Venerable Oregon Coast D Lake B'nai B'rith Camp greets families
By Kaplan Tuttlebaum
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B'nai B'rith Camp Director Michelle Koplan greeted a diverse mix of camper families May 5-7 at the Devil's Lake camp near Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast. Families came from all across Oregon and Washington to enjoy a vacation together in the safe atmosphere of summer camp.
"There aren't many opportunities for worried Jewish mothers like me to relax and let the kids roam so freely," said Janna Mock-Lopez of Beaverton. "It's wonderful to be here with the family and not to feel like I have to worry about where my daughter is, or what she's doing."
While the summer camp experience is built around youthful activities such as storytelling and puppet shows, parents could enjoy subtle perks such as a Starbuck's coffee or a late night movie.
The traditional B.B. Camp amenities were available to all. Devil's Lake provides a great opportunity for canoe and paddleboat trips.
There is also a heated pool, a gym and a game room for those who need a reprieve from the elements. Some of the more popular activities are the ropes course and the traditional arts and crafts activities.
Saturday's Shabbat service demonstrated more creativity as the Torah reading was replaced by a skit performed by the counselors. And later that evening, the Havdallah services were followed by a summer camp staple, the bonfire. As campers tried for that perfectly roasted marshmallow and sang old favorites, many parents were left reminiscing about their own memories of Jewish summer camp.
B.B. Camp has many events scheduled this summer and into fall. For more information contact Koplan at 503-244-0111 or look at the Web site, www.bbcamp.org.