Who Are YOU?

January 6, 2012 by Herzl Camp Admin, under General Posts.

Every Friday, you visit our blog in anticipation of what’s next. Is Anne Hope going to post tips for becoming a successful camp director? Are Zach and Max Puchtel going to entertain us with their stories from the glory days? Is Danny Soshnik going to coordinate another Herzl Bracket? Are we going to learn about the history of the Kadimah program? Maybe we’ll see photos of the swimming pool in the Ozo Mo (not likely)? Or, perhaps, we’ll hear advice from a veteran camp parent about what it’s like to send your child to camp for the very first time?

There are so many choices. However, this week we decided to make our blog all about YOU…our loyal readers. We want to know all about WHO you are and learn WHY you read this blog. And, we want to know how we are doing and what topics interest you. Why? So we can make sure we are writing blog posts that inform, educate, enlighten, entertain, amuse or inspire our Herzl family and friends.

So, dear readers, we ask that you take just 5 minutes of your time to complete a brief survey that will help us learn more about you. We promise, we’ll share the results in a future blog so you can see who else is checking in on a weekly basis. Click here to access our survey. The survey will remain open through Thursday, January 12. Thank you so much!

If you would like to learn more about becoming a guest blogger, please contact Anna Simon at asimon@herzlcamp.org.

 

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CAMP WORKS Survey Shatters Strategic Plan

April 1, 2011 by Herzl Camp Admin, under General Posts.

By Mike Neiman

As you may recall from our early post, the Foundation for Jewish Camp recently unveiled the findings of CAMP WORKS, a landmark study revealing the long term effect of Jewish camp on Judaism.  From these findings, one of the most alarming findings was that only 6% of capable Jewish youth attend Jewish summer camp.  Combined with other findings showing that camp alumni were more likely to attend synagogue, light Shabbat candles, visit Israel, contribute to their local Federation, and marry within the faith …  this statistic was reason for alarm.

After the individual analysis of the CAMP WORKS study, community leaders from Herzl Camp, Camp Chi, Camp Ramah-Wisconsin, and OSRUI established a new strategic committee this April called the Fellowship Of Opportunistic Learnings of Summer.  Their plan was simple:  Increase global participation in the Midwest’s Jewish summer camps.  Foremost on the agenda was the pooling of staff, resources, and facilities to build a single conglomerate entity that would support this movement.  After minutes upon minutes of discussion, the decision was final.

Opening its doors this summer on the 75 acre “Summerfest” lot in Milwaukee, WI, will be a new Voltron (read “Power Rangers” for alumni born after 1985) of Jewish camping…

Development Director Holly Guncheon has already volunteered to transport all 25 newly built cabins to the Music Festival’s central fields.  When asked how the billions of Capital Campaign donors would feel about this decision, she simply shrugged her shoulders and said “I mean, we said we’d have every camper in a new cabin this summer … but we didn’t say where.”

Additional consideration was made to move the Beit Chai as well, but at 11 years old, the committee concluded that this facility is already more outdated than the original iPhone.  Camp Chi’s contribution is slightly more extreme, as they were able to petition the city of Wisconsin Dells to mobilize all amusement parks for a cross-state trek to Milwaukee.  This summer, campers will be provided top notch Chug and Evening Programming at Familyland Park, Noah’s Ark and Marley’s Bar.

Ramah Wisconsin graciously offered its Blanche Lippitz Library, filled with custom Hebrew translated play scripts.  When asked about the meager contribution, COO Benji Berman stated, “Come on guys!  What would camp be without “Billy Elliot b’Ivrit?!”

The new organizational structure is still under discussion, as directors Anne Hope, Ron Levin, Jerry Kaye, and Rabbi Loren Sykes wait for the results of their 2011 NCAA Bracket winner to take the rightful place at the top.  Unfortunately for Anne, she had Kansas winning it all.

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Top 4 Kadimah Plays That Haven’t Happened

March 20, 2011 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Top 10 Lists.

By: Zander Abrams

Kadimah is the longest running program at Camp. It has many long-standing traditions, such as the Wall and the Canoe Trip. Kadimah is also my favorite program. I was a Kadimah camper in 2002, a counselor and play director in 2007, and the program director in 2008. Unlike other programs, Kadimah displays most of its traditions for all of Camp to see. Every summer, Camp looks forward to seeing Kadimah do the play. From my experience, picking the play is not easy. There are many competing factors that need to be satisfied, such as cost, roles, and overall difficulty. Here are my top 4 Kadimah plays that have yet to be performed.

4. Phantom of the Opera

Singing, dancing, drama, and comedy. This production would be both challenging and rewarding. I could imagine Joey Jaffe headlining as the mysterious and charming Phantom, with Madeline Rudin starring opposite as Christine. We’d have to keep the mask under lock and key in Drea Lear’s office. The only problem with Phantom would be that the younger kids may have trouble falling asleep after, but their counselors aren’t sleeping anyway!
3. The Lion King

One of the greatest Disney films of all time, and one of their most successful musicals too. This would give campers a chance to break from the mold of real people and embrace their inner animals. This would appeal to all ages, but the ending would have to be changed. I don’t think that Anne Hope would approve the part of killing Scar at the end.

