Merging Legacy with Innovation: Harlam's Evolution

MERGING LEGACY WITH INNOVATION

A LOOK AT CAMP HARLAM’S EVOLUTION

2023

INTRODUCTION

Rooted in a storied history, tradition, and reputation as one of the finest Jewish residential camps in North America, Camp Harlam continues to evolvechanging as the world around us does. Always, we change mindfully and with intention, honoring more than 65 years of Reform Jewish living and learning. Harlam has created a community of campers, staff, alumni, and partners that extends far beyond any particular summer. At Harlam, we actively listen to our community, learn from experts, grow where appropriate, and lead within the Jewish camping field. We are proud of the commitment we have made to aim higher, challenge ourselves, and grow in ways that ensure success and a secure future.

With this report, we outline the ways in which Harlam has evolved through the years, beginning in 2011. Changes are identified within the following categories:

We share this growth with you to highlight our ongoing efforts to merge legacy with innovation, and to invite you along on this journey. We look forward to continued partnership, evolution, and growth as we impact the lives of thousands of Jewish youth, adults and families.

2011

Category Change Implemented

Communications Branding Process

Facilities Automated Security Gates

Facilities Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall) Salad Bars & Tables

Fund Development “A Culture of Giving”

Fund Development Merfish Family Fund for Jewish Life

Description

Review and update logo and create preliminary brand standards for use in marketing and communications.

Install fully remote-controlled gates at Main and Maintenance entrances.

Add four salad bars for lunch/dinner daily and begin replacing tables for more efficient use of space.

Establish fundraising plans, recruit volunteer leaders, hire professionals, and launch first stage of outreach.

Announce fund to support the Jewish Life program at camp, with initial commitment of $100,000.

Leadership Development Harlam Council

Begin renewed partnership between Professional Staff (Pro Staff) and lay leaders to restructure and guide the Council and membership.

Leadership Development Mitch Perlmeter Leadership Award

Professional Development Policies & Procedures

Launch annual award for Gesher (CIT) participant to recognize exceptional young leaders.

Introduce Daily Camper Reports, staff sign-in, days off system, policy enforcement, and other professional development changes.

Category Change Implemented

Community Partnerships Shared Jobs

Facilities Emergency Call Box System

Description

Explore and initiate new shared staff positions with Temple Beth Ami (MD), Indiana University Hillel, and others.

Install eight emergency/security and Pro Staff response boxes utilizing two-way radios in camp for use in crises.

Facilities Assessment & Master Planning

Facilities

Girls Camp Septic System & Utility Replacement

Facilities Hilton Welcome Center

Begin one-year process of research, needs analysis, and long-term planning with Domokur Architects (report completed in 2012 with $23M of need).

Replace water/wastewater system, new utility access, and landscaping.

Renovate Hilton common room as Welcome Center for all visitors and prospective families.

Facilities Lake Improvements Install aeration system, large lake toys, shade structure, and new entrance.

Facilities Office Improvements

Renovate office space for all Pro Staff, Camper Care, and work areas for Supervisors.

Facilities High Challenge Ropes Course

Build eight elements and 500-foot zip line built into trees (for all ages).

Facilities Camp Signage

Produce and install new signage for camp facility including entrance, gates, buildings, parking, and donors (continued in subsequent years).

Facilities “Big Top” & “Little Top” Tents

Install 8,000 square feet of covered space at two locations in camp.

Category

Facilities

Change

Implemented

Teva (Nature) Campsite Renovation

Fund Development Mitch Perlmeter Scholarship Fund

Description

Install new fire circle and equipment storage.

Leadership Development Alumni Relations

Professional Development Staff Development & Training

Professional Development Leadership & Supervision

Launch named fund in honor of Mitch Perlmeter (z”l), encompassing all primary scholarship gifts (exceeds $300,000 by 2016).

Transition Camp Harlam Alumni International (CHAI) from stand-alone entity to a vital part of camp operation.

Implement year-round commitment through hiring, training, and supervision for continued education and skill-building.

Restructure camp leadership to include a “Leadership Team,” comprised of Pro Staff, Supervisors, and Assistant Supervisors.

Professional Development Camper Care Team

Expand support services for campers, staff, and families (includes year-round Camper Care Manager and social workers, psychologists, and educators).

Program CIT Name Change

Program

Jewish Teen Funders Network Philanthropy Program

Program Mirpa’ah (Health Center) New Protocols

Change name of CIT program from Hebrew word Machon (Institute) to Gesher (Bridge).

