Russell
It’s hard to put Leon’s impact on Camp Avoda into words, and especially hard to condense it all into one dedication in the Avodian. Leon’s rst year was in 2003 as the Woodshop Instructor, and camp has never been the same since. Leon has held many positions in his 20 years at Camp Avoda. A counselor in every bunk at least once, advisor to Bunk 14, CIT Director, Avodian Editor, and Chief Cook and Bottle Washer of many of the parts of camp that are pretty invisible but help us run smoothly.
The most de ning quality of Leon is his work ethic: there is never any doubt that Leon works as hard and as e ciently as possible. Whether it’s driving Deena or Rita on a 7 hour trip for a senior overnight, organizing eld trips for the camp, or staying up until 3:00 AM to work on any issue camp faces, Leon is always putting in maximal e ort. Good is never enough for Leon. While his standards are demanding at times, camp would not be functioning without Leon pushing everyone to do their best. Leon Dyer is the heart and soul of Camp Avoda. If you ask anyone, they know that Leon is the one that pulls the strings behind the scenes.
Leon is Camp Avoda. He has spent years dedicating himself to each aspect of the perfect summer. While many sta members at Avoda have had turns running the league and/or Desert War and Color War, Leon has consistently spent hours working on being the Executive Head Judge every year, making Color War as much fun as possible for every camper at Avoda for years. He is always willing to o er a ruling or invent a new side event.
There is no doubt that camp is the rst and foremost thing Leon thinks about whenever making any decision. Despite his iron- sted rule, Leon is one of the most kind people in camp. He jokes around with you in good faith, always seeming to put a smile on your face whenever
you’re near him. One example of this is the iconic Dyer Deep Clean, where Leon comes to your bunk, tears up your area, sweeps everything out from under your bed, and forces you to clean it all up. The way Leon does it, though, truly describes his identity. While he’s doing his Deep Clean, he’s cracking jokes with you with a smile on his face. It’s an example of how, while he is going to get something done for the better of camp, he’s going to do it in a way that makes everyone laugh and smile. Leon Dyer is the example of how to nd the balance between respect and leniency. While his poise and leadership are unmatched, his witty sense of humor and soft heart is truly what makes him who he is. There are really countless anecdotes you can pull up about Leon. You can ask anyone in camp about a story they have about Leon.
“For the boys, to say it plainly” is a de ning characteristic of Leon’s style. Everything he does at camp is with the intention of making camp the greatest it can be for campers and sta . And, he has fun doing it! He may be the only one at camp who thinks balancing the eld trip budget, or managing thousands of t-shirts over the summer is fun, but Leon does!
Leon is organized, relaxed in his demeanor, and seamlessly manages the pieces that make camp’s day-to-day run smoothly. One part of the “secret sauce” of Leon’s success is his ability to work with the entire admin team as a partner and his ability to collaborate and remain open to new ideas and methods.
Since 2003, Leon Dyer has been a force to be reckoned with. One Avodian dedication can’t fully capture the scope of Leon’s involvement with camp. Leon is a man of action, a model example of an Avodian, and a very special person!
SHARON SOCK Avodian Editor
Avodian sta this year consisted of Gaby Goldberg, Jacob Demeo, Richy Brayer, Benny Hasenberg, Avery Kalish, Sam Peljovich, and custodian Tyler DeRosa. It was, of course, all headed by Ben Jacoby and associates of Artie Schleifer, Max Singer, and honorary CIT Sam Macgilpin. The Avodian wouldn’t be what it is without all of our contributions. The countless hours spent trying to beat Peljo’s high score of 144 on Iron Snout, naming pictures, and writing embellished articles about camp activities have all made being on Avodian sta worth it.
Here is the o cial 2022 Avodian:
ASAF LEVI SAWYER BUSNY
BUNK 11 Dot Dots..... where did the brownies go… the box…backstage…lorna… door squad…sawyer busny… SHAWTY…asaf went to a period…he made the seasoning… this has to happen…what’s rizz…
STAFF: Eric Friedman, Max Zito, Asaf Levi, Sawyer Busny, Cy Greenblatt, Avi Rochwerger, Andrew Austrager, Zack Gessman, Matt Cipriano, Jack Wexler, Jason Hecht, Isaac Orchowski, Jonah Bramson
The 14 overnight is one of the most exciting parts of being a 14er. After coming o what Bunk 14 considered one of their best memories at Avoda with the Canoe Trip last year, 2k21 14 was excited to see if the 14 overnight could live up to their high expectations. The 14ers woke up early on a Wednesday morning and were eager to leave. However, there were latenight sporting events that Leon had to deal with, forcing him to delay the departure by a few hours. It was an eight hour trip to the campsite, which included multiple stops for food and activities through the drive. Arguably the most memorable activity of the trip was the stop at the beach, in which Bunk 14 made new friends and earned some prizes. Ben Rajavinsky serenaded all of the mothers and Gaby Goldberg took his talents to
birdwatching. The second leg of the trip lasted 3 hours and the 14ers nally touched down at camp. The campers then slept well through the night with no interruptions. Waking up the next morning was exciting for everyone as they knew they were getting to the golden jewel of the trip, whitewater rafting. The bunk split into two groups under their ferocious leaders Oliver and Nigel. The rafts battled the waves and even successfully surfed some. The groups reached their destination after about 3 hours on the water. A successful trip as there was only one rescue mission to save the drowning Tyler DeRosa. After 10 minutes of intense rowing the group realized that Tyler DeRosa was no longer in the raft. The Heroic Matthew Brayer swan dove into the water and swam half a mile upstream against the raging
waters. Matt then used the techniques he learned from Reese Sock in order to execute a textbook save on the ailing and helpless swimmer, DeRosa. Tyler, the worst swimmer in camp, was forever in debt to General Thor. The campers got back to the campsite and grubbed a delicious grilled chicken lunch.They then had fun playing volleyball, football, and various lawn games. As the sun set, Leon cooked a barbeque dinner over a bon re, which the group bantered around through the night. Getting on the road early the next morning was di cult, but necessary. After a delectable brunch, and then later an absolutely magni cent dinner at Maggiano’s, the campers nally arrived home and passed out in their beds, happy to be back home.
Number of Bunk 14ers at the meals: 5
Number of bad Bunk 12 mock drafts: 34
Number of Danny Blumenstein pops: 6,000,000
Number of Green Fencers: 20
Number of units by Alex Shifman: 432
Number of League Upsets: 66
Number of terrible Bunk 12 raids: 1
Number of new Leibman brother-in laws: 20
Number of socks lost in laundry: 9038240
Number of times Ben Jacoby did a lat spread: 600,000
Number of laps ran by Avodian sta : 82345
Number of times Avodian sta played Iron Snout: 64,000
Number of times Max Kleinmann was threatened to get thrown in the lake: 249
Number of Bunk 14 Fairlife protein shakes: 7,593,684
Number of beanies lost: 353,694
Number of Desert War ags scored: 4
Number of Color War teams: 2
Number of Desert War teams: 2
Number of interbunk shutter wars: 43
Number of skipped Weights periods: 587
Number of unheard chants: 212
Hours of Babytron played in Avodian: 4,082
Number of times “age” was said: 670,400
Number of times “Guy” was said: 50,000
Number of Meals skipped: 5,830
Dollars spent on Fairlife Chocolate Milk: $64,152
Number of ags scored: 96
Number of Sam Peljovich Dropkick attempts: 60
Number of Sam Peljovich Dropkicks scored: 1
Number of 14ers not staying full: 6
Highest Score on Iron Snout: 141
Number of pucks lost: $75.50
When reveille blew on the Monday morning of July 4th, campers woke up and eagerly made their way to lineup in preparation for the activities to come. Everybody was especially looking forward to the carnival and the bunk 14 bon re in celebration of America’s independence in 1776. The morning started with a hearty breakfast of pancakes and blue powerade, and then everybody went to clean the bunks and wait for the rst event of the day: mud wrestling. During the mud wrestling, campers and sta would go up against each other and battle it out in the mud pit. The highlight of the mud wrestling was 30 bunk 1 and 2ers dominating Avoda’s champion, Triple A, in the muddy arena. After the wrestling, campers and sta approached the carnival on the eld where they enjoyed snow cones, the dunk tank and other fun blow up rides. After dinner, which was gallons of baked beans on multigrain bread, campers meandered to the waterfront to gander at the best bon re to ever grace Camp Avoda in its history. As campers and sta gave their speeches about camp, a common theme in all of them were to “relish the cherish’’ and “Gabe-V-O-D-A.”
The night ended with a breathtaking rework show and bomb pops for the campers to suck on. Camp Avoda had yet another very successful July 4th, and the tradition will continue to prosper for years to come.