Editor’s note: Rory Zamansky played a mean “Rory King” in the 1995 Ozo Play.
2. Wicked

This is a musical that both campers and staff would love. In 2006, my then camper Jonathan Edelman used to sleep with a copy of Wicked under his pillow. There are a great deal of different speaking, singing, and dancing parts. Amanute would have to put in overtime with putting costumes together. Luckily in Wicked, the witch is not evil, so we don’t need to worry about young campers getting scared.
1. The Producers

Is there anything more Jewish, more American, and more shticky than Mel Brooks? I grew up on Brooks’ films. My parents made sure my brother and I had a healthy ratio between him and Disney. I could see the Herzl production now, Yossi Kakou starring as Max and Brad Serber as Leo. Not only would Camp enjoy watching, but Kadimah would have fun at every play practice. There are some obvious reasons why The Producers is not currently a viable option, but with some careful editing and rewriting it could hit the Ulam as soon as 2014!

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“If They Only Knew”

January 13, 2011 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Letters from Alumni.

By Alex Locke

Each generation of Herzl campers and staff gets to look back and say “If they only knew what camp was like when I was a camper.”  So now… just some interesting tid-bits that today’s campers would not even know is how it “used to be”:

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Where Are They Now: David Waller

January 9, 2011 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Where Are They Now.

By David Waller

It is usually around this time every year that I wonder how I will be spending summer.  For the last 5 years (Yes 5 years, I enjoyed school so much I took a victory lap), I would always come home during winter break and stop into the Herzl Office for a meeting with Anne to figure out what I could be possibly doing next.

I’ve done pretty much all you can imagine in terms of jobs at camp, including:  bunk staff, rosh rock, outdoor activities coordinator, rosh sport and Tzofim, Noar, and Kadimah Program Director.  Going into last summer, I honestly thought that it would be my last considering I had just recently graduated from college and would be looking to move onto into the next phase of my life.  After spending the past 6 summers on staff, I really thought I knew and understand all the ins and outs of running a summer camp.  Boy was I wrong.

For the past couple of months, I have been working in the office in St. Louis Park and have really been exposed to a much different side of camp then what people see over the course of the summer.  I used to never think about how programs got assigned to certain cabin groups or that each year the budget is different from program to program.  These are things that they typical summer staff member does not think about, or even need to know about, to be completely honest.

One thing that really sticks out for me in terms of bettering myself for later down the line, is that working in the office during the offseason has really made me look closer at the small things.

I came to realize that many programs or events can be successful with good planning, but the only way for them to be great is to make sure all the small things get worked out.  Along with the small things, the only way to really make sure you get all the details worked out is by looking at the big picture.  You have to be able to see the situation from different sides, for example being able to look at a situation from both the camper, staff and Hanhallah view points.  All of which are different, but each very important for a program to run smoothly and safely.

To wrap things up, being able to see the inner workings of how Herzl Camp runs has really made me appreciate the work that everyone puts in year-round.  All that work put in by Anne, Drea, Gary, Holly, and Dale really makes everyone else’s jobs that much easier.  So if you haven’t told them how much you appreciate the work they do, make sure you do so!

Shavua Tov!

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Camp Music in the Real World

December 19, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Herzl, Beyond Webster.

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Dear Theo, Thank You!

July 1, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Letters from Parents.

By Laura Silverberg

Dear Theo,

Shabbat Shalom from Davenport, IA. I haven’t written in awhile, but I visited camp last Shabbat and I thought I’d write you with an update. Rest assured, all is very well in Webster and you should be very proud…

Last Thursday, I drove the 8 hours to camp with my daughter, Madison (now 11 years old-can you believe it?)  She’s been a camper for the past 3 summers and we also attended Family Camp for 2 summers (a great addition to the Herzl line up). She wanted to take this summer off, but I felt it was critical to keep the Herzl connection alive for her & who are we kidding…I DESPERATELY wanted to see all the changes since the capital campaign, so together we went for Shabbat.

I still haven’t recovered and I hope I never do!

As soon as we saw the Herzl camp sign on the highway and started down the driveway, I got that old familiar lump in my stomach which continued to rise and swell until I saw the “Welcome Home” sign and then the tears really came (Round #1). I’m sure I’m not alone when I say “Thank You”…beyond that sign, you provided me with many of my best childhood memories and experiences.

Theo, I cried a lot that weekend.  I also sang, danced & cheered during Ruach sessions, and generally acted like an overstimulated Taster (despite my daughter’s pleas not to embarrass her). If I hadn’t seen the few gray hairs I’ve chosen not to color in the mirror (they now have real mirrors in the cabins and the Haks) I would not have known that I am now technically a grown up.

