Longtime Camp Jabberwocky counselors who volunteered their time during the camp’s July session have not been invited to return this summer.
Longtime Camp Jabberwocky counselors who volunteered their time during the camp’s July session have not been invited to return this summer, and many members of the tight-knit Jabberwocky community are up in arms.
In emails, online comments and telephone interviews with the Gazette, several former July counselors and parents of July campers expressed both outrage and grief as they charged camp leadership with callously purging not only session directors Kristen (Sully) St. Amour and Johanna (Jojo) Romero de Slavy, but every volunteer associated with the two.
“This is a purposeful, complete elimination,” former counselor Brynn Staker said. “It’s been devastating.”
In an interview with the Gazette last week, executive director Liza Gallagher said the camp will bring in new directors and aims to eliminate its former distinctions between the July and August sessions.
Caitlin Lamb, granddaughter of founder Helen (Hellcat) Lamb and daughter of former camp director John Lamb, will be one of two co-directors for the entire summer season, Ms. Gallagher said.
A lifelong member of the Jabberwocky community, Ms. Lamb will share duties with Avis Olsen, who has been a camp director since the late 1990s.
“They bring decades of experience to camp,” Ms. Gallagher said. “Caitlin has been directing since 2017.”
She also expressed thanks to the former co-directors for their long service.
But others interviewed for this story claimed the two volunteers — who have more than 55 years of Jabberwocky experience between them — were not thanked, but blindsided when Ms. Gallagher fired them in a perfunctory Zoom call.
“It was done very harshly . . . I know it was less than five minutes, because Sully and Jojo called me right after it ended,” said Ms. Staker, who has been an unofficial assistant to the two in recent summers.
Responding to a request for comment, Ms. St. Amour and Ms. Romero de Slavy issued brief statements.
“We are devastated,” they told the Gazette by text message.
“It feels kind of like a death, to be honest with you,” said ex-counselor Maggie Raemer, who like Ms. Staker has been volunteering in July for a decade and a half.
“The grieving that I, and the whole [July] community [are] going through has been very, very painful,” Ms. Raemer said.
July volunteer Jordan Dobson fought tears as she contemplated summers without Camp Jabberwocky.
“I’ve spent five to six weeks of my summer [there] since 2008,” said Ms. Dobson, a special education teacher in the Baltimore public schools. “I’ve dropped everything and either flown or driven up there as soon as school ends . . . The only reason I don’t stay the entire summer is because I can’t afford it.”
She said camp administration did not notify the volunteers directly that they would not be returning in 2022.
“There’s usually an email that comes out in January that says ‘please send us your dates for this summer,’” she said.
This year: “Nothing at all,” Ms. Dobson said.
“That’s how every volunteer has been treated . . . who has not been asked back,” she said. “It feels like I’m not allowed there; it felt like my home.”
Parents of the people with disabilities who form the center of the Jabberwocky said they are rattled by the changes.
“This has been absolutely heartbreaking for us as a family, and almost all the families that I know that were involved in July camp,” said Lori Stoddard, whose 30-year-old son Sam has been attending for 15 summers.
“How is that in the best interest of our campers, that everybody they have known and loved over the years . . . they’re all taken away from them?” she asked.
“We have had so many sleepless nights over this,” Ms. Stoddard said. “He at first did not want to go back without them.”
Barbara Shellhorn, whose 40-year-old son Sam — camp name Rhino — has roomed for years with Sam Stoddard and a handful of other male campers in the Mome Rath cabin, said Jabberwocky leaders have indicated that the longtime group of friends may be split up into different cabins this year.
“This change isn’t good,” Ms. Shellhorn said. “As a parent of a son who has Down syndrome, it is very important to have continuity in his life.”
Ms. Stoddard said she has written the camp to say that if the Mome Rath group is splintered, her son won’t be returning.
“If they’re not together, we’re not going to send him,” she said.
Ms. Shellhorn and Ms. Stoddard said in a Zoom conversation with Jabberwocky trustees and others, parents were told that Ms. St. Amour and Ms. Romero de Slavy were dismissed for cause, but that the reason could not be disclosed for confidentiality reasons.
