Camp Tamakwa from page 27
tTamarack Canines
makwa since 1967 and is also a practicing
attorney and managing partner in the
Detroit law firm of Hertz Schram PC.
"Every summer, campers and staff
learn of Tamakwa's history, Lou and his
many adages. The kids love the traditions.
Ask any alumni, they still remember
and live by many of Lou's adages: 'There
are no problems in life, only challenges;'
`There are golden and silver days; life's a
package deal'; 'Always leave your campsite
better than you found it;' and many oth-
ers:'
These sayings still resonate with today's
campers.
"My favorite Tamakwa expression is
`liquid sunshine,,' says Melanie Hirsch, 9,
of West Bloomfield, who has spent the
past two summers at camp. "I like it
because it's a nice, positive way to say
rain and not make you feel sad about the
weather. I also like how we say 'golden
day' when ifs sunny out:'
"—
SEND A KID C'
TO TAMARACK C\1
tamily Camp
‘mni11 On.
SUMMER AT
CAMP MAAS
SAVE THE DATE
Apply Now - Limited Space!
Sunday, April 26
Applications Available
Adat Shalom Synagogue
Great Value - Lifetime Memories!
tamarackcamps.com/camperforms
NEW CAMPERS
LEARN ABOUT CAMP
Parlor Meeting
Parents and campers
entering 2nd - 8th grades
BUBBIE ZAYDIE
FAMILY CAMP
Enjoy a "Magical Night"
with illusionist Oz Pearlman
Enjoy a fun-filled program at the
Butzel Retreat Center
8 Summer Weekends
Beginning June 12-14
Ending August 7-9
7:00 pm Registration
7:30 pm Program
Camp History
Sorry, no parents allowed!
Tuesday, February 10
5:30 - 6:30 pm
For more information and to apply:
tamarackcamps.com/bz
Tamarack Camps' Office
6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 380, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Supported by
The Jewish Federation
www.tamarackcamps.com • 248.647.1100
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OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT
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1953570
INCENTIVE SAVINGS
PROGRAM
Expires
FEBRUARY 28, 2015
Enroll today!
Best Summer Ever!
Celebrating our 47th Summer!
Trailblazers Explorers
Taraenrisngln
Led
ii-4th Grade 5-7th Grade 8-9th Grade
-AY
Girls & Boys
5-14
DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION • June 15-August 14, 2015
248-932-2123 • www.willowaydaycamp.com
Pontooning • Fishing • Golf • Drama
Basketball • Nature • Fencing • Hockey
Paddleboating • Swimming • Soccer • Music
Water-Skiing • Kayaking • Canoeing • Baseball
Pony Rides • Go-Karts • Animal Farm • Archery
Photography • Dance • Ga-ga-ga • Tennis
Overnights • Challenge Course
And So Much More...
The Willoway Experience
❑
.1••
Pool, Lake, Woods, & Pond
Robert Sarner is the editor of Tamakwa's
newspaper, The South Tea Echo, since 2002.
Since 1969
He lives in Toronto and is director of commu-
959640
28
February 5 • 2015
JN
Lou Handler, a larger-than-life natural-
ist, violinist and former boxer from
Detroit, established Tamakwa in 1936
with Canadian outdoorsman Omer
Stringer. Handler followed his dream to
give post-Depression-era, first-generation
Jewish kids, primarily from Detroit, a
taste of independence and self-reliance.
He took them from the streets of Broad-
street, Dexter and Linwood to Algonquin's
remote wilderness.
While not religious, Tamakwa keeps
various Jewish traditions. To welcome
Shabbat on Friday, dinner is quieter and
more reflective, with candle lighting and
Kiddush, followed by a secular service
ending with everyone wishing each other
"Shabbat Shalom:"
Handler often said, "We started build-
ing in 1936 and haven't stopped yet:'
Indeed, Tamakwa has added many new
structures, renovated facilities, tripled its
sports programs and creative activities,
and expanded its famed canoe tripping
program.
At Tamakwa, like at all good camps,
there's a near-magical process by which
kids derive profound, life-lasting benefits
including close, enduring friendships.
Former Tamakwans often cite the camp's
impact on them, saying it proved a source
of inspiration that improved their attitude
to life, the way they look at the world, and
their myriad endeavors and successes. A
camp can't ask for a better compliment.
This year, as Tamakwa prepares to
mark its 80th anniversary, it has a lot to
celebrate. At a time when kids have far
more options for spending their summer,
it's a fitting testament to Handler's vision
and legacy that Tamakwa still attract
hundreds of campers every year. And to
think not one of them can use a cell phone
or computer while at camp. Shocking!
nications/public affairs for Roots Canada.