Reflections on our 50th summer:

In a few short days Eisner’s 50th year will draw to a close. And what a year it has been (despite a very rainy season).

As I look back on the summer, I thought I would share highlights beyond just the 50th celebration.

* First, camp is full. We are serving more children from more congregations than ever before. Quite amazing really given the economy. Many of these children are the offsprings of alumni which is a real kick. My daughter was in a bunk this year with Matt and Sharon Cutler’s daughter, I got to hang out with Yonni Limmer’s son, I made friends with Zellick Jackson’s two children. I mean seriously how cool is that?
* Last week was Mitzvah Mania – Olim planned a blood drive for staff. Now I don’t know if there was ever a blood drive here before. It is the first time in my memory that we have done one at camp. 54 pints of blood donated by staff and some of our friends from Great Barrington. This was just one of the tikkun olam projects we undertook this summer to help the local community. Campers also donated their unwanted books and videos and camp sent them along to different community groups; volunteered in a soup kitchen; and visited the sick in an elder care facility.
* July 4th carnival – now mind you I was a second session kid so I never had a 4th of July at camp. What a rockin time. And if you don’t believe me, ask Jeff Bank’s daughter who came for the experience. I think my favorite part was the dunking booth. You know the kind where people fire a ball at a target and if it hits, someone gets knocked in. Well, I cheated and dunked one of the unit heads by running up and just hitting the bulls’ eye.
* Banquet first session I got to see my daughter in her glory, dressed quite beautifully with her date. Okay so I hovered and waited at their table. I couldn’t help but think of banquet’s in the old dining room. (and how nervous I was when I asked Kim Locke – hey has anyone seen Kim Locke?). the theme was Broadway which set the decoration. But people for the most part come dressed in creative crazy outfits. I would tell you the theme for Saturday’s affair but I would have to… you know. Siroka (aka rain man) what were the themes when we were campers I don’t recall?

So finally as I write this let me share with you Maccabiah ‘08 – the apache relay is going on although it is now called Merutz M’Shugah. Yesterday was trivia bowl and I have reached a new camp pinnacle. You remember the phrase for your bar mitzvah, today I am a fountain pen. Well today I am a trivia bowl answer. Yes ladies and gentleman it is true (how cool). If anyone ever asks you, who was the Olim assistant Unit Head who lead the first Montreal trip – it was yours truly!

Thank you all for being a part of this 50th summer. Please keep reading the blog as we will continue to post alumni and Eisner camp related topics.

להתראות

PS – Wishing much Mazal Tov on their pending nuptials to:

Jen Shankman

Ali Shulman and Matt Stamm

Cindi Tepper