The Kawanhee paddle was first pictured in the 1928 catalog and would be easily recognizable or “readable” to campers today. One recognizable trait of this paddle would be the double gray and maroon stripes that adorn the bottom of the paddle to represent the completion of the lake swim and the canoe test. Another characteristic seen on the older paddle still used today is a “C” to represent the cove swim.

 

A little bit later, pictured in the 1933 catalog, there were paddles with a large “K,” which today represents the Bass Rock Swim. However, in 1933, this “K” was awarded to nearly forty campers who had earned the Camp Emblem (which was earned by achieving goals in camp activities).

The paddles, like
many Kawanhee traditions, have withstood the tests of time and are many campers’ favorite “souvenir” and memory from their time at Kawanhee.

Here is a diagram of “How to Read a Paddle,” often included in the catalogs from the 1970’s!