Rick Richmond's Day Camp Memories

1985, the year I re-entered Day Camp. I actually began my "time" in 1973. I was a very young counselor, at a camp of some 25 children. I worked as a counselor until 1978. In the summer of 1978, I was the first "S.I.T.", having just graduated from high school. In 1985, I decided to begin my college career. Looking for summer employment, and itching for camp. Found Ron one day at church, and inquired into becoming at one with the day camp. Was hired to work for Olders Director, Ed Tooley.......... and the rest is history.

All told, my personal involvement with Day Camp, beginning in 1973 -'78, and again from 1985 - '94, and as current "bus driver" the last 3 summers, spans some 19 summers.

A Little Day Camp History:

Started in 1968 by Don and Naomi Snowbarger. Originally the idea was to give college kids of "MacArthur Memorial Bible Church", (changed to Calvary Bible Church around 1971) a place of employment during the summer.

Members of the Richmond family were campers in 1971.

In 1972, Duane Romberger Jr., became camp director, average attendance was about 25 kids.

In 1973, Betsy (Richmond) Barnhart, and Rick Richmond became counselors.

The camp slowly grew to about 40, in 1976. The main activity centered around the Pickwick recreation center. We went to the pickwick pool, 2-3 times a week (were the favorite song of: Band on the Run, by Paul McCartney and Wings (song requires Free RealPlayer G2), was played incessantly over the juke box), along with "Cricket" field (now the Equestrian center), bowling, and travel town. The day camp tradition of traveling to the beach, on wednesdays, began. Traveling to Will Rogers state beach, and Santa Monica beach. Favorite game was easily "Capture the Flag". In and around the trees of Cricket field.

In the summer of 1976, we began travelling more and more away from church, finding "White Rock," as a hot spot. Located in the soledad canyon area, (just down the road from Oasis) Day camp was operating with only one bus for much of these summers. The entire camp was centered in the childrens building, in what is now the C.I.T. room. Not even sure Magic Mountain existed yet.

1977 participants: Duane Romberger Jr., Susan Stoffer (now Romberger), Betsy Richmond (now Barnhart) Tom Barnhart, Rob Jones, Gary Warren, Laureen Daverine, Colleen ...., Don Knox, Keith Romberger, Rick Richmond, Pam Richmond, Lori Richmond.

The summer of 1978 saw camp swell to over 100 children for the first time. Tom Barnhart had now replaced Duane Romberger jr. as Director. In 1978, Burbank schools decided to do away with many summer school sponsored activities. Parents looking to find a place for their children, quickly found CBCDC. Staff: Tom Barnhart Director, Randy Stage, Lo Miekle, Mark something (a canadian), Rick Richmond (the first SIT) and half way through the summer a long stranger named Ed Tooley was hired.

As my involvement was minimal until 1985, I am not sure of the order of Directors:

• 1979, Lo Mielke Director
• 1980, Lou Stone took over as Director
• 1981, Ron and Stephanie Jones came on staff (I don't know exactly when Ron began, was it 1980 or 1981??? Anyway........ the era of Ron begins.)
  [Read Ron Jones' Addendum...]