On May 8, at Temple Israel, the Tamarack community gathered for our annual fundraiser, Send a Kid To Tamarack (SK2T), where we honored Naomi Miller and Elaine and Michael Serling for their years of exemplary leadership. And, on that special evening, with record attendance and the most money raised in our event’s history, we spoke in one voice with a resounding chorus:
Let’s support the Tamarack mission of financially helping send kids to camp!
Following that awesome celebration, we have an extra bounce in our steps. As we move toward the summer, we are now in the midst of critical preparation — including an intensive schedule for staff training (filled with internal and external experts in critical areas for best practice) and, for the first time since 2019, Family Fun Day at Camp Maas (June 16). And then:
Here come our kids!
Now… today, with soaring appreciation, boundless energy and growing excitement for the upcoming months, we recognize that this time is more important than ever: Campers and staff members deserve an opportunity to run in the fresh air — free of the noise that has cluttered their minds and open to the more peaceful sounds of nature, camaraderie and Judaism. We are so eager to provide an experience that meets the needs of so many and are grateful for our team that works tirelessly to answer the mission.
And… tomorrow, as the calendar turns to June, we hustle with the spirit of our engaged community involved champions. Within that context, Rabbi Aaron Starr, from Congregation Shaarey Zedek, added meaningful context to our year-round staff meeting yesterday, and during the board meeting last night, which caused everyone to feel heightened emotions: “Amidst the brokenness of a difficult year, we find hope and happiness in knowing that our children will experience sanctuary and celebration on the sacred grounds of Tamarack Camps. In the embrace of our camp leadership and staff, and surrounded by friends at ‘The Greatest Place on Earth,’ may they find healing and joy and the chance to be kids again… during the best summer ever.”
Amen.
