45 Years After “The Fire”, See How Far We've Come

Those of you who joined us for our Winter Gathering know that we started 2009 off with a look back at a history of fire in and around Cachalot, from the earliest days of Plymouth Colony all the way through to Cachalot’s own “big one”, the fire of ‘64. We’re going to continue that look back at Camp Cachalot on Saturday July 11th, beginning at 12:00pm, and see just how far Cachalot’s come since that fateful May weekend.

We’ll be starting with burgers and hot dogs down by the pine grove near Tom Cullen Field, followed by a quick update from our Chairman on the state of our Association. Our resident expert on Cachalot’s ecology, Brian Bastarache, will be on-hand to talk about the role of fire at Cachalot and how Cachalot has been recovering. We also plan to have some experienced representatives from our local forest fire-fighting crews out, with a brush breaker and some of their other equipment, so you can hear from the experts just what is involved in controlling and extinguishing a blaze like the one that happened in ‘64. We’ll also hear a bit from them about “controlled burns” and their role in forest fire prevention. Then it’s on to taking “class photos” of our attendees, and you’ll have plenty of time left to get reacquainted with your old friends from camp, visit your old favorite haunts, or just enjoy a day at Cachalot.

“Class of ’76” Reunion

To go along with the other activities, Vic Sylvia, Mike Viera, and several other members of the summer camp staff from the 1976 season are hoping to have a reunion with other members of the “Class of ’76”. If you attended summer camp at Cachalot in 1976, whether on staff or as a camper, they'd love to see you at Homecoming. If you know someone who fits the bill, we'd appreciate it if you'd pass the word along–it can be hard to track people down after thirty-plus years! If you want to get in touch about the 1976 reunion, you can send email to 1976reunion@cachalotalumni.org and it will get to the organizers.

Homecoming Info

Homecoming 2009 is a free event for members and non-members alike. Lunch is optional, with a suggested donation of $5 to help us defray the cost. Camp will remain open until 5pm, and we'll have guides available if you want to have a look around but don't quite remember the way.

As always, our History Committee will be on-hand to scan your photos and slides or photograph any memorabilia that you'd like to show off. Bring along your items to be scanned, or bring your digital pictures in almost any format. Contact curator@cachalotalumni.org if you have questions about this. If you have a large number of photos or slides, we may not be able to handle them at the event but would still like to make arrangements to capture them, so please contact us at that email in that case.

Registration Details

Even though this is a free event, we'd still appreciate it if you'd let us know you're coming, especially if you plan on joining us for lunch.

Click here to register online right now!

Additional Information

If you have questions that aren't answered here, please drop us an email message at homecoming2009@cachalotalumni.org. The Narragansett Council office may also be able to answer some questions via telephone at (401) 351-8700.

Dig out that old Camp shirt & hat, head on out to Cachalot, and get ready to share your memories and a whole lot of fellowship with all of the other alums!

See you in July!

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