Lowell as the Rastafarian
Staff members know him as the “boss man,” though he’s been known to assume the identity of Captain Hook, a professor, a Rastafarian, a mad scientist and, memorably, his own lost twin. Whatever you call him, Lowell Fitch has been Camp Unalayee’s illustrious director since 1987.
Lowell first came to Unalayee in 1970 and, remarkably, hasn’t missed a year since. Lowell is as much a part of Unalayee, as Unalayee is part of his family. He met his wife, herself a long-time counselor, at Unalayee, and they raised both their daughters in the Trinity Alps,
Lowell and His Family
bringing them to Camp every summer. Now both of his daughters are counselors and join him at Unalayee every summer. For Lowell, every session at Unalayee is Family Days. What a lucky guy!
Many who have worked with him feel that Lowell’s most impressive credentials are his famed renditions of Camp legends “The Ringer” and “No Green Pants,” his infamous harmonica riffs, and his fly-tying expertise. Most folk, however, will be impressed with his extensive background working with kids and his outdoor experience.
Lowell has a multi-subject teaching credential from San Jose State University. Working with children since he was a senior in high school, Lowell has served as a recreation leader, coach, naturalist and teacher in both the public schools and with programs such as Upward Bound.
Although he has led extended backcountry trips all around California and even backpacked across Europe, Lowell keeps coming back to Unalayee because, as he says, “Of all the places I’ve worked with kids, nowhere seems to nurture and encourage their growth like the wilderness of Unalayee does.”
Lowell’s dedication to Camp is nothing short of miraculous. Every year he puts in the extra effort be it volunteering his house for informational meetings or helping to organize and run our yearly fundraiser and reunion.
Lowell dressed as Harry Potter on Lowell Day
There may be no better way to understand the loyalty he instills in his staff than when, during Second Session four years ago, they surprised him with a Special Day theme of “Lowell Day.” Instead of the Harry Potter Day he was expecting, the staff all dressed up like him and spent the day celebrating his 20 years as a director. No wonder Lowell has been Camp’s longest serving director, both the staff and hundreds of campers have his unswerving dedication to thank for the amazing place they can call home each summer.
To see more pictures from Lowell Day and of our Director see our Picasa Web Album.
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