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WELCOME


FRIENDS OF THE MINISINK EXPERIENCES, INC.

We are an alumni association of Minisinkers and friends.

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OUR PURPOSE

 * To perpetuate the traditions, philosophy, values, goals and training of the
   historical Minisink programs
 * To seek cooperation with other organizations sharing similar commitments, and
   goals that will enhance the efforts of the Friends of the Minisink
   Experiences, Inc.
 * To encourage greater involvement and support of said programs by community,
   corporations, foundations and others.
 * To facilitate the development of and support of enrichment and other
   beneficial programs for the Friends of the Minisink Experiences, Inc.
 * To promote fundraising projects and assist organizations in their efforts to
   embody the traditions of the historical and traditional programs. These
   programs provide proactive programming in the areas of education,
   self-respect, leadership skills and community volunteerism, that prepare
   youth to be contributing members of the community




OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 * Frank W. Jones, Jr. – President
 * James Warren, Jr. – Vice President
 * – Recording Secretary
 * Nancy Bailey – Corresponding Secretary
 * Jacqueline Kellum-Foster – Treasurer
 * Rev. Henry Thompson – Chaplain
 * Brenda M. Francis – Publicity
 * Carolyn Coverdale – Webmaster
 * Delores Dixon – Sergeant at Arms
 * Natalie Miles – Membership Chair
 * Helen Kellum – Member
 * Edith Gray – Member
 * Eleanor Richardson-Guy – Member
 * James W. Pruitt – President Emeritus 


OUR FOUNDERS

MRS. ALBERTA THOMAS KLINE


MRS. ALBERTA THOMAS KLINE

Alberta Thomas Kline aka “Ma Kline” to thousands of youth worldwide was
co-founder with Daniel Taylor of Camp Minisink, Port Jervis, New York.  She
served as Director of New York City Mission Society (NYCMS), Harlem Branch for
forty years. During her tenure, she expanded and diversified all areas of the
program, from its humble beginning of roaming pop-up tents throughout Staten
Island, 7 tents with 29 girl campers at Port Jervis to splendiferous facilities
on 650 acres at Camp Minisink, Port Jervis and the Minisink Town House (348
Convent Ave)/Community Center (521 W. 155 St.). Mrs. Kline spearheaded Co-ed
Leadership Training for Teenagers and the importance of Fundraisers to support
existing and new Program Activities.  Annual events, such as the Women’s
Cooperative Committee Luncheon, the Men’s Guidance Council Breakfast, “Show of
Shows”, Cadet and Drum & Bugle Corps Reviews were implemented for financial
independence in Unit Programing. “Ma Kline” will always be remembered for her
Inspirational words of wisdom/mottos at the beginning of each Camp Season.

Equal Opportunity Means Equal Responsibility. Each day a new beginning. By
serving today’s needs we build for tomorrow. What I do today matters forever.

These words were later put to music by Margie Drew and sung by the Minisink
Co=ed Chorus as a surprise Tribute to Mrs. Alberta T. Kline.

MR. DANIEL TAYLOR


MR. DANIEL TAYLOR

1929, a year that most people associate with the crash of the stock market
leading to the Great Depression where banks failed, unemployment rose and people
lined up for food rations. Still, there were those who were concerned for the
young people of New York City. One of those organizations was New York City
Mission Society (NYCMS). And within that organization were two (2) individuals
gifted with the wisdom, and foresight to recognize the needs and potential in
the youth of Harlem.

Daniel Taylor and Alberta Thomas Kline saw the potential in providing Harlem and
East Harlem youth with summer camping experiences in addition to the
after-school activities that were happening for them from September to June.
They began taking youth camping in various locations. Daniel Taylor took the
boys and Alberta Kline, who very quickly became “Ma Kline” took the girls to
different locations.

NYCMS acquired land in the Shawanagunk Mountains, near Port Jervis NY, in 1929
for a permanent camp site, and named it Camp Minisink. It was one of the first
camps in the nation established for a predominantly African American population.
In the earliest camping seasons Daniel Taylor was director for boys in July and
Ma Kline director for girls in August.

Daniel Taylor founded several groups within Minisink aimed at developing
fellowship among the young men. He also placed an emphasis on recognizing and
developing leadership potential among the youth. He was drafted to serve in WWII
and returned to continue his work at Minisink in 1945. That year he started the
group that became the Order of the Feather. Unfortunately, he passed away in
1946. Daniel Taylor encouraged the youngsters under his influence to “Follow the
Gleam” as in that favorite Minisink hymn. Ma Kline and all who knew him held him
in such high regard that those of us who never knew him still speak the name
with the deepest respect and aspire to “Follow the Gleam”.

