Camp Pasquaney Tree Talks and Chapel Talks: Recent Episodes
Pasquaney
In his inspiring Tree Talk, Waterfront Director Porter Barnes reflects on a family mantra born during the three years they lived aboard a sailboat: “Be crew, not passengers.” The saying encourages taking responsibility rather than passively letting life unfold. He connects this lesson to life at Pasquaney, urging campers to contribute actively and showing how doing so builds respect and influence.
Townley Chisholm reflects on how the limited time we have at camp, and in life, creates joy, meaning, and responsibility to be kind to one another.
Third-year counsellor Elliott Randolph IV speaks campers and counsellors about turning personal struggles into strength through self-acceptance, continuous improvement, and serving others.
Second-year counsellor Wyatt Winstead stresses the need for individuals to stand up for what is right, even if it is unpopular, and encourages the boys to be bold, question everything, and take action.
Mr. Michael shares a story about his experience as a kitchen porter in Ireland to illustrate honesty and integrity, and encourages the boys and counsellors to keep adding “bricks” to their foundation of integrity by choosing honesty even in a world where many people are dishonest.
Third-year counsellor Teddy Marquet reflects on “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers—Liverpool FC’s anthem—and how its message echoes his experiences of support and community at Pasquaney.
In this Chapel Talk, Mr. Michael calls on campers and counsellors to leave their masks behind and embrace the opportunity to make lifelong friends.
On the first Sunday of the 2026 season, Mr. Michael talks with the camp community about the opportunities before us this season and our responsibility to seize them.
In this Chapel Talk, Mr. Michael emphasizes the importance of facing adversity with resilience and fellowship, urging campers to support each other and build a collaborative community while out in the wilderness.
None of us can see what’s ahead—not next week, not next year, not five years from now. But what we can do is take the next day, the next moment, and the next step. We can embrace the uncertainty and trust that the trail, and the people walking beside us, will guide us toward where we’re meant to go. Sometimes these steps are giant leaps, but more often than not they are small steps that don’t seem to get us any closer to our answers. Eventually though, if we keep taking these small but positive steps forward, we will emerge from the fog and everything will become clear.”
In his Week 6 Chapel Talk, Mr. Michael shares that happiness is not derived from possessions, pleasure, popularity, or power, but rather from living a virtuous life.
In the final Tree Talk of the 2025 Pasquaney season, Jack Turnage shares three suggestions for living well: learn by doing, figure out who and what you love, and use technology in moderation. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience, citing Leonardo da Vinci's approach. He shares lessons from his own experience transitioning from law to teaching, and stresses the significance of building and maintaining relationships, citing data showing increasing loneliness, especially among men. Lastly, Jack warns about the dangers of excessive technology use, including addiction and reduced focus, advocating for a balanced approach to social media.
In 1895, a 14-year-old boy named Nat embarked on a sap-collecting journey, facing challenges and eventually finding his way home. Listen to this story written by Peyton Williams as well his own reflections on the experience of retracing familiar steps but seeing them through older, clearer eyes.
In his Chapel Talk, Townely Chisholm engages campers and counselors in dialogue about learning to live together in ways that maximize happiness for everyone, and how living our lives "in earnest" can help us achieve that goal.
Clay Meredith speaks with the camper body on Tree Talk Ridge about managing anxiety and the importance of having a friend or family member to go to when times are difficult.
JET Easterly deliveres a Tree Talk on the timeless topic of being present. It is a conversation our community has been having more and more each season. In today’s fast-paced world, quiet moments are often filled with noise so quickly and effortlessly, and the importance of taking time to "stop and think" has become more valuable than ever. It is meaningful for campers to hear this message from the college-aged counsellors they so genuinely admire and enjoy.
Rich DeSalvo talks about the meaning of stewardship, and encourages the camper body to take responsibility for their community and one another through small acts of service.
Pasquaney was founded in 1895, and many of its core traditions have remained the same since those early years. However, Camp is always evolving, as are all of us. In his July 11 Tree Talk, Bob Zhang speaks about accepting and embracing change throughout our lives.
"A faithful friend is the medicine of life." In Sunday's Chapel Talk, Mr. Michael discuss the importance of authenticity and true friendship, highlighting how masks hinder genuine connections.
Third year counsellor and film major Ben Davis discusses the art of filmmaking, specifically the use of different camera shots to convey narrative and emotional depth. He then encourages the boys to change lenses when feeling stuck in order to see things from a fresh perspective.
During the first Chapel of the 2025 season, Mr. Michael welcomes the community to the Pasquaney Chapel, and encourages campers to seize opportunities, overcome fears, and develop a growth mindset.
Each summer Pasquaney's Long Walk returns to the hillside with a song that captures all of the highlights from their week in the Whites. Listen along here and relive the journey with the Long Walk. An extra nickel of Mary Lamb if you can guess the original tunes!