As the campers poured in on opening day, there was one thought that loomed over everyone’s minds: opening night Flagrush. Lineup blew, the evening activity was announced, and the campers eagerly waited to hear their teams. However, the campers most excited were the 2K21 14ers, who had got to camp early and were preparing since the day before. As Joco and Drew Macgilpin grabbed the megaphone and said that night’s evening activity was “ agrush,” the anticipation and excitement could be felt radiating throughout the Mess Hall. The captains for Blue were Sam Peljovich and Jacob Demeo, and Matt Brayer and Gaby Goldberg for White. The captains explained the rules of ag rush to the new campers, and the Freshman-Sophomore quarter kicked o . Matthew Li-Yang scored the rst ag of the summer for the Blue Team with a ruthless juke move against four defenders, but Max Ginchar responded with a ag of his own for the White Team. The rst quarter came to a close, and the Juniors and Seniors entered the playing eld. The White Team’s powerful defensive duo of Gaby Goldberg and David Satlo halted all of the Blue Team’s o ensive plans, and Matthew Brayer scored an impressive ag after breaking Sam Peljovich’s ankles and diving over the line for the score. This encounter between Brayer and Peljovich ended di erently than what had happened in the previous Color War, which included Peljovich forcing Brayer to slip during a rush in one of the most important moments of his Avoda career. Despite White Team’s initial dominance, their defensive stands could not resist Benny Hasenberg and Avery Kalish’s rushes. As regulation ended, the White Team was up by one ag, which forced overtime rushes. If the Blue Team scored on their rst rush, it would tie the game. If the White Team stopped the rst rush by Blue, then they would win the game and go right to second base. As the Blue Team went to sit on the Rec Hall stairs and the White Team went to the porch of Bunk 10, a wave of intensity pulsated throughout the camp. Blue chose Jacob Demeo to carry the ag and Sam Peljovich to lead block for him. White chose David Satlo , Richard Brayer, and Tyler DeRosa as their main defenders. While Captain Gaby Goldberg would’ve been one of the lead defenders for White, he unfortunately went down with a wrist injury after exchanging hits with Benny Hasenberg in the middle of the game. Because of this unfortunate injury to a top player on his team, David Satlo knew that he had to step up and make a play. He did, making the game-winning tackle on Jacob Demeo inches from the line. Opening night ag rush was over, and White celebrated their victory by sprinting to second base and chanting “We’re number one!” “We’re number one!”
After opening night ag rush, campers knew that zoo ball was the next evening activity to be played. Anticipation swelled throughout the camp as Ben Jacoby, Zack Goodgame, Micah Gladstone, and Sebastian Lee were called up to the mic at dinner to announce zoo ball. As Sebastian Lee vociferously roared into the mic the evening activity was zooball, pandemonium ensued as camp tables were thrown into the air and chairs were launched across the mess hall. The stage was set for a zeitgeist de ning opening night zooball, with Alex Leiberman and David Bororokov leading the charge for White, and Benyamin Hassberg and Aden Iceler as captains for Blue. The anticipation reached its apotheosis as campers took the eld, unaware that they were about to experience a momentous duel between Blue captain Benny Hassenberg and the legendary Matthew Brayer. The game kicked o with defensive specialist Matthew Liang guarding Benjamin. However, Benny was able to thwart Liang’s proli c defense and scored ve throws in the rst two minutes. In order to stop Benjamin, Captain Lieberman led operation “Benny-hana,” which involved putting 14 bunk 12ers to cover him, including members of his own team. The clever operation came with success, as Benny’s o ense was halted for the entire rest of the game. While this was going on, Matthew Brayer asserted his manhood by putting the White team on the board after scoring two exceptional dropkicks. It was an electric game, and by halftime, White led 6-5 after Sam Gornstein scored a sensational throw for White during the freshman penalty kicks. The legendary showdown between Brayer and Hassberg was more one-sided in the second half, as Brayer added three panenkas to his total. One of the most ummoxing scenes of the night was Captain Sam Peljovich getting 6 crease penalties in 5 minutes, which led to him cantankerously storming back to his bunk in the middle of the game. The nal whistle blew, and sta gathered around to prepare for penalty shots. Blue, however, was unable to convert any of their penalty kicks. The situation was as follows: White was up 3 points, and Blue only had one penalty kick. If Blue made a drop kick, it would tie the game and force an overtime. If they missed the drop kick, they would lose. Sam Peljovich knew what he needed to do. As Blue was in disarray, Sam Peljovich burst out of his bunk, blasting the John Cena walkout song on his way to take the shot. The Blue Team erupted into cheer, but was quickly
quieted when Sam Peljovich absolutely whi ed the ball. White thought they won, but Blue’s cheers were quickly reheard when the referees decided that there was movement among goalies Leo Steindecker and Jonah Bramson, allowing another opportunity for Peljovich to take his team to the promised land. However, in typical Peljovich fashion, he failed to bring his team to second base, as the ball did not even reach the net. Hazzyberg and Iceler fell short, as White was able to achieve victory, and the night ended with Leiberman leading the chants on second base as his team screamed “We are number one!”
On the night before the big day, Ken paged all of camp to the mess hall for a “special snacktime”. As the camp enjoyed concession food, the bunk 14ers led the camp through the sacred Avoda tournament chants; as the Avoda tournament was the next day. There was a feeling of nervous excitement around camp as the campers went to bed, because of the upcoming day. The next morning at breakfast, the junior hoops, senior hoops, and team Avoda’s lineups were announced, with Senior hoops continuing the tradition of running out of the kitchen for their introduction. Max Veksler, being the large kid that he is, absolutely destroyed the kitchen door as he burst out of the kitchen. The last players called were the captains, Benny Hasenberg and Gaby Goldberg. The camp was hyped up as they prepared for intense basketball and soccer games against rival camps Bauercrest and Young Judeah. The tournament started with a bang, with Team Avoda blowing out YJ 8-1. Captain Matt Brayer scored a rst half hat trick and Harry Davidson added two more, while Ryan Jacoby locked it up in the back. At the same time, senior hoops took on a deep Bauercrest team in a heated a air. Despite Captain Sam Magilpen and Zach Hymen’s stellar performances, senior hoops ended up losing by 20. Junior hoops absolutely destroyed YJ with standout games from Danny Karas and David Satlo . After a scrumptious lunch from the kitchen sta , Junior and Senior Hoops both took on Bauercrest in the nals. With the whole camp watching, both teams fell to two very good teams. However, Hillel Goldberg, Jacob Demeo, and Ethan Hass livened up the camp’s spirit by sweeping the newly added tennis open. To end the day, the entire camp migrated to the soccer eld to watch Team Avoda take on Bauercrest in the nal. With under 5 minutes left, Jason Karas buried a free kick to bring Team Avoda to the promised land for the sixth consecutive year; avenging the losses of both hoop teams. The day ended on a high note as Team Avoda’s chants from the lake could be heard around camp. The Avoda Tournament was a successful day as the whole camp enjoyed cheering on their fellow campers and watching the competitive games.
One day a year, Avoda takes their time to honor the memory of Adam “Bubba” Miller, a former assistant director, program director, color war general, and Avoda legend.