I could go on for days, but I want to get to Shabbat services, so let me hit the high points and tell you what you really need to know.

Anne Hope – The “new” director … wow! She’s been there for approximately 4 years. In many ways, she reminds me of Andy Halper (a great thing for me). She strolls around camp exuding groovy Hamisha love and concern. She seemed to know every campers name. I saw her on the waterfront, davening at the Mercaz, enjoying Ruach sessions, talking on the phone with campers parents, comforting a few homesick campers and inspiring staff (she’s surrounded herself with great people) all the while unobtrusively juggling a walkie-talkie and cell phone. She is on it – you should feel very comfortable with camp in her hands.  She clearly loves it & takes care of it as if it were her own.

The “new camp” - Again, wow.  It’s gorgeous! But the really good news is that thank G-d, it doesn’t feel at all like a new camp. I have no idea how someone experiencing it for the first time would experience it any differently than those of us from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.  What I do know for sure is this:  the new Chadar still rings with Ruach, but now it holds more campers, a mini marp (more on that later), bathrooms (yeah, the south Haks were soooo nasty) and guest quarters for those not wishing to experience all the bounty of Webster’s nature (mosquitos, schvitzing & communal showers … oh my). The new cabins still have Toran wheels & hold the secrets & late night giggles of all your campers. They now also hold better cubbies, sturdier bunkbeds, actual mirrors (that no one has written on yet) & screened porches for more Tzrif activities. There are also more cabins so more kids can fall in love with you & experience your magic every summer.

Ozo Park – well …this one is a bit different due to the addition of new cabins where there used to be trees. The chickens of my Ozo summer (I feel Heidi Schechter looking down and smiling) are definitely gone. But…have no fear, kids still play ultimate Frisbee, do trust games, chill, read and dream there. Despite the potentially unstable condition (making it pretty treacherous to reach the hot tub) the Ozo Mo still stands and I’ve been told it may be made into a museum in the future, as well it should be darnit!  Thank G-d those walls can’t talk. Some of your finest campers crossed over into “sort of adulthood” during the summers they spent calling the Ozo Mo “home”.

Waterfront - it’s gorgeous! Thankfully, it still feels like camp. There are lots of great boats. New docks were installed this summer (beautiful, sturdy and safe), but this one sort of makes me sad. The Ozo’s installing docks in a frigid Devil’s Lake before the campers arrive is sort of a rite of passage – earning your Ozo stripes, so to speak.  Too bad they’ll miss that experience. (Speaking of which, I know people were getting hurt on those darned trunks, but you can’t put stickers on duffle bags and they don’t do squat in terms of decorating your Tzrif). Sadly, Devil’s Lake has gone down a bit, but good news – more beachfront! The waterfront is also now accessible to all. Ramps have been installed and are really great. Now, everyone can experience the lake. Madison and I canoed, paddleboated and played in the lake. Did I REALLY swim across the lake during polar bear swim?? Being there with my daughter – unbelievable.  I fully submersed myself 3x. Devils Lake now feels like a mikvah for my soul. 

Mercaz - Teddy, it’s the same only better. Since the days I left you (physically) I’ve seen some really beautiful places and spend time in some great synagogues…but nothing compares. I’ve always truly believed that G-d hears prayers better on the Mercaz than any other place in the world. I still believe that. As a kid, I used to sit there in the sun, let my hair dry, stare off into the distance listening to the beautiful melodies of campers praying , wondering what G-d had in store for me. Would I marry – where was he – what did he look like? Would I have kids – how many – what would their names be – boys/girls – what would they be like as people? I couldn’t wait to have the answers revealed to me. Now 42, I returned to the Mercaz to sit in the sun, dry my hair, stare off into the distance listening to the beautiful melodies of campers praying & say thank you to G-d as I turn to my right and look into the beautiful face of my daughter. My husband rocks, I have 2 AMAZING kids, a great career, lifelong friends and a full life. I am happy, healthy and my life has truly been blessed – the answers have been revealed and the journey continues.

(by the way, backs on the benches make it much more comfortable to dream. (I will encourage all alumni to “buy”  a bench, it’s a very spiritual way to stay connected & be part of camp forever).

Staff - the staff you continue to attract are AMAZING! Many of the last names are familiar – Herzl does tend to run in families. The young people who choose to spend their summers working as Madrichim and staff are truly special. The maturity, energy, creativity, devotion to Judaism and leadership they show is unbelievable. They truly love what they do and it shows. Not quite sure where staff goes for days off anymore, but they’ve got this new schtick called “12 Gates”. Suffice it to say, there’s still alotta love at camp and you can expect more weddings in the future.

