A Passion for Camp Massasoit that Runs in the Family
Pat Sargeant, left, and Maureen Hughes.
By: Damon Markiewicz
It will be a festive summer at Springfield College East Campus with the 90th anniversary of Camp Massasoit being celebrated at the College’s outdoor learning center. For long-time donor Pat Sargeant, it’s a special time of year as she continues to honor her father Bliss ’34, and mother, Adeline ’39, whose documented leadership continues to impact camp attendees and their families.
“My father was the third director of the Springfield Day Camp from 1937 through 1942, and he was involved in the early development of what is now Camp Massasoit,” explained Sargeant. “My mother, his assistant for those years, not only helped him run the programs, but introduced having girls included in the camp experience as well.”
Innovation and strong leadership were always the core values stressed by Bliss and Adeline during their Camp Massasoit years, and those qualities have been carried on in their memory by Pat. In leading Camp Massasoit, Bliss was in charge of the boys’ program and Adeline was instrumental in adding a girls’ program. After the boys’ session ended in 1937, a weeklong program for girls began. The success of the girls’ program led to the establishment of a coed camping program in the following years with boys and girls in separate units.
“I remember my parents telling stories about camp, and there were always a lot of smiles and laughter,” said Sargeant. “They loved the positive impact camp had on young children, and they were committed to making sure it was a great experience for all.”
In memory of her parents’ strong affiliation with Springfield College, it was important for Pat to find a way to stay connected with the College while helping current youth enjoy the camp experience. While touring East Campus during a visit to Springfield College a few years back, Pat had an idea to pay it forward and help current Camp Massasoit families.
“I remember walking around East Campus and the thought came into my head to find a way to help two families who might not have the financial ability to send their child to Camp Massasoit,” explained Pat. “By the time I had flown back home to Florida, I was on the phone back to Springfield College expressing that I wanted to fund a scholarship for two Camp Massasoit participants, one boy and one girl, which would allow them take part in everything that camp has to offer.”
The Camp Massasoit fund not only honors the legacy that Bliss and Adeline left at the College, but it also allows Pat to stay connected with current East Campus and Camp Massasoit leadership, led by Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Ben Taylor ’99, G’16 and Associate Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Angela Veatch, G’07.
“It’s always exciting to hear about the updates surrounding East Campus and Camp Massasoit,” added Pat. “This past fall, we were able to have a video call with Ben and Angela and hear about what is planned for East Campus. We are getting to that time of year in the spring and summer where everyone can get outside and be physically active. I am sure it will be busy again at East Campus, and I always look forward to seeing the kids enjoying themselves.”
Pat has always been influenced by the values Springfield College and Camp Massasoit instilled in her parents. Earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physical Education, Pat appreciates the importance of youth staying physically active, which also benefits their mental health and their spirit.
“As a physical educator and collegiate coach, I always saw the value in having youth have access to leadership opportunities at an early age, and be active and healthy,” explained Pat. “I really believe in the spirit, mind, and body, and Camp Massasoit is a great example of how important that philosophy is. When kids are spending the summer at camp, they are making life-long friends, they are growing and learning about life. It’s a great foundation for them in developing so many important life skills.”
Like her father, Pat served in the United States Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel after teaching and coaching on the collegiate level. Having the full support of both of her parents, she excelled in both academics and sports. To this day, Pat remembers her father telling her to “take advantage of every educational opportunity, because knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you.”
Pat said of her parents, “They definitely had a sense of pride in their affiliation with the College, especially their work at Camp Massasoit. The two of them embraced the entire atmosphere of the College. As Camp Massasoit celebrates 90 years this summer, it’s a special feeling that those summer months will be filled with children having fun, staying active, and enjoying their youth. That’s how my parents always wanted camp to be, and I am honored to know their legacy will continue to be celebrated at East Campus.”
