On a recent — and chilly — November evening, our executive board joined the Tamarack professional staff for dinner during their annual retreat. It was an opportunity for some of our top lay leaders to personally connect with the incredible and deeply committed team who work every day to create camp magic. We gathered at the spectacular new Pilcowitz Family Medical Lodge, dedicated earlier this year.
In this warm and welcoming setting, and as we approach our 125th summer, I took the team on a brief journey through our history. From the Fresh Air Society’s founding in 1902 to the establishment of a residential camp in Brighton in 1927, to our current home at Camp Maas in Ortonville since 1952 — with family camps, travel programs and other outposts along the way — some things have remained constant: the power of connection and the impact of shared experiences in a Jewish home.
Generations of campers have built lifelong friendships, developed leadership skills, strengthened their Jewish identity and discovered a deep passion for inspiring the next generation. This is the legacy we proudly continue, at a time when it is needed more than ever.
Our leadership remains deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff, lay leaders, and camp community in fulfilling our mission. We are humbled by the generosity and hard work of so many who answer the calling to provide over $1 million in scholarships, maintain and update our beautiful campgrounds, and secure Tamarack’s future. As families face economic challenges and our agency manages rising costs, our work to foster Jewish continuity remains vital.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the end of the year, I invite you to continue supporting Tamarack on GivingTuesday and beyond to ensure our legacy thrives for the next 125 years. As board president, I could not be more grateful for the countless people who continue to make Tamarack “The Greatest Place on Earth!”
