made as well as it shipped to me.
Let me know if anyone has one, thanks!
I got married this past weekend! It was great so now I am Molly Stearns. Love and Peace always.
"Michelle Thaller" ( thaller@ipac.caltech.edu ) wrote on 2002-08-16 at 13:39:28:
Hi Riley. You've got no reason to remember me(just an anonymous camper), but it might give you pause
to think that I wanted to do a web search and see what you were up to these days. You influenced
a heck of a lot of kids -all for the better. And as an 11-year old in the early eighties, you and the PLYMCA
staff were the coolest dudes I ever knew!
Now I'm just an anonymous rocket scientist at NASA. I still have a picture of me dressed in a sheet and rising
out of the lake as the "Phantom." I think Sir G took it after one of those amazing "Halloween" Costume balls.
Take care!
Michelle
"Joe Murphy" ( jmurphy@meyercapel.com ) wrote on 2002-08-19 at 10:56:55:
Answer to your photo trivia:
1978 Kiss group was Dave Olsen, Harry Kline, Mike Rule and Jeff Harrits.
"sara altenbern semrad" ( sarajstt@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-08-24 at 11:12:44:
Hi Riley!!
It was so good running into you--I have often wondered what you've been up to--Hi Karen! My daughter samantha has thoroughly enjoyed her 3 years at girls' camp. Of course she knew most of the songs before she got there. One of my fondest memories is Riley taking off his watch and singing "country boy"--I think you should make a recording of yourself and put it on the website. I'll see if I can dig up any pictures. If any of you remember me, I was the skinny little talkative blonde.
Take care
Sara
"Anne Seed" ( THESEED1@Aol.com ) wrote on 2002-08-24 at 18:05:24:
What a great site! I love the pictures since I'm tired of looking at mine from time to time. I miss dear old phantom lake and remember the great times that I had. I still go to overnight camps each summer but PLYC will always be my favorite camp.
Is there going to be a reunion this year? I now live in the DC metro area, but would love to come for a reunion.
Also anyone have Mark Kindler's email address? I would love to catch up with him too.
Thanks!
Annie
"susan cowsert" ( susancowsert@edinarealty.com ) wrote on 2002-08-31 at 23:56:30:
Riley -- after all these years...what ]n impact you have had in my life. Loved the old pictures especially of Build Me buttercup i feel very blessed that my sister julie moved here 6 months ago and that i involved with chidren [ie barby jenny and sully love to hear karen and your children are doin
"Joelle Horn" ( Joloho8994@aol.com ) wrote on 2002-09-01 at 09:55:02:
OK OK Riley, I stopped working long enough to visit the site. It's much more expanded since the first time I visited. Thanks for all your hard work on this. What great memories. Also, thanks for hosting 2002 Family Camp for us this year. Oh, nut club awards...I'm in because it was Hoye Hoye's birthday and her parents came to drop off a quick present and cake before we left on a an overnight. I didn't know her dad was in the tent and I came running in and dropped everything to the floor to get changed quick. It was only then people screamed and I turned around to find Bill red as can be and VERY embarrassed.
"Elaine Selan" ( egs@ucwphilly.rr.com ) wrote on 2002-09-17 at 17:15:55:
What a great website...thanks for all the work.
I'm now inspired to scan in those 50's and 60's photos. Will get them to you soon!!!
"Ruthanne Reichert" ( RuthanneRN@ameritech.net ) wrote on 2002-09-22 at 11:00:31:
Wow, what a great site! So many great memories of so many amazing people! I was back at camp again this summer as the nurse for a full week and a few other days here and there. I was totally impressed with the staff and the experience they made sure that the campers had! I'll try to send some pictures. By the way, Ted Anderson will be officating my wedding ceremony in two months!! Lots of camp folks are expected. Ruthanne
"cynthia holt" ( cynthia@phantomlakeymca.com ) wrote on 2002-10-13 at 15:35:39:
Thanks Riley for sharing so many memories with the greater Phantom Family. I am personally pleased with the revival of the KISS crier. It was one of my first year's as a camper and I remember vividly watching the bus pull up, screaming counselors at the Dining Hall windows and running frantically back to my tent to get my camera in order to record the historic moment at camp - real rock stars on the shores of Phantom. At the age of 7 or so, all I wanted was them to sing my favorite ballad "Beth." The bands have changed but the campers still get excited over the most silly and marvelous things here...what a great place to laugh, be inspired and be a kid. Thanks again for connecting so many people back to Phantom!!!
