By Francie Hogle Kelley

Editor’s note: The writer is the daughter of longtime Los Altos Hills resident Lois Crozier Hogle, who pioneered the Peninsula’s environmental movement. Mrs. Crozier Hogle died last year at 92.

This is regarding a possible end to the resident (12-day) summer camp at Hidden Villa.

I have just learned of this awful possibility, and I got such a pang in my stomach just at the thought of losing the 12-day camp. My daughter Katie attended the 4-day last year, and will have the joy of attending the 12-day this year. Little did I know it could be her only time.

I met Josephine and Frank Duveneck when I was about 7 years old. I remember them so well from the Palo Alto Friends Meeting. Josephine often spoke during the meetings for worship. I loved when she did, because always, there were grand stories of wisdom and love, and even adventure and humor.

When we used to go to Hidden Villa and visit in their marvelous home, it was like coming home. The place was filled with a spirit so much greater than all of us. It was a spirit that Josephine and Frank brought with them, and they dedicated their lives to the enrichment of children’s spirits through the camp, youth hostel and so many other wonderful things that were available to children.

I swam in the funny concrete swimming pool; I walked in the forest and worked with the animals. I showed my horse there, and even was presented a winning ribbon by Josephine. My life was deeply enriched by my simply being there.

Hidden Villa is an oasis of spiritual development for children, especially in this tender age of 11 and 12. We need the resident program more than ever! So many kids have become focused on material wealth, and they’ve lost their way toward dreaming. So many have lost their ability to imagine as they disappear into iPods, electronic games and computers. Their only dreams seem to be about becoming famous on “American Idol.” They’ve lost the sense of wonder and discovery. We are raising spiritually impoverished children. We need Hidden Villa to at least reach some of these kids, who can become the leaders of tomorrow.

Sure, it may require some hard work, fund raising and so on. But this is about carrying on the legacy of Hidden Villa. Frankly, I am certain that Frank and Josephine would be incredibly disappointed, and I am doubly certain, that if my Mother were alive, she’d be devastated and, frankly, most likely livid, and she would be doing everything possible to keep the camp going as we now know it.

I greatly hope the Hidden Villa Board and Beth Ross will please, please reconsider this decision. At least give it a chance, to reach out to the alumni, to the community. The 12 days is greatly needed to fully reach the kids. For the future of Hidden Villa, for the future of the community, I beg them to reconsider and not let this legacy die.