Hello Canadensis…
I hope this latest blog finds our Camp Canadensis family in the thankful spirit with Thanksgiving upon us. For many, this Thanksgiving is a two-holiday-in-one occasion as it also marks the first night of Chanukah. I’ve had heard many people starting to refer to this event as Happy Thanksgivukah, which apparently combines the celebration of the first harvest for settlers in the New World with that of the celebration of lights. So, I guess it is time to bust out your turkey menorahs and dreidels…
In all seriousness, I hope that everyone takes some time over the next few days and reflect on how thankful we are for those that we have around us, whether it be your family, friends or camp family. This time, last year, it seems like we all knew someone that was affected by the work of Hurricane Sandy. With that, it was our ability to be there for others that got many through this trying time. A year later, so many are still so very thankful for the support they received. So, this Thanksgiving, I hope that everyone will spend some time reflecting a bit and truly give thanks to those around them. For me personally, I have a lot to be thankful this past year; the biggest being the marriage to my beautiful wife Jaime. I am thankful that she has made me a better person and in turn has allowed me to see what the best things in life truly are.
A few weeks ago, Jaime and I were finally able to “complete” our wedding rituals by taking our long awaited honeymoon since being married in May. We had two glorious weeks in Hawaii on the islands of Oahu, Kauai and Maui. And, I must say, it was truly paradise. During our stay, we saw Pearl Harbor, went on several catamarans and did some snorkeling, flew in a helicopter, went hiking, took a motorboat raft up the coast, drove the Road to Hana, relaxed on several beaches and ate a lot of really great food (some of the freshest fish I have ever had). After our trip, I came up with the idea that we need to open up Camp Canadensis Pacific in the winter time. What do you think? Canadensis, PA in the summer and Kauai, Hawaii in the winter? Here are a few pictures from our honeymoon vacation…
Me and Jaime in Maui stop off on the Road to Hana to cool off in a waterfall-fed spring.
A waterfall from the view of our helicopter. Just magnificent!
One day in Kauai, I think we saw about nine or ten rainbows like this one.
Jaime and I hiking on the Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon in Kauai.
Jaime and I explore sea caves in Maui.
The future site of Camp Canadensis Pacific? Anyone interested in enrolling? Ha Ha!
Upon our return from Hawaii, it was great to get right back into the mix of camp life as we hosted five our our Canteen on the Fly events over the course of two weeks. In all, it was great to see the turnout from campers and staff and to catch up with everyone and see what they were up to since camp ended. T-Shirts were once again the give away item for this event and the campers that came had a blast coloring them in. Special shout outs for some of our amazing staff that took time out of their busy schedules to attend, including Melissa Torban, Shari Tavroff, Heather Fisher, Robin Forti, Steph Vorcheimer, Pete Tarnoff, Sam Ginsburg, Matt Manglona, Will Wekesa, Dann Restrepo, Brooke O’Donnell and Michael Klein. When our staff attends these events, you make it even more special! And, thank you to all of the parents that took time to drive their campers to come and see us. Special recognition goes out to former camper and now mom Laura Giobbio (maiden name, Willensky), who drove her kids Luca and Stella to both the Westchester and Northern New Jersey events in the same day! Awesome job, Laura! Pictures of the Canteen on the Fly Events can be found on our Facebook page by clicking here. After eating so much ice cream, frozen yogurt and ices at each of these locations, I must say that my favorite goes to Swede’s in Livingston, NJ for their salted caramel pretzel flavor. Good stuff!
Last week, it was really exciting to be down in the Plymouth Meeting office with the team to wrap and box all of the Canadensis Cares Mystery Boxes. We were really happy with how this came out and hope that all that ordered the box can’t wait to see what is in it. There are some really cool, one-of-a-kind Canadensis items in there that we know you will think are pretty awesome! Let us know what you think of them when you get them. In the end, this venture helped raise over $2000 for the Canadensis Cares program. That is the really awesome part when you think of it! Special thanks goes to Assistant Director Pam Levi, who thought of this terrific idea.
What lies under the blue and gold tissue paper in the Mystery Box?!
