I first went to camp in the summer of 1951.  I have missed only a couple camp summers in the ensuing sixty years.  To be sure, I’ve heard a few camp Alma Maters in my time.  Here are a few of my favorites, with words changed where needed to make them available for  Kingswood Camp consumption:

 

 

TO OUR FRIENDS

 

To our friends we won’t forget them

In the years that lie ahead

To Camp Kingswood where we met them

And the wonderful things we did

 

Baseball, swimming, fishing

Bow and Arrow competition

The meals prepared for us at early dawn

 

But, the times we loved the best

When the counselors missed their rest

Oh, we’ll miss them when we’re gone

 

So, a toast to the past

A toast to the future

And let there be no sorrow

 

For, remember when the sun goes down

It returns with a bright tomorrow.

 

PEACE I LEAVE WITH THEE LAKE TARLETON

Peace I leave with thee Lake Tarleton

Peace, peace, peace

When we learn to live serenely

Cares will cease.

 

From the hills I gather courage

Visions of the day to be

Strength to lead and faith to follow

All are given unto me

 

Peace I leave with thee Lake Tarleton

Peace, peace, peace

 

 

 

ON THE HILLS ABOVE LAKE TARLETON

On the hills above Lake Tarleton

Stands the camp we love so well

Where we sing our songs together

And praises long will swell

 

So to each and every camper

Who shares our joys and care

 

Camp Kingswood, old Camp Kingswood

There’s none that can compare

 

FAR ABOVE LAKE TARLETON’S WATERS, v1

Far above Lake Tarleton’s waters

Nestled in the pines

Stands the lodge of old Camp Kingswood

Home of our good times

Hail to thee, beloved Kingswood

We will honor thee

As we linger ‘round the campfire

Hail oh Hail to thee

 

FAR ABOVE LAKE TARLETON’S WATERS, v2

Far above Lake Tarteton’s waters

With its waves of blue

Stands noble Kingswood Camp

Glorious to view

Shout it loudly

Sing it proudly

You will always know

In the years that follow closely

Kingswood Camp will grow

 

Undoubtedly, anyone who has ever spent a summer at Kingswood will instantly recognize this final selection as the first verse of our alma mater.  This song, which closes every evening campfire, is one of our favorite traditions and we cherish the legacy that it leaves behind. In the years that follow closely, as Kingswood camp does indeed grow and change, you will always know that these words will be sung around the campfire on the shore of Lake Tarleton!