Pasquaney's 130^th Anniversary Celebration

A Reunion to Remember

by Henry Anderson

Pasquaney’s 130^th Anniversary Celebration was a tremendous success. From August 15th to the 18th,  over 530 alumni, friends, and family of Camp gathered for four days of activites, food, ceremony, and entertainment under one very big tent. 

On Thursday, the dorms gradually filled as guests settled into their bunks for the weekend, and Camp came to life with its usual slate of activities: tennis, baseball, woodworking, swimming, diving, canoeing, canoe tilts, sailing, crew, and more! After a delicious cookout dinner from Chef Tom Crocker, Rich DeSalvo led an uproarious Game Show in the Watson Theater and the Masquebec sign made a dramatic appearance for the first time in over 20 years… (Direct all inquiries to Bob Thompson.) Al Bocock set another epic bonfire ablaze, and guests gathered around to sing old standards from the songbook.

Friday was the night of the Mr. Vinnie Extravaganza, and it truly lived up to its name, drawing our highest number of guests. Several of Mr. Vinnie’s closest friends, colleagues, and family spoke — or sang — of his character and achievements, and he was given a heartfelt ovation from all in attendance. To conclude the evening, alumnus Tris Munsick performed some Western tunes.

On Saturday, Mr. Michael conducted an opening ceremony and John Curtis, the oldest alumnus in attendance, hoisted the flag while the cannon blew. Counsellors from the 2023 and ’24 season delivered excerpts from their Tree Talks, and at dinner, Camp Society President Aubrey Duckworth, Board President Bob Pinkard, and Mr. Michael each spoke about Pasquaney’s past, present, and future.

Festivities came to a poignant close on Sunday with a chapel service led by both directors, and Mr. Michael gave a powerful sermon on the importance of sincerity. 

Despite its size and complexity, the celebration went off without a hitch. Special thanks and congratulations to its coordinators, Tommy Sutro, Bob Thompson, Doug Camp, Sarah Tiernan of SRS Events, and the rest of the 130th Committee, who met regularly for over a year to plan each detail, and to Mr. Michael and Facilities Director Tim Curry for  all their behind-the-scenes work. Most importantly, thanks to all of you for coming. The reunion’s success speaks to the strength of our community as we tackle another decade of helping boys learn, build friendships, and grow, and we couldn’t do it without your fierce love and support. See you at the 150^th!