Desert War 2022 will go down as one of the best in Avoda History. As the rst month winded down, the amount of mock drafts and excited campers went up. On the last Wednesday of the rst month, the Red Trouser Show came to camp and put on a spectacular show for the evening activity. Their awe-inspiring tricks ended with what they called “one nal surprise.” Anticipation swelled throughout the camp, as some campers thought that the nal trick would be the Desert War break. They were right, as the nal surprise had the two performers and a few sta members take o their shirts to reveal a shirt under that said “it’s Desert War!”. Campers, however, were eager to know their teams but were told to go to bed and wait until lineup tomorrow to hear the o cial teams. All of the camp went to bed early that night to energize themselves for the next day. By the time lineup came the next day, the excitement was almost too much to bear. But it was nally time. Bunk 14 had been waiting for their 14 Desert War ever since they were young freshmen at Avoda. As the teams were read by Danny Blumenstein and Ethan Shifman, the only four names not read for 14 were Gaby Goldberg, Jacob Demeo, Sam Peljovich, and Matthew Brayer. All four of them knew this meant they were going to be captains, and made their way to the mess hall for their pathwalk. These four were the rst to walk down the path, in which they huddled up and ran to their teams. Gaby Goldberg and Jacob Demeo were the captains for White, while Matt Brayer and Sam Peljovich were on Blue. The teams learned their names from their rst lieutenants: the White Raiders and Blue Swarm. Raiders General Sawyer Busny and his team stormed to the lodge, while General Zach Goodgame and his team swarmed to the Rec Hall for organization. Each team discussed their strategy, and the captains led their teams to the eld to stretch and hear the reading of the rules. The Raiders strategy was to send opening rushes in every period, and they did so to start o the game. However, the Swarm’s powerful defense, led by Sam Peljovich and Eric Friedman, quickly shut down the rst rush. A counterrush was sent by the Swarm, but that was also shut down by the valiant
Raiders defense, led by captains Gaby Goldberg and Jacob Demeo. Evan Stern, Adin Eisler, Max Veksler, and Tyler DeRosa were also main roamers for White who formed the defensive core of the Raiders. After both opening rushes were stopped, White sent another rush focused towards the new extra eld ag. Ethan Hass, a top Raiders o ender, got in the ag circle and instantly took the ag. He crossed the plane with the ag, and numerous White players started celebrating. But a few seconds later, everyone on the eld realized that Marcus Levin heroically pulled Hass’ ag inches away from the line. This encounter was the last scoring opportunity that took place for a while, however this quickly changed in the beginning of the 4th period. The Swarm drew rst blood with 2 catches on the line in succession by MVP, Jonah Bramson. The throws came from Captain Matt Brayer and Ben Newton. Both of these ags were scored within 2 minutes of each other, as Bramson’s rst catch caused a swarm of chaos that allowed Ben Newton to throw the same ag to Bramson again within a rst minute of the rst score. On the very next rush, Brayer took the eld ag and sprinted towards the line. He lofted it towards the line and Josh Levy made the catch. The ag was called good and the Swarm thought they had taken what would have likely been an insurmountable 4-0 lead. Head Judge Ethan Shifman hustled over to the line to change the call because he saw that Levy’s foot was on the line. Shifman’s call changed the course of Desert War 2022 and gave White an opportunity for what seemed to be an improbable comeback. The Swarm took a commanding 2 ag lead and the 4th period came to a close shortly after. Both teams retreated back to home base, and a new wave of intensity began to set in. Looking around the Lodge and Rec Hall, the countenance of each camper became more dire. The moment became bigger, as the next two periods were going to decide who was in the lake, and who was not. The 5th period started, and both teams decided against sending rushes because they wanted one of their free jailbreaks to carry over to the next period. Besides a few minor unsuccessful rushes by both sides, no signi cant action occurred in the 5th. The stage had been set: the 6th period was the time in which one camper would step up and make a play. Captains Gold-
berg, Peljovich, and Brayer had each never won a Desert War in their Avoda careers, making this next period even more important. The 6th period kicked o with an opening rush by the Raiders, but most of them were unsuccessful yet again. Jonny Peters, Alex Leibman, and Andrew Nelis, however, were able to get behind the bunks and into ag circles. The moment that Nelis took the PGD and rushed the grill gap, the entire Swarm defense shifted over and were too focused on him to realize that Jonny Peters had just taken the eld ag in the blink of an eye. He scored to make the game 2-1 with 15 minutes left, shifting the momentum towards White. Matthew Brayer’s porch penalty for charging Artie Brown allowed this to happen, as Peters scored exactly where his defensive position was while he was on the porch. The eld sank into unfettered chaos, as teams were getting jailbreaks left and right after sending rushes. A newfound sense of urgency set in, and the Swarm quickly realized that the game was far from over. Amidst all the chaos came Raiders Captain Jacob Demeo, scoring the game-winning PGD ag with 5 minutes left. No words can describe what everybody felt when this happened. Demeo’s ag ipped a game that had been tilted in Blue’s favor for all but 5 minutes of the entire Desert War. After Demeo scored this ag, Blue started to panic and sent the house. However, the Raiders’ powerful defense was able to stop every single attempt at
scoring by Blue. With 30 seconds left, all Blue offenders were in jail, and there was no one left that could get a jailbreak. Desert War o cially ended, and the White Raiders pulled o one of the most implausible comeback victories in Avoda history. This win was especially special for Captain Goldberg, as it was the rst War that he had ever won in all his years at camp. The true M.V.P of the game was Captain Jacob Demeo, who single-handedly won his team Desert War with his heroic ag at the end of the game. The Raiders jumped in the lake, and savored their sweet victory.
Tonight, you will wait and watch from far away But you always knew we’d be the one To cause your dismay
You tried, to play but blue still had their way We snatched your soul you had to run Our screams chased you away
[Chorus]
On the way, to the lake now We are the Demons from down below Here we are, don’t turn away now We are the demons from the underworld
[Verse 2]
The time has come, when you will have to die We tormented you all week long With heinous evil cries
Farewell, your done, its true your time has come You’re all alone well take the throne The Demons turn the tide
[Chorus]
On the way, to the lake now We are the Demons from the down below Here we are, don’t turn away now We are the demons who’ve won this war
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
Our re burns down below you We are the demons that snatched your soul Here we are, don’t turn away now We are the demons who’ve won this war
ALMA MATER
Take it slow, there’s no rush to get older
I need time - Give me time
The old Camp Avoda Gonna ease your mind I’ll sow your heart into the soil Live and grow, let me be your light
Coastline by Hollow Coves
I dream of camp for the rst time Some place far where I’m from These friends will last me a lifetime 14 appears And I’m forever young yeah, forever young
This is the place that I dream of I feel embraced by the pines I reach from Lake to the heavens And lose all, sense of time
[Chorus]
We throw our cares away A perfect change of pace Stars shine for all to see A place where we are free It’s meant to be
The summer breeze by the lakeside The way it lls our lungs Our re burns by the night sky This dream will keep us young yeah, keep us young
The light creeps in through the window
The dream I’ve lived slowly dies I shed a tear for the morning So give me time, to close my eyes
[Chorus]
We throw our cares away A perfect change of pace Stars shine for all to see A place where we are free It’s meant to be
[Chorus]
We throw our cares away A perfect change of pace It’s more than fantasy Feels like we’re in a dream It’s reality
I need time - Give me time
A-vo-da - Tried-and-true A-vo-da - Where-I-grew
Look at you now, you’ve left this place There ain’t time these days, to rest and wait
Finding your footing, away from my gates
I need time - Give me time
A-vo-da - Tried-and-true A-vo-da - White-and-blue
Take me with you
When you leave this place
And know my kindred lasts forever Know that much more to life awaits I gave all the love that I could have given
A-vo-da - Tried-and-true You’re-with-me - I’m-with-you
To the tune of “Howlin’ for You” by The Black Keys
I must admit, I can’t explain How you could think you were gonna, win this game Armadas gonna destroy you There’s something wrong With your G
The sta he picked, have not (pause) got (pause) a clue Armadas gonna destroy you [Chorus]
The White Armada Are gonna crush ya We know the demons They must be seethin’ Your team is too weak Your chances are bleak The tensions are high The demons just hide Blue Demons Can’t you see?
You are bound, to lose against this eet Demons we are coming for you Bring our ships, on the shore Storm your homes, and knock down your doors Demons we are coming for you [Chorus]
The White Armada Are gonna crush ya We know the demons
They must be seethin’ Sunk all of your ships You’re hope we will strip You’re gasping for air Our team is unfair You tremble in fear Our lake jump is near The Demons are done This war we have won The White Armada We have just crushed ya Look at the demons They have been beaten
Driving to Camp Avoda
To the tune of “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins
Been fate, since 2008 Time ies, think the end’s in sight Nowhere, else I’d rather be Why should I, ever leave Potholes, swerving down Gibbs Road Headlights, bouncing up and down We were sure we’d never see an end, to it all
[Chorus]
And I, don’t even know Life without this place Believe you’ll see, there’s room for memories (PAUSE) Please don’t wait, there’s so much to this place, to nd out, yourself 14, nally our time 18, brothers all around Slowly, numbers start to fade, down to three
[Chorus]
And I, cannot believe It’s dwindled down to us This place raised me, it’s like a second home (PAUSE) don’t want to say, there’s no more left for me, the end, at last Gibbs Road, twenty twenty two Last year, how did I get here Time ies, leaving way too soon Avoda, will always be a part, of me
[Chorus]
And I, have reached the end I’m right here with my friends Made our mark, nowhere I’d rather be (PAUSE) let me stay, I don’t know how I could, today, leave this place Heart feels, emptier right now As I leave, Avoda in the past
To the tune of “By and By” by Caamp
And I’ve seldom been sadder With that weight on my shoulders (PAUSE) My last year, nothing else will matter Looking back over our time Benches fell and we all cried I wish I’d had more time Camp is always on my mind [Chorus]
Now I’m thinkin’ ‘bout this everyday On my mind, wish I could stay Will I be back here?
Thinkin’ ‘bout this everyday Time is done, it’s tough to say
Is this my last year?
Fourteen year, it was our time Lineup blew and all nerves died All these moments oh we-would share These bonds we have made are-so rare [Chorus]
Now I’m thinkin’ ‘bout this everyday On my mind, wish I could stay Will I be back here?
Thinkin’ ‘bout this everyday Time is done, it’s tough to say Is this my last year?
[Bridge] (PAUSE) And it’s not easy
When our time is ying by To soon nish our last ght (PAUSE) But it’s so easy
To get caught up in the view
Just one blink and now we’re through What will I decide next spring?
Just the chance for one more summer, I may cry [Chorus] - No piano - slower
Thinkin’ ‘bout this everyday
On my mind, wish I could stay Will I be back here?
Thinkin’ ‘bout this everyday
On my mind, I love this place Where do I go from here?
EXECUTIVE
EXECUTIVE
HEAD JUDGES: Jacob Winn and Ben Jacoby
ASST. HEAD JUDGES: Theo Knopf, Ben Williams, Sebastian Vidal, Artie Schleifer
HEAD JUDGE AIDES: Sammy Schreiber, Harry Davidson, Gri n Bloomstein, Max Jacoby
CHIEF CONSULTANTS: Leon Dyer and Josh Cohen HEAD JUDGE: Ty Goldstein ASSISTANT HEAD JUDGE: Curtis Williams
Hi Everyone! What a great summer! No camp in 2020 (call that a 0). Then we were here last summer but just here – we didn’t leave our “bubble” (call that a 6 or 7). Now we are back to normal and it feels good: a summer with intercamp games! A summer with mixers with Pembroke! A summer with eld trips! (Call this a 10!)