Campers - we were at camp when the younger campers were there. It was waay cool! Many were there for the first time. It was really fun watching them learn the Herzl ways. I watched them interact with staff and learn to navigate the world a little bit on their own, sans parents, but under the ever watchful eyes of their Ozo’s and Madrichim. It reminded me of the Maba campers (remember those kids Teddy?) As I watched them play Ga-Ga, make friendship bracelets and learn that you NEVER stand up in a canoe, I wondered which ones would come to learn the secrets of the Ozo Mo, which ones would become Temple presidents, make Aliyah, or go to medical school and come back to volunteer as a camp Doctor. Regardless where they go or how they grow, I know that their lives will be better and richer because they were there. They will have more self confidence, more know how, more skill sets and be more strongly rooted in what really matters in the world because they were Herzl campers.

Shabbat - the caravan lives! Still a peaceful and enduring sight and the feeling of “home” hits you as you see all your friends in white and listen as the Sabbath queen is welcomed in true Herzl tradition. Campers still write songs to welcome her and they all still magically transform from schvitzy, lake smelling, uber-energized schmutzadik campers … to clean, mostly peaceful, smiling, precious punims within the span of about an hour.  Truly 1 of your finest miracles! And don’t worry, the matzah ball soup is still good and the feeling you always got singing songs by candlelight, arm in arm with your friends is still there – magic…

Did I tell you I stayed in 1 of the old Dr’s houses with my old friend Stacy Kieffer (Mosow)? We first met in 1979 … wait, 1979? How can we be that old?? She’s now co-medical director of camp. We stayed up late, recounted many memories, happy times and truly reconnected.  You’ve given the gift of true friendship to countless campers – thank you.

Oh, but what’s up with the Marp?? Almost seems like it should now be a chug-what a bummer that so many of our kids need so many meds these days.

I ended my weekend with Havdalah. The Ozo’s (amazing as always) put on a waaay cool play culminating with Havdalah…the magic … I definitely caught one of the staff members eyeing me as I wrapped my daughter in my arms and my tears fell on her head (again) as I thanked G-d and Herzl Camp when the candle was extinguished into the wine. Maybe he too was wondering what G-d had in store for him as he watched an “old Ozo” find out.

So Theo – it was great, it’s actually even better and I look forward to sending my daughter to your home on the shore’s of Devil’s Lake for a very long time. Gotta run put on my whites and take Madison to schul. You made me the committed Jew I am and you continue to do your part to ensure the future of Judaism and Israel.

Rest assured-all is right in the world.

Much love,
Laura Silverberg
’79, ’80, ’82, ’83 Kadimah, ’84, ’85 OZO, ’86 Madricha

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“Dear 2010 Herzl Staff”

June 17, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Summer Updates.

A parody letter By Anna Simon

Dear 2010 Herzl Staff,

Is there something wrong with your phones? Did you, perhaps, change your number? I have left several messages with Drea Lear over the past few weeks to see if I could find out the name of Z’s Taste counselor and have not heard a thing. You know, I was a Taste counselor once and I think that earns me the right to know who will be taking care of my son this week. I’m sure it’s not a big deal for you guys to tell me. I promise I won’t tell anyone else. I tried to ask Sarah Gruesner and Steven Kane at the buses but they would not spill the beans….Don’t they know who I am?

I didn’t really read through the Camper Information Packet, so I hope it’s ok that I packed a few extra things in Z’s metal trunk.  I threw in a large portable boom box, a few water balloons, candles and matches, a toaster, some silly string, fireworks, homemade cookies and laser pointers. I just think those items will really enhance camp for Z and his friends. I’m quite sure that the 2010 Ozrim had no problem carrying his trunk as they looked like a really strong and capable group. I just know that Z’s bunkmates are going to love having a toaster in their cabin so they can have a late night snack.

After the buses left on Monday, I raced home to check the web site and was disappointed that I didn’t see any pictures of the campers uploaded IMMEDIATELY. I check the web site every hour and think you need to take more pictures of Z in general. On that note, could you ask him to put on a different shirt and comb his hair when you take the next picture? He seems to always be wearing that same shirt and he’s not always looking directly at the camera. If you could just help him pose, that would be great. Speaking of the buses, what was up with the rain? Someone promised me that IT NEVER RAINS AT HERZL CAMP. I would expect that the director, Anne Hope, could do something about that. I plan on calling Lauren (Berman) Kaplan and Sue (Waldman) Roether next week to discuss the terrible weather.

I also left several messages for Dr. Hope Frisch in the Marp to find out if Z got any ticks or mosquito bites. Why hasn’t she returned my calls? I’m sure she has a moment to invite Z to the Marp and count his bug bites for me. I doubt she’s very busy this week.

I’d like to request that Z gets moved out of his cabin and into another one. I realize he only has a few days left but I think his experience will be better if gets to make some more new friends. Actually, maybe you could just have Z call me as I really miss hearing his voice. Plus, I’d like to let him know that I sent him a care package of his Uncle Jesse Simon’s Hot Cereal. 

