EBR Camps Blog

From the moment I stepped off the bus in June of 1966, with my Yankee cap on, and baseball glove in hand – I knew that my life would change forever…and I was right. I’m about to spend my 50th summer at Camp Blue Ridge, and the impact that camp has had on my life has truly been remarkable (for those doing the math – I missed 4 summers after I got married in 1984, and Amy was born in August of 1987 – that made it difficult to come to camp that summer).  

Growing up as a camper, I found a place that was warm, welcoming and supportive – a place where I could thrive, be myself, have fun – a place where I was free. I’m amazed to say that over 50 years later, I still feel the same way about camp. My goal is to continue to provide this same environment for every camper and counselor that spends their summers at Camp Blue Ridge.  

When I reflect on my 50 summers, I am overwhelmed by the memories, stories, and emotions. I can tell stories about Tribes, Color War, camp shows, the waterfront, my friends, my counselors, activities, HQ, being in the bunk, the flagpole – the list is endless. I would be happy to share a story with all of you this summer – just ask when you see me around camp. 

The connections and relationships I’ve made over the years are the most special part of my 50-year journey at camp. Whether it’s a lifetime friend, a coworker, or a camper that was in my bunk for only one summer – those relationships and connections have enriched my life since 1966.  

A heartfelt thank you to Richie, Sheryl, and Adam for being such a huge part of my 50 years at camp.  

So…everybody up, up, up! It’s going to be an amazing 50th summer. I’m looking forward to 50 more!  

Love, 

Lori  

If anyone is suffering from the mid-winter blues take a look at our 2018 Year Books, Blue Ridge Sing and 2018 Upper Senior and PC basketball games to bring you back into the summer mood! #WELIVEFORTHIS

Dear CECBR Family,

We strongly believe that giving back to one’s community is an important aspect of one’s experience at Equinunk and Blue Ridge. Whether it be within a bunk, a camp, a school, or a town, an Equinunk or Blue Ridge camper or counselor is expected to be a role model within their community. We believe that through our ongoing work with SCOPE, The Neuhaus Foundation and our new partnership with Experience Camps, we are working alongside our camp parents in promoting to our children the importance of giving back to our community.   We are proud to spotlight several members of the EBR community that have taken the initiative to support their communities; Izzie Hyman and Melanie Lowe did their mitzvah projects on Experience camps, Oscar Irwin donated his birthday money to Experience Camps, Julia Soleymani and Rachel Bilzin hosted a #shop4SCOPE event where a percentage of all the proceeds went to SCOPE and Ben and the Ladetsky Family hosted a Thanksgiving Father-Son Football Game and Fundraiser with the proceeds benefiting Experience Camps.  We know this represents only a few of our campers and families doing wonderful work in their communities.  We’d love to hear about and share the great work you are doing.  Please email and tag us on social media (#WELIVEFORTHIS) as you continue to make a difference in your community.

In recognition of Giving Tuesday, please consider learning more about and join us in supporting the tremendous work of three of the organizations we work with throughout the year or any organization that it important to you and your family.

Experience Camps – https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/experience-camps3/cecbr

The Zander Fund – https://thezanderfund.org/donate/

SCOPE – https://secure.givelively.org/donate/scope/smore4scope

#WELIVEFORTHIS

We are excited to share our official seasonal CECBR newsletter –  The 2018 Fall Buzzer

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Scroll down for the rest of the Buzzer!

Zachary Bergman has spent many years in camping.  He grew up attending Camp Green Lane as both a camper and a counselor.  Zach received great recognition and many honors during his years at Green Lane that demonstrated his commitment to camp and the campers he cared for.  After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting, Zach started his professional career at Deloitte.  Zach received his CPA certification while simultaneously working during his second year at the firm.  Zach rose through the ranks at Deloitte becoming a senior accountant, auditing large financial institutions. After 3 years at Deloitte, Zach continued his professional career in accounting with Lazard as a financial accountant.  Zach spent about 2 years at Lazard before deciding it was time to follow his passions and start full time in camping.

After the passing of his father in 2014, Zach became involved in a non-profit organization called Experience Camps.  Experience Camps is a one-week bereavement camp for children who have lost a primary caregiver or a close relative.  During the inaugural summer for the North East location Zach served as a counselor volunteer.   Zach’s passion for camp and helping kids was reignited after his first summer volunteering.  During the following year Zach became heavily involved in the year-round planning and worked closely with both the camp director and the board of directors to help with organizational initiatives for Experience Camps.  In his third year with the organization, Zach became a part of the Regional Advisory Counsel and a unit leader for the oldest boys in camp.  Through his expanded network at Experience Camps, Zach was introduced to Adam, Sheryl and Richie.  Zach is now turning his passions into a career as he is welcomed as Camp Equinunk’s new Assistant Director!  We cannot wait for you and your children to meet Zach and get to know him this summer.  His warmth, character and passion for the camp experience is right in line with who we are at Equinunk and Blue Ridge, and we could not be happier for Zach to join our year-round team.