Some of you may have heard that our longtime waterfront director, Bob Windrow, will not be returning this year due to education obligations. Bob has been with us longer than almost any other staff member in the history of Kingsley Pines. It is with great appreciation that we thank him for giving us 16 amazing years as a camper, counselor, assistant waterfront director, and waterfront director.  During his time at KP, Bob has supported the camp community in countless ways helping to create a safe, respectful environment where both children and staff felt comfortable being themselves.  I think he held our deep and abiding admiration not for his physical strength (which was clearly unsurpassed), but for his inner strength. 

Most impressively, Bob is a very modest person and you may not believe it, but he generally preferred to stay out of the limelight...for the most part.  Although he was certainly (and infamously) capable of telling 40 minute stories, like “Bobo the Clown”, his real strength was listening.  One of his most important contributions to camp was simply his willingness to give you his time and lend an ear, free of any judgment.  Whether he just met you or had known you for 10 years, he was happy to help.  So it seems very natural that his chosen profession, (which he is currently studying) is in fact, counseling.  Bob was unmatched in his ability to be straight-forward, respectful, honest and fair to those around him.  He was a true team player, willing to help out anyone with anything to support the greater good.

Sometimes we toss around the phrase “role model” with a general idea of what it is supposed to mean, but not a clear definition.  A role model has integrity.  A role model is a respected member of a community who puts the needs of others before themselves.  A role model is always dependable and hardworking, they see the bigger picture.  A role model helps to keep people on the right track as well as guide them to make good decisions and help them build character.  This is the sort of person campers and staff aspire to be and we are so glad to have had such a shining example for them to look to for so many years.

We wish Bob much happiness in his new career and hope he will keep in touch!