Avoda is a special place and I hope the boys have enjoyed this summer! It looks like it. We certainly had a lot of campers in camp – including a packed and full second month! As always, we had a great sta running some great programs: both regular days as well as special days. We had swim periods, athletics, league, frisbee, wood shop, shing, Ropes, and more! We introduced Pickle Ball and had Pickle Day! Our Casino Nights seem to rock the Mess Hall – including karaoke at the rst one. Mud wrestling was a lot of fun during the July 4 th celebration even though we all cut our legs and backs. Just makes us stronger, right?
Desert War was a great day. It was one of the hottest days – of course. And the break was pretty good: the Red Trousers Show guys who had the Desert War Shirts under their shirts was a nice surprise. We had Medieval Manor – a fun dinner theater where we ate with no utensils like the old days. (Is that really how they ate?) And since no one really ate too much t the actual dinner,
we got the whole camp pizza for the night time snack.
Cue the Ice Cream Truck Music! For the nighttime snack, we have three types: in the Mess Hall, delivered by the Red Truck, and of course the actual Ice Cream Truck visiting. The days at camp are packed with stu for kids = this equates to work for sta and administration. At the end of the day the admin team doles out the snack – and while it’s some e ort and work, it’s totally worth it. We get to see every camper! It’s the icing on the cake: one last time to bring our tight community together. We talk about the day, the snack, camp, and just hang out. And of course, we play ping pong.
We went to Fenway for the rst time since 2019 as a camp and had a blast; we also saw a victory, had great seats, and many campers brought baseballs home. We had our rst meeting with Pembroke since 2019. We had our rst intercamp meets since 2019: we beat ‘Crest in Senior Softball and we beat ‘Crest in Senior Soccer at The Avoda Tournament.
We had fun Flag Rushes, Zooball games, Dead Zones, Amazing Race, Avoda Ridiculousness, Fear Factor, Grill nights, and more. We had performers: magicians and VCR Party where we watched some very funny videos!
I want to thank EVERYONE. I am purposefully not going to mention anyone by name. But if you are reading this, I am sure you know: how crucial your role is, how you help me, how you help camp, how you help sta , how you help CIT’s, and how you help campers. I hope you know
how appreciative I am! I KNOW just how much goes into every facet of this fantastic place. I am blessed to have such a wonderful team around me – at ALL levels and areas of camp. We are one organization and we are all cogs that rotate and intersect and it works! Thank you!
To that end I tip my hat to all “Camp People!” WE are camp people – we can do anything. We can lead Large groups. We can bring 200 people to Fenway Park. We can solve ANY problem and we are tested all the time. It’s the team spirit that makes us tick. Very often it IS the journey and not the destination. Take a boat out. Somehow it runs out gas in the middle of the lake. The eld trip suddenly has a tornado warning. Or we need a rainy-day activity unexpectedly. We are creative! We thrive on nding a new solution. We embrace the adventure of it all and we bond to nd a way to get it done. No obstacle is too big! We are Camp People. We have an ‘S’ or and ‘A’ under our shirts as we are Super Avoda People.
We are Avoda and no one could be prouder! And if you cannot hear us, we’ll yell a little louder! Hope to see you all here next summer! Go Blue!
In a professional training session I attended once as part of a group of camp directors, the trainer said “stop talking and thinking about work-life balance. It is just life”. Camp is work, technically, but it is only work in the sense that I earn money doing it, and many of my favorite things in life revolve around it. It is a multi-sensory experience.
The things we hear… I may not have grown up here at Camp Avoda, but I did start my summer camp career at age eight. And, the sounds of summer now include some Avoda favorites. It’s funny how the songs of summer play such a big role in my life. As a counselor, I sang those summertime songs to my campers at night. I sang them to my children at bedtime. I now sing those same songs to my grandchildren. I’ve added to them while at Avoda.
All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go…Yesterday a child was born to wander, caught a dragon y inside a jar…Salaam, alenu v”al kol haolam, salaam, salaam…Rock me mama like a wagon wheel…I, I, I, I’m hooked on a feeling… Kuka berra sits on the old oak tree, merry merry king of the bush is he…Oh Stewball was a racehorse, he was a good friend of mine, he never drank water, he always drank wine…Sweet Caroline, ba, ba, ba… Then there is the arrival of the dumpster-emptying truck, Sysco, and Amazon. Lawnmowers. Bees. Campers cheering. Counselor announcements in the mess hall. The PA . Kids laughing. Balls bouncing.
The things we touch…
I’m not sure if our boys think about some of the things they touch and just how that familiar hockey stick feels when you are playing street hockey on 23 Gibbs Road. Or the feeling of a large pile of dishes as they set the table as a waiter. Eating with 12 or more friends for meals on end? Where else but at camp.
The railings on the bunk porches. Smooth, cold softball bats. A damp water bottle. High ves and hugs. Felt beanies. Clay in arts and crafts. Towels, wet and dry. Beach sand and warm lake water. Lost and found. The Torah. Decks of playing cards. Hot water in the renovated shower house. Tools in the woodshop. The inside of goalie gloves.
All of the smells…
That rst morning when you arrive at camp, the smell of the trees, the lake and just plain eau de 23 Gibbs Road! Then you walk into the bunks that have been freshly aired out for campers and sta and breathing deeply, you know you have arrived. Breakfast cooking in the morning. An afternoon at the waterfront. Clean boys in the Chapel Site on Shabbat. Barbecues. My cabin when I move in at the beginning of summer. The ropes course. Less clean boys after a hard- fought game. Grill Night. Sneakers after 3 weeks at camp. Clean laundry. The Ice Cream Truck. Freshly showered boys at snack time. The grove.
What we taste…
There are things I only eat at camp. Maybe because it is there. Or because I am really hungry and everything tastes good. Mostly, I think it is because I am sitting at a long table in a room lled with tables, noise, clattering dishes, and some of my favorite people! Three meals daily. Maybe the food doesn’t even really matter.
Barbecue. Dairy Queen. Shabbat Dinner. Pizza. Village (once per summer). More pizza. Salad Bar. Fresh berries in the morning.
Chipwiches. Iced co ee.. Grilled cheese with tuna tucked inside, fritos, and tomato
And nally, what we see…
Our eyes tell only part of the story of what life is at camp, but for me, those sights are de ning. Colors, buildings, clothing for each sport all play a role. Those things that are most iconic…the view of the lake along the length of camp. The backstop with Bubba’s face right next to it. The agpole and the climbing wall. These all make up a part of the story.
Sunrises, Flowers. Drips of sap anyplace it can get on clothing. Woodchips. Green Field. Boys in a row with beanies. The symmetry of the cabins arranged in an oval around the eld. Pathwalks. Honor Roll Signs. Our sailboats on the water. Lots of luggage. Brightly colored laundry bags piled high in front of the lodge. The lighted eld during senior softball. Sports jerseys. Tears in the eyes of most campers and sta when the walls come down. At least one rainbow every summer over Lake Tispaquin.
The threads of camp life, or just life, wouldn’t be complete without the most important people that are a part of it. Our camp’s family. Every camper, CIT and sta member who make up our community. To each of these people, I am grateful for the opportunity to live a well-balanced life.
There are a plethora of ways to describe the summer of 2022. The summer of schvitz could certainly be one of the appropriate monikers. This summer demanded multiple plunges into Tispaquin.
The abundance of positivity that regularly ows through our veins at 23 Gibbs was readily apparent from day one. Strangers becoming bunkmates. Bunkmates becoming friends. Friends becoming brothers. It is truly a gift to have the opportunity to be a small part of this magical community. Witnessing our campers, CIT’s and sta helping each other out and raising each other up each day lls the heart with hope and warmth.
Following the 2020 cancelled summer, Avoda returned last year. However we were limited and insulated. No intercamp tournaments. No eld trips. No senior days out. This year we were able to return to a full agenda of activities both in camp and out of camp. Could it really be that three years had passed since Avoda descended on Fenway
Summer number 15 is in the books! Never imagined when I arrived on Opening Day 2005 that I would spend the better part of 2 decades at Camp Avoda. When I returned home after 2018, I felt ready to take a break from camp. But this past year I received a text from Ronni inviting me to return. The timing was just right, and I knew I was ready for my 15th year at Avoda. And what a summer it’s been! Fast paced, active, hilarious, exciting, entertaining, amazing. There is no job that could
Park to attend a Sox game? The Sox actually won the game when Avoda was in the house! Three years since we hosted an Avoda tournament. Team Avoda got to jump in the lake! Three years since seniors got to leave camp on Saturdays and go to the beach, the movies or the mall. Still unsure why, but they love the mall. Three years since we were able to go to Six Flags, The Science Museum or Go-Karting. The amount of food consumed at Six Flags may have shattered some unknown record. The semblance of normalcy helped all of us obtain and maintain faith that the place we love and consider our second home had been able to navigate and overcome the obstacles presented over the past couple of years. Magic was plentiful.
