80 Years After: Geraldine Mishou – Memories from the 1950s

80 Years After: Geraldine Mishou – Memories from the 1950s

When Geraldine Mishou passed away in 2022, one of the most important legacies she wanted remembered was her connection to Pine Tree Camp.

As a girl, Geraldine had polio and spent summers at camp making friends, being outdoors and developing independence and confidence through trying new things.

Geri, as she was known, wore a leg brace and, since she couldn’t bend her leg, was unable to tie her shoe on that side. She would often tell the story about the counselor who taught her to tie her shoe.

“She was so excited to have accomplished that task because it made her feel normal like everyone else,” her niece, Cindy Madden, recalled. “Aunt Geri loved Pine Tree Camp and went for years, making many lifelong friends and feeling more confident in herself every year.”

During high school, she became a camp counselor and continued to return every summer throughout college.

“She even returned to be a counselor on her summer breaks after becoming a teacher in Illinois,” Cindy said.

Geri and her fellow counselors stayed in close contact over the years and many of them came back together for special reunions.

Pine Tree Camp was a safe and accepting place during her youth that helped her develop new skills, build confidence and make lifelong friends. Cindy has no doubt that Aunt Geri would be proud knowing Pine Tree Camp is still going strong, 80 years after.

 ______________________________________________________________

For 80 years, Pine Tree Camp has been a place where lifelong friendships are made. As we reach this major milestone — 80 years of discovering abilities together — we’re celebrating our community all year long.

“80 Years After” is a monthly spotlight series highlighting people who embody the spirit of Pine Tree Camp. You’ll meet leaders, alumni and campers spanning eight decades of compelling, personal stories about life-changing experiences at Pine Tree Camp.