Can you think of a time at camp when someone drew a circle around you and took you in? This was a question posed by Aiden Biglow to the camp in our final tree talk of the summer -- a fitting message to close out what has been a summer full of learning and adventure in the company of friends new and old. Aiden is in his fourth summer on the council. He leads our nature program, and in the offseason he teaches science at a middle school in New York City.
Rich DeSalvo highlights a recent Sixth Walk hike up Mt. Plymouth, introduces the concept of a moral compass, and speaks about the courage of umpires, detailing the story of Armando Galaragga's "28-out perfect game."
In his Chapel Talk last Sunday, Mr. Michael called on campers and counsellors to embrace their sincere, earnest selves, and rise above the cynicism that circulates throughout our world today, particularly online.
In his Tree Talk on Friday, Bo Turnage reflected on some of the moments from his camper years that seemed inconsequential at the time -- a story in a Chapel Talk about courage, a tense doubles final tennis match, a shared sunset with his expedition on top of Mt. Liberty -- but in fact resurfaced later in life, helping to guide him in tough moments and support those around him. His talk served as an important reminder that finding happiness and fulfillment through indirection by immersing yourself in the moment is just as important to our growth as sowing acts intentionally. Bo is in his second season as a counsellor, where he leads our tennis program and resides in Jackson.
In Sunday's Chapel Talk, Townley reflected on what makes Pasquaney special and urged us not to take our one wild and precious summer for granted. What he didn't mention was how fortunate we are to have a servant leader like him among us. Townley leads the Crew program, canoeing expeditions to Lake Umbagog, and myriad Nature "species" and Star Walks, modeling joy and wonder for the natural world and the unique strengths each of us possesses.
In Friday's Tree Talk, Pip Carr spoke with the camp about social media's influence on our thoughts and feelings, the value of living in the present moment, and encouraged us to be loving.This is Pip's fifth summer at Pasquaney. He works in the Shop and lives with his family in the Stanwood Cottage. He is the founder and director of The Guild Experience, an education project for thirteen to fifteen-year-olds based in the Cotswolds, UK.
Mr. Michael shares a pivotal moment in his career when his integrity was tested, and reflects on the significance of honesty and truth in our lives.
Listen to Mr. Michael's second Chapel Talk on fear and overcoming obstacles, delivered the Sunday before Expeditions.
A community is strengthened when it comes together to reflect on its values and practices. One way Pasquaney does this is through weekly Tree Talks and Chapel Talks. In a Tree Talk, a counsellor draws on their experience to explain a life lesson from which they think campers will benefit.
2023 Long Walk Song Lyrics[To the tune of “Bright Morning Star” by The Oyster Ban]Long Walk '23 is arisingIt is dark and the moon is shiningWe are hard at work preparingDay is a breaking, in my soulWhen did we become dear brothers?We have pulled each other up mountainsWe have hiked through rain and lightningNancy Brook is calling, in my soulEach of us has fought with demonsWe have been each other's guardiansSee how we've turned into lionsFellowship is forming in my soul[To the tune of “Some Nights” by fun]Some like the stanky leg, some like the knuckle draggersSome like to do the MartinSome trails feel like our feet might never be the sameSome trails we need a high 5 trainBut we still get hype, we are blue not greenBondalalay is the gas for this machine(Ohh woah oh oh) Give it up for long walk(Ooh woah oh oh) Give it up for long walkOf 2023Oh, were the long walk, were the long walk '23Oh were the long walk, were the long walk '23Day one we hardly break a sweat, from flume until Lafayette,AMC hut knows that we're on the long walkChased off the peak by lightning strikesFluming the diggly at campsiteGreenie meanies work like a dreamPlease no double-dipping in the VaselineLegs feel tightDown in Nancy Brook for tub tonightThe Chili's warm, fills us with thoughts of what's ahead, what's ahead, we go toBed to get up at 4amTuesday is Moriah, the Carters and the WildcatsSlow and steady decline broke most of our kneesFuelled by Green Goblin, we rose to meet the challenge,Prezzies will feel like a piece of cake compared to theseOh it's days like this, that help us grow our wingsAll this amazing lore to keep us going(Ohh woah oh oh) Give it up for long walk(Ooh woah oh oh) Give it up for long walkOf 2023Oh long walk x 4Day three comes around, our third traverseWe take on the presidents one by one,We see a wall, we smash it downThrough the clouds into the sun24 hours and we'll show you grit,Seize the day and then run with itWe are mountain goats, we are fever dogsMaybe we will make it into Rachel's vlogsOh, were the long walk, were the long walk '23Oh were the long walk, were the long walk '23[To the tune of “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas and the Papas]Stepped onto Sawyer RoadFrom the tunnel of treesGot blisters on my feet (blisters on my feet)Road walking is a breeze (it is a breeze)We get back to our campsite (Back to our campsite)Food never tasted so good (never tasted so good)Long Walk '23Is cruising like we should (cruising like we should)We head to VermontAs Friday comes aroundNever been done before (never been done before)Breaking new ground (breaking new ground)Hell Brook's the devil's trail (Hell Brook devil's trail)The forehead, nose, and chin (forehead, nose, and chin)Long Walk '23Rack up another win (another win)We hit the hardest trails,We had the toughest curve ballsWe all had the chance to turn (had the chance to turn)But the Long Walk calls (the Long Walk calls)Triumph meets us at the bus (meets us at the bus)Steak's a real treat (steak's a real treat)Long Walk '23 (now we can rest our feet)Long Walk '23 (now we can rest our feet)Long Walk '23 Now we can rest our feet[To the tune of “Bright Morning Star” by The Oyster Ban]Long Walk '23 is returningIt is gold and the sun is settingSometimes words just can't explain thingsLong Walk, forever be in my soul
This is the 2022 Long Walk song which encapsulates their week in the Whites.
