Winter 2025
WORDS FROM THE WISE
Have You Got That Camp Wise Magic?
By Rabbi Dan Utley, Director
One of my favorite summer traditions occurs at the end of supervisor training each June. After several days of preparing the leadership team for the arrival of all staff, we reflect on our individual strengths and how they contribute to the success of another summer at Camp Wise. This often concludes with each person writing their personal mission statement. I cherish looking back at these heartfelt reflections, which capture what makes Camp Wise so special.
Anyone who’s been part of Camp Wise knows the unique magic of the Home of Happiness. It connects us, brings out our best selves, builds individual confidence and fosters communal strength – all part of 118 years of camp tradition and truly, Jewish history in Cleveland, too.
This fall, Camp Wise Committee Chair Eliana LeVine led a working group of staff and volunteer leaders, including Mandel JCC Board President Bruce Rosenbaum, to update Camp Wise’s mission, vision and values (MVV) as part of The J’s Vision ‘24 initiative. The group’s goal was to define Camp Wise’s essence and create a guiding statement to inform both current decisions and long-term planning.
Feedback from campers, parents and staff through the 2024 summer survey was crucial in shaping this process.
Our community agrees: Camp Wise is a welcoming space where campers build confidence and independence, Jewish life is fun and inclusive, and children of all interests thrive in pursuit of joy. We’re excited to share the updated Mission, Vision and Values and can’t wait to see them come to life in an incredible 2025
MISSION
To spark happiness, build confidence and nurture Jewish identity through community and kindness.
VISION
To create transformative camping experiences where Jewish community and the discovery of purpose, passion and compassion empower each individual to thrive and enrich the world.
CORE VALUES
Kehillah / Community
Ahavat Yisrael / Love for Israel
Btzelem Elohim / Acceptance & Respect
Tikkun Olam / Repairing the World
Shana Says L’Dor Vador
There is a famous Jewish story that is often told this time of year around Tu B’Shvat as we celebrate the birthday of the trees. It is about a man named Choni who was traveling along the road when he saw a man planting a carob tree. Choni asked him, “How long will it take for this tree to bear fruit?” “Seventy years,” the man replied. “Do you think that you will live another seventy years?” Choni asked. The man replied, “I found carob trees growing when I was born because my ancestors planted them for me, so I, too, plant them for those who come after me.”
Tu B’Shvat is our yearly reminder that we are God’s partners in taking care of the land. And this story can be a literal reminder of our obligation to take care of this beautiful planet that God gave us – of our responsibility to pass a healthy environment on to the next generation.
More figuratively, the story teaches us that l’dor vador, from one generation to the next, we offer gratitude for all the traditions of those who came before us, and plant seeds for those who will come after. As a camp that will celebrate 118 years this summer, we understand the power of
l’dor vador and what it means to honor the past and plant for the future.
“We Welcome You (Back) to Wise in Chardon”
This summer, Camp Wise campers have a treat in store (double canteen?) as two talented alumni step into yearround roles. Ryan Singer, who began full-time in January, will oversee all-camp programs, chugim, programmers and cabin activities in the summer. Year-round, he’ll focus on welcoming new campers and creating engaging experiences for the entire camper base. Leia Withee, LSW, who started in December, will supervise village experiences and community care in the summer. Year-round, she supports campers and families and manages camp readiness/welcoming initiatives leading up to summer. Ryan and Leia are already working hard to connect with over 500 campers for this summer. Here are some fun facts about them:
Ryan Singer
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: CAMPER EXPERIENCE AND ENGAGEMENT
Hometown Orange, OH
Synagogue Park Synagogue, Cleveland, OH
Favorite Camp Meal Chicken Patty Sandwiches
Is Baked Potato Bar a Meal or a Side It IS in fact a meal
Chug Choice #1 Teva/Outdoor Cooking
Favorite Place on Camp The Ohalim rec field at sunset
Hidden Talent I am really good at “Name that Tune” (thank you radio chug 2006-13)
Favorite Camp Tradition Captains and Judges jumping in the pool after Maccabiah
Leia Withee, LSW –
COMMUNITY CARE MANAGER
Hometown Columbus, OH
Synagogue Beth Tikvah, Columbus, OH
Favorite Camp Meal Toasted Cheese
Is Baked Potato Bar a Meal or a Side A meal!
