The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 32, Milford, Kosciusko County, 7 August 1985 — Page 13

Summer

Chinese Family Camp is being held at Oakwood

By DAVE STRAUB Staff Writer Ethnic identity. To some, it’s important. To others, it makes no difference. To the Chinese, it’s tradition. Therefore, tradition is the theme when 30 Chinese families gather at Oakwood Park for at least one week every summer to revisit their culture and discover what it means to them as Americans.

■■llUtttß fl ——| K J Hi* il>| Im ill IflH I libH !s ..xj ■B JflP / .. .^u.Jßwr~" •' sg’'A "’Utlfc Jjf M- > gXWTHM > ■ ■ , (

POST-BREAKFAST FELLOWSHIP — Following an enjoyable breakfast, Chinese family campers prepare for a short singing session, where traditional music is sung by all.

PONTOONS FOR RENT Fishing Boats — With Or Without Motors MOCK'S BOAT RENTALS WACO DRIVE - LAKE WAWASEE PHONE (219) 457-3355 VISIT OUR SNACK BAR Original Owners Since 1920 Opens Tonight! “Brigadoon” Aug. 7-11,14-18 Children’s Theatre Workshop Let’s Do A Play Sat., Aug. 10,10 A.M.-11:15 A.M. [ • SENIOR CITIZEN SPECIAL - •Sunday Only $4.00 1 • STUDENT SPECIAL • Wed.. Thurs. & Fri $4.00 Enchanted Hills Playhouse JeJJL For Ticket Information Call 856-2328 Or Writc WUfPlayKuse Box 41 Syracuse, Indiana 46567 Playiog^usk^^Yesteryear*^^ -^"^^- **^ - Machine & Hodges A M M M I(I / v I■ ; ■> w I ■ I (... Clarinet, Alto & Tenor Sax, Keyboards, Drums ) / (Miller & Shaw Never Sounded So Good I} V Thurs., Fri. & Sat. At... ((

“When this camp started, it did so for different reasons,” said Director David Tan, a second generation Chinese-American from Prospect Hieghts, Ill; “For the most part, we gather to see how each of us is doing in America. It’s away for us to enjoy each other’s company.” By Tan’s account, the Chinese camp has been operating 27 years. And every time camp begins, family atmosphere is stressed. “We encourage

families to bring close relatives «with said Tan. “We often ' get extended families to come as a result.” In the past, families have come from New York, California, Oklahoma, South Dakota as well as most Midwestern states. “We try to promote friendship as well as intergrate newcomers with the others who have been here before,” Tan added. Intergration is achieved by a series of scheduled programs

Up to 30 Chinese families come to this camp annually at Oakwood Park. For the past 27 years, various Chinese-Americans are informed of the camp by word of mouth. (Photo by Dave Straub)

TA 4>.a 4k — ! xtuK&MWfcnMft t.VO- . forest, a. harwrei jeaMo Outa a. people * ' ■ ■ <*»■ I. ■ . 1 - ' " • ’ / ’ SAYS IT ALL — A self-explanatory banner hangs in one of the discussion rooms at the Kimmel Lounge at Oakwood. (Photo by Dave Straub)

Br U ' W || Ob 1811 jw 'W 1 'lb wl - ■. ■ - ’’v ■ BRIGADOON IN AUGUST — The all-time favorite musical, C* “Brigadoon,” will be next at Enchanted Hills Playhouse. The play is a glorious love story with swirling, bright choreography, set in the fairy-tale town of Brigadoon, which comes into being for only one day each century. This popular play with an unbroken string of wonderful songs will open Wednesday, Aug. 7, and play through Sunday, Aug. 18. Family fare at its best, “Brigadoon” is graced with beautiful music which includes “Come To Me, Bend To Me,” “Bonnie Jean,” “Brigadoon,” and the audience favorite, “Almost Like Being In Love.” The action revolves around two contemporary Americans on a hunting trip in the Scottish Highlands, who get lost and find themselves in a very strange village which is still, in all outward appearances, in the 1800 s. The unbelieving Americans are finally convinced of the miracles of Brigadoon and ultimately fall in love with female citizens of the mysterious village. As in all great musicals, love moves mountains and Brigadoon becomes very much a reality to the two young men. The Enchanted Hills production features actor David Lewman as the American, Tommy, who falls in love with lovely Brigadoon resident, Fiona, played by Donna Sandre. A Chicago based actor and musician, David has appeared in many musicals and operas in Chicago. Donna, also from the “windy city,” has considerable training and experience in opra and theatre. Earlier this season, the two performers played opposite each other as Tony and Maria in the playhouse production of “West Side Story.” Enchanted Hills Playhouse is a professional not-for-profit theatre supported by grants from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