"Mark Kindler" ( mkindler@rwbaird.com ) wrote on 2002-11-19 at 15:11:42:
I was at camp from '79-'89 as a camper, SDP, counselor and SDP Director.
Wow, do I miss PLYC. Riley, you are wonderful for making the effort to put this together - thank you. I encourage everyone to take the time to click on at least one e-mail they know from camp and begin to piece the past back together.
The pictures are so fun to see and the songs -- My first session ever was
Co-ed camp in August of '79. I remember that last morning like it was yesterday.
I still laugh when I think of the staff shows, (Kris Trayser and I were laughing so hard in anticipation of "Sweetroll", we were crying before it even started). My best friends still seem to be camp friends.
My best to you all! Riley, more pictures are on the way.
If you're in Milwaukee area, come see my band with fellow PLYC alum, Bob Hedgcock-- www.crazymansbasement.com
"Joe Diedrich" ( jx5@g2a.net ) wrote on 2002-11-20 at 07:13:09:
Wow! What a trip down memory lane. Thanks for the sharing of truly great and meaningful memories.
"cynthia holt" ( cynthia@phantomlakeymca.com ) wrote on 2002-11-23 at 17:24:02:
hey everyone...was just thinking this was a great way to enlist some support for a cool web idea. PLYC will have a newly designed site up in about 2 weeks (thanks to our wonderful Romanian Intern Adrianna) and an alumni section that needs some tending. our thought is to have 1-2 people from each decade create a website and take care of it. PLYC would put a picture from that era (50's, 60's, 70's ..riley you have that covered) and then you click on the photo to get to the site. any thoughts. i am just thinking it might be an organized way to get alumni together with camp as the conduit. we just don't have enough manpower to create or keep the alumni section up by ourselves but i am sure with a dozen or more folks that span the decades we could really connect PLYC folks and keep the ripple of the Phantom Spirit moving. Email me with thoughts or volunteers. Peace and love to you in the coming days. - Cynthia
"Chris Gibes" ( gibes@berbee.com ) wrote on 2002-11-26 at 13:12:10:
I was a camper from '74 through '80(?) and a Counselor in '86. It was without a doubt the best job I will have.
I have lots of favorite memories as a camper, but one memory that still gives me a huge laugh, was as a counselor going to into Mark Kindlers tent (Apache?) which was the youngest tent. I had Buccos (oldest boys) so I had no idea what I was in for. Complete mayhem was breaking loose all around, kids jumping off of bunks, throwing things, singing LOUDLY, generally having a great time, and then seeing Mark, sitting in the middle of it with his head cradled in his hands and a look of stunned acceptance as he watched the complete chaos. I asked him if it was always like this and he said "no, this is a good day."
They were all good days.
"Laura Peck (aka Bella, aka Paura Leck to Riley)" ( Laura_R_Peck@hotmail.com ) wrote on 2002-11-26 at 15:31:11:
My connection to PLYC was my grandpa (memory grove behind Anteitam started for him), uncle and mom. I was a camper 1981-85, SDP 86-88 and Counselor 1989-94 (my favorite job ever!)
This is an ALL STAR page! Thanks Riley et al. It brings back lots of memories of lots of amazing people who have meant the world to me. Mag 7s wearing goofy hats is the memory that pops to mind right now, maybe because my niece just turned 7 and is excited about heading to camp next summer.
A chance event: when I began working at Columbia University in 1999, the e-mail address that I was automatically assigned was LP252. It seemed magical! The phantom spirit is always there.
Hugs to all! - Laura
"Jennifer Tobin" ( jentob.@msn.com ) wrote on 2002-11-30 at 18:57:50:
Hi! Jennifer here, or Toodles depending on what year you may have known me. I love your site Riley, "you're so corny" as Dede and I would say. I look forward to seeing more photos and contributing my own as well. Life is so busy, but my mind always drifts back to Phantome. So many wonderful memories that are like no other. I would love to hear
from people. I love you and you are my friend.
"Kennan Wood" ( kwood@wcgpr.com ) wrote on 2002-12-28 at 21:13:46:
Riley -
Like all of the others listed here, I would like to thank you for putting together this site. We've all had some of our favorite memories occur at PLYC, and some of mine were because of you. Thanks and happy new year!!!
"Walt Stewart" ( stewart@wrstewartandassoc.com ) wrote on 2003-01-08 at 18:09:14:
Riley, I really enjoyed the website. Great job. I remember that first co-ed camp very well, though it's been over 25 years. Your comments were an accurate history of how camp coped with the change. I also thought your remarks which accompanied the photographs were quite choice. Thank you for your efforts.
