The Gravy Boat

August 8, 2025

Kingswood Camp was founded in 1947 by a school teacher from upstate New York named Bob Smith. His longstanding tradition was to promise boys that presents, food and candy were soon to arrive via a generous farmer navigating what was called the Gravy Boat. The campers, naturally, scanned the lake all summer long in anticipation of its glorious arrival. Somebody usually saw the Gravy Boat coming just as the buses were departing for various home locations. “Come back next year” was a common refrain.

No need for any of the above at Kingswood Camp in the summer of 2025. Every day was a Gravy Boat delivery. We enjoyed great weather, great staff, great boys, great food and a ton of great programming. Do not take my word for it. Ask your sons. Or, if you are visiting camp today or tomorrow, ask the counselors. They might be the best barometer of all.

I just spent a long time editing and posting the last round of photos for the summer. I got started at the Mum Luncheon, where nary a word was uttered by anybody for the entire meal. This got started 41 years ago when the Bow and Arrow coaches were a tad too rambunctious in the dining room, agitating the campers to no end. Thus,the Neutrals were the driving force behind this hilarious tradition.

Another tradition the Wipflers inherited was the Apache Relay, now called the Clutch Relay. I explained that one in yesterday’s post so no need for further comment.

We celebrated “Old Timers Day” after the supper picnic on a really pretty evening. Folks who have been at Kingswood for exactly five summers got those nifty green tees. The six-year (and above) crowd were awarded nice and heavy PJ bottoms to help remind them of Kingswood during those cold dark winter months.

Following was the B&A Songfest. Back in 1985, besides calling for a mute lunch, Neutrals responded to those off-the-wall coaches who ordered us to dress appropriately for the solemn performance, only to be met by the judges dressed in crazy costumes. All these years later, the masquerade continues.

I promise we all took the Songfest quite seriously as the campers had spent an inordinate amount of time preparing for their respective two performances, a Kingswood Alma Mater and a Kingswood Pump-Up song. You could have heard a pin drop as the kids strode into the dining room one at a time!

Lots of photos are offered today by me and others to verify the sustaining power of the Gravy Boat. Thanks to all of you for putting up with my nonsense in these blogs. “Come back next year.”

Fondly,

Bob