“We all think this is bogus,” Ms. Shellhorn said. “None of us ever felt our campers were in danger.”
In the earlier interview, Ms. Gallagher assured that many longtime campers would be returning. Jabberwocky’s four two-week summer sessions, with about 25 campers in each, will begin in late June, she said.
“All the traditions are still there,” Ms. Gallagher said.
She also said the organization is going through a broader reorganization and has downsized its board of directors, from 24 members to an all-local board of 12.
“We are looking forward to the future like any other organization,” she said. “We’re making changes that will be good for our growth.”
Comments
The treatment of JoJo and
Dr. Steven Gardner MGH and Camp volunteer for 25 years; author of “Jabberwocky”The treatment of JoJo and Sully by Ms. Gallagher is the cruelest gesture I’ve witnessed in a long time. The lack of humanity that it represents is completely at odds with the values that Jabberwocky has embodied for almost 70 years. Ms. Gallagher and her hand-picked board have tried to fracture the sense of family, community and deep sense of belonging that hundreds of us in the Jabberwocky family have treasured for decades. This is also a tragic loss for the people of the island who have embraced us under the leadership of JoJo and Sully and have shared in the magical spirit and love they have inspired for decades. Hellcat, Jabberwocky’s irascible founder would surely be horrified by what’s being done to her treasured sanctuary in Vineyard Haven.
With great respect, Dr.
Alan Brigish West TisburyWith great respect, Dr. Gardner, the board is hardly handpicked by Liza. Ive had 43 years of experience with Jabberwocky and have watched the board mature from the days when Hellcat chose the board until today when a group of serious professionals run the institution. I have had direct personal experience with several non-profits on MV and I applaud the work of Liza, her team and the board that oversees our much loved camp. They are one of the best.
I’ve had the privilege of
D. Jordan, DHA Hidden Cove ( OB)I’ve had the privilege of working in the nonprofit health & human services sector for many years leading thousands of staff and worked with numerous Boards of Directors. What binds together great organizations is a culture established by leadership of trust, honesty, fairness and respect extended to all stakeholders. When that trust is broken , the internal culture begins to fracture. We saw this same phenomenon a few years ago at our MV Hospital and it took a shakeup of the Board and several leadership staff changes to restore confidence in the organization. I’m not privy to why volunteers and past leaders of Jabberwocky summarily dismissed ( perhaps there were reasons we’re not aware of) BUT regardless of the rationale the WAY in which this was apparently handled will reverberate for years to come until a new culture takes root. The Board and a CEO set the culture for others to follow and in this instance at Jabberwocky it appears they both have some work to do in mending the hurt created by the unfortunate way past staff and volunteers were treated. Once again, I don’t know if the reasons for this abrupt change are valid or not. With that said however , the WAY in which leadership and the Board handled this will resonate throughout the on-island and mainland stakeholders ( eg families, donors, volunteers, etc) for a good deal of time. The Board and CEO need to mend those fences and reestablish trust and respect quickly. This is where a bit of self reflection and humility on the part of leadership can go a long way.
This is so unfortunate. The
Rebecca ChilmarkThis is so unfortunate. The fun loving adventurous spirit is what we all love about camp, and I fear it's very dependant on trust and generosity.
I had been going to Camp
Nancy Connelly Nashua nhI had been going to Camp Jabberwocky for 30 years and when I heard about this devastating and heartbreaking news about the unimaginable things that happened. I just couldn’t think about going back to a place that I thought of my second home without Sully and JoJo. When I think of Camp Jabberwocky I think of our founder Helen “Hellcat” Lamb, JoJo and Sully and the fun of the island. I started going to Jabberwocky when I was 21 and had all kinds of adventures though out my 30 years. I am really going to miss seeing my island friends this summer. If Jabberwocky thought about this, they wouldn’t break up this amazing group of people who I call family.