Walt
"Nancy (Block) Jacobson" ( jjacobson@discover-net.net ) wrote on 2003-01-10 at 18:01:40:
What a wonderful trip down memory lane. It made me laugh to think of all the crazy things we did back then. I can't wait to send my son Sam to camp! It's nice to know that his "Auntie Cheerio" (Carol Russell)will be there to watch over him. Thanks for the memories Riley... Block, Block, Block Nancy (Pop Music)
"Anne (Hamilton)Morey" ( dacom@newnorth.net ) wrote on 2003-02-10 at 23:33:53:
I was a camper from 69-75 and an SDP 76-77. Also helped during winter camps and weekends in the early 80's.
Does anyone remember in the early 70's when the staff made all of the campers turn in their watches and radios and got us up in the dark claiming it was an eclipse??
"Jennifer (Brownie) Brown" ( jennifer.brown@quinnipiac.edu ) wrote on 2003-02-13 at 09:43:40:
Hey Riley,
What a wonderful web site. It is amazing what pictures can do to jog memories and bring back old feelings. Phantom has been such a big part of my life and still is in funny (and wonderful) ways. My son Henry had a great time at "Magnificent 7" camp last summer. He's begging to return. Hope to see you in August at reunion. thanks for creating this terrific resource for all of us!
Peace,
Jenny Brown, a/k/a Brownie, Brown-nose, or (maybe only Ellen called me this) "noser" (camper, SDP, and counselor in the 70's)
"Thom. Loeffel" ( TJSpoon1@cs.com ) wrote on 2003-02-13 at 12:46:52:
Oh My God!
How fun is this! There are people and times long ago forgotten that come rushing back and I laugh out loud. - I think we snow-tubed-jumped over more than 12 people laying side by side and yes that is Mike Vyhofsky (photo page six); does anyone know where Mike V is?; to see pictures of Dave Olsen, Beth Matzek, Dave Hodges, Mountain Mike Rule, Harry Kline, Gary Fishleigh, Mark& Paul Kurth, Keith Marty, Crazy Dan Willson, Dave Schlegel, Ted Anderson, Walt Stewart, Larry Kinder, Tom Loversky, Jeff Harrits, and of course, Riley and Sir G. - Ahhhh, what times we had!
Add me to the list. I am now Vice-President of a large non-profit youth and family service organization (Promise House, Inc) and living in Dallas, Texas.
I'll dig out my old camp footlocker and find some photos and memorabilia to send in for posting here. Super Job Riley!
We Need To Do A 70's Reunion; That 70's Show would have nothing on us!
Thom. Loeffel
"Ted Anderson" ( tvanderson@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2003-02-23 at 20:57:46:
The 70s reunion is on its way!!!
Put August 15-17 on your calendar. There's a planning committee putting the pieces together, hotel rooms reserved and lots of excitement. Invites will go out soon. 2/24/03.
Ted Anderson, New Berlin, WI
"Ellen Winchell Miller" ( emiller@uindy.edu ) wrote on 2003-03-06 at 13:36:15:
Hey everyone....what a fun site to visit Ri!!! I actually read through all the words to American Pie and was so pleased to see that my name was included in the same sentence as boogers!! The reunion is on my calendar. Love from Smell (Ellen Winchell--now Miller--staff in the late 70s)
"Jessica Vitkus" ( Feralslug@aol.com ) wrote on 2003-03-07 at 21:00:59:
My brain is exploding! I'm so happy to see all these names and pictures. Riley, did you ever get that sweet roll?
"Jay Wolowicz" ( ddj@lakefield.net ) wrote on 2003-04-18 at 06:52:56:
Wow, searched my name on the computer (just for fun) and this was the first hit. How it all seems like yesturday.
Thanks for doing this.
"Marshall "Mitch" Wolowicz" ( swolowic@columbus.rr.com ) wrote on 2003-04-18 at 08:22:09:
Great pictures that brought back even better memories. Thanks... I will have to go through my old photo albums and see what I can dig up. Hello to all my Phantom friends!!!
"Jenifer Glover f/n/a Jeni Bales" ( jeniferglover@charter.net ) wrote on 2003-04-21 at 16:08:11:
Yow! What a surprize this was, Riley you are amazing still. It doesn't surprize me a bit to find your photos on a website, you always had that camera going. Camp seems so far away (in years and miles) here in Alabama! I'd love to see MORE photos, and hear from any other 70's alum. Drop me a line!
