For weeks now, I have been trying to recall lyrics to the theme song of my childhood summer camp. I went to it as a kid camper, and then worked there as a counselor. Granted, it has been forty-nine years since I last saw Camp Jack Hazard; but some things should not be forgotten.
Even though the song has faded from my memory, the place and experiences have not. At an elevation of 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, tucked away in thick conifer forests, with granite masses standing sentinel in every direction, it was the greatest camp a child could be fortunate enough to attend.
Rustic cabins that housed six cots, outdoor latrines, a dining hall, combination craft snack shack, and swimming pool were all the amenities of our camp. We only had electricity in the dining hall, and the pool was heated. As I think about it, I do not remember showers. I know when we got off the bus at home, after a week’s stay, we all were really, really dirty. Perhaps, the swimming pool was camp’s solution to dirt covered kids; I know we swam everyday, and never gave a thought to hygiene. We were having fun, showered or not, and as a camper, no one ever indicated anything more was missing or needed.
The meals were served after each cabin’s campers were seated on either side of rough-hewn tables and benches. For three meals a day, we ate hearty, carbohydrate heavy, institutional-type prepared food, accompanied by metal pitchers of an ice cold beverage called Bug Juice. Looking back, I am pretty sure it was grape Kool-Aid, but we never knew it by any other name than Bug Juice. I loved the food and drink there, and believed it was the best I had ever tasted.
Every camp day began with reveille played on a bugle that had been part of the camp since it began in the 1920’s. The playing was tinny, off key, and annoying; but, it signaled another exciting, fun-filled day had begun. At night, after all our activities, meals, skits, campfire and songs were done, we were lulled to sleep with the playing of Taps on that same old horn. Nothing fancy. Nothing electronic. Just a beat up old bugle, and some rugged kids relishing some rugged living in the High Sierras.
And the highlight of camp? A three day backpacking trek into the backcountry. As if our camp were not already in the backcountry. We loaded up, moved out, and hiked until we thought our legs would hike no more. Then we hiked on. Our meals were prepared over campfires, we ate using tin utensils, and cleaned everything with water, if we were near some, or sandy dirt and pebbles, if not. Sleeping bags kept us moderately warm at night, and as we lay under the stars, we saw skies of which no city dweller ever dreamed. By day, we swam in pristine alpine rivers and lakes, climbed rocks, and played games, living at one with the land. It was pure, simple, and healthy. The occasional timber rattlesnake (I love its scientific name: Crotalus horridus-amen to that!), bear, or random mountain creature made it all the more exciting. The point of our trek was to learn outdoor skills and backcountry ethics, so we could become the people who eventually would take over responsibility for protecting our vanishing wilderness.
Those camp days were significant, and most definitely provided the foundation for limitless joy and appreciation I find in our country’s uninhabited, unspoiled lands. I wish every child had the opportunity to go to such a summer camp, and experience how profoundly stirring it is to live in a primitive environment, even for just a week. I think we never fully realize how strong and capable we are until faced with a situation that puts us to that test. Then we know it was not so hard; just challenging. And we did it.
So how did that song go? There were some lyrics, and something about Hail Camp Jack Hazard, all hail to thee our Camp Jack Hazard! Then: Dardanelles, Dardanelles, you’re the place for us. We will work, we will play, we will never fuss. Oh….(cannot remember this part; la la la, la la la); we’ll go away, but never fear, we’ll come right back to you. YMCAAAAAA! I need to keep working on that song. In the meantime, I have some grape Kool-Aid in the refrigerator, and I think a tall glass of Bug Juice just might jog my memory.
Galactic Junction 
Wonderful post and recollections, VG. I did lots of camping as a kids ~ with family, friends, and girl scouts . . . but not in such impressive scenery. Thanks for a fantastic share.
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Thank you! Looking back, it was a privilege going to that camp. We grown ups could use such fun!
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Great memories. I agree that every kid needs at least a week in the wilderness; how else will they appreciate what a beautiful world we have that so desperately needs saving.
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Thank you! I always appreciate your comments.
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Wonderful post. What a place! Memories like that are so life-giving and formative. Love the bug juice. 🙂
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Thank you very much!
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Well, you drank the proverbial Kool-Aid, and survived. Must be the grape. Great stories and memories. Thanks for sharing, BTG
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Thank you!
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Sounds like a camp I would have loved! I have a lifelong love of our Anerican west. Great post.
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Thank you!
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A rich and wonderful experience and precious memory. You were very fortunate.
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Thank you for your comment. I wish all children could have such fun!
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Found your blogpost looking for something entirely different… I attended and worked at Camp Jack Hazard from 1975 through the 90s. Have kept in touch with many, and there is a large contingent who still attend alumni and volunteer weekends… The Stanislaus Co YMCA closed but the camp was transferred to a non-profit and is still going strong… When were you there? I’m sure we know a few folks in common…
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I was there in the 60s. They are some of my favorite memories! All hail to thee our Camp Jack Hazard!!
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The last names I remember from roughly that era are Norquist (Tom and Dick), deWolf (Bob), Arnapole (Alan and Arnie), Shaw (Terry)… You still in the Central Valley?
Also, the song was in three parts:
Killy killy killy killy wash wash wash wash Ke-ya ke-ya ki-ya (x2)
Hail Camp Jack Hazard, O Hail to thee O Camp Jack Hazard
Hail Camp Jack Hazard, Our hearts to thee will ere be true.
Dardanelle, Dardanelle you’re the place for us.
We’ll stay here, never fear, we will never fuss.
Oh, we will work, we will play, for make friendships too.
We’ll go away, but we won’t stay, We’ll come right back to you… Y M C A
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Lolol! I had such a hard time remembering the words to that song! I am no longer there, miss the town that was.
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Hi John, I hope this message finds you well. I came across this old post and it reminded me of a memory from our time at camp Jack Hazard. I went to Beard Elementary in Modesto. I believe it was either in 1980 or 1981 or 82, during my 5th and 6th grade years. One particular adventure stands out in my mind – when we went on a hiking trek and overnight camp in the forest, we came upon a beautiful lake with a crater-like appearance. There was a big ledge overlooking the lake, and something unexpected happened. One of the other campers actually pushed me off the edge of the cliff into the crater lake! It was quite a shock, to say the least. Thankfully, with the help of a rope that was thrown down to me, I managed to claw and climb my way up the side of the cliff. It was definitely a traumatic experience. I was wondering if you happened to recall this incident or if it rings any bells for you? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
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Hi! I was definitely at camp those summers as an assistant counselor. The lake was most likely Sword Lake, as it fits your description and has high drop-off used for jumping! I do NOT recall the specific incident, but maybe I blocked it out! 😉 Do you recall me personally being present on that overnight?
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