I’m thrilled to be sharing words from members of our 2013 staff who participated in NFTY’s Eisendrath International Exchange program (E.I.E.) this past semester. Beginning in January, Ariel, Justin and Ryan spent their semester learning and living in various parts of Israel. Read on to hear about their favourite memories of their experience, the lessons they’ve learned and more! To read our first blog checking in with our E.I.E. participants, click here.

- Can’t wait to hear more about their experience at camp this summer!

Jane HK

From left to right: Ryan, Ariel, Debra and Justin.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while on E.I.E.?

Ariel: “Oh man, that’s a tough one. I haven’t really learned one particular “lesson”, but going on E.I.E. has really widened my perspective on the world and has bettered my understanding in regards to what I want to do, and who I want to become in the future.”

Ryan: “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned on EIE is to take advantage of every opportunity. Especially in this situation you never want to miss out on an opportunity to do something amazing.”

How have your experiences at camp helped shape your experience on E.I.E.?

Justin: “At camp I improved my ability to make friends and meet new people, so it was easy to meet people when I came on EIE.”

Ariel: “Going on E.I.E is without a doubt an adjustment. I left my home, friends, school and really life to come and live in somewhere completely new. I think my ability to transition so easily was largely because of camp. Growing up at camp each summer really helped me gain a sense of resilience, which very much so, contributed to my E.I.E. experience.”

 Ryan: “First of all, my camp experience somewhat inspired me to go on EIE by talking to alumni of the program. Although camp is completely different from EIE, my experiences living in a camp community helped me to prepare for living in Israel.”

Ryan and Ariel.

Favourite Shabbat memory?

Justin: “When we went to the Kotel for Shabbat.”

Ariel: “My favourite Shabbat memories involved going to see my extended family on weekends. I’d been to Israel twice when I was much younger to see them, but I really didn’t have much of a connection. Being able to see them now, has given me the opportunity to put faces and personalities to names as I spent many great nights eating laughing and really being a part of the family.”

Ryan: “The first Shabbat when we were here, we went to the old city of Jerusalem and a man walking by wished me a Shabbat shalom. That is something you can’t find almost anywhere else.”

What lessons/ skills will you take home with you/ to camp this summer?

Justin: “I will be much more knowledgeable on the subject of Israel. I am also a more independent person because of this trip.”

Ariel: “Responsibility. Living on my own, with my own money, I quickly learned that spending all my sheckles on chocolate was not ALWAYS the right decision.”

Ryan: “One of the most important things that I will take home will be my knowledge of Jewish History and Israel. Seeing our history first hand has helped me continue to discover my Jewish identity.”

Justin and Debra.

Any advice for people thinking about participating in E.I.E.?

Justin: “Definitely come on the trip, it is an amazing experience that should not be passed up if you can come. Enjoy your entire time in Israel as much as possible because the four months will pass quickly.”

Ariel: “100% going to be the best decision you’ll ever make.”

Ryan: “If you are really interested and are willing to try something new, make it happen for yourself. There are tons of scholarship opportunities because it’s such an amazing program and people want to help you come here. If you have the support of your family and are willing to fill out the ridiculous application forms, it’s completely worth it. It sounds cliché, but it’s really a life changer.”

Favourite Jewish holiday celebrated while in Israel? Why? What was the same/ different?

Justin: “Purim because the whole country gets into the spirit of the holiday. Everyone dresses up in costume even just to walk the streets and it is just a lot of fun.”

Ariel: “We spent Yom Haatzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) here which was really amazing, because we were surrounded by the lively Israeli culture. What I found special was the fact that it takes place right after Yom Hazikaron (Day of Rememberance); this gave the ability to really see and feel the country’s sense of sorrow transform into an immense feeling of pride, which was truly unique.”

Ryan: “This one isn’t a Jewish holiday but an Israeli one. יום הזיכרון (Soldier Memorial Day) was incredible to experience in Israel. Because everyone goes to the army at the end of high school, the army is a huge part of Israeli culture. Remembering the soldiers of the IDF who died fighting for Israel’s existence is really powerful. We went to the ceremony at the Kibbutz cemetery and looked out on the hills as the sirens rang out.”

Favourite place you visited in Israel? Why?

Justin: “I loved going to the old city of Jerusalem because it is just amazing how everywhere you look there is just so much history.”