Implement youth philanthropy curriculum with Chavurah campers funded through JTFN grant (run in 2012 and 2013).

Launch full-summer Health Center Supervisor position (which now is called Head Nurse), move to pediatric physicians on-site, and revise treatment planning (including for head trauma).

Program Year-Round Camp Gatherings

Launch annual Winter Reunion for all ages, Tikkun O-Camp (service) event at camp, Shabbat Across America: Harlam-Style, and others.

2013

Category

Change Implemented

Communications External

Description

Institute new external communication vehicles utilizing blogs, video, Facebook, Twitter, and hiring three photographers.

Community Partnerships Israeli YearRound Shaliach

Facilities GaGa Courts Replacement

Facilities Girls Camp Cabins

Facilities Irwin Field Renovation

Facilities Kanofsky Fire Pit

Become first URJ camp with shared year-round Israeli staff position (with Temple Beth Ami, Rockville, MD).

Build two new courts with playground (cushion) surface, roofs and ADA access.

Build three fully renovated cabins with decks, expanded facilities, and ADA access.

Build new infield, outfield fencing, pitcher’s mound, backstop, and install equipment.

Build fire pit at Misrad field for use by campers and staff.

Facilities K’far Noar Outdoor Showers

Program

Jewish Life “Good to Great” Process

Program Activity Development

Add four showers for girls in village.

Revise educational structure from “Shiur” to integrated model.

Expand quantity and quality of daily programs, including enhanced athletics, rafting trips, garden, woodshop, and yoga.

Program “Open & Safe Community” Initiative

Begin efforts aimed at sensitizing the community to the unique differences between each other, including educational and community supports to assure that every individual at camp feels safe.

2014

Category Change

Implemented

Description

Communications

New Camp Map Design

Commission artist’s (Lynne Clibanoff) design of camp map to be used in all platforms.

Community Partnerships

Shared Professional Position Pilot & Expansion

Facilities Girls Camp Cabins

Implement first year of shared year-round position (with Indiana University Hillel), which ultimately grows to include as many as 9 yearround staff at Harlam and partner organizations. Harlam’s model ultimately becomes funded to expand throughout URJ camping system.

Build three additional fully renovated cabins with improvements.

Facilities Staff Residential Cabins Renovation

Make improvements to the Girls Camp and Boys Camp staff cabins to provide better accommodations for male/female counselors and assistant supervisors.

Fund Development James & Linda Wimmer Scholarship Fund

Operations

CampMinder

Online for Management/ Enrollment/ CampInTouch

Program

First Summer Harlam Day Camp

Establish fund to support the growth of financial assistance reserves to supplement annual contributions to families at Camp Harlam and Harlam Day Camp.

Transition to industry-best system that allows for more seamless enrollment and communication between camp and its community.

Launch inaugural season of the first-ever community URJ day camp, located on the campus of Jack M. Barack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr, PA. Over 100 campers attend. HDC ultimately runs through the summer of 2017.

2015

Category

Change Implemented

Facilities Girls Camp Cabins

Facilities Lake Beach Project

Facilities Kitchen & Dining Area

Description

Build one additional fully renovated cabin with improvements.

Create beach area at Lake Joshua with $35,000 grant from Gottesman Foundation.

Upgrade the Chadar Ochel with 50 new cafeteria-style tables, a new primary service area (complete with specialty foods area), and additional upgrades in various equipment.

Professional Development RUACH Team/ Training Inclusion Efforts

Select 20 staff to work with Camper Care to gain awareness and skills in working with various challenges in the cabins. This included certification training in a Youth Mental Health First Aid program.

Professional Development NFTY Partnership Programs

Professional Development Nachshon Fellowship

Professional Development Family Groups

Facilitate and co-brand programs for local (Southeastern PA) URJ youth professionals, featuring Rabbi Jonah Pesner (youth), Rabbi Rex Perlmeter (mindfulness), Scott Hertz & Paige Ehrlich (social media), Aaron Selkow (leadership) and Lisa Friedman (inclusion).

Participate in new program for one summer camp leader that affords Israel educational experience, graduate school stipend, and continued support for tenure at camp.

Implement weekly Saturday meetings of counselors in small groups with a facilitator in order to share experiences, feedback, and support throughout the summer.

