Sara Lee (Braverman) Sutton

Class of 1955

Camp Kinderland and the FBI

The year was 1952.  The place was Baltimore, Maryland.  For about 5 months the FBI had been following my family everywhere we went.  It was obvious that my father was going to be arrested for his political beliefs. 

I was 12 and my sister was 8 ½, and no matter where we went, a car carrying two FBI men followed us.  Each day we walked to school and home with the car following us.  Everyone saw what was going on.  Adults as well as children pointed at us and called us names. 

My parents needed to get us out of the city for the summer.  Somehow, Mom found out about Camp Kinderland and arranged for us to go for two weeks.  The trip up from Baltimore was long, but the FBI cars were with us all the way.  I remember the fear on that long 8 hour drive.  Would they arrest my father before we got there?   Would the camp let us in? 

When we got to the gate and drove in – a miracle happened.    The FBI cars following us did not enter the campgrounds.  It was late and all campers were in bed.  And even though I was apprehensive about the new experience, I felt safe.

Camp was wonderful.  I loved every moment I was there.  I went every summer for the next 5 years.  I am grateful to camp and all the people I met there.  As difficult as those years were in Baltimore, Camp Kinderland, the place and the people made life worth living. 

Sara Lee (Braverman) Sutton