When I joined Tamarack’s board seven years ago, I was immediately drawn to advancement (advancing the agency and its mission through fundraising and messaging). As I wrap on my last four years as your Development Chair and Vice President of Advancement, I want you to know that I am so honored to have had this … Read more
I am proud to be a part of Tamarack Camps agency leadership and feel strongly that our campers are gaining necessary skills to be fantastic future leaders of our community. Many successful leaders attribute their leadership skills to positive childhood experiences. From watching a camp counselor guide a successful hiking trip or a coach motivating … Read more
Congratulations to our Mensches of the Month, our committed Israeli Camper Program (ICP) Host Families! This summer, with the support of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit (JFMD), 32 families opened their homes to host 62 Israeli campers from our Partnership Region. Because of the support of these dedicated families, our community’s bond to Israel was strengthened, and … Read more
I am learning that tragedy has many layers. First, we are grieving. Our entire Tamarack Camps community mourns the death of Simon Mirkes, who died on a hiking trip in Alaska. We are deeply devastated and so saddened by the loss of such a beloved camper. We remain in close contact with his parents, Michelle and Scott, and our … Read more
It is hard to believe that we are at the halfway point of session two. Time is moving fast because the joy of camp is in full swing! From Camp Maas to Camp Kennedy, on the Western and Alaska trips, and everywhere in between, laughter and learning are happening, comfort zones are being expanded, and … Read more
This summer, we offered the very first “Agree Outpost Camper and Staff Reunion” at Charles N. Agree Outpost Camp, just outside of Wawa, Ontario. I had the joy and privilege of being the Agree Director for 21 years, and through this reunion, I was once again at the helm to provide two wonderful weeks of … Read more
In my role as the Chief Advancement Officer, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how all our programs advance our mission. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see Camp Kennedy and the Charles N. Agree Outpost Camp in action and was reminded how special these programs are within our camp community. Our … Read more
During this month, arrival to the summer has opened… by bus, in the car, and through the air! As of tonight’s publication, Adat Shalom Synagogue has been the home ground for five bus departures: two Alaska trips, two Western excursions (with a third slated for next week), and a trek to the upper peninsula and … Read more
Every summer, we pick a summer song as our theme. It is not an easy task because we want something that all campers and staff can connect to and hopefully introduce them to a new song. This year’s song is “Our Moment” by Vassy. It is about taking chances, reaching for the stars, and showing … Read more
One of my favorite days at camp is music lunch. The Chadar Ochel (dining hall) is alive with campers and counselors dancing and singing; plates of grilled cheese and tomato soup are rattling to the beat. You would never know by watching the face-to-face scream-singing, arm-in-arm dancing, and absolute euphoria that camp began less than … Read more