Chug Choice #1 Outdoor Cooking
Favorite Place on Camp Ohalim Gaga Pit (at night)
Hidden Talent Playing violin
Favorite Camp Tradition CW Night
This summer our educational value will be L’dor Vador, and we will spend the summer discovering what it means to be a link in the chain of tradition, whether that is the Camp Wise traditions, the traditions of the Jewish people or our own family and community traditions. I cannot wait to spend the summer with you, discovering the beauty of what was planted by those who came before us and creating new traditions to plant for future generations.
BUSY JANUARY
MLK Pool Party + Leadership Weekend
We’ve had awesome winter events for all ages! Over 50 1st-4th graders swam at our MLK Jr. Day Pool Party, and the 2025 ILSE and SIT participants prepared for their summer at the Leadership Retreat.
Rabbi Shana Nyer Jewish Educator
Having a blast at the pool party
ILS Retreat, 2025
August Programs at Camp Wise
CAMP CHAI
THURSDAY, AUG 14 – MON, AUGUST 18
An overnight vacation in the woods for adults with disabilities. Come experience all the fun of Camp Wise and meet new friends!
OHALIM TAKES OVER CAMP WISE
5-6TH GRADE WEEKEND
FRIDAY, AUG 15 – SUNDAY, AUG 17
At Camp Wise, we’re not ready to give up on summer just because camp is over. We bet your kids aren’t either. This Shabbat overnight is a great opportunity for kids in grades 5 and 6 to enjoy a special time at camp in our Ohalim village. During the day, camp activities include pool and lake fun, ropes course, arts and crafts, and sports. In the evening, everyone will experience the special Ohalim spirit with a campfire and s’mores and sleeping in our open-air cabins.
FAMILY FUN DAY
SUNDAY, AUG 17 • 1-4 PM
Wishing you had one more day at camp this summer?
Family Fun Day is your chance! Show your family why Camp Wise is your Home of Happiness, and you can even bring a friend you want to see at camp next summer!
WOMEN’S WEEKEND
FRIDAY, AUG 22 – SUNDAY, AUG 24
Join us for a fabulous weekend that will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Enjoy Shabbat, relax at the pool and unplug at Women’s Weekend!
RETURNING FOR A SECOND YEAR
Overnight for Grades 2-4 • Sept 2025
Meet the people you’ll be with at camp in Summer 2026 or reconnect with the ones you were with in ’25! If you’re thinking about joining our camp community for the first time, this is the PERFECT way to see Camp Wise in action. Try out our camp activities, celebrate Shabbat and see what it’s like to sleep in one of our Chalutzim cabins! To close it out on Saturday night, we’ll have Havdalah with parents back at the Mandel JCC in Cleveland. Stay tuned for details.
“I’m tryin’ to tell you something about my life...”
C.I.T.s (Campers in Training)
Camp Wise Alum Future Camper Date
Tali (Friedman) & Scott Singer Quinn
Jan 21
Meredith (Belman) & Don Wingler Griffin (Finn) Feb 25
Jessica (Pargament) & Raj Bhadauria Sam Bhadauria
Jamie (Collins) & Max Garber Beau Garber
Amanda (Goldie) & Jake Sieger Olivia Sieger
March 4
March 14
April 21
Gabrielle (Meles) & Avi Green Rosie Green April 24
Kari (Semel) & Andrew Exler Nora Exler
May 9
Lucy (Cahn) & Johnny Bolton Asher Bolton June 7
Daniella Kohan & Ben Leubitz Arya Leubitz July 3
Sara (Federman) & Sam Goldman Ethan Goldman Sept 5
Vosh (Hallowell) & Zach Hoberman Bloom Hoberman Sept 10
Arielle (Miller) & Michael Gurman Adina Gurman Nov 13
Lindsey (Weller) & Sandy Cusmariu Sadie Cusmariu Nov 15
Jessie Bruder & Aaron Tevlowitz Max Tevlowitz Dec 8
Stephanie (Dworken) & Dean Seitz Logan Seitz Dec 11
Please let us know when any Camp Wise alumnus welcomes a new baby and we will send them a Future Camper onesie.
B’nai Mitzvah
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, I SAID WE ARE PROUD OF YOU... UH!