Program Inclusion Efforts

Add year-round Inclusion Coordinator position as part of our continued “Open & Safe” and Camper Care efforts. Partially funded and fully supported by the Foundation for Jewish Camp and a grant from the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Category Change

Implemented

Program

Jewish Life Siddur (Prayer Sheet) Creation Process

Program Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gift

Description

Begin one-year process of creating a new Harlam-specific prayer book, with support from stakeholders and the Merfish Family Fund for Jewish Life.

Send a gift from camp (Harlam challah cover) to all b’nei mitzvah campers of-age from prior year to be presented by their URJ congregation.

Program Family Camp

Category Change Implemented

Facilities

Girls Camp Cabins

Facilities “Marika’s Place”

Implement first post-camp family camp weekend for current families, prospective families, and alumni on-site.

Description

Build two additional fully renovated cabins with improvements.

Implement first stage of construction on a central gathering space beside the Chadar Ochel, including patio, gas fire pit, signage, trees, and landscaping, dedicated in honor of Marika Winheld (z”l).

Fund Development Pop-Up eStore

Beta test first online apparel store for camp, lowering prices for customers, improving quality control, eliminating risk and inventory for camp, resulting in $4,000 in a single twoweek sales window.

Operations Food Service Re-Vamp

Partner with John Turenne of Sustainable Food Systems for complete overhaul of camp food services that includes serving only fresh foods, menu expansion, operations, new staffing structure, enhancement of existing specialty foods (allergies, dietary restrictions), and more.

2016

Category Change Implemented Description

Professional Development Independent Study & Camp Visits

Professional Development Position Expansion

Professional Development Daniel Shore & Staff Engagement Supervisor

Continue efforts tested in summer 2015, including: Leadership Team members work oneon-one with a member of the Pro Staff for their own growth; and Leadership Team goes on two multi-camp visit days throughout the summer to provide opportunities to see more of the potential and diversity of the field and enhance their understanding of where Harlam can grow.

Increase shared positions between camp and other organizations (including URJ congregations and Jewish Federation) to include – as of September 2016 – 9 professionals.

Partner and consult with PhD candidate, Daniel Shore, to focus on staff engagement and workplace morale. This leads to the hiring of first Harlam Staff Engagement Supervisor, Evan Pavloff.

Program Inclusion Legacy Heritage Grant

Program Inclusion Chill Zone

Program Rookie Day

Program Fun.

Participate as one of two URJ camps to be invited into match program with over $200,000 in support of special needs program, scholarship and capital improvement.

Construct and open first-ever multi-sensory space for campers in inclusion cohort on-site.

Launch full-day on-site program for young precampers (usually limited to 25 children).

Introduce “Fun.” (Fun, Period) to allow staff to lead activities not normally offered to campers 6x per session. Make improvements to trips, Maccabiah, and other programming schedules and options.

2017

Category Change

Implemented

Community Partnerships

Congregational Outreach Pilot

Description

Test new strategies for youth engagement and partnership with 7 URJ congregations in Harlam region, in conjunction with URJ Youth program staff (NFTY, 6 Points, Kutz, Mitzvah Corps, NFTY in Israel).

Facilities Girls Camp Cabins

Build one additional fully renovated cabin with improvements.

Facilities “Fendrick Commons”

Launch second stage of construction on central gathering space beside Chadar Ochel to take Marika’s Place (which is incorporated into expansion) to 2,000 square-foot multi-use area with fire pit, seating, concrete patio, signage, lighting, trees and landscaping, and other assets dedicated in honor of Alan Fendrick (z”l).

Facilities

Gender-Neutral Bathrooms

Facilities

Bayit & Lodge Renovations

Install four new private bathroom spaces on site, bringing total in 2017 to five: two installed in Beit (Rec Hall), and two installed in Chavurah (teen village) replete with showers.

Make interior and exterior improvements to Bayit (Gesher/CIT residential building) and Lodge (Carmel Girls camper residence), including bathrooms, decking, and painting.

Facilities “Jyl’s Office”

Fund Development Harlam@60

Build community gathering platform with seating under shade at Girls Camp in honor of alum, Jyl Skolnick (z”l).

Launch 18-month celebration of Camp Harlam’s 60th anniversary, including volunteer committee of over 50 alumni/friends, 12 events and projects, 1958 Club fundraising of $1M, and investment of alumni and donor engagement.

2017

Category

Change Implemented

Professional Development

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Expansion

Professional Development Leadership Transitions

Description

Utilize 8-hour certification training for RUACH program staff, expanding to include all counselors at Camp Harlam. Future work will include use of certified Harlam instructors to support/lead training with community partners.

