Camp K Reunion 2026 Fun
Kodai Reunion, Sept 1-7, Camp Kirchenwald, Pennsylvania
We have all had a boost of Kodai flavor, companionship and energy to last us through another year. We had a great turnout this year, including the new Principal of KIS, Dr. Bradford Barnhardt, and the new Alumni & Development Coordinator, Tara Menon. It was wonderful to have them there to give the alumni a chance to have a one-on-one conversation as well as hear their presentation about the school.
The Reunion took place at Schreiber Haus until Friday, when we moved all the food and chit chat operations to the main building. We started easy on Wed with about 10 to enjoy a Parsi breakfast in Schreiber. While Ted Hahn bought supplies, many helped shift and store them in the pavilion. Meanwhile, Joe Rittmann and his helpers prepared a variety of veg and nonveg dishes for lunch. By Wednesday evening, more had arrived to enjoy Teresa, Jody and Sylvia’s spread of Sri Lankan shrimp curry dinner with sides. On Thursday morning, Charlie Franklin served up omelets to order, and the chai started flowing. By Thursday evening, the gathering hit unusually big numbers and the food ran out before all the newcomers had been fed. In spite of a few hungry people, that’s a good sign!
Fri morning started off with Mike Columban’s dosa breakfast. The KFI board went off campus for their meeting with President Dr. Meg Greene and administrator Louise Heineman. Friday lunch was catered after the traditional sung prayer led by Wendy. Friday afternoon there were some activities, including Tom Staal’s informal presentation on the demise of USAID, Yoga class by Sabrina Granner, and a hike for those that still had energy. Friday supper was Hans Schmitthenner’s chicken tandoori prepared with wholehearted assistance of many and grilled on open fire. Friday night pavilion became a mix scene of karaoke, canteen dance, pop vocals accompanied by Dash and Chris Granner.
This year we had an added attraction on Friday and Saturday – a Tiki Bar, thanks to the generosity of the Edwards/Granner extended family. It became an added and fun place to gather in smaller groups.
Saturday many more joined the group, and there were well over 100. The Class of ’76 had the largest showing since it was their 50th, with at least 22 (I even heard 28) people. The Class of ’66 came in second with 9 people joining for their 60th. Photos of individual classes and the whole group were taken, followed by presentations by KIS Principal Dr. Brad Barnhart and KIS Alumni and Development Coordinator Tara Menon. Their presentations gave all the eager alumni an impressive picture of KIS today. There was a lot of discussion afterward, with a Q&A. Later on Saturday, Ron Koepke did a presentation on Bethania Kids. Sat lunch was catered, and dinner was the ever-popular dosa truck, followed by a campfire gathering.
Sunday morning we enjoyed Ray Weddington’s breakfast before morning worship in Schreiber where Dr. Jim Fletcher shared his medical experience.
And please- let’s not forget the willing many who helped clean, clear, wash, cook and perform all manner of critical care to maintain food safety, hygiene, and quality plating of meals. Thanks to Teresa and Ted and their associates who took care of all of us, making this another successful KIS Reunion!
Thanks again to those critical few who stayed on Monday to take care of cleaning and closing 2026 Kodai reunion at Camp K. Next year, Sep 1-6, 2027, ya?