I’m going to stop by camp on Shabbat because Flip Frisch and I will be in the neighborhood. I hope that’s ok. I’m sure it won’t disrupt camp at all and it won’t make other campers miss their families. While we’re there, I’d like to make sure Z gets a Shmutz Buster t-shirt. I promised him he’d get a shirt if he picked up garbage in front of Zander Abrams and I don’t want him to be disappointed.   

By the way, when we were at Family Camp last summer, Z lost a white sock. Could you please look for it? If you can’t find it, I’d like a credit to Z’s chanut account.

Shabbat Shalom Everyone! Oh, I forgot to mention that we didn’t pack anything white. He doesn’t really have to wear white, does he?

 Anna

 P.S. To anyone reading this who thinks I am serious…you must be a first-time Herzl parent! Your children are in excellent hands because the Herzl Camp staff members are incredibly capable, energetic, creative, hard working, caring and responsible. I am envious of any kid who gets to go to camp with these Herzl staff members. Herzl is the one place on earth where kids can be themselves, connect with others, try something new, step outside their comfort zone and celebrate every little thing they do. Yes, I cried when the buses pulled out of the parking lot (good thing it was heavy dewing so it wasn’t so obvious) but not because I was sad to see Z go. I cried because I was completely overcome with emotion just knowing what Z was about to experience. His life will be forever changed BECAUSE OF CAMP. Thank you, Anne Hope and the Herzl Staff, for taking care of my kid this week (yep, I’m crying again).

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“Dear Alumni, wish you were here. Love, Herzl Camp”

June 3, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Summer Updates.

By Zoe Stern

On Tuesday June 1st, Anne Hope and assorted members of her awesome staff headed up to camp to move in for the summer and get rolling on the Herzl summer of 2010. I am sure they didn’t sleep well the night before, made one last Target run in the morning, had breakfast with their families and got in to their cars headed for Webster with butterflies and excitement. I imagine this was a great day for all of them.

For me, it was not such a great day. Tuesday June 1st was a bad day for me and it won’t be 100% better until August 4th. This has been the case for the past 3 summers since I stopped going to camp. Quite opposite from how I felt when I was a camper and staff member when I lived for the first day of camp and dreaded the last. Now I hate that the campers are coming and going, BIKKURIM is being announced (ya ya ya, I would like to see you all come get me in Chicago and throw me in Lake Michigan), tasters are experiencing their first Shabbat song session, Kadimah is climbing the wall, first timers are learning the Shema and I AM NOT THERE.

Every morning when I leave my apartment at 6:15am for work I smell the early morning summer air and think of camp. When I get sleepy after lunch and wish for minucha I think of camp. When I ate grilled cheese and tomato soup as an appetizer at a former Herzl kid’s wedding last weekend I thought of camp. When it’s sunny I think of camp. When I woke up last night from a huge thunderstorm I thought about what that would sound like from inside a Herzl tzrif, and I wondered if it was also raining at camp.
I love the life I have now, but every year, from the first day of camp until the last Final Banquet I will constantly think of camp, wish I was there, and know that I won’t feel completely happy again until the summer has ended and I am no longer missing out on all the fun.

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Everything I Learned in Life, I Learned at Herzl Camp

April 29, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under What I Learned from Camp.

By The Brothers Puchtel

Part 5
“On the Caravan”

So there we were; me, the guy with the guitar, the girl with the guitar, 20 Herzl guests, Steve Mintz, Minced Meat, Anne Hope, Hope Floats, Bruce Golob, Anna Simon, Jesse Simon, Josh Simon, Simon says, Simon & Garfunkel, Simon Cowell, Nina Simone, Timone and Pumba, Rosemary, Jesse Zimmerman, Robert Zimmerman, Brandon Tagg, Mark “the Dink” Dinken, Bender’s tongue, Zach Freeman, Morgan Freeman, Morgan Fairchild, Mogane David, David and Goliath, Salt & Pepper, TLC, the Torah, and Bryan Grone. (#81, it was an awesome caravan.) Only 1 minute until launch, and Max hadn’t even gotten out of the shower yet. (#82, caravans always form last minute) I shouted towards Max’s room in the new Chadar, “Max, we’re leaving, afo ata?” (#83, Herzl builds Hebrew vocabulary) He shouted back, “Don’t wait for me, I’ll be there, trust me!” (#84 I’ve learned over time to trust this phrase, though it usually means Max is up to something)

We had no choice but to start. I knew the caravan rules, if you hadn’t joined by Tzrif 1, you couldn’t join at all! (#85, if you don’t join the caravan by Tzrif 1, you can’t join at all!) I looked back at the Chadar and out of the corner of my eye saw Max crawling out of his window, and onto the roof. Dressed in whites, and running full speed in Birkenstocks, he took off. (#86, Max has a knack for dramatic rooftop entrances (see Buzzards circa 2000)) (#87, for most this would equal death) A quick kick off of a tree then the climbing wall, and Max was in line a solid 10 feet before we hit Tzrif 1.