None of this happens by chance. Like everything else in life, it all comes down to the people, and Avoda has the best in the league. Our kitchen and health sta s who routinely pivot on the y and turn a potentially stressful situation into a walk in the park. Our photographer
Abe, who provides expert documentation throughout the summer. Our sta and CIT’s do yeoman like work to keep campers safe and happy. Our campers keep us all young. They are vibrant, spirited, dynamic and humorous. Ken, Ronni and Leon are simply the best in the business and consistently lead camp with passion, precision and adaptability. We should all be so fortunate to be around such a trio of excellence. Thanks Avoda. My happiness skyrockets when I am in your midst. See you in 2023!
compare to working as a Camp Avoda administrator. Always rewarding, often exhausting, usually exhilarating, occasionally overwhelming. Every morning begins a new adventure, and you never can tell what surprises the next day will have in store. But it is the best job in the world and there is nowhere I would rather be than on the shores of Lake Tispaquin. Thank you everyone for an unbelievable summer. It was a joy to spend it here with all of you!
Wow! This was such an amazing summer and I’m so happy to have had this opportunity. I never expected my experience here to be anything like this but Avoda exceeded my expectations. I hope to be back next summer.
Bunk 1: You guys de nitely made me work hard but I’m glad to have had bunk one. Hope to see everyone next summer.
Theo and Alex: Thank you guys for cooperating and being great co counselors. I’m so glad I got you guys. I thought we did an awesome job together and I wouldn’t have asked for anyone else.
Igal and Asaf: Thank you guys for taking part in this new experience with me. I had so much fun with you two and hope we continue to make memories.
As my time here at camp avoda sadly comes to an end i want to rst say thank you to everyone who has come before me that has helped shape this place into what we have today. My favorite memories are of the counselors I had as a camper, that cared so much about our lives despite barley knowing us outside of camp. I suggest coming back on sta to anyone reading this. It is such a rewarding experience and easily the best times avoda has to o er. Thank you to ken ronnie leon for the countless hours they have put into this place every single summer. I feel that there is not much more I have to say because no matter how long you are gone from avoda it will always be there with you. Whether you take a summer away from camp or see an old friend out in the real world, the spirit picks up right where it left o . This means something. I am beyond grateful for this past summer and everything avoda has done for me.
Bunk 1: Seeing everyone grow and become friends was awesome to see. Dont let this be your only year at avoda. This place will do so much for you all, you cant even imagine it yet. Im sure ill be back one day to see you all as men
Max, nate, ben, gg, stelly, sam, winn, caden, 2k1714: it was an awesome summer with you boys, the resilience will never die to kizzy
The empire: we will always be a team. Stat healthy and better luck next year
Matti and alex: held it down like no other a could. A well oiled machine. Lets all catch up in israel one day
Birthright…come….sr softball W…
I can’t believe this summer is already almost over. I was de nitely a little unsure of how this summer would go given that I was assigned to Bunk 1 and I was used to older bunks. Well, I can con dently say it was another one for the books!
Bunk 1: It was awesome having you guys. Can’t wait to see some of you become great athletes.
2k1814: Love to see the best 14 in camp still going strong with 13 people returning. Every summer with you guys is always amazing and you’ll always be my brothers. Hopefully we can keep our numbers next summer and continue running the Liz.
Blue Swarm: I was so happy to be a part of this amazing team. Desert war this year was one of the best I’ve seen and will always be remembered. Sun Tzu did us well. Who him is.
White Armada: I’m so grateful to be a part of this team. Can’t wait for this week.
Theo and Matti: It was awesome getting to know you guys and having you as co-counselors. I thought we all worked really well together and ran one of the best bunk 1’s ever. I hope to see both of you back next summer.
Sawyer: What a summer. Going against each other in DW and being together in CW were both pretty sick. It was always awesome spending time together here, even with your terrible bits. Going to miss you a lot next summer.
Owen: It really sucks we couldn’t be on the same team for DW or CW but we still had the best path walk. Camp wouldn’t be the same without you.
Max and Eli: From needham to avoda, there’s never a dull moment. Way too many dunkin runs done this summer, mostly by me. MVP was the Mazda.
Ethan: Even though I knew you would come back this summer I was still psyched when you made the decision to return. You and Danny ran everything way better than max and jay obviously. Next summer won’t be the same without you.
C AMP AV OD A 2022 ADIN SILVA C AMP AV OD A 2022 MAX SINGER
BUNK 2 • SC • 2K1814
BUNK 2 • SC • 2K1814
Bunk 2: Thank you all for a fun summer it was great to have u guys as campers this year. I hope all you guys make the right decision and come back next year.
2k1814: Thanks to all of you for another amazing summer I hope to see all of you back next year!
Charlie, Adin, Nkita: Thank you guys for being great co-counselors we had a great run!
This is my rst year at Avoda and I absolutely love it. I have never seen a community like this one, the way the sense of brotherhood is fostered here is awesome and unique. Shoutout to my co-counsellors Adin, Chuck and Max. It’s been my pleasure to work with you guys. Furthermore, shoutout to all campers from bunk 2, who have left me with many fun memories. All the best!
Thank you all for for such an amazing second summer at camp avoda! I feel so honored to be welcome into the camp avoda family this is truly a special place
Bunk 3- thank you boys for such a fun summer loved having u guys as my rst bunk
Cam- Thanks for being such a great Co and for always being there
Winn- It has been a pleasure being co-waterfront directors with u thanks for such a great summer!!!!
BUNK 3 • JC • 2K1914
2k19: It’s been great being with you guys for another summer, and even though our numbers are getting low I know we’ll stick it out.
Bunk 3: Although we had our ups and downs, I’ll always remember you guys for being my rst bunk at Avoda. It’s been fun and I know you’ll all grow to be upstanding Avodians and great 14ers. Sports wars podcast went hard, sorry we couldn’t nish Happy Gilmore.
Reece: I couldn’t have asked for a better 1st co. Even with it being both of our 1st years as counselors, it’s been awesome guring it out with you.
Being on sta gave me a completely new perspective of camp, and being in a younger bunk remembering my days in it like it was yesterday emphasizes how fast everything goes. Don’t take any summer for granted, and keep coming back.
BUNK 4 • SC •2K1714
After spending this past o season being unsure of whether or not I was going to return this summer, I am more condent than ever that I made the right choice to come back. This summer was a massive uptick in work and responsibility for myself, and although it was a lot of work, this was de nitely my favorite summer I’ve spent here.
2K17: being able to spend the summer back with the boys was absolutely awesome. The fact that we had such strong numbers as senior sta is incredible. We will always prove how we are the most resilient 14 in camp.
Ron: I couldn’t have asked for a better co. We ran that bunk like an absolute force. I hope you keep coming back to this camp as long as possible.
Max and Ryan: I loved that both of you were back this summer, KEEP COMING BACK
Team Avoda: We run this camp
Avodian Sta : You guys are the boys, I feel like this year we had a perfect work hard to play hard ratio.
Meathead Sta : Keep getting huge
Dot Dots: Shower…Liz reps…
First year on sta was a movie for real. Being back with all my brothers was mad OD dope. 2k19, we might be small but that ain’t stopping us, I love you all to death. 2k18, I feel we grew closer this year and your all the boys, would do anything for you guys. Ben Jacoby, you where a re co I gotta say. Low key kinda tight ur not coming back next summer but it’s chill, because even though we only got close recently, we de nitely made the most of it and re memories while we could, love you buddy. Overall, this summer was a time and a half, Sta 2022 are and forever will be the champions of the world, no kiz. This place only gets better over time and I can’t wait to see what summer 2023 has in store…
WEEKEND WARRIOR • 2K1914
bunch this summer and did a great job in 14 leading camp. Ever since being your CIT in bunk 5 I knew I wanted to your counselor at a point and last summer in 12 was unreal. I wish I could be your counselor full time for 14 and could’ve happened if no Covid but what can you do. For the time I was here you guys killed it and are honesrly a great group of kids. You guys are the future of sta and have the potential to be great sta memebers, generals etc so please keep coming back because I promise you this is just the beginning. I would kill to be back in your spot right now.
2k17- Going from Isreal to camp with you guys was elite. That trip set up the summer perfectly. You guys are fun and I know coming back will be hard but you should try to. If you get internships at least come back weekends like I did.
2k18 - You guys better all be back next summer. You will have everything (contingent on 17) and you guys are a hilarious set of characters and the camp needs you
2k19- Good job Jcs, you put in the hard work and now your all done with it.
Ryan- Lil bro, you better come back next summer this is just the beginning. If you don’t I’m taking my book back.
Goodbye Avoda. This has been the most unreal 13 summers of my life and I am forever indebted to this place for the friends and good times it’s given me. I love this place and hope it never changes. To all the younger guys you are the future so please keep the place special forever.
Chop…lizz…bapple…the bamel…how smooooth…bofa…boolage…uv rays… Ethan’s a…danny dosent…
BUNK 5A • SC • 2K1814
Bunk 5A: I couldn’t have asked for a better bunk to be a counselor in. You guys are the best, come back as long as you can. Stay golden bunk 5A
2k1814: I am so glad that I came back this year. Missed you guys a lot. you guys were right bebe was rotten for not coming back. But bebe did make a great comeback and down to come back next year. We are the best 14 there is no cap.
