Hazen Creates Lifelong Friendships—A Hazen Story by John D. Barclay

Harry Rock and I met the summer of 1968 when we both were Leas at camp.  I had been a camper since 1962 and 1968 was Harry’s first year at Hazen. We had a great summer as Leas and then served on staff in 1969 and 1970. We went our separate ways after that, with Harry becoming a teacher and returning to camp in 1979 to serve as the Boy’s Camp Director, (first official co-ed year at Hazen).  I entered the Navy in 1971 and after graduation from Springfield College began a career in the YMCA.  I would run into Harry every now and then as we both lived in Connecticut. Harry left teaching and began a career with the New London CT YMCA, so our paths would cross more often. The connection became even closer when Harry followed my father as the CEO of the Westfield YMCA in MA.  

Our Hazen connection has led to a strong friendship over the years.  Our friendship has lasted for 53 years and continues today. Many thanks to the staff of YMCA Camp Hazen for making that possible.