What’s New At Camp Mesorah

Camp Mesorah, located on 400 acres of magnificent woodlands in New York’s Chenango County, announced recently the installation of two brand-new pools. The pools will be heated and lit for night swimming. One will be located on the girls’ campus and one on the boys’ campus. These pools will be used for swimming while the beautiful two-mile-long spring-fed lake will offer an array of waterfront activities for boating, water skiing, and tubing. Shlomo Brazil, the camp’s director, was excited to announce the news, calling it “the most significant investment we have made in the camp since we built our Mesorah Dome,” adding that “it shows our commitment to the camp’s future.”

There will also be four new air-conditioned bunks, two on the boys’ campus and two on the girls’ campus. Mr. Brazil also announced some major staffing changes. Rabbi Ari Katz, who serves as assistant principal at the Yeshiva of Central Queens, will be the new assistant camp director and program director. This is not Ari’s first summer in Mesorah. He has previously served as a division head on the boys’ campus. He has also just completed a stint as boys’ head counselor at Camp Avnet on Long Island. Deena Katz, Ari’s wife, will serve as assistant program director.

Rabbi Josh Spodek has been named boys’ head counselor. During the year Rabbi Spodek serves as program and alumni director at the Weinbaum Yeshiva High School of Boca Raton, Florida. Camp Mesorah has always had a deep love and commitment for Eretz Yisrael, and Rabbi Spodek’s appointment is yet another testament to that commitment. Rabbi Spodek received his ordination from Israel’s Yeshivat Shaalavim’s Shaal Institute for Rabbinic and Educational Leadership. Rabbi Spodek’s wife, Tova, will join the arts-and-crafts department.

Ushie Selevan has been tapped as head sports director for the boys. Many in Bergen County know Ushie as a popular baseball and basketball coach. Ushie replaces Rabbi Avi Haar, who will now run the waiter/learning program. Ushie comes to Mesorah from being head of sports at IBA.

Camp Mesorah, entering its 19th year, has been a pioneer in creating new and innovative programs such as The Mesorah Experience and the two-day visitation program, targeted for first time campers. This summer Mesorah will add Mini Mesorah, a two-week experience for fourth and fifth graders who don’t feel they can handle a full month away from home.

Camp Mesorah is committed to providing a Modern Orthodox camping experience. Its centrally located and active kollel (led by Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Meir Goldwicht), waiter learning program (led by Rambam Yeshiva’s Rabbi Avi Haar), and advanced learning program (led by Rabbi Shalom Rosner of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok of Woodmere) are but a few examples of this commitment.

Camp Mesorah has a well-established reputation and a commitment to bringing together dedicated rebbeim, camping professionals, educators, athletes, and counselors who will act as role models. These role models will forge a team that will treasure Mesorah and therefore make Mesorah a treasure.

For more information, contact Camp Mesorah at 403 Golf Drive, Oceanside, NY 11572; phone 516-536-9152; or e-mail office@campmesorah.com.

By 5TJT Staff - Published on 13/12/2007