Last Sunday, our Tamarack board gathered in the “fresh air” of Camp Maas for a day-long retreat. It was the first time we had been together at camp since 2019. It felt like we were finally able to enter our own piece of the promised land.
We reflected on the summer, participated in team building activities (facilitated by Matt Russell) and discussed important initiatives for the new fiscal year. As is our tradition, we began our meeting with a D’var Torah – prepared by Janet Gendelman. She talked about the week’s Torah portion, Ha’azinu, which is a poetic song delivered by Moses. Ha’azinu means “to listen” as the song provides a prophecy of what will transpire to the Jews – the good and the bad – until the end of times.
Near the end of delivering this D’var Torah, Janet posed an insightful question: “Now that we are beginning a new year as members of this board, let’s use this moment to look back and reflect on what has passed, but more importantly looking forward to our future. Has our prophecy truly been written until the end of days or do we have the opportunity for change?”
Janet’s question got us all thinking about the opportunities we have right now to impact change at Tamarack and in our community. And while we have many dedicated leaders, staff, volunteers, donors, and partnership – there is still room for many more under the tent. So, I want to take this time to invite everyone to impact change by getting involved with Tamarack Camps: join a committee, volunteer at the farm, attend an event, give generously, reach out, and engage in some way that is meaningful to you.
There are numerous ways you can make a difference, be part of something important, and “build a vibrant community by providing enriching Jewish camping experiences to children and families, respectful of financial ability.” We are the community’s camp and it is up to each of us to help advance this mission for children, teens, and young people – both now and in the future.
A community-wide initiative that is currently underway and provides many opportunities for involvement and yes, change, is the CAMPaign for Change. I invite all of you to participate in collecting change for collective change. All donations will provide scholarship support for Tamarack campers.
If you would like to help, please contact us to receive a tzedakah box. If you would like to donate online, click here. If you would like to be an ambassador, please share this information or your own participation on social media and in conversations with your family and friends. To learn more, please click here.
On October 10, the CAMPaign for Change will conclude with a drive-thru culmination event at Adat Shalom, celebrating all that we can do together to create change. Please join us to be part of something very special for campers today that will impact our community’s future for generations to come.
To learn more about getting involved with Tamarack Camps, please reach out!