Camp Eureka on Lake Stahahe

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Camp Eureka on Lake Stahahe

Private family group camp Camp Eureka began as the summer home of The German Ski Club of New York (GSCNY).

Over the years, our beautiful lakeside retreat has become the focus of our Club. While some of our members continue to gather during the winter months to enjoy recreational as well as competitive skiing, Camp Eureka is now a community of families and individuals of diverse backgrounds who all share a love of nature and the great outdoors. Our Members spend their summers enjoying camping, swimming, boating, sailing, hiking, mountain biking, badminton, and more.

05/19/2023

In Memoriam
Ursula Kuhles, April 26, 1928 - May 18, 2023

A true icon and leader of the German Ski Club of New York and Camp Eureka, Ursula Kuhles passed away yesterday at age 95. Uschi was probably the longest-ever member in our history, having grown up and then raised her own family in the Club and at Camp, and remaining an actively involved member at Camp well into her 90s.

Uschi was part of the Club and Camp leadership for decades. As keeper of the books, she ran a tight ship! It was definitely hard for her to finally hand off that responsibility, but Andy Viru had proved his competence to her and she rested easy knowing the finances were in good hands. But she kept an eye on everything anyway, and stayed involved in Camp discussions and business as an “esteemed elder.”

Those of us who grew up at Camp in the 60s, 70s and 80s have great memories of swim lessons with Uschi and swim races to the raft and back. She instilled in all of us a love of the water and the need for strong swimming skills. She also enjoyed crafts and many summer days were spent together with her good friend, Millie Schlierholz, in the Mess Hall quilting and crocheting. Anytime a new baby was born to a Club member, they were gifted a beautiful crocheted baby blanket by “Tante Uschi.” It’s so nice knowing so many of us still have these lovely gifts crafted by her hands.

And so the GSCNY “Heavenly Division” has grown by another member. They’re all up there with their Asbach and their Glühwein and their Lederhosen and Dirndls and crazy Hawaiian shirts. Must be some party! Rest in love and peace, Uschi.

We welcome any pics or stories in the comments of Uschi over the years!

04/27/2023

Lovely gathering of the German Ski Club of New York (Southern Division) and some friends on Uschi’s 95th Birthday!!!

04/06/2023

Work weekends Info!
This year we have 4 dates on the calendar:
April 23rd and May 21st: Every platform MUST attend.
You are free to pick one of the other dates that works for you. Sign up sheets will be available on April 23rd.

April 23rd @ 10:00 am
(We suggest everyone start planning on setting up your platforms after the clean up)

April 30th @10:00 am - Open clean up

May 7th @ 10:00 am - Open clean up

May 21st @ 10:00 am - MESS HALL, removal of ALL personal belongings,
full clean out and violation repairs on this date.

*NO personal belongings will be housed inside after this date.*

May 21st @ 1:00 pm - GSCNY Meeting, group discussion, park reports, summer events and Platform signups.

We are looking forward to seeing all our platform owners and season pass holders on April 23rd!

We will be up and ready to go on Memorial weekend! 🌞

01/25/2023

The German Ski Club of New York is sad to report that we have lost another one of our longtime members, Detmar Nieshalla. We all remember how nice it was to have Detmar back at Camp last summer looking so good and with a spring in his step after overcoming some health challenges, so it was a shock to hear of his passing on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Luitgard and the Nieshalla family.

Detmar was a lover of nature and a man of deep faith. Camp was his happy place, and he could often be found relaxing in his lawn chair, soaking up the sun. Or he might be out on the lake in the canoe, chauffeuring Lu around to the blueberry bushes. Later in the day it was time for music! He loved to accompany Lu on harmonica when she played accordion, or he would just sing along. Their Camp day would often close with Rummikub – just the two of them enjoying the night at Camp. If asked, Detmar would share a bit more of his faith. His life was anchored in the church, and his commitment grew out of personal experience: the answer to some hard questions he asked of God one day came in the form of a vision - sparkling diamonds were floating all around him, assuring him he was on the right path. Now he is fully immersed in the shimmering light of God. We’ll listen to Lu play this summer and look for him in the sunshine and stars. Rest in eternal peace, Detmar.

