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.