Reaching New Heights
New gifted climbing tower adds to the development of skillsets at Camp Massasoit
The latest addition to East Campus — the new climbing tower made possible by the generosity of alumna Katie Rottmann Bratton ’75 and her husband, Geoffrey — was dedicated in August in a ceremony held during Camp Massasoit Family Night. The setting was fitting because Bratton’s affinity for East Campus came when she worked at the camp over fifty years ago.
“Learning in that outdoor setting has had such an impact on my life, and my husband and I wanted to make sure camp participants have that same opportunity,” Bratton said. “It’s our way of paying forward the outstanding experience that Springfield College offered me as a student.”
“My husband and I made our gift to the College to assure that many others will also have the chance to experience the magic that happens when you spend time in a natural setting.”
Katie Rottmann Bratton ’75
Led by Ben Taylor ’99, G’15, director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs, and Angela Veatch G’07, associate director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs, Camp Massasoit has been a staple of summer outdoor learning for youth and remains one of the longest-standing summer camps in the country. “We are so grateful for the Brattons’ generosity,” said Taylor. “It was special to have them at the dedication and to hear about how camp was back in 1971.”
Bratton’s memories remain fresh in her mind. “I lived in a cabin at East Campus, and I met some of my best friends there,” said Bratton. “I can still remember the beauty and serenity of the woods. My husband and I made our gift to the College to assure that many others will also have the chance to experience the magic that happens when you spend time in a natural setting.”
Taylor explained that the new climbing tower offers three uniquely different climbing walls for participants to challenge themselves, and each wall offers a variety of obstacles that the climber will need to navigate. “The tower is set up for instructing both climbing and rappelling,” he said. “The large platform at the top of the tower provides a great space for instruction and observation. The roof on the tower offers cover to prolong the life of the structure.”
During the dedication, camp attendees displayed the climbing and rappelling skills they learned while using the tower.
Katie and Geoffrey live in Wisconsin, and making the visit back to Springfield for the dedication reinforced their passion for the outdoors, East Campus, and Springfield College. Katie said, “Camp is about making new friends, taking on new challenges, and overcoming your fears. To watch the kids go up the tower, and go higher than they have before, that’s what it’s all about — conquering those challenges and reaching new heights. 