"Stefanie (Shreffler) Kohn" ( kohnco@chorus.net ) wrote on 2003-06-04 at 08:54:13:
Thanks Riley for connecting us all once again! I was a camper/SDP from the early 70s thru 1980. Like anyone who has set foot on the shores of Phantom, I have a green canoe full of memories from Apache as a youngin' to dining hall antics (Carol Neeno, Kim Haines, Baker Sue, Joelle, etc.), first Co-ed camp, being the first camper to call Sir G from a bar on the other side of the lake (rudder fell off the sailboat), singing, canoe trips, hold-overs, winter camp, Phantom Square, "I want that shirt", Sue Cowsert losing her shorts in the dining hall, melted butter "painted" on the toast, root beer, riding horses up to Alford Lodge during an emergency (those scary times people forgot their buddy tags), the smell of the craftshop, the smell of the Green Mansion, getting mail, World Hunger Day, Walt and I forget who playing Dueling Banjos during nap at the bell, the list goes on ad infinitum!!!
"Lea wayne ( Mohr)" ( lcmohr0105@aol.com ) wrote on 2003-06-05 at 21:29:13:
Hi Riley-
I doubt you remember me - but I remember you and the Riley Cooper song. I was a camper in the early 70's ( don't know exact dates but I started the last year that the dining hall on the water was standing). And then - low and behold I go to Algebra or English or something as Wisconsin Hills JR High in Brookfield, WI and my substitute teacher is "Riley Cooper" - What a surprise. My memories are long but I get to revisit as my daughter now goes. I'll never forget the "green mansion" and the first time they brought me the bugel to play revelry - and since I only knew trumpet I wondered where the keys were. I'm going to enjoy looking at the pictures - thanks
"Tyson Toepfer" ( madtownty@hotmail.com ) wrote on 2003-06-06 at 10:35:28:
Thanks Riley for this vital part of Phantom's history. I was a camper from 1989-1994, and the son of Mike and Mary Toepfer. The picture of my parents at the Carman's house is priceless. Thanks again for this wonderful treasure of Phantom lore.
"Rich Rizk" ( rich@rizklaw.com ) wrote on 2003-06-08 at 17:49:13:
Riley and phantom folk:
Trivia Questions:
1. Who was the incredible hulk? Hint: L.K.
2. The Green... (what?)
3. It burned...
4. Pizza Face is really this person.
5. Harry Carey impersonator.
6. Also known as Fat Man.
7. Her last name is (was) part of a sail?
8. Best Banjo player.
9. Charlie...
10. Known for Tripping.
11. Not Clint.
13. Has his own park.
15. What is the significance of horses and a bunny?
16. A kissing booth to remember.
17. She has heart.
18. Liked to knit.
19. Nurse's daughter.
20. South African Lawyer.
21. Played Jim Morrison.
22. A big kicker.
23. His bigger brother
24. Knows Gorbie's rockets.
25. Julia child in drag.
26. His cigarettes got stale.
27. A former rainbow.
28. Barely survived the green mansion explosion of 1971.
29. What/Who was froggie?
30. He rules.
31. His head is like a ping pong ball. Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping... Pong Pong Pong Pong Pong Pong Pong Pong Pong.
"Riley Cooper" ( KJRC1104@aol.com ) wrote on 2003-06-11 at 12:36:32:
Rich, those are some great questions! I will pretend to know every one of them! By the way, has anyone seen or heard from Larry Kinder or Jim Kinder from Kankakee? A google search just brings up Larrys and Jims who are kinder than someone else!
It is really great to hear from so many special Phantom people! Keep spreading the word, please, and don't forget to come to the Phantom reunion in mid-August!
"Susan Cowsert" ( susancowsert@edinarealty.com ) wrote on 2003-06-16 at 16:22:54:
Hi Riley -- I must go through my archive of photos and find some good ones to e-mail you. My sister called me on Saturday night (during the trashy Beach Boys movie I might add) to tell me to turn to Twin Cities Public Television because they were airring a show on summer camps. I tore myself away from the Beach Boys and there was Cynthia Holt chatting about Phantom Lake. They even caught a group of campers singing "By old Phantom's rippling waters." It was great. Looks like it might be just Julie and I coming from Minnesota but I am working on Jenny Secrest. Take care and say "Hi" to Karen for me. Does she know what Denise Winklehake is up to?
"Michael Vyhovsky" ( avfr750@aol.com or MichaelVFR@aol.com ) wrote on 2003-06-19 at 12:15:35:
What a great site and surprise to see all those pictures. Brings back many memories ... and some that will never go away ... such as the tour of the Olsen Funeral Home on a cloudy damp moonlit night during Gemuetlichkeit nor of the "wild" ride over the top of the hill and down the steep road toward the cemetary.