I’ve been able to see some of our campers over the past few weeks as well. In Bala Cynwyd, PA, I met up with the Rosenaus for our annual get-together. It is hard to believe that Julia will be coming back to camp for her CIT summer and 8th year. Her sister, Emma, will be back for her 5th summer to get her honor jacket as part of our Lower Senior division. Finally, youngest brother AJ will be an Upper Junior for his 2nd summer. For several hours, we laughed about camp experienced while everyone told me what they are looking forward to next year, in addition to all of the activities they have been doing since they left camp in August. Now in 3rd grade, AJ has been busy with his travel soccer team called the Swarm. He plays left midfield and left defense and he told me that their team won both the Columbus Day and Thanksgiving tournaments. Pretty soon, he will begin the Penn Valley basketball league. He also takes piano lessons. AJ wanted to give a shout out to the boys of 2013 Bunk 3. Emma, currently in 7th grade, has been busy attending many bat mitzvahs of home and camp friends. Her own big day is coming up in January and it will no doubt be an amazing affair. Emma is also active, playing for her school’s teams in basketball, field hockey and softball. She wanted to say hello to all of the girls in Summer 2013 Bunk 15. Julia is now in her sophomore year of high school. In a few weeks, she will be going to Israel as part of her confirmation class’s trip. She will be playing varsity softball this year as well. Julia also volunteers at a center for autism. Julia just cannot wait for her CIT summer to arrive and wanted to tell the other 2014 CITs to get excited for an amazing summer! Here is a pic…
Me with AJ Rosenau (Upper Junior), Julia Rosenau (CIT) and Emma Rosenau (Lower Senior).
In River Vale, NJ, I got to hang out with Alex Rothenberg, who is currently in 3rd grade and will be an Upper Junior in his first summer at Canadensis. Alex likes to play catcher in baseball and will be trying out for a Spring team in addition to playing for his town team. In the Fall and Winter, he is busy playing on a basketball team. On top of that, he also plays center on a flag football team. Alex is also really good at computers and is a master robot builder. I saw some of his work and it is really cool. Alex is a big fan of the New York Giants, too. This summer when he comes to camp, Alex is really excited for the quads and all of the activities at the lake. He cannot wait to try waterskiing. Alex’s sister Gaby will be a future Canadensis camper one day. She enjoys baskeball, singing, fashion design and American Girl. Here is a picture…
Me with Upper Junior Alex Rothenberg and future camper Gaby Rothenberg.
I always love to get e-mails with bunk reunion and get-together photos attached to them. A few weeks ago, my inbox had several great pictures that I wanted to post.
In late October, Andy Rhodes hosted a sleepover for the boys of 2013 Bunk 4 at his house. From all reports, the boys stayed up really late and had a blast hanging out with each other since they hadn’t been together since mid-August. Here is a picture…
Is that a chocolate fondue fountain? The Boys of Bunk 4 from Summer 2013 get ready to attack it! Pictured here are Damian Stellings, Brett Wolin, Andy Rhodes, Max Selver, Logan Robinson, Jason Waldman, Justin Nikpour, Jack Cohen, Landon Kratchman and Jesse Shogan. Noah Kaller was not able to attend.
Summer 2013 Girls Bunk 6 met up in New York City on Sunday, November 17, where they all went to Serafina for lunch. Then, they headed over to Make Meaning, where the girls made candles. Finally, they capped off their day with dessert at Sugar and Plum. Here are few pictures…
Girls Bunk 6 at lunch. Pictured are Sierra Zaccagnino, Alexis Lefkowitz, Hannah Samuels, Lily Solomon, Lizzy Knox, Anna Reisner, Jordyn Rutman, Alexandra Pollak, Ilana Lefkowitz and Jordana Binday. Kaylee Uzbay was unable to attend.
Girls Bunk 6 takes over the streets of New York City!
Girls Bunk 9 from Summer 2013 also made their way into New York City for a sleepover hosted by Michelle Garten. Here is a photo from that get-together…
The Girls of Bunk 9 hanging out in the city. From left to right: Morgan Taylor, Ally Glassman, Michelle Garten, Jordyn Weinstein, Amanda Janko, Lauren Marino and Jessica Janko. Sophia Sitnick was also at the sleep over but is not pictured.
Finally, something cool to end the blog with. A few weeks ago, Harlem Globetrotter Thunder Law set the Guiness Book of World’s Records by recording the longest basketball shot…109 feet, 9 inches. Check it out by clicking the following link…
Well, that’s all of the blogging for now. More to come! Have a great day! And, Happy Thanksgivukah!
-Brian