Ariel: “I would say Tzvat was one of my favourite places we visited. We spent an afternoon strolling upon the cobble stone paths within the artist colony. The beauty was that surrounded me was simply indescribable and I’d definitely go back in a heartbeat.”

Ryan: “It isn’t easy to choose a favourite, but Tel Aviv is probably my favourite city. The beach speaks for itself.”

Mindy Webber

I have been a fundraiser for close to 10 years now – raising money for a few different organizations related to health and social services.  It’s amazing work that I have always been proud to do.  But it’s only since starting my new role as Director of Development at Camp George, that I have been met with so much enthusiasm when answering the question – what do you do?

“You get to work for CAMP”?  “Your JOB is CAMP?”

The enthusiasm is contagious and I find myself beaming as I explain that – yes, I work for camp and no, I don’t get to live there all summer.  (Someone has to be here to hold down the fort while Jeff, Karen and Julia make sure the kids have another amazing summer)!

Their next question is almost always “what are you raising money for”?

• I’m raising money to upgrade and expand Camp George’s current facilities, so we can continue to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our kids
• I’m raising money to ensure we can hire top-notch staff and faculty who run the programs that help shape our kids’ experience and create the Jewish leaders and community members of tomorrow

• And I’m raising money to ensure that EVERY CHILD has a seat on the bus that will transport them to a summer of a lifetime.  Because sadly – not every child ‘s family can afford the bus seat.

While we know the transformative benefits of camp (hey – it could help your child become the next Rabbi or Prime Minster!)  – we also know that it is a luxury.  A luxury that not every family can afford and not every child can experience.  And as a fundraiser, I know we can do something to change that.

Mindy, with her family.

In the next few weeks, starting on May 23^rd, you will be receiving a call from a member of the Camp George Steering Committee or one of our dedicated staff or Alumni.  They will be asking for your support of the 2013 Scholarship Fund.  

Your gift can be the difference between a child staying home this summer OR getting to experience a transformative Jewish camp experience.   In fact, I recently read a quote that confirmed that:

“When I was 10, I received a partial scholarship to camp, and it changed my life.  It gave me a community and a Judaism that I would never have known otherwise.”

While Camp George strives to ensure that every child can attend camp, we can’t do it without the support of our community.  Without you!

Mindy Webber

P.S. Prefer to give online?  Please visit our website at http://george.urjcamps.org/give/ and select “Scholarship Fund”.

As we gear up for summer, excitement around Maccabiah (colour war) is already in the air! Wondering what happens during Maccabiah? To sum it up, Maccabiah is a day and a half all camp program! Everyone is split into teams and the teams compete in a variety of activities to determine the winner. Along the way, there is tons of ruach (spirit), teamwork, and of course FUN!

In order to help give an inside look into the fun of Maccabiah, I spoke to some of our campers, staff and alumni and asked them to complete the sentence: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is…”  Read on to hear what their favourite parts of Maccabiah are.

To learn even more about Maccabiah, you can read our blog “All About Maccabiah.”

-         Can’t wait for Maccabiah in summer 2013!

Jane HK

Sarah, a 2013 Barak camper: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is the G.T.R. (George Team Relay); it’s a lot of fun!”

Esty Fisher, a 2013 counselor: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is dressing up in colourful outfits, working together as a team and playing games pertaining to the awesome Maccabiah themes!”

Julia Guest, 2013 Head Specialist: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is seeing our staff work together to come up with amazing programs!”

Jordan, a 2013 Barak camper:  “My favourite part of Maccabiah is opening ceremonies because you never know the theme and it’s such a surprise! I also love dressing up in crazy team colours!”

Michael, a 2013 Nitzotzot camper: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is the opening skit!”

Ali, a 2013 C.I.T.:  “My favourite part of Maccabiah is finding all the articles of clothing that you could possibly find until you are decked out head to toe in that one colour!”

Ryan, a 2013 Lehavot camper: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is seeing the decorations in the Chadar Ochel (dining hall) for the first time.”

Adam, a 2013 Kochavim camper: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is the closing skit.”

Rachel Devon, alumna: My favourite part of Maccabiah is the tug-of-war competition before lunch. There is always so much energy and spirit. It is amazing to see the whole team come together and cheer each other on in a friendly and fun competition.

Adam HK a 2013 counselor: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is the team dances. As a camper I had a lot of fun performing in a few of my team dances.”