The magical atmosphere and
Melissa Eldridge IndianaThe magical atmosphere and energy that so many know as "Camp Jabberwocky" is because of the people who give not just their time but their heart and soul! As a former counselor of Camp Jabberwocky (who was also not invited back this year with no communication at all), it is heartbreaking to see this family torn apart. Our lives will never be the same because of the actions that have been taken. I will certainly miss the island of Martha's Vineyard and all the love, fun, and geuine friendship and caring we all have built through the years.
I have been hearing about
Casey Chapman, L.I.C.S.W., therapist MassachusettsI have been hearing about this magical place for years from my clients and former colleagues. My youngest brother has a 19 year old son with Down’s. I have spoken to my brother, who resides in New Jersey in the past about Camp Jabberwocky, encouraging him to send my nephew there. This would have been a perfect summer to do so as his other son will start college in September and reside on campus. My nephew with Down’s would have felt like he gets to go to a special place too. We are now looking into other options. My clients have been emotionally impacted by this. There was no sense of inclusion or transparency. Trust in the program feels somehow violated. If anything, I believe that the leadership of the program and how they do business with staff and clients should be re-evaluated.
My son has had the privilege
Alexandra Brooklyn, NYMy son has had the privilege of being a Jabberwocky counselor for the last few summers. The experience quite literally changed his life. Along with all the other July counselors, he has apparently been dismissed without a word. I’m devastated for him and his wonderful friends, counselors and campers alike. I’m devastated for Sully and Jojo, who for decades have presided over the July session with patience, skill, humor and love. But more than that, I’m angry at what this shake-up means for the larger camp community. Jabberwocky is a place that celebrates many things - the unique gifts of each and every human, friendship and community, silliness, joy. But there’s no more pervasive spirit at camp than kindness. And this purge was anything but.
In the Gazette’s previous article on the matter, Liza Gallagher offered a sunny, PR-worthy spin on the camp’s regime change that omitted both details and dissenting voices. I’m very glad the paper has followed up with this more probing, balanced piece. I think it’s worth noting that, in her telling, Ms. Gallagher artfully left out one of the chief reasons for camp’s new, downsized board of directors. The fact is, after Sully and Jojo were fired, several members of the board quit in protest. I sorely hope those who remain will be able to mend the banged-up heart of this wonderful institution.
Isn't this camp for the
Linda Bryant Oak BluffsIsn't this camp for the campers? Did you ask the campers for what they wanted? My son has been a camper for 18 years. He started camp at the age of 12. It has been such a wonderful experience and every year he grows - from the counselors' love, and seeing all his camp friends. He looks forward to camp all year - all the fun and silliness and LOVE. He has everyone's pictures on his wall. He plans on attending in July. He wants to see his friends. As a parent, I feel the truth wasn't shared, nor input asked for, and it just feels very insensitive. How will the damage be undone?
Being a lifelong member of
HudsonBeing a lifelong member of the Camp community, I feel the need to say something:
This article, through no fault of its own, paints an entirely inaccurate picture of what’s going on at Camp. There are certain details relating to the “firing,” that have been deemed inappropriate to share publicly which prevented Ms. Gallagher from sufficiently explaining things in this interview, not to mention that the other sources for this article seem to be biased and/or unaware of all the facts themselves.
This is a situation that has been developing for years, and it is nothing if not complicated and messy. That being said, I don’t see how any of the people directly involved could claim to have been “blindsided.”
The very existence of Camp was being put at risk, and necessary action had to be taken when those in charge refused to do anything. This is not some diabolical plot to eliminate or alienate a group of people from the Camp community. This is an effort to preserve Camp so that it may continue to provide people with unforgettable Island summers for years to come.
