Camp Baco Counselor Toast 2014

Dear Baco­­ Family,

Thank you for everything.  Before I thank the different groups of people that helped to make this summer so special, I would like to share my thoughts on what makes camp so special.  Some people say that Baco runs on magic, but I think that the beauty of our camp can be summed up in a single word.  For the senior division campers who may be preparing for the SATs soon, as well as the junior division campers who may want to impress their teachers this fall, that word is benevolence.  Benevolence means doing something nice simply to be nice without being owed anything or getting anything in return.  Baco teaches us how great life can be when our goal is to make the guy next to us have a better time than he is already having, because if he does, then we all will.  This power is uplift is what allows the Baco Family to be such a strong support system.  As this summer comes to a close, lets not be scared of the finality of these last few days.  Rather, let us use this and every off-season as an opportunity to spread Baco’s giving spirit beyond the shores of Lake Balfour.  From Melbourne to Montreal, San Francisco to Suffolk County New York, and everywhere in between, the more we share the love we enjoyed this summer the more we’ll feel the warm and comforting feeling of our summer home.

So let’s raise a glass to some of the finest people I know.  To an administration that consistently teaches me more of what it means to be a leader and a man the more closely I work with them.  To the long-standing legacy of Mel Wortman along with Bob’s tireless work to improve camp.  To the Silvers for showing us how brothers ought to be.  To Rick, Robyn, and the Mick for being a great dad, mom, and uncle respectively.  To each and every camper, your thirst for fun and friendship is the engine that makes this place go.  To the Waiters of 2009, I came to camp in 2002 with my awesome sister and no brothers.  Growing up with you guys has been the greatest thrill of my young life.  We will always be brothers.  Thanks again for everything, Baco Family.  Cheers to Summer 2014.

With undying love,

Baco Counselor Staff 2014

Eric K. Waiter ‘09