Jamie a 2013 Kochavim camper: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is getting to meet campers from all the units.”

Sam, a 2013 Lehavot camper: “My favourite part of Maccabiah is learning all the team cheers.”

Welcome to this week’s blog, where I got to chat with our Hanhallah team about why they love camp, and what exciting things they have planned for the summer!

Personally, as Communications Director, I am really excited to be able to share the daily happenings of camp with everyone at home! With the power of technology by my side and my Communications team (Caz, our Videographer and Savyon, our Photographer) I look forward to sharing videos, photos, Tweets and of course blogs, with you all summer long!

-Check out what the rest of the Hanhallah team has to stay below.
46 days and counting!

Jane HK

First up we have a word from our fearless leaders – Jeff, Karen and Noam! Together they tackle recruitment, staff hiring, the education program and more! We’d be lost without them!

Jeff Rose, Director

“We are looking forward to another amazing camp season on Maple Lake!  After a whole year of meeting and greeting and talking about camp, we are very excited to welcome our staff and then campers at camp and begin, what is sure to be, the best summer yet at Camp George.  See you soon!”

Karen Kollins, Associate Director

“I’m so excited for all the great things we have in store for summer 2013 – as the Associate Director the most meaningful part of my job is supporting our hard working staff and to help empower them to make each camper’s summer experience exciting, memorable, and safe. Can’t wait to see you all on Maple Lake!!”

Noam Katz, Dean of Jewish Living

“I’m thrilled to be returning for my third summer as Camp George’s Dean of Jewish Living!  Through fun and creative programs, I hope to foster a sense of Jewish pride and confidence in every member of the camp community.  Whether experiencing prayer on the Ropes course, canoeing past the British blockade on the way to the ‘Promised Land’, volunteering at a nearby camp for the visually and hearing impaired, or singing Hebrew songs around a campfire, there is no shortage of ways that we can make Judaism come to life in our beautiful outdoor camp setting.  Excited to continue this journey with you in summer 2013!”

Next up; a word from our programming team! They work to create the daily schedule, coordinate camp wide events like Maccabiah, work with staff on programming, and help facilitate the Chugim for campers!

Seth and Julia.

Seth Freedland, Program Director

 ”This summer I look forward to working with such an excellent and talented group of Hanhallah to create exciting and skill based activities for all ages. I am excited to spend the summer with some of my closest friends, climb the ropes course and roast marshmallows and corn over an open fire. For me there is nothing better then the crisp air and cool blue waters of Maple Lake.”

Julia Guest, Head Specialist

“This summer I am thrilled to supervise our specialty areas at Camp George. Across each of our departments – Arts, Adventure, Athletics, and Waterfront – our main goal is to focus on safety, age appropriate skill development, and of course … having FUN! We are lucky to have an amazing group of specialists lined up for this summer and together we are excited to teach your kids new skills and help them achieve their personal goals this summer!”

Next up, we have our Camper Care Specialist and Rosh Edah or Unit Heads. Together they work to care for all our campers and staff! They are always there for advice, to lend a hand during Nikayon and of course to just hang out with!

Lior (right) on Yom Yisrael, summer 2011.

Lior Olinik, Nitzotzot Unit Head and Rosh Mishlachat 

“I’m really excited to welcome the new campers of Nitzozot to our camp George community. As new campers, I know that they will fall in love with camp as much as I did my first summer.

As Rosh Mishlachat, I’m also excited to engage the camp community in Israel education, with the help of an amazing enthusiastic group of Israelis!”

Erin Dessau, Lehavot Unit Head

“I am excited to see Lehavot’s new and returning campers as they come off the bus for the first time at Maple Lake this summer.  I plan to make each camper’s experience amazing, no matter how long they are with us.  I can’t wait to get to know each of our campers and staff and I am looking forward to an out of this world summer!”

Darren Laser, Kochavim Unit Head

This year I’m really excited to return to camp for my 4th summer and 2nd as Kochavim unit head! I am looking forward to challenging our campers to accomplish amazing things and experience everything they can that they get nowhere else during the entire year. I cannot wait to work with my amazing staff to create innovative and engaging programs that develop amazing relationships between their campers and friends alike! See you all on Maple Lake!

