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Camp Arrowhead bids farewell to Walt and Nancy Lafontaine

Couple retires after 50 years of dedicated service
Nancy and Walt Lafontaine stand in front of the Camp Arrowhead mural that has come to mean so much to them. TED PFIRRMANN PHOTOS
Ted Pfirrmann
December 15, 2023

After half a century of unwavering commitment and leadership, esteemed director of Camp Arrowhead Walt Lafontaine is set to retire, marking the end of an era at the cherished summer camp. Under the direction of Walt and his wife Nancy, Camp Arrowhead has been more than just a campsite; it has been a beacon of growth, friendship and lifelong memories for campers and staff alike, as was apparent at their retirement party Dec. 9.

Throughout five decades, the Lafontaines have been the driving force behind the camp's success, shaping it into a nurturing environment where countless children found a passion for adventure and learning.

Reflecting on this milestone, Walt expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to witness countless young minds flourish and friendships blossom.

"I can’t express what these past 50 years have meant to me,” he said, reminiscing about the camp's transformative journey over the years. “Camp Arrowhead has always been bigger than me."

As the camp bids goodbye to a pair of remarkable leaders, their legacy will endure in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to be a part of the Camp Arrowhead family.

 

Norman Gaither plays some of Walt and Nancy Lafontaine's favorite music throughout the evening.
Balloons adorn the gift station early into the night.
Engaging in a conversation before the festivities are (l-r) Susan Peipher, John Peipher, Walt Lafontaine and Shawn Joynt.
Darryn Gray, left, and Janna Kirby tend the scotch bar, a Lafontaine family tradition.
Scott Forrest, a close longtime friend of Walt Lafontaine, emcees the evening.
The Rev. Kevin Brown, elected bishop of the Episcopal Church of Delaware, leads with a blessing.
Walt Lafontaine sings a song with his daughter Carrie Johnson, who slyly put him up to the task.
Doreen Raub, Walt Lafontaine's sister, delivers an emotional tribute.
Illuminated by a candles and a string of Christmas lights, tribute was paid to Walt and Nancy Lafontaine. A camp tradition, in which each person lights another’s candle, the passing of the light is symbolic of the way knowledge in passed from person to person.
Walt Lafontaine leads the crowd in an impromptu campfire song.
Shown are (l-r) Meg Sabastianelli, Camp Arrowhead Alumni Association treasurer; Doreen Raub, sister; Walt and Nancy Lafontaine; Carrie Johnson, daughter; and Dr. Scott Lafontaine.

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