By Matt Stamm
We are genetically designed to notice contrast. That difference between light and dark in our everyday surroundings. Of course there are plenty of utilitarian purposes to this ability, but there is also spiritual and emotional value in it. We use it all the time in our social media posts, adjusting filters (essentially just altering the contrast) to convey a certain mood. There’s nothing quite like watching the sun break through the dark storm clouds after a downpour. The sunrise after a long, dark night. Coming out of darkness to then see the light in contrast can make us more grateful for the beauty in our lives. Anyone returning to camp this summer after almost 2 years of isolation, uncertainty, inactivity, and longing for the better days must have felt that in some way as we took steps back toward normalcy. We got to be with our best friends, in the best place. Our safe place. A place that for many of us is usually a beacon of light waiting at the end of the 10 month tunnel called life outside of the camp bubble. This summer that contrast between how we feel at camp vs what we endure to get there during that time away was made clearer than ever.
And so we arrived. And we took it all in as we walked those familiar, beautiful grounds we’d missed so much, filled with fond memories made with so many loved ones. And maybe it’s because we were attuned to certain contrasts that we noticed the growing number of memorial spaces around camp. Spaces named for special Harlam community members who are no longer with us in body, but whose spirits live on to help pass down all of the joys camp can bring to future generations.
On one hand, the contrast between these areas and the rest of camp is obvious. They intentionally look a little different; they stand out from their surroundings. They are often quiet areas where those who knew and loved their namesakes can reflect on their memories, all while listening to echoes of children playing and laughing in the background. What more of a contrast can exist?
On the other hand, these beautiful spaces fit seamlessly with the rest of camp’s landscape and activity areas. As time passes these memorials will inevitably be viewed with less and less contrast by each generation that did not know the person for whom they’re named. In a way that familiarity is what Camp Harlam has always been about. But in contrast, camp is nothing without tradition and legacy, so why not take the opportunity to explain to the users of these spaces their significance?
We had this chance first session to speak with the K’far Noar campers about one of these spaces they interact with each day. Erin’s Happy Place, named in memory of beloved Harlam camper and staff member Erin Grant. We took the opportunity to introduce Erin, talk about her fight with cancer, her fierce loyalty as a friend, and about how even in her darkest times she found the strength to hold others up with her light. We spoke about how Camp Harlam was her physical and spiritual “happy place”, and now because of her this space in their village exists. And we urged them to help carry on her legacy by thinking about her when they see that space, and by explaining to future generations why it exists.
We also chose to record a particular song at Erin’s Happy Place – “Circle”, by Edie Brickell and New Bohemians – because Erin performed it in the 1995 CIT Variety Show at camp. We were joined by K’far Noar campers Sarah S., Madden B., Aubrey C., Amelia G., and Dasia M. The beautiful voices of a new generation who will help share Erin’s story. And as we sang, we embraced the stark contrast between the somber tone of the song and the joyous sounds of camp going on all around us. We miss Erin, her smile, her jokes and her spirit. But we are grateful that Erin’s Happy Place exists to carry on her legacy. And we are grateful that the darkness of the void left in so many lives after she passed gets filled more and more each day with the light and love felt by those who now get to enjoy her permanent memorial at camp.
Matt Stamm is a former camper and staff member as well as an active alunmi. He returned to Camp Harlam this summer to serve as a physician’s assistant. The best part of his return to camp was that he got to watch is daughter experience the magic camp for herself as a first time camper.