Dear Vega,

We want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, and for many, a Happy Hanukkah too!  Both these holidays are a time for gratitude and celebration.  We often talk about gratitude at Vega, especially during Sunset Circle, one of Vega’s oldest and most cherished traditions.  All these traditions call on us to appreciate what we have in the present, and also to reflect on the past and how fortunate we are that others with passion, empathy and determination came before us. 

On a day when we recognize the founders of these traditions – the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving and the Maccabees at the first Hanukkah – we also want to celebrate the memory and accomplishments of Ruth Cohen, Vega’s founder and its owner and director for many years.

Like the Pilgrims and the Maccabees, Ruth founded Vega in response to adversity.  She was raising a young family in New York during the Great Depression when her husband became ill and could no longer practice law, or work at all.  Rather than giving up, Ruth decided to forge her own path and started Vega with 40 campers in 1936.

Generations of campers and staff have benefited from her vision.  Every summer since has been a celebration of her determination to create something great – a summer home in a beautiful and natural place where girls can truly be themselves.

So, on this Thanksgivukkah, we want to thank Ruth Cohen for creating Vega.  Without her our summer home would not exist.  We also want to thank all of YOU for being a part of the Vega legacy – the generations of parents, campers and staff who continue to support Vega and the Maine camping tradition.  We are grateful for your support, trust, hard work, and friendship.

With love and thanks,
Linda, Kyle, Emily and Paxton

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