“Nice of you to join us Max,” I said casually. “You know me, never missed a caravan, not about to start.” I had to admit, it was a really impressive jump, but now he really smelled just awful. (#88, when you sweat before the caravan, you smell for the rest of the night) With that, Max administered a loving bear hug in hopes that some of my cologne would rub off. (#89, share and share alike) Because I love him, I allowed him to rub under my armpit, and we were on our way…

Passing Tzrif 1 fully entangled and in harmonic unison, I looked around the sea of white and was reminded why I love camp so much. (#90, I love camp so much) From Bim Bom to Shabbat Shalom to Kumbaya to One Tin Soldier, the songs emitted never-ending love as the caravan continued to grow. It seemed as though time, for a moment, was actually suspended within this tiny wooded clearing in Webster Wisconsin. (#91, scientists have concluded that the Herzl Shabbos Caravan does indeed affect the space-time continuum) Now a giant white entourage, we scooped up the last cabins, catching smiles and laughs as we approached the flag circle.

At last, it was time to unveil the flag songs which we had all worked on so vigorously for the half hour before we showered. (#92, all great flag songs are concocted in 1 hour or less) A beautiful creature emerged from the crowd, guitar in hand, harmonica in mouth. (#93, Aaron Gelperin cleans ups well) Goosebumps were stapled to my body as each group eternally solidified their camp experiences of the past week with love, music and humor. (#94, I still have all of my song sheets) (#95, Special shout out to Flip and Melanie Muscoplat, I loved when you guys would sing at camp, seriously, it made my experience, thank you)

Trying to hold back the emotion stemming from recalling Melanie’s version of the Sh’ma (#96, if you never heard this, you never really went to camp), I wrote onward…wow, does anyone have a tissue? Whew, deep breathe, ok I’m fine…(#95, sweet camp memories tend to make me ferklempted (#97, spell check had no suggestions for this word, but you get it, Yiddish, Mike Myers, etc…))

But I digress…where were we now? Ah yes, the caravan. The songs are done, the flags are down, and food awaits us all in the Chadar, where fancy dining tables are dressed to their best. The caravan now evolves from line to wave, as it rolls towards Shabbos dinner. There will be many more caravans before the night is through, some consisting of 4, 3 or as little as 2. No event at camp quite matches the mystique and allure of the caravan; let this be a lesson for all time. (#98, THE SHABBAS QUEEN, SHE LIKES IT CLEAN … and white.)

(#99, the best caravans are the ones that take place after dinner. Drunk with life from the song session, there are few feelings on earth that match being arm in arm, yad b’yad, singing about peace, unison, and love. If it were possible to capture this feeling and deliver it across the world, there would be no war).

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Chanut gets a healthy makeover? … YUM!

April 11, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Letters from Staff.

By Anne Hope

My kids think I have the most awesome job in the world.  I am a hero in their world…the Director of Herzl Camp is their mom. What could be better?

Well, I found out the other day…

We had just returned from out of town.  We were hungry and there was nothing in the house.  We walked down the block to YUM!  You know, the yummiest bakery in the upper Midwest, the freshest salads, most delicious soups, and I have never even tasted the roasted chicken dinner which is supposed to be out of this world.  For my family, dinner or lunch at YUM! is really just an excuse to eat the cupcakes, bars, cakes, cookies, and all the goodies that really give YUM! its name.

So, how does this relate to my job?  On Wednesday night as I made my daughters (ages 7 & 11) wash their hands in the back of YUM! I noticed the owner’s two teens sitting in the back room eating dinner.  Knowing them from camp, I asked if their mom always brought home the good stuff?  I was told she cooks dinner most every night, but yes, the Yummy sweets make it home quite a bit.  My daughters’ could hardly speak…they were star struck that YUM! was actually owned by a human and by a human that had children and that the goodies could be had on a daily basis.

I was feeling jealous; I always have the coolest job in the room!  Come on guys, I’m the director of Camp – don’t wish your mom owned YUM!  My job is still cool!  To that, Ruthie, my 11 year old replied, “If you hadn’t taken the candy away from chanut, I wouldn’t care that you didn’t own YUM!”

For our faithful blog readers who have not been to camp lately, I got rid of candy from chanut last summer.  Yes, it’s true:  no melty (or icy depending on your camp era) Snickers as you fall asleep at minucha.

Instead of candy, chanut choices include:  dried fruit, such as Asian Pear Crisps, Fuji Apple Crisps, Organic Chocolate chip cookies, Nut free chocolate or vanilla covered granola cluster bars, fruit leather, and organic cheese crisps.  Chanut no longer sells sugary juices but a choice of PowerAde Zero or bottled water.  This year I would like to add fresh fruit and popcorn.