Joanna Shnall, Barak Unit Head 

As planning for this summer shifts into high gear, my excitement and anticipation are revving into overdrive! There is something special about the Barak Unit, we are incredibly close-knit and spirited unit. As your Barak unit head, it is my goal to build on this incredible energy and sense of unity and show Camp George and ourselves what we are capable of! Our team is working hard to make sure that this summer is filled with fun, adventure, growth, and friendship. Cheers to the fabulous upcoming summer my fellow Barakers!!!

Mark Gutman, C.I.T. Director

“This is going to be my second year at Camp George as the CIT director! I am excited to cross the border and spend my summer at Camp George because I love working with and mentoring the future leaders of Camp, and I can’t wait to see the previous year’s CIT’s in action as staff!

Laura Stevens, Camper Care 

“After several years away, I can’t wait to return for my 9th summer at camp! As a member of the camper care team, I want campers to feel comfortable and supported in their home away from home. I have so many amazing memories and friendships from my time at maple lake, and I’m excited to help each and every camper get the most out of their experience!” 

Now we have our Rosh Anaf- or Department Heads. They oversee all of the different specialty areas and help the specialists to run awesome skill building programs!”

Leor Mann, Athletics Director

“I am excited to returning for my 12th summer at Camp George, spending 6 summers as a camper and 5 years as a Sports specialist. This year will be my first year as Rosh Athletics and I cannot wait to bring my passion and love for athletics back to Maple Lake. The Sports and Bikes staff are hard at work putting together a summer packed with action. Look out for us at the Sports field, Basketball court and on the Seguin trail, and get ready for a fun filled, skill based summer at Sports, Tennis, Basketball, and Bikes.”

Rotem Keshet, Head of Arts

“The closer we get to summer, the more memories from my summer at camp, eight years ago are coming back to me. Sweet moments with smells, songs, and smiling faces and I am sooo excited to be back again and have this much influence on every camper’s experience this summer. It is a very special experience to come from Israel to work at Camp George.  I can’t to inspire and empower my artistic team, encouraging them to bring there creativity and skills to dance, pottery, arts & craft and drama. I hope to find innovative ways to combine the arts and to create together a unique adventure with unforgettable moments.” 

Shanna Zell, Head Specialist of the Arts and Rosh T’fillah 

“ I am very excited to be spending my first summer with a URJ camp at Camp George!  I cannot wait to integrate what I’ve learned throughout my first year of cantorial school here at HUC-JIR in Jerusalem into our programming this summer – ranging from t’fillah to song sessions to the arts.  The possibilities are endless.  I look forward to meeting everyone at camp and to having a meaningful, musical, and magical time together!” 

For more on Shanna, you can read her CG blog by clicking here!

And last, but certainly not least, we have our administrative team! They help to make sure we have all the supplies we need, that our mail is sorted and our facilities are looked after!

Becca White, Office Manager

“I am so excited to be returning as office manager this summer. Camp George is an incredibly special place for me and I can’t wait to work together as part of the leadership team that makes each summer unique and special. I’m looking forward to welcoming back old campers and to meeting all of our new campers up at Maple Lake very soon!”

Kyle Herman, Food, Facilities and Logistics Coordinator

“I am very excited to get acquainted with Camp George, and I hope to bring all my fun camp traditions from the Colorado!  I am so happy to be a part of the camp atmosphere, and I hope through my Food, Facilities, and Logistics position I am able to enhance everyone’s time up at camp!  See you soon!”

Jamie Singer, Driver

 ”As summer is around the corner, Camp George and the Hanhallah team has welcomed me with open arms. With my 14 years of past experience at other summer camps, I hope to instill the values that my counselors/head staff taught me. From helping to make sure we have all the supplies we need, to playing catch, to swimming and meetings lots of new people, I am very excited for the summer of 2013!”

I wanted to share an inside look at friendship building at camp, so I reached out to three of our 2013 C.I.T.’s, Ryan, Jared and Evan. Read on to hear about how they became friends, what they admire about each other and more!

- Can’t wait to see new friendships form in summer 2013!

Jane HK

How long have you been going to camp for?

Ryan: Last year 2012) was actually my first year at George.

Jared: This summer will be my 5^th summer at camp.

Evan: Since youngest Barak, so this will be my 3^rd year going to camp

How long have you known each other/ how did you become friends?