Dear Hudson, I have more
Rosemarie BostonDear Hudson, I have more questions now after reading your comment. If there have been problems "developing for years", why weren't these issues addressed with the families of campers when they started. If the "very existence of Camp was being jeopardized" then why weren't families, donors, campers and everyone else that supports the camp notified. Lastly, if there were such significant problems "years in the making", why didn't the Executive Director Liza Gallagher address them sooner. Transparency and honesty are always the best policy. For the past ten years, I've planned my trip to Martha's Vineyard around July's play weekend. I have a close friend that has been attending the July session for at least 15 years. My son had a life changing experience the summer he volunteered during the July session. I truly can't imagine anything that would be so terrible that none of the volunteer counselors would be invited back and that these issues were not shared with families long ago. What is really the saddest thing about all of this is that the campers will no longer see the people who have made such an impact on their lives. I know my dear friend looks forward to the next summer camp as soon as he gets off the ferry to go home.
Honestly, I can't provide
HudsonHonestly, I can't provide specific answers to those questions as I'm not on the board. What I can tell you is that Liza and the board have been trying for several years to address/resolve these issues in such a way that would avoid this kind of restructuring. From what I understand, their efforts were largely ignored and there was a blatant refusal to cooperate. This is the result of that. Also, it's important to note that only certain July counselors were "uninvited." Not the whole session.
It is my understanding that Liza and the board had plans to explain/discuss this situation within our community, but before they had the chance several people took it upon themselves to spread a distorted version of the truth in an effort (I assume) to foster resentment, both publicly and within our community, towards Liza and the board. It's unfortunate that people who claim to love Camp so much would knowingly tarnish it's reputation, and attempt to fracture the community, over something like this. I find it very hard to believe that anyone who was "uninvited," was truly "blindsided," as this article states. There were clear guidelines/codes of conduct in place that were being ignored. Something had to be done.
I am saddened that the
Dylan NHI am saddened that the Gazette would engage in promoting gossip about one of our most cherished Island communities, Jabberwocky, whose very existence relies on its stellar reputation. Jabberwocky has existed for many years as an incredible camp for children and adults with various abilities to enjoy a magical summer experience and give their families a much needed respite. The camp does not belong to, nor is it beholden to any individual staff or camper, regardless of how long they have had the privilege and the honor to be a part of the camp. What happened regarding director turnover is none of our business and if said staff truly cared about the campers and camp, they should move on respectfully and not blemish the reputation of such an important institution that relies on Island support to serve its campers. I assume that legally the Board and administration can not comment on such gossip and therefore you should not present such a one sided account. We have no idea what behavior caused the decision and we should trust the system that has kept this amazing camp going for decades. Jabberwocky’s magic will continue on for many years and we should simply embrace this amazing Island gem without judgment based on gossip.
As the sister/guardian of a
Rachel CortezAs the sister/guardian of a camper and the mother of two volunteers I say enthusiastically that Liza Gallagher is a strong, supportive leader with the best interest of the campers at the forefront of every decision she makes. She brings positive, inclusive energy to Camp Jabberwocky. I believe that all of her decisions and those of the board are based on valid reasons and facts. Our family loves Camp Jabberwocky and appreciates its leaders always striving to make the best choices for the campers. We look forward to this summer and going forward with positive, enriching, inclusive experiences!
As a former counselor and
Lauren Queens, NYAs a former counselor and current member of the Jabberwocky community, it saddens me that such an inaccurate and incomplete version of this story would be printed and shared with the members of the MV community. Jabberwocky is a magical place, filled with love. Both Ms. Gallagher and Ms. Lamb will continue to build and foster that culture this summer and for many summers to come.
Having been involved at Camp
Jack Knower Vineyard HavenHaving been involved at Camp Jabberwocky since 1980 I find it terribly disheartening that those who claim to love camp would willfully trash the reputation of camp because of what happened by and to counselors. I too am not privileged to the specifics of all that transpired to have the Board seek a change of leadership but I have full confidence they know what they are doing and did it for the campers. Those let go are my friends but I am appalled they would try to ruin camp and blame everything on the Executive Director. I was a Director when she was hired and am amazed at the love and caring and professionalism she devotes to camp. Helcat sat me down in her shack when she asked me to Direct camp for her and she explained the proper way to do that. She loved her camp so much and would be so sad to see volunteers bad mouthing it for reasons they do not understand. For the love of camp and the memory of Helcat I beg those with personal grievances to put them aside and trust and bless us to run a loving and inclusive place for campers for another 60 years.
