Tamarack Camps Blog

tidbits #16 – Tamarack Traits

Hello Camp Maas Families, We’ve always known that camp helps raise some of the very best kids in the world. When campers unplug from screens, connect with nature, form deep friendships and try new things, something amazing happens: they grow into their very best selves. Last summer, we took that growth one step further with … Read more

Tidbits #15 – Introductions

Hello Camp Maas Families, We are looking forward to another summer at the “Greatest Place on Earth”! To help you prepare for summer, I will send out weekly emails on Sundays. The purpose of these emails is to share small bites or “tidbits” of information without overloading you with too much at a time. Introductions – … Read more

Immunization policy

Immunization Policy ALL THOSE WHO ARE ATTENDING/PARTICIPATING IN A TAMARACK CAMPS PROGRAM AT CAMP MAAS, CHARLES N. AGREE OUTPOST CAMP, CAMP KENNEDY, ON A WESTERN/ALASKA/ISRAEL TRAVEL TRIP (including staff kids, artist in residents, doctors, nurses, and their families, etc.) ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THEY HAVE HAD AGE APPROPRIATE VACCINES as recommended by the American … Read more

‘For our family, that means everything’

How Tamarack Helped Jack Shine I grew up at Jewish summer camp, where some of the most formative moments of my childhood — the friendships, the freedom, the sense of Jewish joy — happened. Camp shaped who I am, and when I became a parent, I hoped my children would one day feel that same … Read more

A Hanukkah Message from our Chief Medical Officer

This past week has been heavy. Especially during Hanukkah, it can feel painful and unsettling to be Jewish in the world. The frightening events in the news may be confusing, distressing, or overwhelming for adults and children alike, and many families are wondering how best to support their children while managing their own emotions. As … Read more

Back home, Together

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 … Read more

SK2T 2026: Honoring Harriet and Gregg Orley!

As we enter Thanksgiving — a time centered on gratitude for our blessings, pride in our community, and the joy of gathering around the table — we are reminded of the many ways Tamarack Camps brings people together with that same ruach.  Just as we huddle around the campfire to share in tradition, our camp community unites … Read more

Celebrating our roots — and building our future

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 … Read more

From Ortonville to Israel: Grosfeld Mission Connects Tamarack MISHPACHA Across the World

Last week, after several years of delay, the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s (JFD) Grosfeld 17 Mission (G17) visited Israel. Originally scheduled to leave Detroit on October 11, 2023, it was truly a full-circle moment when the group celebrated the first Shabbat after the remaining hostages returned at Hostage Square, alongside thousands of relieved Israelies. G17 … Read more