metro
110 Years! from page 8
'The
Tamarack
Way'
1902
"I visited Alaska for the
first time as a camper in 2004, and I
thought it the best summer of my life. When I
returned as a counselor in 2011, it was evident that
my fondest memory had yet to come. The
Chilkoot Backcountry is unforgettable, but
climbing the tiresome, endless and infamous
`Golden Staircase' is extremely challenging and
scary. The moment I reached the summit for the
second time and reunited with my co-counselor
and campers in a warm, hugging embrace atop
a very snowy and beautiful scene, I experienced
the proud, relieved and excited feeling that will
keep me connected to Tamarack for years to come. Tamarack
has provided me with endless memories of personal
growth and opportunity."
— Jenny Gross, Farmington Hills, camper
1998-2004, counselor 2005-2011
Ida Kopple and
Blanche Hart take
kids to Belle Isle
1927
Tamarack opens
in Brighton
1949
Ortonville property
1963
Camp
Kennedy
1969
Camp Agree
110 Years! from page 8
through everything that's happened in history in the
last century, without fail," he said.
"This community is extraordinary, this Jewish
community is a jewel, and the type of support
that we get from this community is what makes
Tamarack such a connected entity."
Michael Lippitt, Tamarack board president,
agreed.
"Tamarack has lasted for 110 years because it has
always been supported by Metro Detroit's extremely
generous Jewish community and has always enjoyed
strong, passionate lay and professional leadership,"
he said. "Tamarack has always been recognized as
an environment where Jewish children can develop
a combination of outdoor and camping skills, lead-
ership skills, group dynamics, Jewish identity and
informal Jewish education. Jewish connections
and continuity have always been important to our
Tamarack families, and the power of Jewish camping
in that regard has always been recognized, more now
than ever."
1973
First Family Camp
1988
First Bubbie
Zaydie Camp
❑
1993
Brighton closes
"One of my fondest
camp memories took place
second session 1983 in Levison Village.
This was back when campers ate their meals in
the villages. I'm not sure who started
it, but all of a sudden food started
flying across the lodge. One thing led
to another and there was a full-fledged
food fight. Counselors, campers, everyone
was involved. Food flying everywhere.
Counselors pouring water pitchers over
campers, campers smushing food into
counselors' faces. It was awesome! Of
course, this would never happen today, but I'll
always remember it."
— Rick Goren, Bloomfield Hills,
camper 1977-1985
10 August 30 2012
Former campers can
celebrate old traditions
at Havdalah Reunion.
2002
First Israeli
Campers
Gabe Neistein
Special to the Jewish News
F
or countless campers, the Tamarack
Havdalah service is one of the most sacred
elements of the Tamarack experience. It's
a tradition sewn deep into the fabric of the Jewish
camping experience provided by Tamarack and binds
several generations of alumni. It is only fitting that,
as Tamarack culminates
its 110th anniversary, the
beloved tradition is evoked
again to bring generations
of alumni "home."
The Havdalah Alumni
Reunion begins at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 15, at Camp
Maas in Ortonville. Alumni
wishing the "full camp
experience" have the option
to spend the night in famil-
iar bunks from days of old.
Kyle and Jodie Zwiren
"As a Tamarack alum, I
as Tamarack staff in
can think of no better way
2003
to have a reunion than
back at camp surrounded
by friends," said Jenny Gross, co-chair of the event.
"Havdalah at Camp Maas is very special:"
Whether you went to Tamarack at Belle Isle,
Brighton or Ortonville, in the 1960s or as recently as
last summer, this Havdalah event will have meaning.
"Camp was always fast-paced and exciting and,
during the summer, it was difficult to slow down
and actually appreciate the amazing things that were
happening," said Kyle Zwiren, who will be attend-
ing the reunion with his wife, Jodie, also a Tamarack
alumna. "Havdalah was always that time to take a
deep breath and appreciate how lucky you were to be
at Tamarack."
Kyle and Jodie, who will celebrate their one-year
wedding anniversary in October, recalled that they
concluded their wedding reception in a circle with
their guests, holding hands (right over left, of course)
and singing Taps, as is the tradition at Tamarack
Havdalahs.
The event, which takes place during the weekend
of Rosh Hashanah, will include a familiar Havdalah
service and song session, featuring former Tamarack
song leaders, Scott Stern and Cantor Brad Hyman, as
well as campfires and s'mores, euchre tournaments
and other favorite camp activities designed to make
alumni feel as if they have never left.
To sign up, go to www.tamarackcamps.com/havdalah.