Jane Ralph ... did I ever give you your shirt back after breakfast when the campers had us switch shirts? Still playing the violin?
Thanks Riley for all the wonderful memories and this great site. I'll try and get some pictures out of the old albums and send them to you.
"Jane Ralph" ( janeralph@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2003-07-15 at 16:36:49:
No, Mike - you owe me a shirt and, actually so does everyone else who has posted thus far...btw care packages are also accepted. Man, I miss day stretch!
I haven't played the fiddle in a while but I am game for 'country boy' if Riley is. See ya'll at the Reunion and I hope there's still a turn table able to play the theme from the Greatest American Hero and that terrible mistake to go decaf in the dining hall one summer has not been repeated.
"Hilary C. Lega (Chermak) a.k.a. Hi Larry, Larry" ( hilcc@msn.com ) wrote on 2003-07-18 at 22:00:30:
COOOOP!- WoW. You did it again. They must not give you to much to do at school! Just kidding. Well, I am happy to see Reunions going well. It would be nice to see every one. I am not sure if I can make it. I forwarded the info. to My sisters, hopefully they will respond. Heidi may not, she just had a baby on the 1st of July. I hope all is well. keep in touch. Great job Coop!
Keep the phantom spirit burning.
Hilary.
"Robin (LeVine) Kessler" ( rkkess@earthlink.net ) wrote on 2003-07-21 at 17:31:44:
All of these comments and photos are a nice past-blast, but where are all the staff from 72-73-74? Only a few people like Connie Meek, Elaine Selan, and of course Riley seem to be present. Hope to hear from more.
"Julie Pemble-Peterson" ( Finetune@grantsburgtelcom.net ) wrote on 2003-07-23 at 10:41:10:
WOW!!! Riley what a great job! It was so much fun strolling through memory lane. Phantom was my family during those years...I wonder why I ever left?Soo many faces and names to remember. Thanks for making my day! I will try to get some of my pictures to you. I think we have a scanner? Julie P.P.
"don Beringer" ( j1340@pensys.com ) wrote on 2003-07-23 at 15:53:44:
Riley,
Nice of you to get staff together from '70's and '80's. Any out there from '50's and early '60's get in touch.
"Bear"
"Bob Olin" ( olin@execpc.com ) wrote on 2003-07-23 at 18:04:57:
So Riley, why is it that you never rode the horses (way back when the Camp had them)? Great site and wonderful memories! "Bobby O" A 60's camper and 70's LIT.
"Mike "Murph" Murphy" ( mjmurphy@shout.net ) wrote on 2003-07-23 at 19:02:16:
I was at PLYC from 79-86 and again for one session in 92 and Chris Puddicomb had to update me on things we were not aloud to do to campers anymore.
"Kate Stewart Hoke" ( cmsh23@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2003-07-23 at 20:15:39:
My 1 and only summer at Phantom('77) (kitchen staff-Boys Camp, counselor-Girls Camp) has a very special place in my heart...Although brief, from the staff photos I can remember everyone, and the infinite kindness I was shown by so many. I was greatly influenced by a special person, Bonnie, our camp nurse, who took the time to discuss my interest in nursing as a career choice. Can you guess? I've been a nurse for almost 20 years working in critical care at the Veterans Hospital, AND I send my daughters to Girls Camp!(good guesses) They absolutely love it! My oldest is thrilled to be tentmates with Ted's daughter for the second year in a row. And those wood roof tents are VERY nice!
"Sarah Snider LeStrange" ( lajes@catholicexchange.com ) wrote on 2003-07-25 at 18:17:28:
I was at PLYC from 71-81 as a camper, SDP, and counselor. The pictures bring back such great memories, Riley. I would love to attend the reunion, but I am living in Germany now and just had baby number 5. Wish I could send my oldest (she's 13)to camp; I know she would love it. Hello to everyone and have a great time!!
"ted anderson" ( tvanderson@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2003-07-25 at 22:26:44:
I'm so glad we have 50 alumni signed up for the reunion so far, and there's more coming!!! Even if you can't make it, let us know what you're up to. We can send you a bio sheet and we'll be putting together a memory address book.
"Mark Rizk" ( rizk2@earthlink.net ) wrote on 2003-07-28 at 17:11:23:
Went to Phantom from 73 to 80. Amazing site! I didn't think I would remember anyone from those days but looking at the site brought back a lot of memories. Maybe I'll see you in August.
Funny how Bonnie the nurse is mentioned I probably had her worst nightmare injury when I butterfied my leg (14 inch cut) on a sail boat my own father donated to the camp.
