CAMP READ ASSOCIATION

By Matthew Terribile, September, 2024.

​​

I recently retired and have had time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished and how I’ve done it. I am fortunate and grateful to have had many good mentors. Putting aside my parents, one of my best mentors was Bob Newton. I’ve used the lessons Bob taught me every day since my summers at Camp Read.

​

Work hard and work smart
Some of my most impactful days at camp were during the pre-staff week when a small group of experienced staff worked with Bob to get the camp “opened up” prior to the full staff arriving. I worked hard those weeks. I also learned to work smart. Bob always had the materials for a job ready. I learned to take all the tools that might be needed and get a clear set of instructions up front. The phrase “no backtracking” has stuck with me. Bob also knew how to get the most out of people of all skill and motivation levels. Taking breaks and staying hydrated (“get a cold drink”) were part of working smart.

​

Treat your employees well
Bob expected an honest day’s work from us, but in return he made sure we got excellent meals and time for fun and fellowship. We were all respected. We were his “boys.”

​

Value family and friends, Build relationships
Although his job was 24x7 during the summer, Bob set aside time for his family. With few exceptions, he would stop work in the late afternoon and have dinner with Gert. Bob had a lot of friends ‘in town.’ The relationships he built helped us out. We were able to get access to put in boats on Brant Lake. If he needed another set of hands in the offseason, he had someone to call.

​

Value people above possessions
“They make new trucks every day.” When the blue van crashed on the last day of camp in 1980, those were Bob’s words. Thank goodness no one was hurt. That was what was important.

​

Honesty and accountability
Bob gave the staff a few basic rules at the start of each summer. One of them was that if you break or damage something, let him know. Basically, own up to your mistakes. If we did that, and the mistakes didn’t get anyone hurt or weren’t criminal, we were thanked for letting him know and told to be more careful going forward.

​

Less words can be more
Bob had his own language such as: “We’re gaining,” “Gotta go,” and “Daylight’s burning.” It was fun and impactful. Bob didn’t need to say things over and over. He conveyed his message succinctly and meant what he said.

​

Be proud of your work
Bob was proud of the condition of camp. It showed. “A job worth doing is worth doing well.”

​

Be on time, meet commitments
“8 AM sharp, ready to work.” That would be breakfast time during pre-staff. You were expected to be on time. If you said you would do a job, you did it. Earning trust is valuable.

​

Bob expertly built and maintained buildings, roads, and equipment for 25+ years at camp. That is part of his legacy. But a bigger part is the character he built in hundreds of us that hopefully we have passed on to many others. In my 35+ working years I was known for being organized and prepared, treating my employees well, being open and honest, building relationships and trust, and meeting commitments. I also tried to pass these important qualities on as a Scoutmaster.

​

Thank you, Bob Newton. Your impact lives on in this generation and those that follow.