Ryan: Jared and I met in S.K. at our local elementary school and Evan and I met last year at camp. Jared and I were friends right away because we had so much in common, (i.e. Music taste, love for sports etc.) and the same applies to Evan. Our similar personalities made easy for us to hit it off right away

Jared: I have known Ryan since Senior Kindergarten, while I’ve only known Evan since we met at camp in 2011. Ryan and I have always been close friends. It took time for Evan I too become close because of our contrasting personalities, however as we started to see each other in the city we became closer and closer. When we returned to camp in 2012, Evan and I had become great friends.

Evan: I’ve known Jared since youngest Barak and I don’t really know how we became friends. Playing basketball was a big factor, because it gave us something in common. I just met Ryan last year and we became friends very quickly.

Ryan (left) and Evan (right) at camp, summer 2012.

How has camp impacted your friendship?

Ryan: The people that I’ve met at camp I consider some of my best friends.

Jared: Camp has allowed me to get even closer with Ryan and Evan. By living with and spending my summer with these two, we have gotten to know each other on an amazing level.

Evan: Camp is where I met everyone and it just so happens that we are all just friends anyways. Lot of people have friends that they hang out with at school, and home then they have their camp friends in a separate category. There aren’t any lines like that in our cabin. Most of us see each other on a regular basis, so camp is just a way for us to see each other even more.

What’s a favorite camp memory you have of all of you together?

Ryan: The one memory that stands out is our first cabin canoe trip. I have always been an avid canoe tripper and naturalist, so I was really excited to go on a canoe trip with new people I didn’t know. I have a common ritual that as soon as I start paddling I begin to sing to take my mind off the strains of rowing. Evan loved the tradition and he immediately joined in. We sang over 50 songs!

Can you think of a situation where you helped each other out?

Ryan: When I first came to George, I was very excited to meet new people, but I was also a little nervous. Jared and Evan made it so easy for me to make friends by introducing me to people they felt I had common ground with.

How has growing up in a Jewish camp setting influenced you/ your friendship?

Ryan: I personally didn’t grow up in a Jewish camp setting because George was the first Jewish camp I’ve been to. But even this year I feel that I have become more spiritual and more in tune with my faith and a large part of it was due to George.

Jared: Growing up in a Jewish camp has allowed us to share many of the same values and morals, while creating interesting topics for discussion such as our opinions on different social and world issues.

Evan: Jewish camp impacts your values in life, with friends, how you act etc. I think learning what’s right and wrong from a religious aspect can change previous opinions you have of people and shape friendships.

What did being at camp together/ being in the same cabin teach you about friendship? / How was your experience being friends and cabin mates together?

Jared: Being in a cabin together taught us that no matter what, you and your cabin mates are still like brothers and that’s the most important thing.

What’s something you admire about your friends?

Ryan: I admire the fact that we can joke around with each other, but when the situation calls for it, we can be serious. All of us respect each other and understand each other’s differences. I feel very comfortable expressing myself among my friends I met at George.      

Jared: I admire Ryan’s ability to make anyone laugh. For the decade I’ve known him, all of our friends have said that he’s one of the funniest people they know. I admire Evan for his quirkiness and upbeat personality. Both of these guys are likable, kind and genuine people.

Evan: I admire that they are really fun to hang out with and their ability to step up when needed.

Do you stay in touch with each other during the school year?    

Ryan: Yes, Jared and I talk everyday and Evan and I talk probably every week. We hang out together almost every weekend as well.

Jared: I talk to Ryan and Evan almost every day and see Ryan pretty much every weekend.

Evan: I’m constantly in touch with my camp friends. I can’t get rid of them. Our year is just a little weird like that.

Evan (left), Ryan (middle) and Jared (right) at camp, summer 2012.

What are you most looking forward to about the C.I.T. program?

Ryan: Personally, I’m really looking forward to the Ottawa white water rafting trip. I’m also really excited about placements. I’m really hoping to get the tripping placement so I can try to help kids have just as good as a time as I did on my trip.

Jared: I’m really looking forward to spending more time with these boys this summer. Evan only stayed for first session last summer, and I’m excited to spend another great summer with Evan, Ryan and the rest of our friends!

Evan: I’m looking forward to try some of the placements and to go white water rafting in Ottawa.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to new campers about making friends at camp?

Ryan: Be true to yourself and have an open mind. People always like someone who’s genuine, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. A great man once said, “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are” and I think this would apply deeply to someone’s experience at camp.   

Jared: Just be yourself. Play the sports and games you like and talk about the subjects you like. If you do this, you’re bound to meet other campers with the same interests. Just be yourself, and you will make lasting friendships!

