FEBRUARY 3 • 2022 | 37

valuable input from Tamakwa’s 
medical staff, we discussed staff-
ing and quarantine challenges. 
It wasn’t until the 11th hour 
that camps learned they could 
open, but, unfortunately, the 
Canadian-U.S. border remained 
closed. With little time, we had to 
address multiple tasks to ensure 
camp could open — modifi-
cations to our facilities, health 
center, medical staff orientation, 
kitchen and food service, sanita-
tion facilities, quarantine proto-
cols, creating a “bubble,
” masking, 
regular testing, cohort training ... 

COVID-SAFE
To make Tamakwa COVID-safe, 
we transformed aspects of camp 
life like never before. Everything 
had to be re-thought. All the 
while, our U.S. campers and fam-
ilies lamented not being able to 
come to camp. 
None of this would have been 
possible but for an incredibly 
dedicated staff in 2020 and 2021. 

Our leadership and administra-
tive team, led by Les Hartsman 
and Jamie Kudlats, also rose to 
the occasion, proving an inspira-
tion to all.
Fast forward. Camp progressed 
through the summer, constant-
ly pivoting. Masks came off, 
cohorting ceased as celebrations, 
activities and trips ensued with 
life lessons learned. Little surprise 
our kids and parents appreciated 
the Tamakwa experience more 
than ever after more than a year 
of isolation.
On Aug. 9, I was finally able 
to enter Canada and be at camp. 
I observed and participated in 
some of Tamakwa’s greatest tra-
ditions — the final camp play, 
return of long trips and Color 
War. Particularly memorable 
was the final Friday night service 
honoring six staff with their 13th 
summer bar and bat mitzvahs. 
There was the traditional staff 
gathering in Loon Lodge filled 
with thank-yous and acknowl-

edgments for giving every 
camper that good ol’ traditional 
Tamakwa summer.
Then, the final day of camp 
with the summer-ending CIT 
Banquet, award presentations, the 
unveiling of a magnificent 2021 
summer plaque. Notwithstanding 
all the challenges and adversi-
ty encountered there was that 
same summer’s-end Tamakwa 
glow exuded by everyone for an 
unprecedented, magical, if not 
miracle summer. Camp prevailed. 
And … not one case of COVID!
There are golden days on 
the horizon as enrollment is at 

an all-time high for Tamakwa 
2022. Waiting lists have started. 
Planning, recruiting and hiring 
are underway. All our camp-
ers and staff from the U.S. and 
Canada and our international 
staff will unite again on the 
“sunny shores.
”
Looking back is important. But 
we’re more excited about what’s 
ahead, as we advance to next 
summer and then on to our 90th 
anniversary. I can’t wait. 

Vic Norris is senior director of Camp 

Tamakwa.

Tamakwa’s Annual Junior Tamakwan (JT) Triathlon

The BEST SUMMER EVER!!! • WWW.WILLOWAYDAYCAMP.COM • 248-932-2123

We were there for 
your family in 2021,

Can’t wait 
to see you in 
2022 --

B

ec

a

u

s

e

K

i

d

s

N

e

e

d

C

a

m

p!

ENROLLMENT SAVINGS through FEBRUARY 28, 2022