I would love to hear from you, our readers… Shocking?  Good?  What are your thoughts?  Am I a bad mom and bad camp director for cleaning out the junk food from chanut or am I adding to the health and wellness of a generation in great need of better nutrition? Let me know, in the meantime, maybe YUM! can cater a special day or two in chanut this summer.

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Helping to Hire the 2010 Ozrim

February 14, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Summer Updates.

By Alex Locke

Last month I had the opportunity to be part of the “Ozo process” by conducting Ozo interviews. Wow… how times have changed. For years, there have been rumors of people being chosen because of who their parents are, how much money they donate, and what side of the river they live on. What I can tell you now… that is about as far from the truth as possible.  As a former Herzl camper, Ozo, counselor, Papa Ozo, and board member, this was my first opportunity to be part of the process and I am so glad I was.  It allowed me to see how hard Herzl works to insure its fairness, and also it gives me the chance to tell you how it works.

When Anne Hope asked me to be part of the interview process, I did not realize how times have changed. I assumed we would hear everyone out in their interview, even though the board and Anne had already decided who we would be hiring. Again… I was wrong. For those of you, like me, who were skeptical all those years… allow me to tell you how it is done.

Each candidate submits an application along with an essay, a project, and contact information for references. All of those are done in a “blind” process. Names are removed, and a number is assigned to each candidate. Then there are three different panels consisting of Herzl’s full time staff as well as current and former people in the Herzl community who evaluate and score the documents. One group scores the application, one scores the project, and yet another scores the essay. Again, there are no names in these documents, giving everyone a fair chance. References are also submitted giving a fourth score to each candidate.

The fifth and final score is the interview. This is the only part of the process that is not blind, as each person comes in to meet with the interview panel, face to face. Those who are out of town have an equally fair interview via speakerphone. There are approximately 6 categories of questions, each which have 8-10 questions related to the topic. In the interview we ask different questions from the categories, although some obviously repeat. Each answer is then scored at the end of the interview.  The scoring system makes for a fair and consistent format, so those conducting interviews cannot just score the people they “like” higher than others.

Those five scores are then entered into a master spreadsheet and the top 14 boys and the top 14 girls are selected to be that year’s Ozrim.

As always, there will be people who think that the process is somehow unfair. I am here to tell you that it is EXTREMELY fair, and Herzl has done everything they possibly can to make this process fair and even. In fact, it is so fair, that there is no pre-screening. By that I mean that EVERYONE gets an interview. Each person who applies is given an equally fair chance to prove why they are the best candidate for the job.

Because of the amazing experience Herzl Camp gives its campers year after year, everyone wants to be an Ozo. Like with any job, not everyone will be selected, but I commend Herzl for creating this process, proving all those skeptics wrong. What I also know is that the 2010 Ozrim will be an amazing group and I cannot wait to see them in action!

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You Don’t Have to Fit in to Find Your Place

February 11, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Letters from Alumni.

By Zoe Stern

Drea Lear poses with Zoe’s grandfather’s art

My grandfather had an indescribable and eclectic taste in art and decorating. There is no way to portray or express to someone who has never seen his condo rugs, sculptures, portraits, paintings, glass pieces and more covering every inch of floor, wall and counter space.

My grandfather passed away three weeks ago. After the second night of Shiva Anne Hope and I were sitting in his kitchen chatting when she suddenly looked up at a large, wooden three-dimensional piece of artwork covered in brightly painted fruit and said “I have to have that, Herzl has to have that.” (Lesson learned—never say you love a piece of art in a dead man’s home, for it will soon become yours).

In that moment I laughed at Anne for wanting what I perceived to be such an odd, ugly and awkward piece. I believe that Anne also thought it was an odd piece, and that was exactly why she wanted it. Anne wanted this art because she knew it would fit in at camp, because she knew camp had nothing like it, and because at camp, it would be loved like it wasn’t going to be loved again.

That’s the thing about camp, you don’t have to fit in to find your place.  You can be the first of your kind, nothing like you has to have been there before for you to belong, and because at camp, things are loved that aren’t able to be loved anywhere else.  Shabbat Shalom!

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Alumni Camp Flag Song

August 28, 2009 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Letters from Alumni.

By Danny Soshnik

To the tune of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel

Harry & Rose Rosenthal, they’re the ones to start it all,
Herzl camp at White Bear Lake, livin’ Theo’s dream.
Then the move to Devil’s Lake, cabins covered in orange paint,
60 years of history, about which we’ll sing.

Dylan Bob, Maba, Bikkurim, Bruce Golob,
Roof Ball, The new Beit Chai, Rosemary will never die.
Chartreuse Buzzards, Kuntzing, Schwartzy stacked his World League Team,
Bryan Greenberg, Golda Meir, Peanut butter on Eskimo Pies

CHORUS:
Living the dream with Theo,
We are always yearning, hoping we’re returning.
Living the dream with Theo,
It’s been such a pleasure, memories we treasure.

