The Capital Camps Story
In 1985 Jewish community leaders approved the “Campaign of the 80s” of which one outcome was the creation of a residential camp for the Greater Washington region. Enhanced by the donated proceeds from the sale of Camp Kaufmann, these collective funds enabled the community to purchase land in the Catoctin Mountains of Pennsylvania – once the site of Camps Wohelo, Comet and Comet Trails. With this purchase, Jewish Camp and Conference Service, Inc was born and the name ‘Capital Camps’ chosen.
Much of the Capital Camps story began with Washington real estate developer and philanthropist Charles E. Smith who recognized the powerful impact Jewish camping would have before others had considered the option. David and Livia Bardin also assumed a crucial role early on by chairing a United Jewish Appeal Federation committee responsible for assessing the community’s overnight camping needs.
From its onset, Capital Camps chose three names to honor its initial major benefactors: Camp Benjamin was named after Benjamin Bernstein, father of Norman and Leo Bernstein; Camp Reich was named in honor of the Reich family; and Camp Kaufmann to pay tribute to its original roots.
In its first year, Capital Camps hosted more than 25 retreats. In 1988, the camp began its first summer at the Camp Benjamin site with 190 campers and 30 staff. In 1989, Capital Camps became accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA). In the summer of 1990, the 8th-10th grade campers moved to Camp Kaufmann. The following summers Camp Reich opened for middle-schoolers and Camp Benjamin welcomed the younger campers.
In 1994, under the leadership of Bobby Cohen, an additional $1 million was raised and adjacent land purchased. The camp’s unwavering commitment to quality programming in a nurturing environment facilitated ACA accreditation and membership in the Jewish Community Centers Association (JCCA).
Dedicated Leadership
Capital Camps has had the good fortune to attract caliber individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. Bernard White*, founding Chair, Julie Levine, our second Chair and Bobby Cohen, board member, offered inspiration and passion at a time when few understood the importance of identity building and its relationship to Jewish resident camping. Dr. Kenneth Goldblatt took the reins as our fourth Chair in 1999 and Robert Burman, a long-time board member and supporter, succeeded him in January 2003. The Burman and Goldblatt years can best be described as tumultuous, exciting and productive. It was during this period that the Jewish communities of Baltimore and Washington developed a mutually beneficial partnership. This alliance fosters Board relationships that transcend geographic boundaries and all involved enjoy an environment of camaraderie and compassion. Josh Fidler, became Chair in April 2006 and represented our first who resides in Baltimore. Josh's oversight of the construction process coupled with his passion, commitment and dedication fits the archetype of our past Chairs and bodes extremely well for the future. In May 2009, Dr. Kay Klass, assumed the role of Chair and will oversee a period of growth and challenge as we strive to remain a flagship agency committed to excellence.
Overnight camping is tough – it takes both mental and physical strength to stay focused during the 12-week camp season and beyond. Capital Camps has benefited enormously from the professional guidance of Steve Makoff, the agency’s first executive director, followed by Faye Bousel hired in 1993. In 2001, David Phillips assumed the helm and brought with him a background in camping, program development, fundraising and community organization. Working with David is a team of devoted year-round professionals who manage the multi-faceted needs of an increasingly large and sophisticated agency.
Commitment to Community
Capital Camps has always been faithful to the principle of “camping for all.” and believes that a quality camp experience should be accessible regardless of financial circumstances. In 2005, as a result of the tragic loss, this commitment to financial assistance was fortified with the establishment of the Kenneth E. Markel Capital Camps Scholarship Fund. Last summer, approximately $253,000 in the form of reduced fees, scholarships and subsidies was provided to families who may otherwise be unable to experience a potentially life-changing Jewish camping experience.
In 1995, the camp expanded with the Atzm’aim (Independence) program, for campers with special needs. Benefiting from low camper-counselor ratios, Atzm’aim campers are encouraged to participate in all camp activities. Fully integrated into the general camp population, these campers add an important dimension to camp.
Today and Beyond
Over the past few years, there has been an increased understanding of the pivotal role that camping and retreats play in Jewish identity-building. In 2002, senior community leadership, led by the Kogod, Bernstein and Macks families, along with the Board of Directors unveiled a comprehensive master plan to ensure a first class facility and program would be developed. The following summer, a state-of-the-art Aquatics Center opened, and by summer 2004, campers enjoyed the second step of the camp’s transformation with new camper villages, specialty buildings and a fortified infrastructure. By summer 2005, the dream was fully realized with the dramatic unveiling of a 700-person dining hall. Today, Capital Camps & Retreat Center is a national model and hosts visitors from far and wide to showcase the enormity of the camp’s makeover and the end-result of big dreams.