"Sue (Roepke)Perry" ( SPerryy54@msn.com ) wrote on 2003-08-11 at 00:02:30:
Hi everyone! I was a forever camper, then LIT, then counselor ('63-'72)- I wish I still had my striped pants! I will be in Vancouver, BC with longtime friend (and former Phantom Camper)JoAnn Pari.
I'm sorry that I won't see you, Jane Ralph; but catch me up on what's been going on. Thanks for all your time and effort with this site, Riley. I'll look through my pictures one of these days! Camp is a big part of our family memories, and we savor our visits.
My dad especially enjoyed his ride in the "Mary T" when he was out at camp earlier this summer! Thanks, ChaCha!
"Ruth Olsen" ( olsen@gci.net ) wrote on 2003-08-13 at 00:08:28:
I sure wish I could attend the reunion!
I will be winding down the last couple days of the camp I run and have implemented at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I run a day camp recreational camp for kids 6-16.
THANKS TO PHANTOM, I have learned tons.
What great memories...I love to check the site and see old pictures and everyones names just gives me vivid memories of Phantom.
Phantom Love & Spirit ALWAYS - Ruth
"Bonnie (Puerner) Noonan" ( bonnoonan@ptwi.net ) wrote on 2003-08-13 at 21:33:01:
Camp nurse1975-79. Whatfun years for the girls and me! I have since married and have 6 step"children".We are back living in Jefferson, but have a cabin in the Minocqua are.
The special event of this year has been the birth of my first biogranddaugher.
Lisa became a mother on May 8th to Trinity Astell Cleveland in Denver.
Last summer Gwen went sky diving for the first time. I had always wanted to go when that group went during camp, but had decided as a single parent, I better not! Hi to all that read this and will see a lot of you on Sat. Bonnie, the Nurse! (Thanks, Kate)
"Bonnie (Puerner) Noonan" ( bonnoonan@ptwi.net ) wrote on 2003-08-13 at 21:34:28:
PS THANKS Riley!!!!!! and Ted etc.!
"Jane Piercy" ( jpiercy@world.std.com ) wrote on 2003-08-18 at 21:09:26:
Hey Riley,
Thank you for hosting such a great reunion. Everything was so FESTIVE! Can we do it again next year????
"Mitch" ( swolowic@columbus.rr.com ) wrote on 2003-08-18 at 23:04:10:
I am glad I made the trip!! It was great to see everyone and do some much needed catching up. To Riley and all involved in setting this event up...A standing "O" from Ohio.
"Anne Seed" ( Lohikanseed@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2003-09-06 at 16:16:34:
Hello All I'm sorry that I missed the reunion since that was the time that I was a camper. Being at Phantom were still the best days of my life! I'll never forget all the pranks , laughs and other silly things that we did.
I have been living near Washington DC as a Childcare Director.During the sumemr's I have been working at a Resident Camp in the Pocono Mountains in PA as a Senior Staff. But it doesn't compare to the great times at phantom lake.
I have recently became engaged! My fiance' still lives in Chicago as a firefighter.He just makes more money there. I am planning on moving back there within 2 years. I will someday too come to visit phantom as well.
I really wished I had come to the reunion, but maybe next time!
Take care
Anne Seed
Hope to hear from everyone soon!
Camper from 19880-1990.
"Anne Seed" ( Lohikanseed@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2003-09-06 at 16:18:12:
Oops that was 1980-1990.
"Molly Cunningham-Stearns" ( russnmolly@insightbb.com ) wrote on 2003-11-13 at 03:55:13:
Happy 50th Birthday Riley! Hope it was a great one and hope there are many more to come! P.L.Y.C forever! Molly S.
"John Griffin/Helen Houts Griffin" ( Jeg1422@aol.com ) wrote on 2003-11-13 at 15:31:57:
please add my lovely wife to the list of alumni. I don't exactly know all of her years at Phantom, but they number about 15 (more than double my 7!
Sorry to hear that Riley has joined the rest of us gray hairs (that includes white hairs, blue hairs and no hairs!) Anyway, the reunion was great and hope we do it again sometime (in about 3-5 years seems about right) I will try to keep in touch but these two boys keep us pretty busy (Grant is now 21, has his own condo and is attending college again - ASU this time) Drew is 16, a junior in high school and quite musically inclined. More at you later. JG
"Lynn Burnham Pries" ( Lynn.Pries@Syngenta.com ) wrote on 2004-07-27 at 11:10:15:
Riley, I sent a message earlier and forgot to add my email address.