When someone at Camp Wise celebrates a big day, we all stand on our benches and cheer about it! Here’s a big CW cheer for all those campers who have celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah since our last newsletter. Please let us know if we’ve missed you and we will include you in our next issue.
Vivian Buzzard
Kyla Peterson
Madalyn Torrance
Jillian Kugelman
Nathan Kassoff
Max Weiss
Miriam Claypool
Hannah Schauer
Aiden Bleich
Ethan Scheraga
Luke Seaman
Allie Beynenson
Lucille Goldenberg
Garrett Resnick
Addie Borensztein
Sasha Silverman
Lilah Bass
Melissa Martel
“I Can Hear the Bells...”
Emily Josephson & Eric Black • March 30
Shelby Kammer & Matthew “Zuky” Zuckerman • May 26
Moselle Yulish & Eyal Peleg • June 14
Kenny Fisher & Emma Ridings • June 15
Rachel Bloom & Matt Tumen • June 22
Eva Bogomolny & Grant Kaufman • July 14
Casey Southard & Zack Fox, July 20
Matthew Paley & Alexa Meller • Aug 17
Lexi Stovsky & Jake Simon • August 24
Lindsey Louis & Jeremy Kulbarsh • Aug 31
Hannah Henschel & Zoe Aquino • Aug 31
Lindsey Guth & Blake Lanious • Sept 14
Hannah Frayman & Josh Conison • Sept 15
HAKARAT HATOV
GratitudeReport
Numbers of Campers/ Village
• Chalutzim/ Rishon/ Machar
• Ohalim
Scholarships, Grants and Community Support
359 campers received scholarships or grant support in order to attend Camp Wise in 2024.
It Takes a Villiage
65% of Camp Wise campers received some form of funding, either need based financial aid or community grants to help them attend camp in 2024. 48% of families report that scholarships and grants are “extremely influential” in deciding whether or not to return to camp. Your support for camper scholarships is needed and deeply appreciated.
STAFF COMMUNITY
Gratitude Report
CONTINUED
8
TETHERBALLS USED 24
SOCCER BALLS LOST COUNTLESS GAGA GAMES!
14 YEAR-ROUND EVENTS FOR CAMP WISE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HORSES 16
MACCABIA THEMES/WINNERS
Trip 1
Greek Gods
9 SPIRIT CIRCLES 9 MILES DRIVEN ON SOLEL TRIPS
1,400
Maccabiah Red Aphrodite
Trip 2
Pup-Ccabiah Green Scooby Doo
• Chanukah Candle Lighting
• Pool Party for Grades 1-4
• Leadership Retreat
• Winter Weekend for Grades 5-8
• Camper Reunion
• Staff Reunion
• Spring Open House/Tours
• Impact Day
• Women’s Weekend
• Family Fun Day
• Camp Chai
• Alumni Banquet
• 2-4th Grade Overnight
• Fall Tours
JANUARY 31, 2025
Join Camp Wise’s Club 13164
13164 Taylor Wells Road… On how many letter days did you write this iconic address? Far more than 13,164 lives that have been shaped by Camp Wise since the first summer in 1907. Former director and author of the Camp Wise Story, Al Brown, captures it best: “Camp Wise is not an institution. It is a place to laugh and sing, to swim and play, to feel happier and stronger…to live in unison with the trees and woods and stars…a place to see new hopes.” Anyone who has spent a summer at the Home of Happiness has seen the truth in this vision, and their own hopes become real because of camp.
All of us in the Camp Wise community and in the Cleveland Jewish community together further the vision and the institution of Camp
Wise so that we continue changing lives in this generation and beyond. That’s why we launched a new camp tradition in this new year: the 13164 Camp Wise Day of Giving!
Alumni and camper families around the globe contributed an annual gift to support Camp Wise, and the community raised, over $21,000 from 43 donors (as of 2/2/25).
Did you miss out on January 31? It isn’t too late…any level of giving is valued! We are excited to recognize donors in the Chadar who chose to make annual giving to Camp Wise a priority through joining Club 13164 with an annual commitment of:
Adults 30 and over $131.64 / month or a gift of $1,600 per year
Young adults 19-29 A gift of at least $131.64
Campers and staff 18 and under $1.31 / month or a gift of $18 / year
A Very Special “Todah Rabah”
TO ALL OF OUR MOST RECENT CAMP WISE DONORS!
