As summer fades, and fall beckons, I am reflecting on so many of the high points from the previous months. Amongst countless magical moments, I appreciate that each below instance was set in motion by the commitment of our year-round team and board members, and was moved forward with a collective force of strength — through campers, families, supporters, alumni, … Read more
Less than a week following the conclusion of Tamarack Camps’ 121st summer, our community gathered once again in the “fresh air” at Springdale Park for the 2023 Annual Meeting. The evening began with outgoing board member, Rabbi Harold Loss, delivering the D’var Torah, followed by greetings from Howard Neistein, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Chief … Read more
As we reflect on our 121st summer, I can’t help but look back in awe of our amazing staff, who made camp and so many special moments possible. This summer, 350 staff came together from 17 different countries – many of whom were meeting each other for the first time. I had a front-row seat to … Read more
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to spend Shabbat up at camp last weekend. Enjoying Kabbalat Shabbat with more than 80 alumni, spanning over 60 years at Tamarack Camps, was a really powerful experience. While we all have different memories at camp, we were unified by our love of place, community, and tradition. The evening … Read more
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