Beautifully said Jack- agreed
Lauren Queens, NYBeautifully said Jack- agreed 100%
My daughter has been going to
Myriam Wright Lexington, MassachusettsMy daughter has been going to Camp Jabberwocky for years. We love it! There are no words to express how grateful we are to everyone involved. Liza Gallagher is one of the most selfless people I know. I am quite certain that she has valid reasons for her decision that we just aren’t privy to. Let’s move on now and focus on another beautiful summer our kids get to have because of all
of the wonderful people at Jabberwocky!
We are parents of a 5- year
Aaron Fay Boston, MAWe are parents of a 5- year Jabberwocky camper. My father passed away a few weeks ago, and we suggested a donation to Camp Jabberwocky in lieu of gifts. Camp Jabberwocky is a remarkable haven in Martha's Vineyard for people with special needs. They host campers of all ages with every handicap imaginable from Down Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy and every other kind of mental and physical handicap. Tuition is waived for anyone who requests a waiver. There is a one-to-one counselor to camper ratio, with 4 bunk beds per cabin; the counselor sleeps on top and the camper sleeps on the bottom. There are families who come from all over the country to volunteer for 1-4 weeks per summer, and some of those families are in their third generation of volunteers. I have been there to witness the counselors, many of whom are high school or college students, arrive by ferry to pick up their campers on the mainland. This is an unimaginable spectacle. The love is overwhelming with hugs and shouts of joy. There are wheelchairs everywhere. But the thing that is so unusual is that they are comfortable with every kind of disability. They don't worry about liability. They don't inundate parents with red tape. They don't need to know what to do about incontinence or regurgitation, or how to manage a wheelchair or anything. They just say, let your child, your sibling, your aunt or uncle, let them come with us to Martha's Vineyard for a week of fun. It is impossible to witness the annual renewal of these relationships without being moved to tears; I can only imagine the intensity of emotions for the campers and counsellors.
Jabberwocky campers (ages range about 10-70) go swimming, horseback riding, boating, bowling, farming, golfing, singing, and to every location and activity on MV. They put on a musical every summer and manage whatever handicaps require managing. I cannot think of a better organization to endorse. Every dollar goes straight to the mission. Whatever gauge is used to measure nonprofits, I am certain that Camp Jabberwocky is at the top of that list.
As a parent of a disabled child, I can attest to the tremendous anxiety simply finding a sitter at home, not to mention an overnight experience. Jabberwocky is the most special and capable collection of selfless caregivers. This is the only time of the year that my wife and I feel totally at peace knowing that our daughter is safe and happy. Thank god for the angels of Jabberwocky.
As someone who both attends
Gabi New YorkAs someone who both attends Camp Jabberwocky as a counselor and has family who attends as campers, I am in full support of the change that has been needed for so long. All decisions for camp are based on the safety and joy of those who attend and I trust that any decisions made are with those priorities in mind. This article seems to have painted an inaccurate picture of the situation and I am confused as to why those who will not be attending are using their energy to tear down a place based on love, positivity and inclusion. Reevaluating situations and changing broken systems is always necessary. It’s usually not easy and I commend the leadership for making the tough decisions with camp’s survival and the safety of our community in mind.
I have been a volunteer
MayaI have been a volunteer counselor at Camp Jabberwocky since 2014 and have had the opportunity to spend time at both the July session and the August session, run by two different sets of directors. In general, most volunteers choose to go to July or August camp, but I, along with a handful of other volunteers, have experienced the camp environments in both sessions. So as someone with a much more informed position than the article in this situation, I completely stand with and am in full support of the decision of camp leadership to move towards a safer and more inclusive community. Liza Gallagher and other leaders in this community have always and will continue to put the safety of campers first. Removing certain people from our community is doing exactly that. Both counselors and campers have been expressing their concerns for many years regarding the camp environment that the now former July directors had created. This was not a quick decision. Yes this will be a drastic change for a lot of members of our community, and yes change is hard, but this change is absolutely necessary to uphold the core values of the camp we ALL call home.
