The sad passing of a friend

Jerry Dunlap, one of the co-founders of Camp Nuhop died on Friday May 30th.

Years ago, I, along with my sisters had the pleasure of working at this place called Camp Nuhop. Unassuming name for a camp that was anything but ordinary. This camp was and is a haven for kids to find their inner youth and innocence. A place where everyone could realize their true potential. A place where discovery comes first. If this place sounds a little like Nirvana, I think that it probably was for those of us lucky enough to share in its magic.

The camp was the brain child of a couple of wacky kids, by the names of Jerry and Terrie Dunlap all the way back in 1974. Since that time, the camp has grown and grown. Still truly a family operation, the camp holds strong all its original values. Jerry Dunlap became Camp Nuhop and you would be hard pressed to think of him without thinking of the place where “Warm Fuzzies” roamed free. Lucky for us, Jerry left the camp in loving hands.

During my short time at Camp Nuhop, I became great friends with the entire family. My life is truly richer for my time spent with them. I cannot possible extend how truly sad I am at the lost of the leader of their family and their best friend. I have described the camp as a place for children and that is truly what it states on their web site. However, in my case it would be hard for me to say who learned more, myself or the children under my watch. I reluctantly started working for Jerry and Terrie as an obnoxious 25 year old boy who just couldn’t find his way. I wont pretend to say that my summers working at the Camp gave me all of the answers. Instead I will insist that it made me confident and relaxed enough to know that what ever direction my life took would have meaning.

To the family, I am sorry for your loss and I am so very thankful that you let me share in your life. We will miss him but certainly not forget him.

campnuhop.org