We are honored to recognize the families, individuals and groups who have chosen to make thoughtful and generous contributions to Camp Wise and join the 2024 Forward Together Now Harold Grinspoon Match.
Contributions to Camp Wise continue to help make camp possible for a number of campers. Your donations of $18 can help support us in new programming supplies for a cabin or village program. $36 will help support camp’s ability to post over 7,000 photos over the summer. $180 goes toward amazing out-of-camp trip experiences for our older campers. $13,164 will make it possible for two campers to experience the Home of Happiness for the first time.
Please let us know if your name was inadvertently left off the list. As of Dec 31 2024 IN MEMORY OF
Sylvia Biarsky
Deb Risik
Ellen Carmell
Gary Biarsky
Janice & Robert Jucker
Julie Greenberg
Mary Ann & Gary Shamis
Mitchell Friedman
Norma & Larry Zukerman
Patti Stern-Glicken
Shelley Coffman
Shelly & Scott Lewis
Susan Felber
Jacob Butze
Becky Frank Dallet
Max Middleton
Carol & Yair Weinstock
Gordon Safran
Diane & Harvey Scholnick
Arnold Stux
Lydia Stux
Hy Tabachnick
Bruce Werner
Caryn Fields
Charles Cohen
Cheryl Safier
Cindy Glazer
David Rosen & Amy Zisook
David Templin
Francine Glad
Gary Jacobs
James Deutchman
Janice Mandel
Jerold Lavin
Karen Blank & Allan Monosoff
Laura & Scott Kuntz
Leslie Nuss
Linda Reitz
Lisa J Bloom
Marsha & Melvin Strauss
Maureen Panares
Maureen Surloff
Meryl Simon
Pamela Rose
Patti Sullivan
Peter Kupferberg
Rhonda & Mike Wise
Robert Little
Rochelle Paley & David Fusco
Sharon & David Wax
Susan & Marc Gordon
Tracy Van Giesen
Vivien & Earl Sevin IN HONOR OF
Stephanie & Scott
Brown, Steph Rotsky
Irwin Lowenstein
Matt Ortman
Jordan Marks
Gabe Perla
Judith & Donald Schermer
Lourene Rapport
Andrea & Milton Goodman
Ann McElligott
Diane & Neil Greene
Hope & Lawrence Footer
Joel Shapiro & Kathy Renas
Mandel Myers Fellowship
JoEllen Cohen
Marilyn & Bob Harris
Mary Ann & Gary Shamis
Marty Moss & Kathy
Schneiderman
Rooter & Jeffrey Davis
Roberta Kauffman
Selma & Sidney Zetzer
Sharon & Joseph Warsaw
Stanley Bigeleisen & Rochelle Cizon
Josephson Family Foundation
Alan Semel
Beth & Rand Curtiss
Sarah Senkfor
Sonni & Steven Senkfor
Jon Steiger
Karen & Dan Steiger
Beth Young
Kenneth Fisher
Sandy Zieve
Peter Wilson
2024 Shabbat Tables
Erika & Kevin Levine
Lauren & Brad Somogyi
Shani & Scott Spiegle
2024 Alumni Banquet
Abby Bruell & Yoshi Silverstein
Alexis & Shawn Schlessel
Amanda & Josh Goldberg
Amanda Karp & David Emerman
Amy & David Rzepka
Amy Saltzman Barasch
Andrea & Adam Goldberg
Andrea & Sidney
Steinberger
Andrew Williams
Andrew Saltzman
Ann Levine & Scott
Strassels
Ashley & Mike London
Becky Frank Dallet
Beth & Christopher Young
Brian Chessin
Brian Rosen
Buyer’s Product
Connie & Alvin Pesachowitz
Dana Paris & Max Soroky
Eliana LeVine & Josh Polster
Elle Resor
Hailey Nazinitsky
Infinity Power Partners
Irwin Lowenstein
Isaac Hecker
Jake Simon
Jamie Garber
Jamie Semel
Jane & Scott Brown
Janet Waidley
Jason Wachs
Jeff Greenwald
Jeff Hensien
Jennie & Ben Becker
Jessica & Alan Semel
Jessica Levine
Jessie Bruder & Aaron Tevlowitz
Jill & Marc Braun
Jill Fogel
Jodi Sperling
Jonathan Rubinstein
Jonny Bolton & Lucy Cahn
For the fourth year, we are so excited to be able to offer the Mandel Myers Fellowship Program, a college scholarship through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. This past summer, we doubled our participation with over 60 staff members qualifying for this opportunity. This program allows our staff to keep doing what they love (being at camp) while offsetting some of the costs associated with attending university. Open to any Jewish young adult from Cleveland and beyond! Returning overnight camp counselors will be eligible for a scholarship of $5,500. First-time overnight camp counselors will be eligible for a scholarship of $4,500.
