This was an incredible summer, one that our campers and staff will remember forever. To give children an experience at camp is always a gift, but of course, this year felt extra special. Campers and staff were craving a sense of normalcy, and I am so proud of what we were able to offer.
I had the pleasure of visiting both camps during the summer and watching the programs alive. I loved talking with the campers, hearing their summer highlights, and seeing them in their element.
I want to thank my partners Gail Chynoweth (Director of Health, Teen Programs), Rachel Fine (Director, Camp Kennedy), Stacey Lusky (Social Worker, Teen Programs), and Justin Ozrovitz (Director, Camp Olmsted). Together, we built a summer filled with smiles, new experiences, and lasting memories.
Rachel Fine reflected on her experience as director at Camp Kennedy:
Two sessions of Kennedy flew by and before we knew it, we were heading home on our final bus ride. It was a beautiful summer spent on the shores of Lake Superior. As campers and staff completed their hiking and canoeing trips each session, I could not have been more proud as each group returned. When we weren’t in the backcountry, we were spending our days around Kennedy. Canoeing, tie dyeing, candle making, painting our paddles in the Smith Shoppe, and running programs … creativity was flowing. We were goofy, active, and enjoying the world around us. We were sad to see the summer go but so happy about the community we formed that will last a lifetime!
Justin Ozrovitz reflected on his experience as director at Camp Olmsted:
Starting with a blank canvas, the Boy Scout Base of Camp Olmsted was turned into a fun, safe, and successful Tamarack Camps outpost camp. Our three and a half weeks in Warren, Pennsylvania were full of canoeing, hiking, song sessions, Jewish programing, lake swimming, arts and crafts, and building a community of friends that both staff and campers alike will share for a lifetime. One of our campers said, “it’s not the place that defines a community of people, it’s the people in that place that makes the community what it is.”
As the summer comes to a close and the Jewish new year begins, I wish everyone shana tovah and good health.
Looking forward to summer 2022!
