Erik Bernhardt (Den 1988)
Erik shares his experience of attending Camp Mowgli for seven summers, starting in 1985, after being introduced to the camp by Brooks and Joanie Benjamin.
Listen to the Apple Podcast:
Watch on YouTube:
Show Notes
He described his first summer and his time in Baloo, his participation in activities like tennis and riflery, and his interactions with counselors like Doug Merrill and Pete St. John. Erik expressed gratitude for the positive impact the camp had on him and recalled the generosity of Brooks and Joanie Benjamin in supporting his family emotionally and financially over the years while they were living in St Louis.
Coincidentally, Brooks and Joanie Benjamin were Wayne King's Cub Parents!
Erik says he was a mischievous kid . . . not a bad kid, just
mischievous. Usually, he was set right by counselors like Doug Merrill, but every now and then, he found himself on the Director's Porch answering to Bob Bengtson who also seemed to understand that Erik was not motivated by malice, but really by the joy and the missteps of being a kid. |
| Newfound Rowboats |
Dusk on the Franconia Range
Signed Originals$495$695
|
| Dusk on the Franconia Range Signed Originals $495 $695 |
Quick recap: AI
Erik's Move and Mowgli Journey
Wayne and Erik discussed Erik's move from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon, where he has lived for six years. They reminisced about a past encounter in Venice Beach with Mark Ventimiglia. Erik shared his experience of joining Mowgli, which Wayne found interesting and humorous. They agreed to delve into Erik's experiences at Mowgli and his life since then in their upcoming conversation.
 |
| Climbing Jacobs Ladder |
Camp Mowgli Summer Experiences
Erik shared his experience of attending Camp Mowglis for seven summers, starting in 1985, after being introduced to the camp by Brooks and Joanie Benjamin. He described his time in Baloo, his participation in activities like tennis and rifleery, and his interactions with counselors like Doug Merrill and Pete St. John. Erik expressed gratitude for the positive impact the camp had on him and recalled the generosity of Brooks and Joni Benjamin in supporting his family emotionally and financially.
Camp Experiences and Role Models
Erik shared his experience as a junior counselor at camp, including an incident where he and three others were reprimanded by Bob for chewing tobacco. He reflected on how important the male role models at camp were to his development, particularly in teaching responsibility, patience, and calmness in the face of adversity. Erik described a specific challenging situation during a backpacking trip where Pete St. John and another counselor helped the group navigate severe weather conditions, ultimately saving the day by making soup for the near-hypothermic campers and massaging their frozen feet.
 |
| Wonalancet Mindscape Signed originals Open Edition Prints (unsigned) |
Camp Experiences and Memories Shared
Erik shared his experiences from different years at camp, highlighting memorable moments like making a fire in the rain during his green ribbon year and learning to use an axe with counselor Chad Bradbury during his orange ribbon year. He particularly enjoyed his Panther year, where he completed his golden anchor and rowboating silver ribbons, with counselor Oscar Montiel for sailing and Ben Ring for rowboating. Erik and Wayne also discussed their shared love for Mahoosuc Notch, with Wayne mentioning he's writing a book about a solo trip there and how he believed he had been the first to add it to the backpacking itinerary during his years as Tripmaster.
 |
| Colors Over the Notch |
Erik's Journey and Team Achievements
Erik shared his experiences from his time at Mowglis, including his progression from third to first form in rowing and winning against teams with larger, stronger members, emphasizing the importance of unity over raw power. He described his role on the racing crew in Den, where they had a strong, cohesive team led by a skilled coxswain named Seth Gaines, and his subsequent involvement in tennis and sailing instruction as a junior and senior counselor. Erik also reflected on personal growth, recalling how Ben Ringe helped him understand his need for improvement and later being recognized by Bob Bengtson for his excellent work on senior staff, earning him a spot on the prestigious Mount Washington squad.
 |
| Storm Over Mt Pemigewasset |
Bob Bengtson's Mischievous Adventures
Erik and Wayne shared anecdotes about Bob Bengtson, highlighting his playful and mischievous side that was less visible to others. Erik recounted a story about Bob wanting to watch a Clint Eastwood movie instead of a French film, while Wayne described an incident, before the boys arrived, where Bob used a the "colors" mini-cannon to scare a sleeping counselor, causing a dramatic reaction. They also discussed Bob's involvement in competitive activities between counselors during crew week and his role in a late-night adventure involving a rocket from a local establishment.
 |
| Crawford Notch Cascade |
Erik's Journey and Return to Malibu
Erik shared his life journey after leaving Mowglis, including his education at Principia College and his career in investment finance, which led him to become the Chief Investment Officer at Reed College in Portland. He reflected on his return to Malibu in 2013, which reignited his connection to the place and led to his involvement with the board. Erik described the chapel as a peaceful and meaningful place, comparing it to his experience of growing to appreciate rest hour over time.
Erik's Legacy at Camp
Wayne and Erik discussed Erik's 10+ years of service to the camp as a member of the HEMF Board of Trustees, including his role in managing the growing endowment. They reflected on the camp's challenging past, including a near closure in 2001, and the positive impact of current leadership under Nick & Diana Robbins and the amazing HQ Staff.
Erik shared how his time at the camp developed resilience and social skills, which he values for his daughter's future experiences. Wayne expressed gratitude for Erik's contributions and planned to share the interview with other alumni.
 |
| White Birch in a Chocorua Sunset |
 |
| White Rowboat Under a Stormy Sky |
 |
| Spirit Pony in Franconia Dusk |
 | |||||||
Whispering Pines in the Chapel of the Woods
|