Ready to be a part of our 118th summer? Apply for Camp Wise and for the fellowship here
Jordan Kulbarsh
Jordan Marks
Joshua Levy
Joshua Ungar
Judy & Scott Cohen
Julia Levitt
Kari Semel Exler
Kari Traugott
Karla Lang
Kendall Hecker
Leah Sass
Lesley Gordon
Lisa & Mitchell Cronig
Lori & James Stone
Marci & Daniel Ungar
Mary & Jonah Meister
Mary Ann & Gary Shamis
Mathew Ortman
Max & Jamie Garber
Melissa & Eli Steinberger
Meredith Belman
Michael Goldman
Molly McCarey
Molly Rinckleman
Moriah Shtull
Nick Goldman
Rachel & Daniel Utley
Rachel Braun
Rachel Cahn
Rachel Felber
Rachel Motz
Rebecca Semel
Rob Petroff
Sam Eppy
Samantha Licker & Adam Babcock
Samantha Raiffe
Sarah & Jason Colon
Sarah & Jordan Phillips
Sarah Phillips
Shaina & David Leb
Shelby Kammer & Matthew Zukerman
Sherri Koppel
Simone Light
Tali & Scott Singer
Support of Israeli Campers from Kibbutz
Be’eri & Kissufim
Deborah & Timothy Petroff
Jennifer Slate & Jonathan Grischkan
Jessie Bruder & Aaron Tevlowitz
Kathryn & David Hexter
Marilyn Bedol & Robert Federman
Michael & Jodi Shapiro
Suzanne & William Utley
Art Shack/Pottery Room
Kilns
Jill & Stephen Cahn, Jenna Cahn
Staff Lounge Initiative
Heidi & Loren Chylla
Jill & Stephen Cahn
Laura & Bryan Loebl,
Charlie & Bex Loebl
Grinspoon Match
Amy & Scott Bilsky
Anna & Ivan Vinogradov
Arielle & Michael Gurman
Barry Marlin
Bess Brown
Bonnie & Morry Levin
Bonnie & Stephen Speigle
Carol & Arnie Feltoon
Cathy & Paul Becker
Craig Kaufman
Deborah & David Shifrin
Deborah & Timothy Petroff
Dolores Kleinman
Elaine Bercu
Eliana LeVine & Josh Polster
Ellen & Jonathan Brown
Erika & Kevin Levine
Jane & Scott Brown
Jason Rulnick
Jason Wachs
Jeff Greenwald
Jennifer & Lewis Sanderow
Jennifer & Todd Stern
Jessie Bruder & Aaron Tevlowitz
Jill Sadowsky & Jonah Yulish
Jim Rosenberg
Joan & Jon Flinker
Jodi & Michael Shapiro
Jonathan Hausman
Kathryn & David Hexter
Leah Marcus
Lisa & Larry Davidoff
Liz & Andy Shafran
Marcy & Eric Silver
Marilyn & Jeffrey Bilsky
Mariya Chetyrkina
Marty Burke
Phyllis Tabachnick
Samantha Licker & Adam Babcock
Sydney & David Gruhin
Staff Scholarship Summer 2024
Congratulations to the following staff members from Summer 2024 who were the recipients of our Staff Scholarship!
• Simon Mendelsohn Camper Care Specialist, Chalutzim and Ohalim
• Liv Arenberg Counselor – Europe Trip and Camper Care Specialist, Noar
• Katie Rusnak Chalutzim Supervisor
• Hannah Mickley General Sports Specialist, Ohalim & Chalutzim
• Zane Calig Counselor, Chalutzim & Noar
