Sign up now for BB's family camp

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2010-03-02T00:00:00

Once a year entire families can experience the joys of overnight camp at B’nai B’rith Camp’s Family Camp; sign up now for Friday, April 30, through Sunday, May 2. Lots of camps offer sessions for a parent and his or her children.

Families with children of all ages are eligible for Family Camp, which is in its ninth year and open to 30 families.

At Family Camp, each member of the family becomes a camper. Many parents get to rehash their childhood camping memories, while their children make them for the first time. Some kids recognize their increasing independence, if not readiness for BB Camp’s one- or three-week overnight sessions.

“Both Doug and I grew up going to Camp, and we wanted our kids to get a taste of it as soon as possible,” said Amy Blauer, talking about children, Lucy, 5, and Sam 7. “They loved being there,” she said of last year’s Family Camp, adding, “I loved that my son could walk up to the dining hall on his own or with a pal.”

And, while the two little ones were tentative at first, Blauer continued, “By the second day they were gathering kids to organize a talent show act and rounding up players for the softball game.”

Kim Palumbis, whose guitar tagged along with her husband and two daughters so she could lead Shabbat services and other singalong sessions throughout the weekend, emphasized Family Camp has everything for every type of family and every member of the family.

Palumbis, whose family is interfaith, said, “The weekend was a relaxed and respectful place for everyone involved.”

“We created connections with new and established friends and in so doing made lasting memories for our own family,” Palumbis said of husband, Jason, and daughters, Sophia, 8, and Sarah, 6, all of whom went on canoe rides, participated in the ropes course, swam, made crafts, performed in the talent show and noshed s’mores by the campfire.

“BB Camp is a special place for many, many generations of families, and our Family Camp weekend is a great way to create a new family tradition,” said Executive Director Michelle Koplan.

Family Camp is well-structured, with its set schedule of many activity choices—group meals, arts and crafts, canoeing and paddle boating, a walk to the cove, dodge ball and more—and down time.

Adults have the chance to hang out together when kids spread their wings with activities with trained counselors.

For more information or to register, visit www.bbcamp.org, call 503-452-3443 or email rrothstein@bbcamp.org.