MS. GLADYS V. THORNE

“This is My Work, My Blessing, Not My Doom…” * 

Servant of God, Pillar of Strength, Visionary, a Dynamic Lover of Poetry, Music
& Song… 


MS. GLADYS V. THORNE

Gladys V. Thorne, affectionately known as Thornie, was born and raised in
Harlem, NY. Short in stature she was a vibrant and incorrigible child. She
attended public schools in NYC, received a Bachelor of Science cum laude, Master
of Arts degree in Guidance from New York University School of Education and took
advanced studies at Columbia School of Social Work. She was affiliated with many
professional groups, social agencies and service organizations, including Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Delta Pi Society, Pi Lambda Theta Society and the
American Camping Association. Thornie was a member of many local and national
boards in education, health and welfare. She was recognized and honored with a
plethora of awards and citations.   

Gladys was a member of  the Christian Girl’s Club supervised by Alberta T. “Ma”
Kline, future Executive Director of the Harlem Unit under the auspices of the
New York City Mission Society.  

“Ma” Kline recognized the dynamic energy Thornie possessed. A lifelong bond was
forged between mentor and mentee. Thornie’s life’s trajectory was altered, as
“Ma” Kline was convinced she would be the catalyst to ignite the Spirit of the
Minisink Family. Through her formidable skills, Gladys founded Tapawingo (House
of Joy) Honor Society in 1942. Initially, designed for teen girls much like
herself. Tapawingo evolved into a co-ed Leadership Training Program which
included a Counselor -In-Training component with rigorous academic, cultural and
service projects to the community, nation and world as its focus. She directed a
youth choir of over 300 voices and was noted for supporting oratorical ability,
poetic knowledge and stage presence. She initiated The Candlelight Service and
The Minisink Carol Sing, originally performed in Harlem churches. The Minisink
Show of Shows, a musical revue, was showcased in Central Needle Trades High
School, Hunter College Auditorium and Carnegie Hall. Thornie loved camp and over
the years she elevated Camp Minisink to become one of the first non-racially
segregated, residential camps for predominately Black children to one of the
premier camps in the country. From Program Director to Executive Director of the
Minisink Branch under the  auspices of the New York City Mission Society she
served youth and seniors for over forty years. 

 The songs and poetry we learned have fortified us through the decades!! 

* Work by Henry Van Dyke 

MR. WILBERT E. BURGIE


MR. WILBERT E. BURGIE

His History and Legacy

Wilbert E. Burgie, was born in June 1928 in Brooklyn, New York. Burgie attended
New York Public Schools in Brooklyn and was a member of the Boy Scouts of
America. His scoutmaster was Mr. Herbert VonKing, one of the Founders of the
Camp Minisink Order of the Feather. Mr. VonKing, introduced Burgie to Camp
Minisink in 1946 at the tender age of 18. Burgie was hired as the Secretary of
Boys Work with Camp Minisink. Burgie was responsible for the Boys program at
Camp, as well as, the Order of the Feather, the Camp Minisink Drum and Bugle
Corps, and the Boys Tapawingo Honor Society.

In the Fall of 1946, Burgie founded the after-school program known as the Camp
Minisink Cadet Corps at Hood Memorial Church and then moved to St. James
Presbyterian Church in Harlem. The Cadet Corps also included St. Augustine
Presbyterian Church and Caudwell AMZ Church in the Bronx.
During the year of 1964, Burgie and the Cadet Corps, under the direction of Dr.
David W. Barry, expanded its services to include several additional churches in
the Harlem community with many additional staff members. The Cadet Corps
remained on 155th street until the new Cadet Corps was built in June of 1972 on
Jerome Avenue and 170th in the Bronx. At one point, there were more than 3,500
boys and girls enrolled in the Cadet Corps program.

Burgie was multi-talented, he could sing and direct choirs, and he taught Native
American dance, and Native American law. Wilbert E. Burgie, was a mentor, a
visionary, leader, and friend to oh so many. Mr. Wilbert E. Burgie served as the
Executive Director of the City Mission Cadet Corps until August 1984. Burgie
served the youth of New York City for 38 years and his Legacy lives on in the
hearts and minds of thousands of Men and Women throughout the world.

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that
cannot fly.” ~ Langston Hughes


WHO ARE THE FRIENDS OF MINISINK?


TAPAWINGO



F.O.M.E




FEATHERMEN



Order of the Feather 




PEN & SCROLL



Pen & Scroll




WARRIORS ALUMNI DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS.



Warriors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. New York City




PEN & SCROLL SORORITY



Pen & Scroll Sorority




PHOENIX SORORITY



Phoenix Sorority




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FRIENDS OF THE MINISINK EXPERIENCES, INC.
(We are an alumni association of Minisinkers and friends)

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F.OM.E.  Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Financial contributions are tax deductible–to the extent allowed by law.   Learn
more



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©2024 Friends of the Minisink Experiences, Inc.






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