Aaron Selkow transitions from Director to Executive Director, and Lisa David transitions from Associate Director to be Harlam’s sixth Camp Director.

Program

Inclusion of Transgender Campers

Continue work to provide accommodations for campers with non-conforming gender identities to be enrolled and successful at Camp Harlam and Harlam Day Camp (including facility renovations, staff training, education, and communication).

2018

Category Change

Implemented

Description

Facilities

Public Address System

Replace outdated equipment with new wireless camp-wide system.

Facilities Arie Gluck Chapel in the Woods

Facilities

New Community Platforms

Facilities Chavurah Firepit Area

Facilities Holly’s Sports Hut (Machsan)

Fully renovate sanctuary used for Saturday Torah service, including replace and expand seating, new bima, improve ritual objects, create art, and install landscape into woods to reclaim privacy, dedicated to longtime director, Arie Gluck (z”l).

Add two new community gathering decks, one in K’far Noar and another in Boys Camp.

Construct large firepit with customized “Chapel” fire ring and bench seating for 75 people.

Replace sports equipment storage building (Machsan) with new structure in honor of Holly Smukler Walter (z”l).

Facilities Rozenberg Welcome Center & Harlam Gallery

Complete full renovation of Welcome Center/ Hilton building, including facelift to all residential rooms, replace windows, add awning, repaint and add ADA-accessible entrance to Welcome Center, install extensive Gallery in Welcome Center, dedicated in honor of camp founders and leaders, Rabbi Martin and Estelle Rozenberg.

Facilities & Program Bubbio’s Teaching Kitchen

Leadership Development Council Task Force Sessions in 2020

Create large commercial teaching kitchen in Mercaz building to be used for daily and special cooking activities.

Establish task force to consider summer session structures (with potential for changes in 2020).

Leadership Development Council Task Force - Open & Safe Areas

Establish task force to address important LGBTQIA+ issues, the addition of a Pride flag at camp, interfaith families, creation of first camp GSA (Gay Straight Alliance), and support for additional resources and accommodations for transgender campers at camp.

Category

Change Implemented

Professional Development Staff Engagement

Description

Continue work with staffing and research expert, Daniel Shore, on strategies to assess engagement impact and opportunities for growth (after third year of Staff Engagement Supervisor position).

Professional Development Unit Operations Position

Professional Development Dining Hall Manager Position

Establish new adult staff role to support key functions in unit/age groups, including scheduling, clean-up, and assisting Unit leadership with administrative tasks.

Establish new adult staff role in Food Service leadership to manage front-of-house operations during all mealtimes.

Professional Development Staff Recognition Arie Awards

Launch the Arie Award, an honor given to a select group of staff selected by their peers for going above and beyond what is expected in their staff roles.

Program Activity Development

Introduce expanded day-long clinics (in lacrosse, basketball, digital photography, and hip-hop dance), as well as new daily science elective activity.

Program Expanded Teva Offerings

Make changes to Galil hike program, along with addition of new evening beach cookout and outof-camp experiences.

Facilities

2019 2020

Z- and L-Pool Renovations

Program MESSH and SMESH

Description

Complete renovation of Z- and L-Pools, including new interior and exterior surfaces, decking, and seating to enjoy the pool areas.

Launch a formal commitment to mental, emotional, and social health of campers and staff through MESSH and SMESH program.

Establish CHAI-lights program which ensures all campers are able to participate in their most favorite areas of camp. Category

Program CHAI-lights

Facilities

“Slip’s Pit” Communal Gathering Space

Facilities New Low Ropes Course, “Goobie’s Course”

Description

Enhance Harlam’s communal gathering spaces through Slip’s Pit capital project, in honor of Marc Slippen (z”l).

Complete building of Goobie’s Course capital project, integrating low ropes challenge opportunities, in honor of Jon Goldberg (z”l).

Program Harlam-at-Home

Launch Harlam-at-Home, a virtual summer camp opportunity to continue engaging camp families throughout this challenging year and the 2020 summer camp closures.

2021

Category

Change Implemented

Facilities New ADA Accessible Cabin

Description

Update and rebuild the first of the Boys Camp (renamed in 2022 to Woodside) cabins to be ADA accessible and meet the needs of all campers.

Facilities Staff Lounge

Renovate staff lounge to be a more comfortable and inviting space for staff to spend time together, gather, and create community.