Evan:  Be you. Try to find common interests with the rest of the people in your cabin. Most important just have fun when you get to camp. You won’t be friends with everyone the first day, but just try to enjoy yourself and it will all fall into place.

We all know what an amazing place Camp George is and of course, how influential the experience of summer camp is in teaching campers to build new skills from learning how to ride a bike to learning the words to Hebrew songs. We also know that it is a great privilege to be able to go to camp and that there are a lot of campers and families who need our support to make this possible.

Seth Freedland, Program Director.

In order to help kids across Ontario, a combination of Camp George Alumni as well as current staff came together this past Sunday to raise money through a charity baseball tournament – The Intercamp Classic.  The tournament brings together camp teams from across Ontario. Proceeds from the event benefit a charity called Kids In Camp – which subsidizes camping fees for families who otherwise could not afford to give their children a summer camp experience.

So on Sunday, Associate Director Julia Guest and I went to the tournament to see the CG boys play. A great day was had by all! Our CG boys played well, winning their first two games with scores of 6-4,  and  18-5. We lost in the finals,  with a score of 5- 2 but great sportsmanship was shown throughout the day! It was amazing to see the same enthusiasm and friendship that we see every day at camp, shown by our team at the tournament. Check out the quotes below to see what some of our team members had to say about the experience.

-          Congratulations to our team for great sportsmanship and for raising money for “Kids in Camp”.

Jane HK

Jonathan Freedland, General Manager and Alumnus:  “Baseball is great. This event is a wonderful chance to play ball and reunite with my camp boys.”

Michael Marks, Team Captain and C.I.T. Assistant Unit Head: “Seeing everyone together representing camp is great, especially because we’ve been playing baseball together since we were thirteen years old.” 

Zach Berinstein, Ski Staff: “Baseball, friends, burgers, all good separately but better together!”

Leor Mann, Athletics Director: “It’s awesome to come play at a charity event, especially because baseball is such a big part of camp live.”

The CG boys high five their opponents at the end of the game.

Julia Guest, Conference Coordinator and Head Specialist: “It’s amazing to see a great group of staff and alumni coming together to raise money for charity, supporting a great cause. We all had a great day and of course it was awesome to see them using the baseball skills they learned at camp!”

Seth Freedland, Program Director: “It’s a great feeling to participate in this event. We’ve been playing hard and you can definitely feel the brotherhood of the CG boys!”

Not only is there a lot of administrative work that goes into preparing camp for summer, but there is a lot of work to be done on Maple Lake, too! Everything from raking leaves, to putting in the docks, to planting the garden at Gan Matan… all has to be completed in the spring season. Bob Quinton, our Maintenance Supervisor, is responsible for getting camp ready for the summer season! Bob has been taking care of our Camp George site for over 25 years! No one knows Camp George like Bob knows Camp George!

Bob Quinton

But Bob does not prepare camp by himself! A small group of staff members join him each season to prepare our camp site.  This group is called “The Spring Maintenance Team.”  For years, this Team has celebrated what they’ve learned from Bob about taking care of land and taking care of our sacred camping space.  We thought it was only appropriate to share a look at these lessons with you today: through the eyes of some of these staff members.

With our gratitude,

Jane HK

Julia Guest, Conference Coordinator and Programming Specialist:

Over the past 6 years, I have had the pleasure of spending my May and June up at camp working with our pre-summer maintenance staff.  For 3 years I did it myself and for 3 years I worked with our other teams of staff. During those years I have learned A LOT about what makes camp run smoothly and how we transition our site from the offseason to the camp season. There is so much behind the scenes work that has to be done in order to get camp ready. Our maintenance teams help to put the docks back together after the winter, rake all the fallen leaves into the woods so they don’t cover the paths, convert the lodge into summer offices and infirmary rooms, re-paint ramps, doors and cabin floors, and much more! It takes 6 weeks of hard work to get Camp George ready!

One of the highlights of my time during pre-camp has been getting to know and learn from our Maintenance Supervisor, Bob Quinton. It is an understatement to say that nobody knows camp like Bob does! Bob has been working at the Camp George site for over 25 years (even before it was Camp George!). If you have a question, there is no doubt that Bob knows the answer. He has taught me about the history of our site, and has many stories about when and how certain things were built. He can tell you about the seasons for hunting, fishing, trapping and gardening. He can show you how to fix everything from a toilet to a rooftop and he is the one who maintains our water and sewage systems during the year. I’m even convinced that he can predict the weather! Whenever you see Bob, at camp please make sure to thank him for the work he does.