I have photos of the early 70s that are pretty good. I have no way to scan them, if I send them to you, can you handle it from there? Looking forward to hearing from you! Lynn
"Lynn Burnham Pries" ( Lynn.Pries@Syngenta.com ) wrote on 2004-07-27 at 14:08:47:
Sorry for the 2 messages, my first one did not go thru. I was a camper first, then on SDP staff (called C.I.T.s, L.I.T.s and A.C.s back then) from '67-'72. My sister is Julie Burnham who went around the same time as a camper. I don't see many folks on this site from that era - where are you? Would love to hear from or know the whereabouts and well-being of everyone.
Years at Phantom are in the top 5 best memories of my life! We just took Julie's kids up last Sunday for co-ed camp and had a great time walking the camp and reminiscing.
"Larry Kinder" ( l.kinder@att.net ) wrote on 2004-07-30 at 10:02:27:
What a great day it was finding Riley's site! In the 70's I had the wonderfull opportunity to attend Phantom Lake as a camper and then staff with a great collection of warm hearted nut cases. Below I have inserted a segment of the profile that Riley asked if I would like to fill out. Words could never express the warmth I have in my heart for the time and people that I experienced those summers in Wisconsin. The laughter, lessons, adventures, friendships, experiences and love is something that fills ones soul all their life. I have to laugh and ask myself, “how did I let life get so complicated?”.
Life’s roads has taken me to the Tampa Bay area and when not trying to make a living, you can find me somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s wonderful to see so many familiar names and next time there’s a 70’s reunion, set 2 extra places for dinner………..
Larry Kinder
My Phantom experience has impacted my life: Not a day goes by that some shades of Phantom or some lesson learned doesn’t become part of my life. The fear of being in front of people was a HUGE hurdle for me to get over. With some careful nudges from Riley and some of the other leadership, I overcame that fear (my wife would say I am still overcompensation). For many years I was the director of a church youth group and Luke 2:52 played as a bases for that group. My first time sailing was at Phantom and every sail trip I say thank you for opening that door. Today as I work with a team of professionals and you can see little nuggets of Phantom experiences in the way I manage them. Sir G taught me many things, one lesson “softer is sometime better”. It was a great lesson that I have to keep reminding myself of about 3 times a day. The wonderful souls that worked there and gave so much of who they were has always humbled me. Life has many roads that we choose throughout our lifetimes, I am as thankful for the road that took me to “Muck” as any road I have traveled. To the names I remember and the ones I forgot, thank you for make that time so special.
"Tom Nofsinger" ( w5kom@arrl.net ) wrote on 2004-08-09 at 20:00:11:
Just too cool. I can't comment with any detail the memories, the lessons learned, and the friends made in one post. The camp touched my life only because of the people there. Jerry Carmen, to who I owe a debt that I can never pay. As well as Connie Meeks, John Griffin, Larry Kinder, GI Joe (I forget the real name), Greg Zoelick, Wess Johnson, Riley Cooper - who I knew from the Waukesha YMCA, Swish (Gerald Frank), Cynthia Holt, John Nelson, and a cast of others ... many whom's name I can't remember. May GOD Bless you all. Thomas Nofsinger
"Mountain Mike Rule" ( mike.rule@phantomlakeymca.com ) wrote on 2005-06-10 at 00:42:15:
Staff Orientation for 2005 officially starts tomorrow. Little did I know how much my first Staff O (1977) would have on my life. It is incredible to be back at Phantom. Thank you Riley & Dirty Harry!
All these great stories! Be sure to share your favorite Phantom stories/memories with Eric Stein at eric@phantomlakeymca.com. He's putting together a Phantom History Book commemorating Phantom's 110th anniversary in 2006.
Don't forget the 80s Reunion this August!
High Hopes!
Mountain
"Wesley J. Johnson member # 607" ( packersj@myway.com ) wrote on 2005-11-08 at 09:22:56:
Hi Riley,
That's right so many people, and so long ago, who can remember?
Wes
"Jenny "Fozzie" (Brightbill) Rule" ( shakyrule@yahoo.com ) wrote on 2006-03-28 at 16:38:23:
Riley - thank you for this website! He keeps his old tent lists, too, folks - so if you're trying to find someone, talk to Riley!
