Red Wagon: January Issue

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January marks the start of new beginnings, and we’re thrilled to introduce the newest members of our Camp Wise family: Merida Rheaume and Amy Kalk! Merida joined the CW family on December 29 and is the first child to proud parents Zach (CW Facility Manager) and Lindsay. We can’t wait for Merida to settle into her home at 13164 Chardon, Ohio (she’s so lucky she gets to go to camp every day)!

Earlier this month, Amy joined the Camp Wise team as Community Care Manager. With more than 15 years of experience at the Home of Happiness, Amy has held many positions including assistant director, SIT supervisor and first-ever Camp Wise social worker! The new position of Community Care Manager was added in response to the increased need for mental health assistance and support across our camp community. In this new role, Amy’s responsibilities will focus on all things related to camper and staff experience. Amy is excited to join Bess, Rebecca, Hannah and the rest of the full-time staff as they work together to ensure the mental, emotional and physical health of campers and staff. The search for a Camp Wise Director is continuing to move forward, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you later this winter.

Recently, we announced  a policy requiring all campers and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, for the 2022 summer. As we look ahead to another healthy and safe return to Chardon this summer, this vaccine mandate is one of several essential components to a comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation strategy at Camp Wise. We will share more information about all of our health and safety policies for our 115th Summer this spring.

 

 

January 2022

27: Parlor Meeting at The J (for prospective families)

30: Info Meeting at Fairmount Temple

February 2022

6: Info Meeting at Temple Emanu El

6: Columbus Camper Reunion at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park 

9:  Meet us at Akron University Job Fair (10am-2pm)

13: Info Meeting at Park Synagogue

15:  Meet us at The Ohio State University Job Fair (11:30am-3:30pm)

18-20: Israel Leadership Summer Retreat

20-21: Winter Weekend at Camp Wise (Grades 5-8)

23-27: Central Region USY Specialty/ Kadima Kinnus

In partnership with Jewish Family Service Association (JFSA), Mandel JCC will be offering Covid-19 vaccinations (1st/2nd dose) and boosters the second Sunday every month through the spring at The J. Registration is required using the links below.  

Click Here to Register – Mandel JCC – 02/13/22

Click Here to Register – Mandel JCC – 03/13/22

Click Here to Register – Mandel JCC – 04/10/22

Click Here to Register – Mandel JCC – 05/15/22

Click Here to Register – Mandel JCC – 06/12/22

 

 

The 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar—celebrated this year on Monday, January 17—is the day that marks a “new year” for trees. Commonly known as Tu B’shvat, this day marks the season when trees in Israel begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Our Camp Wise Logo features the Camp Wise tree, which sits in front of our office. While the current CW Logo is only about 17 years old, the CW tree is estimated to be about 50 years old! 

Does 13164 mean something special to you? Make an extra special gift in honor of Camp Wise, by choosing to give $131.64 or $1,316.40 as those are the numbers of our Home of Happiness address!

 

 

There are many options when it comes to purchasing items for camp. Below are our top picks for laundry bags and sturdy duffels. Of course you can do your own research too. Note: Camp Wise does not collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of the time of publication.

Laundry Bags – Clothes at camp get pretty dirty and stinky! All campers need a durable laundry bag to keep their dirty clothes together until laundry day. Once you decide on your laundry bag of choice, make sure to label your camper’s name clearly on the bag with a sharpie!

Target – Backpack Laundry Bag – $7.00 – This option is great for a few reasons. Not only do the backpack-like straps make it easy to carry, but the canvas fabric is very durable.  

Amazon – Nylon Laundry Bag with Drawstring – $6.48 – A great budget-friendly option, you can find these nylon laundry bags in almost any color. The drawstring closure ensures no socks or undies go missing!

 

Duffle Bags – One of the most frequently asked questions in the camp office is what type of duffle bag should I send with my camper? We recommend a duffle that is large, easy to carry and durable.  

L.L. Bean – Adventure Duffle Bag – 64.99 -L.L. Bean is known for its durable and long-lasting gear. This bag, which comes in a few sizes, is perfect for all your camp gear

Lewis N. Clark – Medium Duffle – $29.99 – This is our budget-friendly choice but is still durable and large enough to fit all your camper’s needs.

 

 

Enrollment Update

  • We have more than 480 camper applications to date
  • We will be welcoming more than 120 new campers to the Home of Happiness this summer.
  • More than 40 campers have registered for our 2022 Israel Leadership Summer
  • If you have questions or want to review session options, please contact Hannah at 216-593-6250

Staffing Updates

Winter Projects

Our facilities staff are busy making sure camp is ready when we return to the Home of Happiness. Along with cutting more firewood for our winter programs, some other projects they have been working on include:

  • Updating the lighting in the Chalutzim cabins
  • Repairing bedrails
  • Hanging the Tosafot plaque on the Health Center
  • Repairing and replacing the fans in the Solel yurts

Thanks for reading through our January edition of the Red Wagon! Stay tuned for next month’s Red Wagon email for the latest Camp News!