W. I. Lorimer established Camp Roosevelt for Boys in 1918 on the shores of
Lake Erie in Ohio, Camp Wingfoot for Girls in 1943 and in 1950 Camp Wingaroo. All
of theses camps continue to operate with the children and grandchildren now directors.
Due to the advent of suburban development in Ohio, Jim and Jean Lorimer Wootton
moved Camp Wingaroo to the beautiful Piedmont of Virginia east of Charlottesville
in 1973.
Wingaroo, including J.L.W. spreads over about 160 acres with many streams,
springs, hills, forests, and open areas for activities. There is a beginners riding
ring and an advanced riding ring ... a hunt and cross country course ... game fields ...
courts ... archery and rifle ranges ... riding, hiking and nature trails ... Hidden
Lake for basic instruction in canoeing and wind surfing ... a council ring where
songs, skits, stories, ceremonies and the traditions of Wingaroo are instilled.
Old Main, an early log cabin with additions, contains the office, dining room
and kitchen. The Camp Health Center is located near Old Main. Sleeping cabins are rustic
with contiguous modern bath facilites. Brown Barn is the focal point for assemblies, some
evening programs and rainy day activities ... the physical plant is rounded out with the
out-door swimming pool and craft barn.
A friendly, helpful group of boys and girls who have fun doing many things.
Most of us really enjoy riding and working with horses. Some of us have very little
experience but think that is what we would like to do. There is a wonderful chance
to make friends with a horse. And if perchance that friendship doesn't develop, there
are a lot of other things to do.
What do we do?
Riding - more later
Sports - Swimming, soccer, softball, riflery, archery, volley ball,
badminton, canoeing, tubing, kickball, wind surfing (basic), track,
Creative expression - Singing, music, dramatics, skits, crafts, dance,
Indian lore, camp newsletter (Tumbleweed)
Pioneering - Woodslore, hiking, campfires, cookouts, overnights, trips
Special Occasions -
There is instruction in all skill areas with the opportunity for extra practice
during coaching and open periods. Other special interests are met during group
planned afternoons and Hobbies and Club nights. For every camper who participates
and tries his/her best - you will have a great time at Wingaroo - J.L.W.
7:00 a.m. Horse feeding and care
7:30 Rising bell
8:00 Flag raising - breakfast
8:30 Cabin clean-up
9:00 - Morning activities
12:00 Always riding & swimming
Plus
Archery, riflery, crafts, or games
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:15 Rest period
2:15 Canteen
2:30 Unit activities planned by the campers:
Pool parties
Games
Canoeing - tubing
Softball
Hidden Lake
Soccer
Woodslore
Treasure hunts
Trailrides
4:30 Indiviual choice
Free swim, coaching, crafts
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Hobbies - sign-up for a week (Riding drill team - dramatics, etc.)
8:00 Evening program
9:00 Snacks
and off to bed for younger campers.
Seniors have another hour before lights out.
This may include singing around the campfire embers,
TV or Video in the Brown Barn, quiet games or cabin time.
Riding at Wingaroo (J.L.W.) is the very best. Many of our campers have
gone on with great success in major shows ... but most importantly, we have
nice friendly good horses. We keep our horses year round and so maintain
a stable of experienced horses for all levels. We have many intermediate
riders, quite a number of beginners and advanced riders. There is ring
work to learn basics, dressage to help one progress, and train horses,
jumping up to show level. There are trails through miles of woods and
fields, games on horseback, gymkhanas, horse shows in camp and out of
camp ... and we never forget that riding is FUN at every level.
Boys and Pony Girls ride daily weekdays. Juniors ride seven hours a
week with an introduction to horse management. Seniors ride an average
of two hours daily with special activities including trips to breeding farms
and participation in out of camp horse shows.
The location of Wingaroo has provided us with the ability to reach out and touch our nation's history. Week-end trips are an important part of our program. The middle week-end of each two week session finds us camped on or near some special place of interest - Williamsburg, (Including Busch Gardens) and Yorktown - Washington D.C. (Mount Vernon - the Smithsonian) - the mountains - False Cape seashore environmental area.
Each camper has the opportunity of canoeing on the nearby James River where they can put into practice skills learned at Hidden Lake. Younger and less experienced campers with a qualified counselor in each canoe will take the run from Columbia to Cartersville with a fun stop at the entrance to Little River for exploring and perhaps a cook-out. Older more experienced campers may elect runs with some white water.
The most important factor in a successful camping experience for your
child is the leadership of the directors and staff. Wingaroo and J.L.W. have been
under the direction of Jean Lorimer Wootton and her husband Jim Wootton
for over twenty-five years. Jan Wootton, their daughter, directs riding and
has actively participated in all areas of camp as a camper, counselor and
assistant director. Jean and Jan both have master's degrees in education
and have spent their lives in camp. Jim is a college professor and a
retired Navy Captain.
Counselors are carefully screened for background, education, adaptability
special skills and experience. A genuine interest in children and
working with them is an essential prerequisite.
Food is always interesting and well balanced with emphasis on things
children like. Campers with allergies or special dietary needs are served
suitable substitutes. Low fat milk and low calorie desserts are available.
Fresh vegetables in the form of relishes or salads are served at every noon
and evening meal. Birthdays are recognized with candles and cake and usually
a unit party.
Safety - Health - Fun and personal growth are always kept in mind in
all planning.
GOALS of Camp Wingaroo are to help a child grow through gaining, at
first hand under competent guidance, knowledge of his/her physical
environment; through developing an ability in outdoor sports and activities;
through being free to experiment and discover new experiences; through
making friends and accepting his/her responsibilities; through HAVING FUN.
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