I was a camper in the 80's and a staffer in the 90's - now I'm in danger of becoming just a camp mom. Our son Luke will be starting Mini-Tyke day camp this summer. That's all well and good for Luke, and I sure hope that 30 years from now he's looking at a website and remembering happy camp memories from HIS Phantom camping days, but I've discovered a secret I'm now going to share with all of you... Camp is still for us grown-ups too! The 80's reunion last August was amazing! Being surrounded by those camp friends and mentors from my childhood made me feel about 10 years old again! Then we went to our first Family Camp over Labor Day weekend last year and I got to be a kid AGAIN! And still be a camp mom - a double whammy! We all swam the Chuck Tuna together as a family; our little family and our giant new Family Camp family. It's a tradition I hope to continue every year until my dying day.
So come back, that's all I'm saying! The Phantom Spirit is alive and well.
Wakka Wakka!
Fozzie
"Kathleen Adams" ( Adamskath@aol.com ) wrote on 2006-04-09 at 11:36:59:
Riley - What a treat to find you are still taking care of things for us all after all these years! I was a counselor 74 -78. Those were such important formative years for me - thank you!
Kathleen (aka Fooch!)
"Matt "Tooth Brush" Mason" ( toothbrushmm@gmail.com ) wrote on 2006-04-12 at 23:48:49:
I am a staffer at YMCA Camp Benson, in Mt. Carroll, IL. Mountain Mike Directed in 2000-2003 w/ Foz as Programs Director. They would always talk of Phantom and over those 4 years they were there brought lots of PLYCers through the gates of YMCA Camp Benson notably: Mark Tuura (90s), Jeff Foucault, John "Slim" Gillin, Gluestick (present PLYC staffer), Steve Hill, Eric Stein and Im sure others.
Slim is now YCB's male SDP Director (2001-present).
In 2004 Lori Willson was the Director of YCB wife of "Crazy" Dan Willson.
I spent two weeks @ PLYC this summer and also atteneded winter camp. This summer I will be heading the Skate Camp morning specialty COED session 1. A small group of campers and I will be skateboarding in local skateparks in the area. I am extremely excited about it! That is my connection to PLYC
Riley-
I really enjoyed looking through the pages of old photos of PLYC it is really interesting to see. There is such a rich history of camp, it amazes me. Thanks a lot for putting this great website together. take care.
keep it posi.
peace. love. unity.
TOOTH BRUSH
"Anne Seed" ( THESEED1@Aol.com ) wrote on 2006-04-16 at 00:20:33:
Glad to see Riley updating the website! Way to go Riley!
I found some old pictures from the 80's when I was a camper and should scan them to you.
I'm so excited I will be attending Fred Lee day and haven't been to PLYC in like 15 years. Wow has it been that long? I'm also planning on attending the Sounds of Phantom and Labor Day Camp to Volunteer.
I'm currently working as a program director for the Boys & Girls Club in Washington DC. I'm also the Summer Camp Liasion and on the ACA board for the area.
I'm getting married this year to a Chicago FireFighter and will be moving back to the Chicago area in 2 years when my family moves back from Japan.
I'm so excited to be visiting PLYC again soon!
"Sue Williams aka Willie" ( scout297@msn.com ) wrote on 2006-05-09 at 21:41:27:
Great to make the re-connection to Phantom. I was staff back in the mid 70's (can't remember the exact dates). Love looking at the old pictures. Brings back a lot of great memories. After all these years I still know the words to "Over There" - it usually ended with chants of "throw her in the lake". My 5 year old daughter loves camping, and I hope to send her to Phantom when she's old enough. The experience needs to be passed on! I look forward to seeing everyone at the 70's reunion this summer.
"Mary Anne Burrell" ( burrellm@esuhsd.org ) wrote on 2007-03-06 at 12:51:07:
Camper, LIT, Counselor, Director of the LIT's in late 60's and early 70's, and even went for a visit the summer I got married, 1975! I found this entry when I was showing some of my students (I teach Spanish at a public high school in San Jose, CA) how not everyone is "google-able." I was very surprised to find that I have one or two entries! And "RI-lee COO-per, RI-lee COO-per, Riley-Cooper, Riley-Cooper, RI--lee--EE COO-per!" You even spelled my name right! What in the world are you doing now? I am thrilled to know that you became the program director. Did you also become a math teacher? Or do you own your own disco? Or have you become a computer genius, programer, software inventor... Do you still have all of the music memorized? Now in mp3 order, not number so-and-so, box so-and-so. I remember that John Griffin bet you something nasty that "Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport" was NOT a 45 vinyl record number so-and-so, box so-and-so, and was flabbergasted that you were right! I so enjoyed hearing from people I knew...back when. If you have time, email me and catch me up. I am crazy now, and I don't even know how to scan pictures, but I will learn just to be able to send you ones of Pekka Reponen, yourself, etc. Thank you so much for your devotion to this site! It touched me very much!
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