BAZAAR BAKE SALE CAR WASH Sat., Aug. 10,9-? CHICKEN BARBECUE 11-? Pre-Sale Tickets Available 457-3 SOB Or 457-4447 Sponsored By Syracuse Church Os God

during the one-week period. Mornings consist of breakfast and classes for discussion groups. The usual breakfast platter is half American, half Chinese cuisine. When lunchtime arrives, American dishes are served. However, dinner is strictly Chinese food — chopsticks and all. These meals provide a chance for all campers to get together. Then there are activities between meals. According to Tan,

such activities include group discussions, singing, square dancing, outdoor recreation and even a talent show. “We try to divide our activities,” said Tan. “Mornings usually consist of classes while the afternoon is dedicated to sports. Evenings are for social activities.” A big part of the program is the discussion groups. “These are meant to get people interacting with each other,” said Tan. “They are basically concerned about dealing with preconceived notions about Chinese-Americans and our preconceived notions about other ethnic groups in America,” he added. In addition to discussions, these groups may watch video tapes. Groups are also divided by age categories, such as nursery, teens and adults. This is done to elicit similar levels of input on cultural and educational topics. “My idea of contributing to America is doing so through my culture,” said Joe Lee, who has participated in this camp with his family many times before. “And that can be said for other ethnic groups. They contribute through traditions of their culture.” “I’d say America is more like a stew than a melting pot,” added Joe’s son, Justin. “It is a collection of groups of people who are American, yet keep certain traditions because it distinguishes their ethnic identity. What we don’t realize is that this fact also distinguishes America.”

-a * Hl ' GUILD CREATES DEJA VU WITH 50S PARTY — Poodle skirts, “greasers,” bobby socks and ponytails — the 50s were rockin’ and rollin’ once more at the old barn when the Enchanted Hills Playhouse Guild threw a 50s party following the Saturday night showing of “Grease.” $

mt *^eMK- u..TB YET ANOTHER HOLE-IN-ONE AT BIG BOULDER — Joe Newsom, Lebanon, got a hole in one across the water on the third hole at Big Boulder Golf Course last Saturday morning. August 3. Newsom, playing with Jerry Daniels and Tom Hodgson of Syracuse, had a good introduction to the sport of golf, since that was the first complete nine holes he had ever played. He used a 7 iron to score his ace. He received a Hole-in-One trophy from Big Boulder owner, Elaine Weiss.

NOW OPEN I 'THE OTHER SIDE” I Restaurant & Lounge (Formerly The Guide) COMPLETE LUNCH & DINNER I MENU WITH DAILY SPECIALS I HOURS: Monday-Thursday 11 A.M.-11 P.M. M Friday-Saturday 11 A.M.-2 A.M. Sunday 2 P.M.-10 P.M. Dancing Fri. & Sat. 10:00 P.M.-2:00 A.M. Old Road 13A I East Side Os Lake Wawasee

Justin also mentioned that his American citizenship is not a matter of him wanting to be here more than China. Rather, it is natural course for him to follow since he figures to adjust to any living situation he were born into. Whatever the situation may be, these Chinese families value closeness to keep their community going; “You could ask anyone here about what the Chinese regard as important and get different answers from each,” Tan explained. “Yet, family, language and food are highly emphasized within the culture. China has always been a large system of families and the community we strive to achieve at this camp reinforces these values.” So, each meal at the camp is preceeded by a prayer of thanksgiving in Chinese. Also, each breakfast is followed by a singing session. This unites all campers, as they sing traditional Chinese lyrics. The music is often accompanied by coordinated clapping and standing gestures. “This has always been a good place for us to have our camp,” said Tan of Oakwood. “It’s a nice, secluded area that allows us to achieve our purpose of getting together. It works as sort of a vacation for all of us.” Unrest JOHANNESBURG, S. AFRICA — President P. W. Botha declared the first state of emergency in South africa in 25 years, giving police broad new powers in 36 cities and towns to combat mounting anti-apartheid rioting. Cancer checkups WEW YORK - People worried about colon cancer in the wake of President Reagan’s illness have been calling hot lines and doctor’s offices across the country for information and appointments. Big success LONDON — Producers of the world’s biggest rock concert said the 16-hour “global jukebox” this weekend raised about S7O million for famine relief in Africa.

Wed., August 7,1985 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

■M BSSI lEZZHIB ” ■ • w I Be BB* Mt '-11 J «sB ■ * I 1 »-* < ■ | I £** *■![ w * ** W ”"■* -an* ; w 1 JsKIbO ’ tfßy /J/w I IF'’ / r y Olw * < AT | / ’ ■ M SONG LEADER — Encouraging those of all ages to harmonize, Ming Loo sings a Chinese family tune in the native language. (Photo by Dave Straub)

SEE BOAT CO.® a On Indiana’s Largest Natural Lake' Wawasee’s &J T SELECTION OF® I BOATS” S 1 Century “CTS” — 2V 1 .... ijj Ski Supreme —l9’ ® n 9 Sierra Supreme — 20’ ft > i > a* CJA 'Jr «y^L*TW^»‘MLjZ’*ncii. ME M Chris-Craft Ski-Jack — 21* ft Jfvmxivue ££££ jA — At Harkless Harbor g— j aa yachts

13