Maya, thank you for stating
Maggie ChicagoMaya, thank you for stating this so eloquently. I agree that what is most important above all is the safety and comfort of our campers and counselors and I feel lucky to be apart of a community that looks out and protects their people. Change is always difficult but I know camp Jabberwocky will continue to have a bright future ahead!
Having been a consistent
Madeline Way Martha's Vineyard....Having been a consistent volunteer at Jabberwocky for over 40 years, this shake up is one in a series of several over the past few decades. I sat on the Board when we hired Liza as the Executive Director, and was very relieved when she committed to more than 3 years. She has diligently worked toward making Camp, our actions, and policies fit those of any governed non-profit camp. There are always missteps in communication and actions when humans are involved in large groups on both or any sides and, perhaps, this is one of those times. Being friends with both Jojo and Sulley, I am hoping that they are given a chance to be heard by the organization that they love so much, especially if that will bring them some comfort. They deserve that for their decades of volunteering and running our beloved organization.....
Parents and campers are upset and that is a shame. Most people do not like change, and this is, for sure, change. For all the many upset players involved, I do hope there are plans for communications to alleviate the stresses of the unknown......
I am friends with many of the campers and counselors, returning and those who are moving on. In my discussions with some people involved, there will be room for hurt staff return when all the emotions settle down.... My experience and understanding has been that staff is not “invited” to come back to work at camp. Anyone can apply. There is a mass email that goes out to find out who can come back and when, if the Administration has correct emails from previous staff, otherwise, we all need to figure it out, on our own, how to apply. Then Camp can either use you or are fully booked with staff.......
.....Only good has come out of all of the other emotional shake ups we have had at Jabberwocky in the past. There are now off-shoot camps like Jabberwocky in Vermont, Mexico, Washington state, Nantucket, and now, potentially, the Berkshires. That, to me is amazing and positive, no matter how they happened.....
I have grown up at Camp Jabberwocky for 40+ summers. When talking about Camp to anyone, I use the pronoun ‘we’, because I am very much a part of this organization, definitely its history, as a counselor, a Board member for many years, and now a teacher. “We” have been changing for many years. I think this new change will allow Hellcat’s, and the Lamb Family’s philosophies to continue, just maybe in a more modern manner. Whether ‘modern’ is liked or not, considered good or bad, may be based our, the camper’s, families’, staff’s, and administrator’s, direct experiences as participants in camp history. However, modernizing/change IS what is happening.....
“Our” immediate and important jobs, meaning Jabberwocky’s, are to: 1. mend our broken relationships with the many people who collectively have given decades and decades of their volunteer time, 2. reach out to parents and and campers to alleviate stress, 3. figure out how to run Jabberwocky during these still-challenging Covid times, and 4. continue to honor Hellcat’s philosophy by running Camp in the best way possible......
......Any and all of us will be okay in any form, in any place.....We have been shaken up before.....We are Jabberwockians.
This article really saddens
Andrew KennedyThis article really saddens me. I have been coming to camp for the past 20 years and have had the pleasure of attending both July and August sessions as a counselor. Camp has changed my life and made me a better person. I became a special education teacher because of my time at camp. Camp is all about bringing joy to the campers and I think that is the crucial element that is missing from this biased article. I will be the first to attest that I was very hesitant when Liza came to camp a decade ago. Change can be hard, but often needed. I no longer have this fear and she has my full support. Time and time again Liza has shown that she puts the campers’ needs first. I can unequivocally say that Liza has made camp a better place for our campers! I am proud to have Liza as part of our camp family and look forward to working with her and the board to make Jabberwocky an even better place for our campers.
I’d like to make it known
Maggie Brookline, MAI’d like to make it known that the people commenting on this who are feeling positive about this change have been mostly part of August session. The directors they have known, loved and respected did not get kicked out. Their community will not be torn up this summer.
