Jim Shively- Lodge Official (Chief) 1965-1968
By Sara (Bell) Clifford
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE YOU INDUCTED INTO LODGE? It was 1961 and I was a third-year camper. At that time the selections were made by the campers and staff; only two or three from a unit were inducted. Part of our “work” was to pull lily pads out of Pine Lake and other things.
HOW DID THAT VERSION OF LODGE DIFFER FROM THE CURRENT VERSION? Everyone who participated in the ceremony dressed as Native Americans. I do recall that in ’62 or ’63, some older guys came as Pioneers. I know that some Lodge members, who were not campers that particular week, would come down on Thursday morning and participate in that evening’s ceremony. They stayed with the CITs. I understand now the members do not dress as Native Americans.
WHAT DID THE JOB OF LODGE CHIEF ENTAIL? One thing I’m very proud of is producing the first newsletter. The intent was to mail it quarterly and announce any important Lodge info and new programs at Camp. Another effort I tried to get through was making a rule that in order to advance in the Lodge, one had to make a Lodge costume which would be worn at Thursday’s Lodge Ceremony. I also organized meetings in various places in the diocese, one in Mt. Vernon and another in Carbondale. At that time the parishes were very accommodating to Camp. Only Lodge members were allowed in these meetings. There was much emphasis on encouragement of volunteering during the “off-season” for work weekends. Many parishes had organized adult groups and we asked that they would bring camper-age volunteers to help them build things at Camp.
WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE LODGE TRADITIONS? My favorite thing was performing the Lodge Ceremony. The best part of being a CIT/staff member was being able to dress and act as a Lodge member. Another was the opportunity to come to Camp on work weekends to build things. Many of the things I helped build are still being used; the unit of Tekakwitha is a good example and of course, St. Noel. Another Lodge tradition that I really liked was the annual Lodge meeting at Camp. It was during these meetings that things were discussed on how to better Camp and Lodge. Also, during these weekends I developed a relationship with so many lifelong friends. I’m so lucky to be able to see these friends when they come to Camp for Stable Roundup or other weekends.
WHAT DID YOU DO SINCE LEAVING THE CAMP STAFF? In the fall of 1968, I enlisted in the Army Security Agency. Serving in the Army is the only time in my life that I did not come to Camp. My next visit was in 1973 when I came for a fall work weekend and again made some new friends. In 1974, I was asked to serve as an advisor to the Building Committee of the Board of Directors. I was working as a carpenter in various states at the time and it was very difficult to come to Camp. At least I made it a few times a year. In 1984, I was asked to serve a term on the Camp Board of Directors. In 1988, my wife (Kate) and I decided I could go to university to become a teacher. I graduated and began teaching at St. James in Millstadt, Ill. In 1998, I began teaching junior high in Cahokia, Ill. I continued to work as a carpenter in the summer and teach the rest of the year, which was a great arrangement. I retired in 2012 from both teaching and carpentry. I was so grateful to be able to begin volunteering a week or two when Lucia got things rolling on the volunteer program at Camp.
HOW HAVE YOU STAYED CONNECTED TO CAMP, AND IN WHAT WAYS? I’m a very lucky person, having come to Camp the first week it opened in 1959 and to continue being a part of Camp. It’s been a great place to grow up.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BE AT CAMP? The best place in my long list of favorite places is the Chapel of the Seven Martyrs, though I think it should be changed to Eight Martyrs, since St. Kateri was canonized.
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