Bass: So happy to see you this year, had to come back and see you for another summer. Good taking chops and ripping lots with ya.
Asher: can’t wait to come to boulder and chop away. Glad I came back to camp to cuddle with u Bebe. Couldn’t haves asked for a better co and Bebe counselor. Let’s take 12 next year!
Tyler: Bebe is not rotten anymore. So happy I came back to chop wood with u every min of the week.
Avi: you are not going to die don’t worry
Ginger dressing: you saved me from all these meals
BUNK 5B • SC • 2K1814
MEAT HEAD STAFF: HEAD OF DELTS AVODIAN STAFF CURLS GET THE GIRLS CLUB THE PEOPLES LIZ REP 1ST TEAM ALL SPIN FORMER CANOE AWARD WINNER IDEAS GUY
After nally making it to the 5 year I look back on my time here and I wouldn’t change a thing (except maybe belly op B last year). There’s really no place like Avoda, and if I don’t see another year here, thanks for everything.
Adin, keep directing young kids education sexy. Simon, maybe hit calves for once. Jacobra, didn’t see enough pbs this year, gure it out. Im Seabar, 5b = camps liz rep. 2k18, I’ve honestly never met a more handsome group, max you can destroy my world. Peach Gilly’s, thank you for getting me through eld trips.
Avodian sta : gotta x the chill to pull ratio.
Dot dots: that’s gotta be in the play… the chopper… the bucket… deadstar… jenny…
Shoutouts: AS, SB, BJ, AS, MS, EB, SB, OS, TF, AK, JL, BW, ZG, RE.
Summer 2022. Hard to believe it’s over already. 12 summers spent at this place and I still have that same feeling leaving this place as I did when I was in bunk 1. Things didn’t exactly go how I wanted them but nevertheless I’m grateful I got one more opportunity to spend the summer with my boys. It’s hard to imagine a life without avoda. No one prepares you for how fast life passes by. I would give anything up to be a kid again driving down gibbs with my older brothers next to me. This is the best time of your lives and if you’re a younger kid reading this, don’t give it up until you have to.
1814- I love you guys. I’ve known almost all of you since I was in bunk 1 and now we’re leading the show. 14 year feels like yesterday. I wish this wasn’t the last with you guys. Every summer I leave my friends to come to Avoda, they question me. It’s “just a camp” they say. No one will understand the reasons, it can’t be explained. I love all of you and it won’t be the last time we’re all together.
Arty- you were an awesome CO. Lived up to every single one of my expectations. We de nitely bool more then any other cos. Crazy how you were only a 2 year. Such a big part of our 14 now. One summer can change a lot . We’re out to Boulder for the game.
Beast- I can’t tell you how much this camp needs you. You bring so much energy anywhere you are. There’s very few people that are larger than life, you are one of those people. I’m so glad I get to go against you in pink
pank. Give me the triple btw I need it. Anyway, it’s been awesome building a friendship with you on sta . I’m so glad you decided to comeback for whatever reason you did.
Ty- wish you came full. Glad we got one month though. You are actually the most unhealthy chopper I’ve met in my life. Your hilarious and I wish I could go to the lot with you right now but ur on do (I’m feening). Love you bro and I’ll see you
Jesse- I never thought you would be back again and when I found out you were coming back this summer I couldn’t imagine what it would be like. Straight from the moment I saw you after 3 years it felt the same. Just like kids again joking with each other. You have the biggest heart of any person I’ve ever met. There’s a reason you’re all the bunk 1ers favorite counselor. You know exactly what to say to put a smile on my face when I’m upset about something stupid. I know we can joke a lot and pretend to argue but at the end of it I alway end up with my arms around you (ayo) giving you a big hug. You are such a great guy and you’re one of the only reasons I could stay positive here, literally tearing up writing this I love you Bebe
Asher- you know I’m always joking when I pretend to be angry at you. Stop bullying me though seriously. Feels like yesterday I met you in bunk 4 playing basketball together. Crazy how fast time ies. The fact that we have known each other for almost 10 years. Wow. You know I had my troubles this summer and sometimes in a bad mood but It always helped chopping with you joking about some bs. #bestCIT. I love you bro can’t wait to visit this year at Boulder and see you at state.
Owen- see you at state.
Avoda-I will miss this place. Never having that feeling leading up to camp again. I can’t imagine it. Unfortunately I don’t think I will be back next summer. Man, 12 summers here. This might be the hardest thing I’ve had to write. I learned so much from avoda. Building friendships, learning how to be a leader. Every year I would wait those 10 months to get to come back here. I will never forget you. Farewell avoda
Glad to be back even if it was only for the last month. Even with that being said, sta this year and the summer in general has been awesome. Always reppin the Liz and lot per usual. If I’m not back next year I’m glad to see this place is and will always be in good hands. Shout bebe for not being rotten and coming back, Asher for being a chopaholic, and seabass for being a meat head. Shout all of 1814. Peace out.
I guess it’s time to write one of these again. It’s always hard to put everything I feel about this place into words, but here goes.
When last summer ended, I wasn’t sure that I’d be back. Lots of things have been changing in my life, and I just wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make it work.
But as the summer got closer, I realized that the fact that other things were changing meant that it was more important than ever that I come back. Because this place doesn’t change, and that’s what’s beautiful about it. Sure, people come and go. But fundamentally, things stay the same. You play sports, you swim, you sit on the porch and talk about whatever, you play some more sports. Then you go to sleep, wake up, and do it all again. And you do it all surrounded by your best friends in the world.
What more can you ask for than that? This place has meant so much to me over the years, and in a lot of ways I really miss being a camper. But in some ways, this has been the most meaningful summer of all. Being able to escape the craziness of my life outside to come here was worth the world to me. I needed to be here – I needed to be on this eld that I know so well, just hanging out with the guys I grew up with.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that more than anything, Avoda is an oasis. I don’t know what I’d do without it. Who knows what the future holds, but I really hope I’ll be back next summer. And if I’m not, at least I ended on a good one.
With all that said, let’s do some shoutouts:
Owen: I was so happy when I found out we were Co’s. There’s never a boring moment when you’re around. You made this summer a blast, and you coached the hell out of the Raider’s D. Hope we can nd a time to see each other this o season.
Ben, Stelly, Caden, Ty: Thanks for holding down the fort on the other side of the cabin.
Sawyer: Who would’ve thought the kid Miklos threw into a tree would one day be a winning Desert War General? Thanks for putting the squad together – you were the glue at the center of our team. Good luck in C-dubs, and at Colby in the fall. I see a WR1 role in your future.
Alex: I don’t have a speci c reason to shout you out. Honestly, I just wanted to take a second to ask: have you thought about just… producing insulin properly? Seriously dude – gure it out. It’s getting embarrassing at this point.
Goodgame: We got a lot closer this summer, and I’m really glad we did. Level 99 was a eld trip for the ages. Hope I can make it to Uconn at some point.
Arty: Sorry I was too rotten this summer to chef it up with you in the kitchen. I wish you luck in your quest to test out urinals all o season.
2K18: I love all of you guys. It’s crazy how long of a ride it’s been – let’s hope we can keep it going.
White Raiders: What a team, what a comeback, what a day, and what a post-game celly. That lake jump was the sweetest moment of the summer.
Senior Soccer: Had a great time coaching and playing with you all summer. Glad you were able to keep the streak alive, even if I wasn’t there to see it.
Ken: Thanks for being exible with me this summer. I really appreciate everything you do.
Bunk 6B: You guys are good kids. I hope you all keep coming back.
Avoda: You were perfect as always. Never change. I love you.
It goes without saying that this summer was great as every year here is. If you’re reading this, never forget how much you love this place, it’s easy to forget in the long 10 months away from camp. You will never regret coming back.
Simon: I’m so glad you came back, running a bunk with you was awesome. Sucks you weren’t in CW but there’s always next year ;).
Bunk 6B: You guys were an interesting group, but there was never a dull moment, so thank you. I look forward to seeing you guys grow at this place. Shout out to the core four that stayed full, you guys were the rock of the bunk and thank you for being leaders. Jamie drink your juice.
14: You guys are a great group of kids and I see a lot of 2k18 in you. The future is bright, please keep coming back, you guys will love what’s next. Sta will be yours one day.
Ethan and Danny: Love you boys, thanks for coming back, this year truly would not have been as fun without you. Hope it was a bad send o ;).
White Raiders: What an absolute show we put on. I said it in the lake, but this was the best Desert War I’ve been here for. So much heart was shown in that last period, I will never forget that lake jump. Demeo and Gaby you guys were awesome, and the rest of 14, I’m so happy we had all you guys. Age, you were the one that got away. Great Liz send.
Blue Demons: Gonna be a great week, the work has just begun. We have an absolute squad, glad I’m doing it with you boys. From the depths of hell baby.
2k18: I love you guys to death. I wish I got to spend more time with all of you, 2 months is not enough. You guys are truly my best friends. The greatest 14 to ever grace this earth. I think we got one more year left in us.
