As we eagerly anticipate our annual Send a Kid to Tamarack event on May 22 at Temple Israel, we are proud to announce that, in addition to honoring Community Leaders Andi and Larry Wolfe, we will be celebrating the legacy of Tamarack legends Harriet and Irving Berg (z”l).
Both were Fresh Air campers in their youth, and Irving served as a staff member in the 1940s. Together, their second act at Tamarack Camps began in 1978, when they joined Camp Maas as artists-in-residence, a role that spanned more than two decades and launched a lifelong love for the arts among generations of campers.
“My mom was thrilled when she learned of this tribute to her and my dad being planned by Tamarack, the place where they did so much great work, made so many lifelong friendships and had so much fun,” said Martin Berg, Harriet and Irving’s son
Harriet recently passed away at age 100 and, through her dedication for dance and creativity, inspired so many. She created the beloved “Dance City” program, where campers explored jazz, ballet, Israeli and international dance styles. A trailblazer in the arts, she taught for 50 years at the Jewish Community Center, performed internationally and devoted her life to preserving Jewish culture through movement.
Irving, who passed away in 2009, was a Detroit Public Schools teacher, renowned artist and decorated WWII soldier. His sculptures are famous fixtures at Camp Maas and throughout our community — yet Irving often said that his proudest projects were the ones he collaborated on with the children and adults he taught.
The Sidney J. Winer and Melba Winer Dance Barn, where Harriet taught in Ortonville for over 20 summers, adorned with sculptures crafted by Irving, is another testament to their collective impact. Their legacy lives on in camp’s enduring creative spirit, and their impact can be seen in the artistic appreciation they instilled in countless campers even beyond their tenure at Tamarack.
We hope to see you at our SK2T celebration, where more stories and a tribute will be shared. In the meantime, if you would like to financially contribute to our mission, please recognize that the dollars raised directly support camper scholarships and the greatest needs of our organization.
