Palmer Events Center
Injustice to Woodside Is a Tragedy
RECEIVED Mon., Nov. 24, 2008
Dear Editor,
I read the articles about Woodside Trails in the Nov. 21 issue of the Chronicle [“Campfire Horror Story,” News]. I am a past chairman of the Woodside board of directors. I raised more than $1 million from foundations and individuals in order to improve the facility. We built an office, a kitchen and dining area, an indoor shower and restroom building, and an outstanding school staffed by the Smithville Independent School District. As we raised money, we continued to upgrade the entire camp.
The injustice to Woodside has been one of the biggest disappointments in my life of 87 years. The wilderness program was the life-saving future for hundreds of sexually and physically abused kids that nobody wanted. Not only was Woodside’s CEO, Bebe Gaines, competent, but she loved all the boys, and they truly loved her. Also, the staff was well-trained and dedicated.
Upon arrival at Woodside, most of the boys had no self-esteem; were defiant, uneducated, used foul language; and were unclean and uncaring. When they left, they had a much better chance to live decent lives.
The article about Bebe Gaines told the true story. I’m sorry that Carole Keeton Strayhorn didn’t meet with Bebe Gaines to answer her questions. Bebe wasn’t there the day Strayhorn visited the camp. I think she would have realized how wrong she was. One complaint Strayhorn had was that the boys were sleeping outside even though it was very cold. Actually, the plastic on their sleeping areas was up by late November. The kids don’t get motivated until it gets cold and then do a wonderful job. They’re not told when to do it; they do it when they’re ready. Strayhorn needed to ask the questions and get the right answers. A wonderful safe haven for at-risk boys was destroyed.
I read the articles about Woodside Trails in the Nov. 21 issue of the Chronicle [“Campfire Horror Story,” News]. I am a past chairman of the Woodside board of directors. I raised more than $1 million from foundations and individuals in order to improve the facility. We built an office, a kitchen and dining area, an indoor shower and restroom building, and an outstanding school staffed by the Smithville Independent School District. As we raised money, we continued to upgrade the entire camp.
The injustice to Woodside has been one of the biggest disappointments in my life of 87 years. The wilderness program was the life-saving future for hundreds of sexually and physically abused kids that nobody wanted. Not only was Woodside’s CEO, Bebe Gaines, competent, but she loved all the boys, and they truly loved her. Also, the staff was well-trained and dedicated.
Upon arrival at Woodside, most of the boys had no self-esteem; were defiant, uneducated, used foul language; and were unclean and uncaring. When they left, they had a much better chance to live decent lives.
The article about Bebe Gaines told the true story. I’m sorry that Carole Keeton Strayhorn didn’t meet with Bebe Gaines to answer her questions. Bebe wasn’t there the day Strayhorn visited the camp. I think she would have realized how wrong she was. One complaint Strayhorn had was that the boys were sleeping outside even though it was very cold. Actually, the plastic on their sleeping areas was up by late November. The kids don’t get motivated until it gets cold and then do a wonderful job. They’re not told when to do it; they do it when they’re ready. Strayhorn needed to ask the questions and get the right answers. A wonderful safe haven for at-risk boys was destroyed.
Sanford “Sandy” Bauman