Woodcraft Alumni Visits This Summer

Nothing warms our camp spirit more than welcoming Woodcraft alumni back to camp and hearing their stories as they reconnect with the place that was once such an important part of their lives. These visits help us connect the present to the past and the past to the future, and renew our purpose as we carry Woodcraft’s legacy forward. Please enjoy the photos and notes from some of our visitors this summer!

Photo above: Woodcraft Alumnus Gary Stockman with his wife, Jenny Stockman, and his son and fellow camp alumnus, Ben Stockman.

Gary comes from a three-brother Woodcraft family and attended camp from 1970–73. His older brother, Steve Stockman, attended a few years before him, while his younger brother, Mike Stockman, attended a few years after. Gary’s son, Ben, attended Trail Camp and OLTD in 2008 and 2009.

We had an excellent time touring camp with Gary, Jenny, and Ben, and especially enjoyed seeing Gary and Ben find their names in cabins. We are deeply grateful to the Stockman family for helping new generations of campers experience Woodcraft through their generous support of Friends of Woodcraft.

Woodcraft’s Legacy Creates New Family Bonds

- Imanol Urquizu, Summers 1980-89

I first came to Woodcraft from Venezuela in 1980, when I was just six years old and spoke virtually no English. The Leach family welcomed me and cared for me as one of their own, and I returned for ten unforgettable summers.

It is difficult to describe what it felt like to come back almost 40 years later. The Adirondack air, the endless green, the wooden cabins with their red roofs—even the taste of the water in Lake Kan-ac-to—brought back wonderful memories. Some things simply don’t change.

But the most special part was returning to pick up my daughter Paula after her own summer at Woodcraft. The Bartlett family had welcomed and cared for her with the same warmth I remembered from the Leach family. Hearing Paula’s stories about riflery, archery, canoeing, campfires and familiar Woodcraft traditions made me realize that we now share something truly special: our own Woodcraft memories, and a bond that will stay with us for life.

Pictured below is Imanol’s daughter, Paula Urquizu - top left - with her Aurora cabin mates from this summer, 2026. Another photo below shows Imanol with his Ranger cabin mates and counselors from 1987.

Photo above: Alec Keith spent his summers at Woodcraft from 1965-1975. Chief asked Alec to return & lead the 46er trip the following summer, but after studying at Hamilton College, Alec headed to geology field training to advance his career.  He later attended graduate school for mining & engineering at the University of Utah. Listening to Alec, hearing him remember Chief's words of wisdom & reminisce about how Woodcraft taught him resilience, many outdoor skills, and the knowledge that he had a world he felt competent in, was a gift.

Pictured above is Dick Taylor, who was a camper in the 50s and a staff member in the 60s. Dick particularly remembered living in IV, Horse Camp, and Wilderness!

Ready to Lend a Helping Hand?

Mohawk Valley Gives begins on Friday, September 18th!

Help Friends of Woodcraft reach its goal and give children and teens the chance to build confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to nature, self, and friends through safe, fun summer camp wilderness adventures and activities in the Adirondack Park.

Ways to help:

1. Make a gift to Friends of Woodcraft

2. Share fundraising information today on your social media pages

3. Share this giving opportunity directly with family and friends

The Friends of Woodcraft mission is to preserve the camp experience for future generations and make Adirondack outdoor leadership experiences at Woodcraft accessible to families who otherwise could not attend. Your generous donation will provide financial assistance for campers in need, help maintain and strengthen program offerings, and improve facilities and grounds to ensure that Woodcraft remains a camp environment deserving of its magnificent setting and history.

Thank you for your support!