From: Matt and Jessie Pescatore
It is with great excitement that we write to tell you—parents, campers, alumni, staff, and friends—how much we are looking forward to working with the entire Wachusett community during the 2017 season, the camp’s 115th summer.
We feel honored to be able to assume the stewardship of Wachusett, and we are focussed upon continuing the camp’s wonderful traditions of friendliness and spirit. As the Weisses move away from full-time involvement, it is clear that they have been role models and mentors over many years, and their experience and expertise will be invaluable as we move forward. Their wisdom and guidance will help us perpetuate the excellence of programming, administration, and care that we all have come to expect.
Although Jessie obviously didn’t attend Wachusett, she spent many summers as a camper, counselor, and director in her home state of Minnesota. When she first came to Wachusett, Matt was the senior counselor in Club 8, and we both were about to graduate from the University of Vermont. When her visit ended, she was distraught that it had come and gone so quickly—and she was eager to return. That sentiment rings true for any alumnus or camper who understands the meaning of the motto popular with recent alumni: camp is life!
Matt spent his first summer as a camper in 1996 and has been involved in some way ever since. This past summer gave him the incredible opportunity to celebrate his 20th anniversary at Wachusett—as a full-time member of the staff and the community. The experience of returning to camp felt much like it did upon arriving as a brand new 13-year-old Kiowan. The traditions of camaraderie, enthusiasm, friendship, loyalty, and pride undoubtedly permeate the camp experience in the same way today as they did when Jim and Maria took over the direction of the camp decades and decades ago.
Our goal is to run Wachusett in the same spirit that has been characteristic of more than 100 summers—and to guide its continuing growth. It always has been a special place for us, and we hope to perpetuate the welcoming environment, the thoughtful development of boys, and the lifetime memories the camp holds for all of us. We fully understand the importance of upholding the camp’s wonderful traditions and of striving to pass along those traditions to generations of boys yet to come.
We plan to be in touch with our current families in early October concerning details about the 2017 season. In the meantime, know again that we both are thrilled to be taking over the leadership of Wachusett.
Unaliyi and our best regards.
Matt and Jessie