Facilities Tzofim Campsite

Renovate Tzofim campsite, including rebuilding of fire pit and seating area, food/program prep area.

Program Open and Safe

Further enhance Harlam programs to encompass our Open and Safe philosophy, align with our values, and meet the needs of our community. Our commitment to inclusion encompasses Universal Design, campers with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Jews of Color, and our Zero Tolerance policy regarding bias and prejudice.

Program All Gender Cabin Offered

Offer a gender-inclusive cabin, accommodating and integrating non-binary housing for our campers and staff. While non-binary staff housing was put in place for 2022, many current campers expressed a desire to remain with their established peer groups, so a gender-inclusive cabin was not offered in 2022. We do plan to offer it in future summers.

Program COVID Adaptations

Adapt camp program and operations, including multiple seating times for meals in the Chadar Ochel, indoor/outdoor program opportunities, temporary outdoor meals, Chill Zone on the Go, and much more. The COVID-19 Pandemic presented many challenges to the camp program and gave us the opportunity to re-imagine and make changes to meet current needs.

2022

Category Change Implemented

Facilities “Bessie’s Garden”

Description

Construct a new garden in honor of Bess Soffer (z”l) as a place of meditation, reflection, and gathering.

Facilities Chapel on the Hill Ark

Install a new ark atop Chapel on the Hill, with colorful panels representing each unit in camp, in honor of Rabbi Vicki Tuckman (z”l).

Facilities Chavurah upgrades

“Refresh” Chavurah living spaces, including rebuilt porches, new exterior painting, all new plumbing fixtures, window and screen repairs, and bed replacement.

Facilities Pagoda Upgrades

Rebuild, repaint, and install lighting upgrades in Chavurah, K’far Noar, Bayit, and Mercaz Pagodas.

Facilities Sustainability

Add water bottle fillers, rain collection barrels, hand dryers in bathrooms, and dispensers for soap and hair products in cabins.

Facilities Visioning and Master Planning

Professional Development

Aaron Selkow Staff Development Campaign

Professional Development Counselor of the Week (COW)

Launch efforts for visioning process, leading to an updated Master Facilities Plan, to help chart a course for the future and long-term vision for Harlam.

Launch fundraising effort to honor former Executive Director Aaron Selkow’s commitment to Harlam through a Staff Development Program, ensuring the highest quality team, training, and resources available.

Launch COW (Counselor of the Week) staff development opportunity to recognize our excellent staff on a weekly basis.

Professional Development Open and Safe

Welcome non-Jewish staff to live in cabins with campers, advancing our efforts to be a welcoming and inclusive community for all. (Based on ongoing dialogue with the URJ regarding prior staffing policies for non-Jewish staff.)

2022

Category

Change Implemented

Program

Renamed Cabin Villages Inclusive Effort

Program Rishonim

Program Sustainability

Program Teva Trips –Aspirational Arc

Description

Remove gender names from cabin cluster names and rename Boys Camp as Woodside, and Girls Camp as Hillside, as we strive to be as inclusive as possible.

Launch the first summer of Rishonim, a 12-day introductory program for our youngest campers. This is a unique opportunity for first time campers to experience camp, while building more confidence and readiness for a full session in Junior Camp.

Hire Sustainability Interns to enhance summer programming and culture.

Refine Teva (Nature) outdoor educational programming to include out-of-camp trips to promote age-appropriate, immersive experiences in nature.

Program Gesher experiential program model

Formally update Gesher/CIT Leadership training program to include living in cabins for two weeks to directly support and supervise campers.

Program Fall Fest

Launch off-season Fall Fest program for current families, prospective families, and alumni to engage with camp onsite during the year (over 500 registrants).

2023

Category

Facilities

Change

Implemented

Woodside Cabin Renovations

Facilities Homeland Security Grant investments

Description

Renovate two additional cabins in Woodside to expand porches, bathrooms, storage, and enhance aesthetics.

Enhance safety and security measures, such as lighting, surveillance, and human resources devoted to ensuring a safe environment at camp. Made possible through generous state Homeland Security Grant.

Facilities Amphitheater Shade Structure

Operations Enhancements

Construct shade structure over outdoor Amphitheater to allow for more successful all-camp outdoor programming, including S’morning Camp Harlam.

Continue to enhance operational procedures on Opening and Closing Day, including introduction of buses to/from camp, and adding towel service for the pools and lake.