February 14, 2025/Midnight

Erie, PA.— Paul Speice used to say: “You have to come back until you get it right.”

Paul and his brother, Fr. Larry Speice, founded Camp Notre Dame [CND] in Fairview 65 years ago. Nestled on the shore of Lake Erie, CND is a residential summer camp that aims to give children an escape from the “real world.” Now, in 2025, CND is celebrating 65 years of “A Vacation to Remember,” after CND alumni could not celebrate the camp’s 60th anniversary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kathy Bastow, the daughter of Paul Speice, is deeply rooted in CND’s history. She began her camp career in 1973 as a counselor, although she was heavily involved in CND prior to being a counselor. As time went on, Kathy continued to be active through volunteering and being a Board Member.

“Camp is my family, it is my home,” said Bastow. “It is the foundation of my love of being in the woods, the root of my servant heart. And I have so many wonderful Speice family memories and traditions created as we worked to support our beloved camp, and to share its magic with the greater CND community. Camp is such an integral part of who I am, its impact on my life throughout the years has been significant. I truly cannot imagine how different my life would have been without the experiences and influence of CND– its people and places.”

Throughout the years, CND has created timeless memories for children of all ages. During the summer, echoes of laughter and happy children can be heard all around the whole camp. The unique “unplugged” atmosphere of CND transports campers back to the days when technology did not consume daily life. Boating, fishing, archery, and nature crafts are only a few of the activity’s campers will take part in during their week at CND. Over time, the camp has continued to evolve with a revolving door of campers and staff who have left a legacy.

Makiah Ramsey has spent many of her summers at CND, both as a camper and a staff member. “CND has become my home and safe space. I don’t love any place more than I do camp,” said Ramsey. In 65 years, CND has served 40,000 campers and more than 800 staff members, according to their website.

Originally, CND was a residential camp for boys. As a product of the Catholic Diocese of Erie, most of the staff were male who were going into the seminary, except for the cook, nurse, and office manager. This was the case from 1960 until the early 1970s; although, women were periodically hired to come during the day to run programs. In 1972, CND adopted a new summer schedule, adding one week of girl’s camp. During this week, female staff were hired to be counselors for that week, but they were sent home at the end of this all-girls week. The male staff were still around during the girl’s week, with role being specialty staff. Later, in 1990, co-ed camping began creating a new dynamic of summer fun.

Caroline Moore grew up going to this summer camp. “CND has been in my life since day [one] and I couldn’t imagine it any other way,” said Moore. “The friends, memories, and feelings of safety and acceptance this place has brought me is unmatched—it’s like a little slice of heaven.” When asked for what she hopes will happen in the next 65 years, Moore said “my hope is that it continues to be a fun place of love, acceptance, and fun for all who step foot on the grounds. And when they leave, they want nothing more than to come right back and make more amazing memories like I have.”

Alivia Garrity, who happens to be Moore’s cousin, was also introduced to CND as a child. She shared that CND is “one of [her] most cherished childhood memories.” Both Moore and Garrity’s mothers were on staff in the 80s and 90s, respectively. They were both introduced to the camp as babies. Their connection to CND is a result of the relationships they have built at this summer camp.

Two brothers had a dream to transform children’s lives 65 years ago. Both Paul and Fr. Larry have passed away, but their inspiring legacy continues through the dedicated work of the board of directors, volunteers, and staff members. Both the spirit of this one-of-a-kind summer camp has impacted on children’s and adults’ lives. In the next 65 years, it is unsure what CND will transform into, but one thing is for certain: the love that Paul and Fr. Larry Speice put into this summer camp will endure.