Conference Coordinator and Head Specialist Julia Guest ,with  Alumnus Ely Rosenblum

Avi Freedland, Ski Specialist and current maintenance staff:

I never realized all the things that must happen at camp before it is ready for the summer season. The first few days here have been spent trekking through the woods picking up garbage and I will spend the next few days raking leaves (there are A LOT of them). I thought that I would be doing hammering and building, but I know that once these jobs are accomplished there are many more items on the list! It has been great getting to spend time up north and seeing camp from a different perspective.

Alumni Josh Berger and Ely Rosenblum, planting Gan Matan (garden.)

Josh Berger, Alumnus:

Working with Bob was a really inspirational experience. He taught me hard skills that I would never have otherwise learned like carpentry, plumbing and electrical work and soft skills like perseverance, patience and a strong work ethic. We put in an honest day’s work week after week. Being up there in the spring before camp got into full swing showed me a side of camp that not many people get to see. You have to move every single dock into place, turn the water and lights on in every cabin, clear away leaves and branches that have fallen over the fall and winter and put a fresh coat of paint on every deck and porch in the camp. Not to mention learning how every drop of water that comes out of our taps is treated on-site under the close eye of Bob.

Once the craziness of the summer arrived, I was able to appreciate camp and the work that goes into maintaining it on a whole new level. Not one bit was taken for granted. Bob’s tireless work is inextricably linked to camp’s success and the fun and safe environment that is created for us all.

Ely Rosenblum, Alumnus:

Working with Bob gave me an incredible look behind the scenes of URJ Camp George. His insight into the inner workings of camp gave me a new appreciation for just how hard the full time camp staff work, and how we can bring that work ethic into our summer programming. Putting together docks, getting the cabins ready and bringing the boats back to shore gets camp ready for another incredible summer!

Hi Camp George!

Just a few days ago, I returned home from the most incredible experience of my life, the March of the Living. I’ve been waiting to go on this trip for as long as I can remember. Last summer at camp, I was able to hear camp staff share their stories and experiences on the march, which made me even more excited to go!

Melanie (left) with her friend Sydney (another first year counselor.)

Although I have spent every summer at Camp George, I was still nervous about being so far from home for so long. Especially because I didn’t know very many people going on the trip. However, a few of my very close friends from camp were also signed up. When I found out we were all on the same bus I was no longer worried. The friendships that I’ve developed at camp are so strong and unique that I knew I could turn to them for support and reassurance during the difficult times in Poland.

One of my favourite things about being at camp is the singing and song sessions, because it’s something I can’t do during the rest of the year. The fact that everyone just breaks out into song and is so spirited makes me feel so proud to be apart of such an enthusiastic community. Who would have guessed that I would have had a taste of “Super Spesh Song Sesh” on the  March of the Living?On the trip, the Holocaust survivors we met would start singing and dancing almost everywhere we went and it made me feel like I was at camp again. The coolest part about this  was the fact that everyone came from different summer camps, cities, and even different countries. Not everyone spoke the same language, and not everyone knew each other, but we all knew the same songs. It was such a powerful thing to see 10,000 Jews from all around the world singing songs together that I had learned from my summers at camp.

Melanie (left) with a fellow March of the Living participant.

Another amazing part of the trip was meeting so many new people. In such a short period of time I developed some amazing friendships that I know will last here in the city. Initially, meeting new people was one of the things I worried about the most while signing up for the March of the Living. But I realized that  throughout the years, my experiences at camp have given me confidence in myself, as I’m sure it has many others. This confidence helped me come out of my shell and be more outgoing in a whole new environment. I got to know people that I never would have met otherwise, and I know that without having gone to camp, I would not have the same courage or confidence to do so.

What I have learned from my years at camp has not only shaped who I am today but has also given me skills that I can use in so many situations.

Thanks Camp George! I can’t wait to be back on Maple Lake in only 60 days!

- Melanie

With the exception of camp, there is no other place in the world besides Israel where you can be so far away yet feel so at home. Still jetlagged from my 13 hour journey home on Monday , I am so excited to share with you the details of my amazing week and the phenomenal 2013 Mishlachat (Israeli staff) that will be joining us at Camp this summer.

