Lance Taragano
Counselor 1971-1977
Lance Taragano was a spirited, outgoing and colorful character at Tyler Hill Camp, during the seventies. Lance was a big man on campus, both figuratively and literally. He was a two time General who loved every minute of his time at camp and especially delighted in telling anyone who would listen that he bled Tyler Hill blue (of which he was the General). He was known for giving rousing mealtime speeches to his team that whipped them into a wild frenzy. Lance is remembered for one of the more memorable moments of the Color War Sing. In 1973, the White Arctic team's scenery included an igloo on the Social Hall stage, with falling snowflakes, and foil icicles. Lance emerged from the igloo as the abominable snowman, to the roar of the kids and counselors.
He was well known on Boys' camp for giving clever nicknames to campers and counselors (you all know who you are), and for starting the "Bon Vivant" Club, which cited campers in his group for how well they prepared for socials. Being cited as a Bon Vivant depended on how well you coifed your hair, the choice of shoes, and clothing coordination...you'll just have to imagine what the members of this club looked like at the socials.
Video Clip: Beno introduces Lance
He was an accomplished referee, handling inter-camp, waiter and counselor games as if they were in the final four and always give the home team the call when it was a close game (back in the day Tyler Hill had the longest win streak on the planet; especially at home). Lance would enjoy entertaining his groups, when he would spontaneously break into his favorite rendition of "Minnie the Moocher" which would crack the whole place up.
Lance Taragano passed away a few years ago and he'll be remembered as a gentle giant, whose love for the 'Hill was unwavering. At the famous reunion weekend of 1997, at Tyler Hill Camp, Lance gave a memorable speech after the banquet dinner in the Dining Room. As he spoke, everyone seemed to be caught up in the moment, as if they were back in 1973 again. While he waxed nostalgic about the days of stomping on the tables and tearing the place apart, he noted how special it was to be back among people he cared so much for, in the place that meant so much to him. It epitomized the sense of family that has prevailed among friends at Tyler Hill Camp.