Thank you for the people who are understanding and supportive. I will miss my time on the island so much. Luckily they can only take the place away and not the community I have been a part of for 15 years.
I hope we can all agree that
Susannah EckmanI hope we can all agree that Camp Jabberwocky has provided a wonderful summer place for many people over the last several decades. For many of us, it has affected us personally through our connection to it. Therefore, any issue related to such a special place is bound to trigger very strong emotions. I would like to ask the people accusing people of gossiping, name calling, or shaming a place after each of those people spent over a decade of their vacation days and any possible weekend possible even when things were crazy, to make the trek to Jabberwocky and volunteer to help provide physical care to those with disabilities. The time that they spent, the love and energy that they gave, is a truly beautiful thing. And it is part of why Jabberwocky is a special case. There has been a pull over time to turn camp over from a volunteer operation to an employee institution, and Jabberwocky now has several employees. That is its direction and there is no one to say if that is better or worse. Time will tell. But what is without a doubt is that the people who gave their time and effort and love did so and we should all be grateful for such a sign of goodness in the world, free of financial gain. They are heartbroken, and you assume there is merit to this and cause them of gossiping? Kristen St Amour was not even present at camp this summer due to covid and her young children - she should have been dismissed in a 4 minute zoom call? I get that there’s a lot of awful things going on right now but please, see these people for who they are: heartbroken people who gave so much of themselves and have lost something incredibly precious. Do you have anything in your life that would be like this, to loss? Imagine that. And then re-read those statements of grief. I hope you’ll reconsider the judgements written out above.
Many of us defending Camp in
HudsonMany of us defending Camp in this are currently, or were at one time, volunteer counselors. We’ve made the trek. We’ve given that love and energy, which is precisely why we’re passionate about clearing the air. This situation was intended, I assume, to be dealt with privately until certain people began spreading a curated version of events. Grief and sadness are perfectly understandable, but when they take to the streets, so to speak, to rally the public against Camp and it’s board, that can’t go unaddressed. No one is trying to downplay the contributions these volunteers have made to Camp over the years. We’re simply trying to let people know that there’s more to this story than what’s been shared publicly, and that many of the people who have been most vocal in their grief seem to be deliberately muddying the water and casting doubts on the boards motivations. The only mentions of fully transitioning to paid employees I’ve heard have come from those trying to oppose the boards decision. Regardless, even if Camp does plan on paying more of its volunteers in the future, that has no bearing on these events. These people were not let go because they wanted to work for free. The two issues are entirely unrelated, and again, I haven’t heard anything about transitioning to a hired staff except from those trying to confuse the situation and twist the narrative. I do wish that this situation had been handled more delicately, and as I’m not a member of the board I can’t speak as to why they chose to handle it this way. All I know is that Liza and board have always, and will always, act in the best interest of our community as a whole. There was no easy way to deal with this situation, but I’m sure that they did the best they could.
I speak here as the parent of
Alan Brigish West TisburyI speak here as the parent of a son with Down Syndrome who has been invited to camp for 43 years, consecutively. My late wife, Joyce, was one of the longest serving board members and as a family we have been devoted supporters of camp for over four decades.
Confidentiality is important, but people, please read between the lines. The leaders of July camp were fired for cause and a large number of counselors were not invited to return. It's clear - they must have broken the rules (whatever they were). This was a purge, nothing less, and without doubt it was not taken lightly. Perhaps it could have been handled better, but there is no easy way to deal with a serious breach, which, apparently, happened here.
Without knowing the specifics, I know Liza and several trustees well enough to have a sense of what happened here. I challenge any one of the former July camp leaders, or counselors to come clean and admit that they knowingly broke some important rules and were let go. There can be no other reason.
Hudson, who knows a thing or two about camp, having spent his entire life there, speaks eloquently to this - (read his earlier post here. There are two sides to every story. Read too the previous post by Gabi, who highlights the need for camper safety.
Note also that Caitlin Lamb, granddaughter of our beloved founder Hellcat is stepping up and continuing the long tradition of the Lamb family's commitment to the camp. I seriously doubt if she would be doing this if something nefarious was going on.
