Earlier this month — with duffle bags — our year-round staff, as a full group, returned to Camp Maas. We reconnected at “The Greatest Place on Earth!” for an overnight retreat — and, during a packed 24 hours, our resident address shifted back to Ortonville. Like campers and staff, with comfortable accommodations — including the Pilcowitz Medical Staff Lodge — we lived in an awesome community and shared a busy itinerary!
Continuing education was critical to our time together. As a group, we engaged in meaningful sessions, where highlights included reminders of the inspirational history at Tamarack Camps, an overview of our mission through the intentional management of financial sustainability, and, in a session on advancement goals, the importance of slowing down — even within a fast pace of busy schedules — to genuinely appreciate our stakeholders.
Leadership initiatives were woven into the program, with special gratitude to our program and Tamarack Adventure and Retreat (TARC) teams. Through their well-thought plans, we played games that further enhanced our understanding of each other — enforcing trust and teaching best practice of teamwork and communication. As so many of you know, it’s exhilarating to be a camper — and you’re never too old to grow.
We discussed lay leadership — recognizing that we are linked by the finest volunteers in the world — and our partners on the executive committee joined for a portion of the evening. Representing the voices of a valued group, our president, Danny Klein, expressed appreciation for collaboration between the staff and lay leaders (read more about this special experience from Danny). Amongst a highlight reel of history, we also defined current roles and responsibilities and a shared drive to move this organization forward… always remembering the past with a strong commitment to meet the future. As a team.
We ate in the chadar ochel (dining hall) — where, just like camp, blessings were shared before and after each meal. We played a game to decide who sat at each table, and, similar to bunk placements in the summer, the energized conversation around the tables were not separated by cell phones and tablets… they were connected by stories and laughter. After the meals, we felt full by the excellent food — people enjoyed the well-balanced offerings — and we were thrilled to taste the pride of our dining team, Taste Buds Food Service. We know this is why our ongoing survey results have been so favorably answered around this important area.
And, as an exclamation mark upon the retreat, we further embraced the beauty of our campus — during every time of the year. At night, under a brightly lit sky, some gathered at the amphitheater in The HuG, a space made possible by our SK2T 2026 honorees Harriet and Gregg Orley. In a stunning surrounding, with fallen leaves covering the grounds, we soaked in the warmth of professional gratitude and genuine friendship. Later, during the early dawn of a crisp fall morning, in the midst of vibrant changing colors, we hiked around the lake, stopping to enjoy our natural paths — never taking for granted the good fortune that we were walking around a community gem.
From a transformational home filled with beauty, camaraderie, teamwork and growth, let me conclude by adding this: within the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I am beyond grateful for Tamarack Camps — its talented staff, passionate lay leadership and the generations of campers, alumni and supporters who leave clear footprints to follow.
With heartfelt wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season — and the very best of everything to you and your families.