02/16/2021

In Memoriam
Sepp Schmidt

April 19, 1935 - January 23, 2021

With heavy hearts we bring the news of the passing of another beloved longtime member of the German Ski Club of New York. Josef “Sepp” Schmidt passed away in January due to complications of a stroke.

An avid skier and ski instructor, Sepp joined the GSCNY in the early 1960s and brought his fun-loving self to our ski races, bus trips, and parties, as well as to Camp Eureka. At Camp, Sepp was just generally in his element outdoors in nature. Beloved by kids for his silliness, pranks and shenanigans, he also educated them along the way about frogs, fish, turtles, and all the things you can find under rocks or in rotting tree stumps. He was a huge animal lover and made sure caught animals were handled with care.

Sepp also loved sailing, and was into tall ships and model building. Many will remember him best for his “World’s Smallest Sailable Santa Maria,” a 20ft+ version he built himself from the hull up, which had its maiden launch with fellow campers’ help at Greenwood Lake, and which he also sailed in New York Harbor in tall ship parades and special events. That ship was an amazing accomplishment and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Sepp was adamant that he wanted no funeral or formal ceremonies - “Heck wit’!” is what he would have said, (which is why that was one of his nicknames)! Instead, Heide and Andrea would like to share the recollections of Jim Stadler, who grew up in the GSCNY, and who really captured all the “Seppness:”

“I am so sorry to hear about Sepp’s passing. He was one of my favorite people, and I have such fond memories of him. When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to get to your house to see his trains. He was such a trickster. Always telling me tall tales or (better for me) clueing me in on a trick he was trying play on someone else. The loud “psssssssss” when a cyclist rode by is one of my all-time favorites. Of course, all the events surrounding the Santa Maria are up there as well. Our near-death experience when the three of us launched from Liberty State Park on the 4th of July was an unforgettable day... and then there is the chicken dance. Sepp was so much fun to be around.

I’m sure Sepp will be enjoying all the sailing, hunting, “antiquing”, and seedless bread he can stand in heaven.

I hope all of these memories, as well as countless others, bring you comfort in this time of sadness.”

Please keep Heide and Andrea, and the rest of Sepp’s family, in your prayers. Fair winds, Seppi - Rest In Peace.

09/28/2019

Fritz Krug has gone to be with Rosemarie, and the German Ski Club of New York has lost another precious elder. Sorry to lose this inspirational man. Fritz and Rosemarie were lifelong members and Fritz tore up the slopes into his 80s! He’s schussing down the clouds now, and probably winning heavenly medals. Sending prayers and comfort to the Krug and Zutler families. Rest in peace, Fritz, and Ski Heil ❤️

09/10/2019

This is what a community looks like, folks! Everyone together, young and not so young, putting in the effort, working hard to keep Camp beautiful! Our end-of-season closing work day and meeting showed how committed we are to this club. 90 years strong and counting!!!

07/31/2019

The next new float at Camp??!! 😂 Meanwhile, one float company is now working on winter fun:

“Up next, Ms. Barrett said, Funboy is expanding its focus to include “winter stuff.” This winter, you can experience that very photo-friendly pool life outside of the pool. The company introduced its first inflatable sled last year, and plans to introduce more inflatables geared for the snow in coming months. For inspiration, “we looked at vintage sweaters, different old snowmobiles,” Ms. Barrett said. “It’s very 1970s ski team.”

It’s like they’re reading the minds of our members! How do they do it??

04/28/2019

Working on a GSCNY historical project for our upcoming 90th anniversary. Just a snippet here (from the New York Times - wow!!), but those of us who grew up in the Club and Camp will recognize names here from some earlier days. Cool stuff.

11/08/2016

The German Ski Club of New York remembers Christa Ocker. Please keep the Ocker family in your thoughts and prayers.

http://www.edwardlkellyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Christa-Ocker/ #!/Obituary

Address

1212 Apollo Beach Blvd
Apollo Beach, FL
33572-3000

Website

http://www.germanskiclub.org/

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