My fellow Avodians, For those who couldn’t understand my incoherent rambling at the July 4th bon re, I thought I would share my thoughts here, because I think this message surpasses all other lessons you learn here at Camp Avoda. So here it goes…
Philosopher Simone Weil wrote a book called The Love of God and A iction, which explains how complete love of God exists not only when you and God are united, but even as much when you are separated. Similarly, in friendship, there is both “meeting (unity) and separation.” She further writes that in friendship, “with half the globe between them, their union will not be diminished in the slightest degree.” Even though painful, for those who love, separation is good because it is love, and this love is more powerful than distance.
You will not lose your brothers. Whether you are in unity (here at Camp Avoda) or in separation (older and creating your own life) the bond you have with your fellow 14ers and Avodians will never diminish. Even if you don’t see your brothers for years, the bond will never break and you will rejoice as if nothing has changed. One of the greatest philosophers knew this to be a fundamental truth about brotherhood, so if you worry about what lies ahead, don’t be discouraged. You will always have your brothers regardless of the physical distance that separates you.
With that being said, I’d like to do some brief shoutouts:
> Blue Swarm: I was incredibly honored to be your General. We were so close and I wouldn’t have picked any other team.
> 2k1714: We are - and always will be - the resilient 14.
> Bunk 9: I’ve watched you guys grow up, and it’s amazing to see the men you’ve become. Savor these moments as you continue to grow and mature, because the wheels keep on turning. No time to waste time.
I’ll see ya when I’m looking at ya Goodgame
Another great summer in the books at Camp Avoda. I was grateful to be back for the 2022 summer. My rst year on sta after 6 previous summers brought an exciting challenge. Changing my mindset from camper to counselor opened my mind to a new perspective. Suddenly, I had true responsibilities, a standard to run quality periods, and expectations to emotionally help my campers. Now, I really understand what my counselors went through in caring for us campers. I model my strategies after my favorite counselors of the past, showing the amazing full circle cycle of Avoda.
2K1914: I am so happy that the core of our 14 has stayed intact. Every summer I come back to camp and cherish our friendship. I wouldn’t want to go through JC year with anyone else. Let’s try to run it back next summer.
Bunk 9: I hope you guys continue to come back to camp and enjoy everything it has to o er. You all belong at this camp and contribute something unique and special. We de nitely had some funny moments from the mad libs to the exorcisms. Thanks for a great summer.
Goodgame: Thanks for being a great Co. You made my job pretty easy and showed me a lot about being a good counselor.
Eli: You were amazing at dealing with the crazy. Thanks for being a huge help in the bunk. I wish you were here the full year.
Jr. Hoops: I had a great time coaching you all this year. I love basketball and coaching so this was the best of both worlds. Even though my basketball skill is constantly questioned by you guys, it was a fun time.
I love you Avoda!
After nine summers at Avoda, I can’t believe that it’s time to write my pro le. My rst summer on sta has allowed me to experience camp from an entirely new perspective, but I can con dently say that at least two things about my Avoda experience haven’t changed a bit: One, there’s no other place on earth where I would rather spend my summer. Two, time at this place goes by really quickly. A huge shoutout to the people who helped make this summer so great:
2k19: Wow, we nally made it to sta . We’ve de nitely grown much smaller over the years, but I couldn’t be happier with the group of guys that we have left. Here’s to an amazing rest of the summer and I hope to see you boys back next year.
Bunk 9: Even though you guys are a crazy bunch for sure, I had a great time being your counselor this year. You’re great kids and I really hope you continue to grow even closer together as a 14 in the future.
Waltzman: You were a fantastic co to have this year. Thanks for showing me the ropes on sta . Where’s the coverage?
So this is my rst year in camp Avoda as an Israeli counselor, and it was amazing! I can’t describe in word’s the experience that I had in camp!
Every single day is crazy ,all the sports ,the waterfront ,the eld trips and the evening activities was so much fun! I wish I knew about the camp earlier because it is amazing to spend every summer here.
First of all, I want to say thank you for all the admins! Thanks for helping me and the Israeli guys during all this summer. Special thanks to Ronni which was a mother for us during summer, always with a smile and no is not an answer for you!
Bunk 10 : You guys are awesome ! I had so much fun with y’all! You are the best bunk in camp and you’re future in camp is bright.
Special thanks to the counselors in my bunk, Jacob Winn, Nate Goldberg, and Max Kleinmann. You guys really helped me going through this summer and every evening in bunk was di erent and fun!
Sr Hoops: Guys, you are warriors! Even though we had hard summer you guys still give 100% of yourself and I’m sure next summer we gonna win all the tournament’s.
And last but not least, Matti and Asaf. Without you this summer won’t be the same! You are an amazing people, I hope you will come back next year.
C AMP AV OD A 2022
BUNK 10 • SC • 2K1714
HEAD
WATERFRONT, SMALL
Crazy to think that another summer has gone by in the blink of an eye. Even crazier to think that I’ve been on sta for 3 years. It’s been a wild ride. Through all the up’s and downs of the rest of the year. Avoda has always been a place where I can go to relax and be myself.
2k17- so many of us came back this summer. It’s wild that we were in bunk 14 5 years ago. You guys are always my brothers and getting to spend my summers with you is always a great time.
Bunk 10-y’all are some of the best kids in camp. From story time to playing volleyball on the beach as midnight you guys have been great.
Nate G- I haven’t spent this much time with you since we were on the royals together and I’m happy to say that it’s been just as fun this summer as it was all those years ago. You put your heart into this camp and camp gives its soul back to you.
Reese-your the best waterfront for head I could ask for. Thanks for all the good times.
BUNK 10 • SC • 2K1714 HEAD OF ARCHIVES, ARCHERY, FISHING, 1ST LT WHITE RAIDERS, 3RD LT OF THE BLUE DEMONS, HEAD OF 2ND LOT, OLD AVODA
As my 12th year on the shores of Tispaqin winds down, the reality of how blissful yet bittersweet camp is setting in on me. What seemed to be an eternity ahead of ubiquitous opportunities to see my best friends, interact with my campers, and partake in the Avoda community, has nimbled down to merely a few regular days, and the war. I started my career at Avoda as a camper in bunk 1, with counselors Eric Edelman and Benny. From the very beginning, their in uence on me along my way through camp.
History- Camp Avoda is in my blood, my dad went to Avoda, my grandpa came to a Avoda and my great-grandfather, Judge Barnett founded the camp in 1927.
2017 14- I am so happy with how many of us that came back this summer, wouldn’t have been the same without you guys much love
Nate- it was great being in the same cabin, many memories in the blue chopper ddubs was mine u snaked. Let’s win cdubs together
Sam- yoga man I am glad you are back and looking forward to your future ventures Theo- stay o the balloons and the stix, It was great having you back, lots of great times on day o Bunk 10- thanks for being my buds this summer. You guys are great. Keep coming back. As a 14 you’ll be ne as long as you realize you need to behave more like true avodians.
Birthday speech- this is my 10th summer at Avoda! I like it very much! Bunk 14! Bunk 10! 2k1714! Waterfront! White Assassins! White Legends! White Mercenaries! Blue Goblins! Whtie Chiefs! Blue Apes! White Villains! Blue Wizards! White Raiders! And everyone else is number 1!
...DD’s...Osama…¿Donde está drew?...Lot... Fishin and Chillin...Archery lit...CB...ROLO VOLO!...Monkey Moment... Scott...ELLLLIIIIIIIII!!!!!...Cringegame...Tony...El rosko Jr... Dirty dog...Captain 2 strike...EH’s...casa…Andrew 1... Mitchell…OG White rim...Chipwiches...Scott!!!!...No long nights....Waterfront...The bucket...Trip day...Raft wars… mikvahcrew…
To be honest I didn’t know what to expect from camp, I’ve never been to Avoda or a summer camp at all. But this summer was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!
I got to spend the summer in a di erent country and experience a di erent culture, had a lot of fun with my campers and sta who welcomed me very well, I got to learned how to play di erent sports like football and softball, had a lot of fun running periods,
and in general just had a lot of fun being a part of the Avoda community and experience.
Bunk 11: thank you for welcoming me so well, I know it’s not easy welcoming a completely new Person who never been to camp to be your consoler. I had a lot of fun playing roof ball, showing you some Krav Maga moves and proving I can win against all of you in a ght and just hanging out and talking to you guys. you are all special and awesome people and I had so much fun with you.
Sta : we didn’t know how the sta would welcome us as consolers, but even on the rst day everyone were so helpful and we were greeted with the most special Avoda welcoming . Thanks for accepting us so well and thanks for a great summer.
Archery: had a lot of fun teaching you how to use a bow and arrow and I’m proud of you for keeping the arrow lost to a minimum.
Igal and Matti: I’m happy I got to know and experience the camp with you. It was really fun going together on days o and trying and exploring new things in a di erent country.
Camp Avoda: thank you for this amazing experience I would never forget this summer and I’m happy I got to be a part of you for a summer.