So again, July counselors and leaders, you are not innocent. Step up and own responsibility for the rules you broke. You know what you did and you should have the courage and decency to admit it. I speak directly to you in this regard, own up and do the right thing.
Jabberwocky is too important to this island's culture to be ripped apart once again by strife. Many years ago, there was a management split over the issue of rule breaking. Fortunately the camp grew and thrived, in no measure thanks to the vision and dedicated leadership of Liza Gallagher. I'm happy to give her, and the board she reports to, the benefit of any doubt.
To ask of the Vineyard
James Kozak Vineyard HavenTo ask of the Vineyard community to simply "trust us" on this fundamental eviseration of the heart of Jabberwocky, then infer malice on the part of those who have objected to the gutting, is very bad optics.
The top of Jabberwocky owes the Vineyard community a lot more than it is disclosing.
Shame on you for disparaging those voices in such an insulting way.
"Trust me" only works for those with credibility.
As volunteer cooks for Camp
Dan and Wallis Raemer BrooklineAs volunteer cooks for Camp Jabberwocky for the past eight years we are greatly pained by what has happened in Vineyard Haven. The dismissal of the volunteer camp directors of 30 years and ghosting of the counselors and staff (by association - most were not there) was done in a cruel and heartless manner. We were present for the so called "incident" this summer that was used as a justification for these actions. The Executive Director, Liza Gallagher, wasn't even at the camp when it occurred and there were certainly no board members nor trustees present. The incident happened between sessions and was, by any measure, minor. No one was harmed or in danger, there were no campers even on the island, and the matter was handled promptly and skillfully by the one volunteer camp director who was there. As is often at the root of conflict, this matter is about power and control. We expect as time goes on, this will be about money as well. The descendants of Helen "Hellcat" Lamb have been at odds with each other for years and some of them are determined to regain control of the camp and install their family members in the administration. Many dedicated counselors, staff members, board members (who resigned over this), and some of the campers have painfully lost their connection to the camp they loved. SO unnecessary to destroy this wonderful community and SO sad.
First of all, the “incident,”
HudsonFirst of all, the “incident,” I assume you’re referring to is anything but an isolated event. Secondly, it’s ridiculous to say that this is about power and money. Stop trying to muddy the waters and change the narrative. This was about addressing an ongoing lack of cooperation/responsibility on the part of July’s leadership and several of the volunteer counselors. If you actually loved this Camp and it’s community (the entire community, not just your specific group) you wouldn’t be trying to drag the name of this cherished Island institution. Thirdly, your comment about certain members of the Lamb family seeking to “regain control,” is just ludicrous. It’s clear that you don’t really understand what’s going on, so please take a step back and stop confusing the situation.
I had the opportunity of
RonnieI had the opportunity of working at camp all summer last year in a role that was tangent to all counselors and directors. I think that the decision from Liza and the board is in the best interest of the campers. To ensure that campers' experiences and care are the central focus of the community, this change was necessary. As time goes by, it is normal for communities that provide human services to change and adapt to the current state of events. This change will allow the camp as a whole to continue moving forward with the needed attitudes and acceptance of the current time of events. I am sure the campers will have a great summer this year and for years to come with a strong, open-minded and accepting camp community.
Back in the day Jabberwocky
Bill Jensen ArizonaBack in the day Jabberwocky was a summer party with free spirits and fun no matter what, it’s what draws campers and volunteers alike a presence of acceptance, a come as you are attitude all around. Everyone is welcome. But enter the modern day era, cell phones, insurance, it’s all gotten a little bit more tricky, and when those issues arise; a new modern take of fun must be implemented for the safety and future of camp as a whole. I won’t air Julys dirty laundry, but the fact that you all are sitting so high on your pedestals with bewilderment wondering where this came from and vigor to tarnish the Jabberwocky name astounds me. Take a good hard look in the mirror and ask yourself if this is about your egos, or the campers? Because if you can answer that question honestly this article wouldn’t exist.
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