Kadimahniks, N’divim, Bogrim and K’shishim
Brandon’s kitchen, Swimmers itching, turning back the clocks.
Schmutz Busters, Chanut, Puddle Jumping, Forkman
Drive In, Bakfar, Pooping in South Haks.

Mercaz, Ner Howie, Deavers passing LGT,
Butt Olympics, Airport Van, Klugman’s Forty, Caravan
Bakfar, Anouncements, Drama Games, Buddy Checks,
12 Gates, Ozo Plays, Heavy dew it never rains.

CHORUS:
Living the dream with Theo,
We are always yearning, hoping we’re returning.
Living the dream with Theo,
It’s been such a pleasure, memories we treasure.

Swim the Lake, Rick Recht, Shower buckets, Teva Trek
Anne Hope, Starry nights, Don’t forget your Shabbos Whites
Hack n Sack, Kundra, Who took down the tetherball?
Avodah, Shabbas Queen, Speed letters we always read

Chugim Follies, Flip Frisch, Intersession, Ultimate
Bikkurim, Staff Mo, CSRs are no-nos
Ga Ga, Ha’Atid, Overnights, and T’Filim
Barry Golob, Ozo Zoe, Steve Mintz plays the bongo.

CHORUS:
Living the dream with Theo,
We are always yearning, hoping we’re returning
Living the dream with Theo,
It’s been such a pleasure, memories we treasure.

Rate a Room, Tzrif Time, Tasters in the Beit Tarbut,
Aaron, Gelprin’s, Cheese Song is amazing.
Grilled cheese and tomato soup, Courtesy flush when you poop,
Shabbat, Sichot, I’m going to that one.

Schmear Snacks, Buddy Tags, Torans use the dirty rags,
Visitor’s Day, Oy Vey, Ozos still do not get paid.

CHORUS:
Living the dream with Theo,
We are always yearning, hoping we’re returning
Living the dream with Theo,
It’s been such a pleasure, memories we treasure.

Alumni Camp, Herzl camp, good to be back again,
Been too long, We’re 50 strong, Reliving, Theo’s Dream
Old friends, new friends, dressed in white, reminiscing funny times
Walking through the Caravan, Singing laughing hand in hand.

Shabbat Shalom, Herzl Style, Matzo Balls, Candle light
Singing songs, B’yachad, swaying, Yad B’Yad
Lots of good times are in store, Only two days, wished for more
Us and Theo, what a team, If you will it it is no dream.

CHORUS:
Living the dream with Theo,
But when we are gone, Theo’s dream lives on, and on, and on, and on…

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There’s no need to move on

July 17, 2009 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Letters from Alumni.

By Jason Shapiro

Like everyone else that is reading this, Herzl Camp is a very special place for me.  I have always said this and held it true, but it took me leaving to really feel it.

During the summer of 2007, I believed I had reached my pinnacle Herzl career moment … I was a Program Director.  So when the summer ended, I knew my time at Herzl was happily finished.  I thought it would be easy to put it behind me and move on to different things, after all, we all have to move on eventually right?  So when the summer of 2008 came to be, I was all ready to spend a summer in Madison and enjoy the nice weather, the company of good friends, Lake Mendota, Spotted Cow, the Kollege Klub, the Union Terrace…

So there I was, sitting at work, calling Wisconsin alumni, asking them for money.  And I started thinking about what was going on at Herzl.  I kept trying to remind myself how much fun I was having, but Herzl continued to stay in my thoughts.  Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and put a call into the office, begging them to let me visit for a weekend.  Sure enough I was there for the next Shabbas.  As the weekend went on I began to get into “camp mode” and I knew I wasn’t ready to move on after all.  My body was filled with shtick and ruach, and my mind was racing with schemes for how I could stay in Webster.  Maybe I had the jedi mind trick, maybe I looked desperate, but my wish came true and the Director, Anne Hope, privately informed me that there was an open Madrich position for Tzofim – and I could have it if I wanted it.

Without a thought or hesitation I said I would fill the position and the deal was done.  I called my boss the next morning and explained I wouldn’t be coming back for a month (and thankfully I was not fired).  I felt so lucky and happy that I was able to return to camp last summer, and going back to being a Madrich after being a PD really put things into perspective for me.  Now it’s a year later, and here I am back at camp once again, this time directing an amazing 2009 Kadimah session.  Is there really a time to “move on” from Herzl?  Why do we always think the best years of our life have to have an expiration date?  I am so grateful to still be up at camp in 2009, and if you ever thought that your “move on” was premature as well, don’t let that regret haunt you.  Herzl has provided an incredible opportunity for all campers and staff from all years to return and relive their best memories at the 2009 Alumni Camp.  I will never regret my choice to return to camp and relive Herzl again, and I hope you don’t either.  Shabbat Shalom!

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