It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Pat Smith passed away peacefully on Monday, September 5th, at her family home in Virginia after an ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s. Close friends and caregivers were by her side, including one of her dearest Camp friends, Hildegard Thorne. We extend our deepest gratitude for the compassionate and professional care given by Pat’s team of supporters and caregivers over the last few years.
Pat was introduced to Camp Wawenock by professors and students at Westhampton College, whose many connections to Wawenock began as early as 1916. Pat was hired by Syd and Lillian Ussher in 1968 and, through 2013, never missed a summer at Camp! Pat joined June Gray as a full-time Director of Camp Wawenock in 1997 and celebrated her 50-years of service and connection to Wawenock in August 2018.
We feel privileged to have known and worked alongside Pat, since she and June welcomed our family to Wawenock in 2005. Pat was an avid supporter of us professionally and personally as we transitioned to life in Maine. In addition to introducing us to a wonderful community of professional colleagues in Maine, and imbuing in us the history, traditions, and philosophy of Wawenock, it’s no surprise that Pat also took interest in our own daughters’ lives. We have fond memories of Pat taking the time to get to know Mackenzie and Sophie and engaging them in activities like tapping maple trees at Camp and making maple syrup on the wood stove!
Pat remained in close contact with us as she transitioned to Director Emerita, and was always keen to hear how the current campers and staff members, as well as alumnae, were doing. Pat’s legacy at Wawenock lives on in many ways, and especially through the quality and safety of the instructional program. Pat’s steady leadership and passion for teaching were a gift to generations of campers and staff. She saw potential in others and helped them develop skills and confidence by challenging and supporting them in clear and compassionate ways. Pat had endless curiosity and was committed to life-long learning. This was exemplified by her interest in each person, as well as her drive for the continual improvement of Camp’s program. Pat’s love of the natural world was epitomized by her good stewardship of this beautiful place and her tireless efforts to help secure the Wawenock Forest Land Conservation Easement, setting aside over 60 of Wawenock’s acres to be protected from future development, while also safeguarding the clear waters of Sebago.
As testament to Pat’s profound impact on so many in the Camp Family, following are excerpts from comments shared in celebration of Pat’s 50 years at Wawenock:
“There are many ways Pat affected my life and helped me become a caring, confident person. Pat taught us to slow down our swimming strokes so we could swim long distances. She taught us serious lifesaving skills. She ingrained in us the high tennis serve toss and a love for the game! She showed discipline in all areas and kindness and fairness to all people. She appreciated sunsets and all of nature’s beauty. Fun, friendship, simple pleasures, being your best self, perseverance, resilience, and thoughtfulness – all Pat!”
“Pat developed countless leaders at Camp who have gone into the world to encourage and inspire growth in others. Pat’s ability to understand individuals’ needs, tailor teaching moments, and inspire young women is unparalleled. Pat modeled and taught people that women are strong and can do anything. So many staff cherish the memories of teaching by Pat’s side.”
In addition to Pat’s dedication to Wawenock, she was an active member of her professional and local communities. She was an American Camp Association (ACA) Certified Camp Director and her lifetime commitment to quality camp experiences included planning trainings for the Maine Youth Camp Foundation (MYCF) and the ACA-New England Section Conference. She was a trainer for Red Cross Water Safety, Lifeguard Instructor, ACA Standard’s Visitor, Member of ACA-New England Section Standards Committee and was the MYCF Membership Chair for over a decade. In 2003, Camp Director colleagues recognized Pat with the prestigious Halsey Gulick Award for service to camping in Maine.
Pat was born and grew up in Virginia, graduated from Westhampton College of the University of Richmond, and did her graduate work at Boston University. Before working at Camp full time, Pat taught Physical Education and coached girls’ and women’s sports at the high school and collegiate levels, including at Bates College in Maine where she coached the Women’s tennis and lacrosse teams at the beginning of the title IX era. She was a woman who paved the way for many others in so many ways!
We invite you to join us for a celebration of Pat’s life and legacy at Wawenock on Saturday August 19th, 2023 at Camp Wawenock.
With love and appreciation for all of you who touched Pat’s life,
Catriona and Andy