C AMP AV OD A 2022
As much as I don’t want to believe it, I know this is most likely my last summer at Avoda. After ten years, there is not much more I could ask for from this special place. I found my brothers here, matured, and grew both stronger, con dent, and independent as a person. I remember being a young camper and thinking I had so much time left. Now, that time has own by in a blur. I hate saying goodbye but I know Avoda has truly changed me as a person and I will never forget it.
1814: I really don’t know where to start. You have all become my family and the memories I have with each of you are countless. I’m so glad so many of us have kept coming back and I have no idea what I would do without all of you. The best fourteen in history, no doubt.
Bunk 11/12: As hard as I am on all of you, it’s all out of love and wanting to push each of you to be the best you can be. I gave you big goals at the start of the summer and I’m proud of all of you for stepping up. Good luck in 14 next summer.
Asaf: Thanks for being a great co this summer!
Curtis: After last year being taken away from you, I am glad we got to be in the same cabin this summer. You really represent what being a true Avodian means.
Ethan and Danny: Thanks for doing a great job leading
sta this summer. I am really thankful to have learned about sta from you both and wish you good luck in whatever comes next.
Alex, Max, Eli: Luckily we only live ten minutes apart so I get to see you guys all year. You guys have been with me from the start (Max a little late) and I’ll be grateful for my friendships with you and all of 1814 forever. I love you guys.
White Raiders: Told you from the start we had the better team. Proud of the 14ers and everyone who stepped up. Lake jump felt incredible. Kleinmann, Simon, Owen: So happy I got to run it with you boys. Was really a dream come true and de nitely couldn’t have done it without all of you.
White Armada: Thank you Ethan and Danny for this opportunity. Been working hard and can’t wait for my rst color war on sta .
Cole and Drew: We’ve made our mark here. I wouldn’t have done it any other way and I’m so proud of what you both have accomplished. Don’t want to imagine a summer without all three of us here.
Campers, never stop coming back. I’ll miss you Avoda.
O cially the end of my 11th summer at Camp Avoda… where do I even begin. It’s crazy to think I’m an SC and a senior bunk counselor when it feels like I was just a senior camper. This summer has been full of surprises and memories. Although a lot of change happened this summer the spirit and brotherhood here will never change and it will always be my home. I hope to come back for as long as possible and make the most out of the time I have left.
Shoutouts:
• Curtis: I’ve now been cos with two members of the Williams/Kleinmann family. I loved being cos with someone i’ve been close to for such a long time and I can’t imagine surviving this summer without you as my co. We were a power duo in 12 and ran that jawn as best as possible. I really hope to see you back here next year. Thanks for being there with me and for a great summer.
• Bunk 11/12: I didn’t expect to get a senior bunk going into the summer and didn’t know what to expect when I found out I was with you guys. Through thick and thin I had a blast with all of you. I de nitely saw your progress throughout the summer but please continue to build your bonds as a 14 as your greatest summer is yet to come. I hope to be back next summer to see what you guys become as a 14.
• Sawyer: I loved having you across the cabin from me and working with you for CW. It’s gonna be tough being here without you next year.
• 2k1814: Finally SCs. We may not get the respect we deserve but we know what we are. Please come back so we can continue to be the strongest and by far the best 14 in camp. We run the liz. Adam and Schreiber are rotten.
• Danny: I never really struggled at camp and even if I did idk that you’d have helped me but thank you for just being here all these years and for coming back for one more. I nally got to work with you in something which I never thought I’d be able to do after last summer. It’s gonna be weird being at camp without you.
• Ethan and Nate: I’ve known both of you for as long as I can remember. I know this isn’t the end for me seeing you guys but it will de nitely be weird not seeing you guys here.
Thanks for coming back for one more (ish @nate). Thanks for taking me and believing in me Ethan.
• 2k17: We’ve always had beef and competition as 14s and i’m glad that re didn’t die on sta . I’ve gotten so close with you guys and am glad I got to experience another year on sta with y’all. I hope as many of you as possible come back.
Dot dots: • Vengeance • age • yupalup • FNAG • Average Weight Lifters Who Take an Occasional Day O • SLOP EM UPPPP
Wow, another summer has come and gone just like that! It feels like yesterday I was driving down Gibbs eager for the summer to begin.
I want to thank the entire Avoda community for welcoming me back with open arms this summer. There is honestly no place like Avoda, and I am so grateful that I was able to spend this summer here.
Ethan & Danny: First o I wanna say y’all did a great job as 14 counselors. That’s no easy task and you guys killed it. I am so glad that we were able to be here this summer and run it back one last time together. I will most de nitely miss the times we had here over the years. I look forward to seeing what is in store for you guys in the future.
Nate: It was great having you here on the weekends. I am glad you were able to make it work this summer. I will miss kicking it with you here at camp.
Ben: Hearing the news that you were coming back last minute really made my summer. I was so happy that you were able to nd a way to make it back once again, and kick it for the summer. I hope you nd a way to keep coming back, as you are such an asset to sta
Jc’s: Fellas it has been a time hanging with you all. I am glad you guys were
able to learn the ropes and turn into great counselors. Please keep coming back, things get better and better each year on sta .
2k17: As always it was another great summer. Cannot wait to see you all at alumni weekend next summer. Get ready!
Carlos: It has been a blast being your Co. We made some great memories and showed the kids a time!
2k18: I’m glad we were all able to get closer. You guys were great and you will to continue to be great sta members, so keep coming back. Camp needs you all.
Bunk 11&12: We de nitely had our ups and downs, but I hope you all had a fun summer full of memories. I cannot wait to see you guys run camp as 14ers next year. I have no doubt in my mind you guys will turn into the great leaders you have been working so hard to become.
Maker space squad: Boys thank you all so much for buying into this new program. It was truly amazing to see how big of a hit this program was.
I have no clue in what capacity I will be back next year. Maybe a sta member, maybe alumni. But I do know that I will be counting down the days until I return to 23 Gibbs road.
Damn, this is the last one unfortunately. It’s crazy that this is my 11th summer at camp, I have now been here more than half of my life. This place obviously means so much to me and has had an immensely positive impact on my life. I’m not looking forward to that empty feeling I’ll get when I have no days left here. Shoutouts…
2k21 14 - This summer was a great continuation from the last. We had a lot of fun and good times and I’m glad I got to be your 14 counselor. Come back as long as you can, you all know life beyond being a camper is a time.
2k16 - Realest ones left in the game. Y’all know how I feel about you all by now.
It - We are so damn stacked, no way we don’t win it all. Regardless of the outcome on any given day, this has been a fun group to be with and I’m glad I picked each one of you.
White Armada - Armada Country, let’s ride.
To everyone who has made my time at Avoda so great, thank you.
Dot dots: all things -age… zeeb… trojans… Liz Reps
I say this every summer, but somehow it’s already that time of the summer where sta pro les are due. This is always a sad thing as it means camp is winding down, however there is still plenty to look forward to. This summer has been truly special being one of the oldest sta members and leading camp. I am so grateful for the last 14 summers of my life here and I cannot put it into words how much this place means to me. I know I wouldn’t be the same person without it. There should never be a doubt of whether you should come back. This is the most special place on earth and I cannot imagine what summer is like outside of 23 Gibbs.
Bunk 14: Boys what a summer. I knew when I had the opportunity to come back to be your 14 counselors I had to take it. You were able to get right into it being leaders of camp and setting good examples. You guys are all great kids and I know you will help carry this sta in a couple years. You guys made this summer one of the best for me and I couldn’t have asked for it any di erently. Keep coming back because as you all know it only gets better every year.
Danny: What a summer. Wish we had the full squad back this year but couldn’t have asked for a better co. From running 4th hoops to guring out athletics to being on a waterski period without knowing how to drive a boat, it was a summer to remember. Don’t think I saw you in the weight room once this year but don’t worry you’ll get there. Trojans would’ve been better.
Nate: Biiiiiig BoFA Guy. Tough that you couldn’t come back full but glad you were still able to show up on weekends. Don’t know how we got through the summer but just know activ soon. Can’t wait to see where we go from here, maybe set up shop in Boston.
Curtis: Been going strong since ‘08. Good having you back this year after missing out on last summer. Been fun boolin all summer and gonna be tough to say goodbye. Going to be hard not seeing the boys as often but let’s close out the summer on a high note.
Alex: Being on sta with you was an amazing experience for the last two years. I hope you continue to come back every year for as long as you can and one day lead this place. I know you’re gunning for the Executive Director chair so keep going strong. That beard better go any day now.
Eli/Owen/Sawyer: Glad you all were back this year with me and helped make this summer great. Was fun boolin all year and de nitely feel like we got closer this summer. Hopefully we can link in the o season for some D1 Football games at Colby. Hope you all can come back next year and keep the Avoda traditions going strong.
Team Ya-Ya: Great work boys started o poorly but fought back. Weiner shift really worked and we had so much real estate in Applebaum’s head. YUPPPAGE
White Armada: I’m feeling really good about this upcoming week. We’re putting in the work and can’t wait for the week to get here. Armada all the way.
Dot Dots: Mad guyage… Yuppage… Prince… Shiftenota… zeeb, -age… negaleg… posaloz… Deena, Trojans
