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 From South Pacific to Long Pond
Former camper and counselor Eric Bauer returns to Pok-O-MacCready following a ten year layoff, and returns as perhaps camp’s most qualified specialist in years. Bauer brings to the boating program experience as a winning competitive skipper, as well as a crewman on sailing trips on the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pacific.
The graduate of Syracuse University and former financial law and public policy advisor took time off from his career to sail, play hockey, visit with old camp friends, hike in the Rockies, climb the Adirondack 46ers in winter and, of course, return to camp.
WHY DID YOU LEAVE A STABLE, SUCCESSFUL CAREER? ”It’s just a completely different life. Not enjoyable. After six years, I went to a wedding and had an epiphany. I had saved my money and felt it was time, and worth it to do more quality things with my life.”
WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF YOUR FIRST GO AROUND AT CAMP? “Every year we do these great activities, but it’s the friends that stand out. I can’t believe that I turn around, and I have these friends that I’ve known for twenty years”
WHY DID YOU RETURN? “I wanted to enjoy my summer in a less stressful situation. At work, it’s more of doing what people tell you to do. Here, it’s, like, working together.”
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH THE BOATING PROGRAM? “Well, we have a new boat: The Extreme Lazer. Everyone’s excited about that. Not to mention the other sailboats, canoes, kayaks and windsurfers. Today we went sailing on Lake Champlain (see pictures and report in tomorrow’s Pok-O-Mac Times). I’m lucky because in the morning other people stare at a computer while I get to sail. I love the peace and beauty that sailing brings and I can see it in the kids as well. It’s just fun and exhilarating!”
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Back in the 1970’s, Pok-O-MacCready separated itself from conventional camps by introducing flying disc (“Frisbee’) to the class program. That would eventually lead to a specialized form of the sport: The game of Ultimate Frisbee. Over the years, many campers who learned the sport at Pok-O, went on to be stars in Ultimate leagues and championship winning college teams.
