To say that Camp Takodah is a tradition for Katie Brunk is an understatement. The 38-year-old single mother started attending the Cheshire YMCA's camp on the shores of Cass Pond in Richmond when she was seven years old. She ended up going nine years as a camper, nine as a camp leader and several as a volunteer. And she has made sure that every one of her children, including four adopted and four foster kids, has attended the camp.

It's such as important part of the family's tradition that each year, they have a family photo taken next to the Camp Takodah sign.

Brunk, a Richmond native, can't say enough about what the camp has done for her and her children. "As a teenager, I struggled with self-confidence," she says. "The mentoring I got at Camp Takodah really helped instill confidence. And it influenced me to want to mentor other kids."

As for her own kids, Brunk says the camp is an important part of their social and emotional growth and development. And it gives structure to their summers. Her kids include four adopted children: Joshua, 19; Robert, 14; Latoshia, 14; and Daniel, 6. She also currently has two foster boys, aged 7 and 8, and previously had two other foster children. Each of her kids spends two weeks each summer at overnight camp and between two and four weeks at day camp.

"It's time away from the computers and TV," she says. "And the kids are building skills – relationship skills and community building skills -- that help them become more well-rounded people."

All of Brunk's children need a little extra help. A special needs teacher at the Winchester's pre-school, she has adopted and provides foster care to children with some type of disability such as cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome. Camp Takodah has been very willing to give them that extra help, she says.

"I've always seen the ability in kids, not the disability," she says. "And I have all the same hopes and dreams for every one of my kids that any parent of a typical kid has."

Camp Takodah is the cornerstone of the Cheshire YMCA's programming and has a 90-year history and tradition in the area. Go to any local restaurant or grocery store and you're likely to find a Camp Takodah alum, says executive director John "Jef" Craig. There are many families that are in their second, third and even fourth generation of sending their children to the camp.

"Many people remember 'Uncle Oscar' (Oscar Elwell), who was with us for 50 years," Craig says, "and his wife, 'Aunt Frances.' Many of the traditions that started with them in the ‘20s are still intact. Mention the candlelight ceremony to anyone who's gone, and they know what you're talking about."

Candlelight is the ceremony that ends each two-week camp session, Craig explains. On the last night, after a ceremony in the lodge, all the campers and counselors carry lighted candles up a hill in the dark, then form a circle and sing.

Craig says Takodah as "gives kids a chance to get to know who they are within a group. There's a real sense of community," he says. "It touches your life and sets a direction for how to live it."

Takodah offers several different camping experiences for kids ranging from the Hornet's Nest Day Camp for five to seven-year-olds, an overnight camp for the first-time campers and one to three-week stays. Many campers, including Katie Brunk and her son, Joshua, go on to become leaders for the younger campers.

Joshua, who attends Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania, has been going to camp ever since he was seven years old. He has gone through the leadership development program and, this summer, he will return for his first year as a staffer.

"I have enjoyed every single moment at Camp Takodah," he says. "Not one was better than another."

Latoshia, Joshua's sister, has been going for five years. Her goal, she says, is to beat her brother's record. She mentions the candlelight ceremony as one of the highlights of camp as well as Halloween night, which includes scary stories and a haunted walk.

"I love Camp Takodah," Latoshia says. "I've made tons of friends. Even if you have a hard time the first year, you should try it again next year. You'll have fun."

Cheshire YMCA also offers adventure camps for older kids that include rafting, sailing, kayaking, hiking and climbing. And, during the school year, it offers the New England Heritage Tour and the American Heritage Tour for area seventh and eighth graders. Students learn about the region and country's history by traveling to Plymouth, New Bedford and Boston in Massachusetts and to Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Ellis Island, Amish country and Washington, D.C.

No kid who wants to participate in the Cheshire YMCA's programming is turned away, says Craig. "We try to keep fees low, but our product is not inexpensive. However, we have a commitment to serve all kids within our service area. And we reach out to people in the many little communities in the area who may not have an opportunity to get to Keene."

Craig can add another person to his list of future Takodah campers, although his or her name isn't yet known. Katie Brunk is waiting to adopt another special needs child. And you can bet that kid will become a camper. After all, it's a tradition for the Brunks.

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