Associate Director Karen Kollins

This summer’s Mishlachat is made up for fourteen amazing individuals, each coming to camp with a passion for working with children, amazing skills they can’t wait to share and a love of Israel. Four of these fourteen (Ben, Mor, Gal and Gefen) have spent the entire year in Toronto working in our community including our own Reform congregations and at the Leo Baeck Day School. Many of you have spent time learning from them throughout the year. In addition to these four, Yoni is joining us as a counselor after being a camper at Camp George many years ago. Along with this group are nine other Schlichim who I had the chance to spend a inspiring week with at Shefayim, a Kibbutz conference centre just near Herziliyah.

Tomer (Ropes), Aviv (Teva/Gan Matan), Amit (Tripping), Savyon (Photography), Ofir (Pottery), Nor (Dance), Ellen (Counselor), and Rotem (Head of Arts) will all be joining our team led by our veteran Rosh Mishlachat Lior Olinik who will also serve as our Nitzotzot Rosh Edah (Unit Head).

Back row, from left to right: Noy, Sayvon, Amit, Offir and Aviv. Bottom row: Yoni and Tomer.

Throughout the week we were engaged in various programs and discussions. I taught them about what working in a Jewish summer camp in North America is all about and they taught me about how they feel about Israel as their home, what life is like growing up in Israel and how they hope to bring a taste of Israel to camp this summer. They learned about the traditions of Camp George like our morning “Boker Tov” song, our favourite lights out programs, the tune for our Havdallah blessings, and what it’s like sleeping under the stars during an Island Adventure. Together we shared and together we learned – about our countries, about each other, and about our shared love for making Israel come to life at camp.

I am always amazed when I go to Israel every few years at how special a country it is. I find that my memories and feelings about Israel fade as I am more removed from my last visit. It is for this reason that I am so grateful that we have such an amazing Mishlachat join us each summer to help bring a little bit of Israel to our camp community. I know that you will enjoy getting know each and every one of our Mishlachat this summer at camp as much as I have!

L’hitraot for now…and bruchim habaim to our fourteen Mishlachat. We can’t wait to see you at camp!

- KK

Hi Camp George!

My name is Sharon and I am a Barak camper. This will be my 5th summer at camp. I come back to camp every summer, because of all the fun I have there, and because of the memories I create with amazing friends. Today I want to tell you about all the fun activities and why I’ve gotta get back to George!

Sharon (left) with her friend Talia at camp in summer 2012.

My favourite activity… has to be the ropes course, because it makes you feel free. It also helps you get out of your comfort zone a little. But if you don’t want to do the activity then you don’t need to. But it is just so amazing to be free, whether you are on the zipline or swinging in the air. Or if you are trying to balance on a big log. It is just so much fun to be up there!

Another favourite activity is… “Warm and Fuzzies.”  This program is where every person has their own paper bag with his or her name on it. Then everyone gets little pieces of papers and pencils to use to write something nice about someone. Then you put it in a paper bag with their name on it. When this activity is done, everyone has a paper bag full of notes that people wrote to you about something that they like or a memory. I still have mine from when I was a Lehavot camper! It’s always good to go back during the year when you are missing camp and read your “Warm and Fuzzies” again! It’s so nice and it makes you feel “Warm and Fuzzy” on the inside. “

We have the most fun in our cabins when… we are all bonding together. Whether it is during rest hour, or during our Shabbat walks, we always have fun with our cabin. As long as you’re with your cabin, you are always happy, because they turn into your family.

The most fun thing that ever happened in the dining hall was when… we burst into a Taylor Swift song session! It was so much fun because everyone joined in and it was like an unplanned camp wide program!

My friends at camp are fun because… of how they make me feel. They make me feel special and included. Your friends at camp turn into your second family, because you live with them 24/7 for a whole month. You always have fun with your friends, because no matter what happens, they will always be with you to laugh, or cry at the end of camp when it’s time to go home!

My favourite Chugim last summer… involved going on the high ropes. It was really fun when we got to have an extra hour of high ropes to try out new things. High Ropes is one of my favourite activities at camp, and thanks to this chug, I have almost done every single course.

This summer… I can’t wait to meet new people and try new things. This year, I am going to try and remember and do as many things as I can because it is my last year as a camper! I’m just so excited to get back!

See you at camp in 68 days!

Sharon