As we continue counting down to the summer of 2026, even in the crisp fall air, we are feeling extra warmth and gratitude for very exciting news!
Through the generosity of the Hermelin Family Support Foundation, Hermelin Village will receive significant renovations for the coming summer! In 2018, Doreen Hermelin donated a meaningful gift to complete Phase One of Hermelin Village, which included demolition and construction of four new cabins, a new bathhouse and needed infrastructure. Now, this November, thanks to Doreen’s children (as spearheaded by Marcie Orley and Brian Hermelin), Phase Two will break ground: Two new cabins, an expansion of the bath house and a newly constructed lodge (designed with large community space and supervisor living quarters).
Hermelin Village is the home to incoming seventh grade boys and a crucial stage in Tamarack’s progressive programming. Hermelin (and its female counterpart, Berman Village) is the first village where our Israeli campers join the community. Additionally, it is known for its extended camping trip in Mesick, Michigan; the iconic Army versus Navy football competition; and the newly established Campchella music festival-style theme day — just to name a some highlights! In addition to providing a fresh summer home, this project will welcome year-round Shabbatons and Tamarack Adventure and Retreat Center (TARC) programs.
“Since our first Send a Kid to Tamarack fundraiser (2009) held (on short notice) at Doreen’s home, we have enjoyed a long and loving relationship with the Hermelin Family,” said Robin Kaufman Trepeck, Tamarack’s philanthropic advisor. “Although none of them were Tamarack campers themselves, they just ‘get it!’”
“Camping has always played a formative role in our family — ever since our parents first met at Tamakwa in the 1940s. We have long appreciated the power of the Jewish camping experience to shape young lives and strengthen Jewish continuity. Tamarack represents the very best of what Jewish camping can be. Knowing that Hermelin Village is where the Israeli campers begin their camping experience and form lifelong friendships makes it even more meaningful, as those bonds between Israel and our Detroit Jewish community last a lifetime. – Brian Hermelin
Since our father’s passing, few things have brought our mother more joy than hearing from Tamarack campers whose experiences at camp have been truly life-changing. Our family is proud to continue supporting Tamarack’s growth with this gift to complete Hermelin Village.” – Marcie Orley
The history of Hermelin Village is the epitome of “paying it forward.” Originally, in 1997, the village was a gift from Lila and Gil Silverman (z”l) in honor of David Hermelin’s (z”l) 60th birthday. The Silvermans felt that, as the community mensches, Doreen and David should have a village in their name. What started as a beautiful honor continues as a philanthropic priority for the Hermelin family, now including support from its next generation.
“The Hermelin family’s generous gift continues a long legacy of support that has shaped the lives of generations of Jewish Detroiters throughout the community,” said Steve Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit. “Hermelin Village — like all of Tamarack Camps — is a place where our kids grow, learn and create lifelong friendships rooted in Jewish identity. Thanks to this family’s commitment, these renovations will ensure that countless future Hermelin Village campers experience the magic and sense of belonging that will stay with them forever.”
Hermelin Village is one of 10 camper villages to have been updated since Tamarack began its Master Site Plan, which, since 2010, has raised more than $25 million in capital improvements. We appreciate the vision and leadership of our master plan committee, board of directors — passionately led by our president, Dr. Danny Klein — and community supporters who have made this impact possible.
And, to our 2026 Hermelin Village campers: Your new and further improved summer home awaits!