~To the tune of “Replay” by Iyaz~
Long Walk 2022 Grey and Blue All these peaks and views Got me singing out With my brothers every day Let’s have a railroad Hip hip hooray hooray
We woke up Monday morn To a rumbling thunderstorm Where will the ceremony be? Not Baird Hall please Keep it at Eastbourne
Let’s flat walk beneath the trees To avoid another lightning scare No bridge to cross the Pemi You can wade across if you dare
No summits pass the hummus need to refuel Quick M-N-M at Ethan Pond Baptism holy vision at Thoreau Falls Sun broke as we sang a psalm
Henry pass the Vaseline Moleskin too Water in my shoes won’t be stopping me 20 miles everyday To the bus – Joe, take us away away
Long Walk 2022 Grey and Blue All these peaks and views Got me singing out With my brothers every day Let’s have a railroad Hip hip hooray hooray
4 am on Presi day Hype circle got us on our grind Charged up Mt Madison Adams and Jefferson To make the traverse on time
Though Richard was feeling ill He pushed himself over Mt Clay An EMT said he needs help Had to make sure our boy’s okay!
Hiked off the summit of Washington Escaped the brick and fog Bagged Monroe and then bailed out Live free and ride the cog!
Henry pass the Vaseline Moleskin too Water in my shoes won’t be stopping me 20 miles everyday To the bus – Joe, take us away away
Long Walk 2022 Grey and Blue All these peaks and views Got me singing out With my brothers every day Let’s have a railroad Hip hip hooray hooray ray—
~To the tune of “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra~
Ray ray tai tai sis sis boom ba (x2)
Feet are aching no surprise But thanks to sunny skies We’re off to Zealand Zeacliff head wall has us feeling not too great But we’ll motor to the Bonds
There’s a dog inside of you (woof, woof, woof!) Fighting to get through Top of Guyot Would you like a squirt of Mio for the view A-10 Warthogs flying high
Bondcliff knife edge Posed on the ledge Only halfway we still have so long (so long) To descend
We hit our flow We didn’t slow We never dreamed we would hike 90 (miles) In the whites
Ray ray tai tai sis sis boom ba (x2)
Hey Joe leave the bus behind Your wife has been on your mind For her birthday, we’ll hike Carrigain real early and besides Thunderstorms are in the sky
Trail work’s looking pretty fine Desolation took no time! At the tower Sang 519 felt God’s power, roadwalked on Nancy tubbin’ feels sublime
We hit our flow We didn’t slow We never dreamed we would hike 90 (miles) In the whites
Stay strong long walk crew 18 more and then we’re through Chocorua and White Ledge too Richard’s back we are renewed
Trail gremlins unite We’ll be eating steak tonight Granite scramble pure delight Wyatt’s toes aren’t looking right
Ray ray tai tai sis sis boom ba (x2)
90 miles was a blast Too bad it couldn’t last We’ll remember all the laughs and how we had each other’s backs Over every mountain We’ll be Long Walk lovin’ boys
Duck dinner hit Feels good to sit Shared all our stories with Mr. Michael (Michael) And Jennifer
5 days (long miles!) Sleep trails (big smiles!) Records (for the files!) Long Walk
5 days (long miles!) Sleep trails (big smiles!) Records (for the files!) Long Walking with you ’22
2nd Chapel Talk "Thoughtfulness, Consideration, And Kindness" (July24 2020) by Pasquaney
1st Chapel Talk "The Freedom Summer - Opportunity, Responsibility, And Courage" (July17 2020) by Pasquaney
Millspaugh Tree Talk "Journeys Between Our Corners And Arenas" (August2 2019) by Pasquaney
4th Chapel Talk "The Medicine Of Life - Friendship In The Mountains" (July14 2019) by Pasquaney
3rd Chapel Talk "The Wall Ball Test Of Integrity- Truth And Honesty" (July7 2019) by Pasquaney
1st Chapel Talk "Robert Smalls And Seizing Our Opportunities" (June23 2019) by Pasquaney