The Order Of Chingachgook

***** Please note 2003 update at the bottom of this page *****

The Chingachgook Alumni Association, in conjunction with the camp, and “Order” members conducted the first “Order of Chingachgook” (hereafter referred to as the Order) tap out in over a decade, on July 23rd and 24th , 1999, at the camp. The Order is an organization started in the early years of camp’s history and is modeled on the Boy Scout’s Order of the Arrow.

New members to the Order are chosen from campers, staff, and alumni who have exhibited the highest level of commitment to the camp and exemplify the core values of the YMCA; Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect. In addition, candidates must be at least 12 years old, have spent three or more summers at camp, be able to swim 220 yards, and have strong leadership ability.

Order inductees are chosen from the rest of the camp population during a “tap out” ceremony held in the same manner as has been done for 50 years. Though it is an honor for an individual to be tapped out, Order membership is completely voluntary. All inductees are given the opportunity to opt out, if desired.

Inductees are led through an “ordeal” which is modeled after those performed by Order inductees for many decades. The inductees begin the ordeal with a solitary sleep-out in the woods. The following day, the inductees perform a work project intended to better the camp in a substantive way. This project is completed in silence, with the only nourishment being bread and water. Inductees are given frequent opportunities to write their thoughts in a journal. The day ends with a campfire discussion of the experience followed by a feast in the dining hall.

The first tap out included 8 of the best of Camp Chingachgook’s staff members. Their project included construction of the Junior Girls Outpost, and building of permanent fire rings at the Chapel area. The feast at the day’s end included Steak, Lobster, and Cheesecake.

A number of “Old-Timers” assisted in the tap out and ordeal, including Jim “JOD” Dunham, Jim “Cess” Poole, Grant Fullman, John Rose, Gregg Sagor, and Gary August. Chingachgook Executive Director, George Painter, the last remaining Order member still at camp, did most of the planning, and organizing of the tap out and ordeal, including educating the staff, organizing the tap out assembly, construction of torches, purchasing of tools, ordeal project design, and food planning, including provision of plenty of bread and water, as well as ensuring that the steak and lobster feast was a memorable meal. Of special interest, Order inductee John “Moose” Cerritto, completed an aborted ordeal after being tapped out over 30 years ago. Well done Moose!

A second tap out was held on August 6th and 7th, in what it is hoped will be a continuing tradition in the service of Camp Chingachgook into the next century. An attempt is being made to compile a list of Order members. If you are an Order of Chingachgook member, let us know by sending an e-mail to Gary August .

Since these first tapouts in 1999, there have been two tapouts a summer. The rejuvenated Order of Chingachgook has inducted many more fine campers and staff to help serve our camp. Projects include the new seating area outside the dining hall and a refurbished Baxter Field. The Order of Chingachgook lives on to serve camp thanks to the dedication of all the Order members that came before. Be sure to rekindle your camp memories. Participate in a tapout, come for a work weekend, find excuses to visit America's Finest Summer Camp.

2003 Update from Jim (Cess) Poole - Alumni Council/Order of Chingachgook Chair THE ORDER OF CHINGACHGOOK – ALIVE AND WELL Once the Alumni Council determined that the Order of Chingachgook was an element of camp that should not be neglected, we involved ourselves enthusiastically in every aspect of its management, except the selection of candidates. This was left to the summer camp staff. Now that things have been up and running for three years, we feel that there is sufficient understanding of what the Order is about along with a membership among current staff and campers so that we can take a more peripheral role in its operations. This is not to say that the Alumni are dissociating themselves from any involvement in the Order. During each of the Ordeals over the past three summers, alumni members have been active in helping with the work projects. Work that has been completed includes clearing a campsite just above Tall Pines Field, improved seating in the Chapel area, trail clearing, removal of all the growth inside what was to become the foundation of the new Hike Center, construction of a patio outside the lower level of the dining hall, and improvements on the infield of Baxter Field. These projects are all wonderful opportunities to contribute to the efforts of the Order. If you are a member and would like to join in either of the two work days planned for this summer – Saturday, July 5 and Saturday, August 2 2003 - give camp a call (656-9462) to let us know you’ll be assisting. The young men and women who have been tapped out over the past three years are the quintessence of what the camp is all about and they are an absolute joy to work with. Be a part of the Order once again.