April 11, 2006

Dear G.U.C.I. Alumni:

We had a kind of a Harry Potter scene happen last week at the camp office.  Andy Adelman, Assistant Camp Director, found a file in his desk that, for some odd reason, no one had ever seen before (at least not in the past 32 years since I came on board).  Inside were pictures and articles about the first days of our camp.  I’m not talking 1958 days.  I’m talking 1930’s days.  A couple of very interesting things jumped out at us.  Many know that the camp was called “Big Eagle Camp,” named for the Eagle Creek that runs along the eastern border of the property (remember the swinging bridge?).  What we did not know is that it seems the camp was bought and built by the Jewish Federation of Indianapolis as a summer refuge for malnourished children, not necessarily Jewish children.  According to the article, each camper had to have been picked by his/her school nurse.  The criterion for being one of those “Chosen People” was hunger.  The camp was dedicated to bringing city kids out into the country for fresh air, recreation, and mostly for good food.  Big Eagle was a Tikkun Olam (social action) project. 

Another amazing discovery came forth from this in-desk expedition.  We learned that the stone columns at the gate of the camp were built in the 30’s as a memorial for Jewish American soldiers killed during World War One.  The stones themselves were some kind of war surplus material.  Amazing!  I’ve been driving through those columns in and out of camp for over thirty years, and had no idea. 

So, one lives and learns, eh?  Let’s fast forward to 2006, or rather 2008.  We will be celebrating a significant anniversary during the summer of 2008.  All of this ancient camp history reminds me of the significance of our modern history.  Summer of 2008 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of Union Camp Institute/Goldman Union Camp Institute.  I want to do something big, and special, and meaningful to commemorate the occasion.  I want you to help.  Here are a couple of ideas, some suggested by others, and some right out of my head.

First and foremost, please save the 2008 Labor Day weekend for an alumni family, G.U.C.I. Shabbat at camp.  The idea is to open the entire camp to members of the Alumni Association and their families.  We will use all the rooms and buildings (even cabins) for housing.  Perhaps some will want to bring tents or campers to live in for the weekend or stay in nearby hotels.  I’ll keep the pools and alpine tower open for the weekend.  We’ll ask alumni members to plan and lead us through a relaxed, fun program.  I can imagine beautiful Shabbat T’fillot and song sessions.  I can even imagine people clamoring to work the Hobart (maybe that’s a bit of a reach).  Sound like an appropriate way to throw a birthday party for our dear camp?  Let’s begin by putting together a planning committee.  If you’d like to help, send me your name and email address.  It’s not too early to begin and I’m getting psyched just writing about it. 

Secondly, I think we should write a book.  I’m thinking that I’d like some Assistant Camp Director to stumble upon something, let’s say, seventy-five years from now, that tells our part of the camp story.  Here are my first thoughts on the subject.  I’d like to find five people, one from each decade the camp has been a Union institute to edit essays written by others from those decades.  So, first of all, if you are interested in being one of those five editors (you can be a contributor as well), please let me know.  Second of all, I’d like as many people as possible to begin thinking about writing an essay (or essays) that speaks to:

  1. The special role our camp experiences have played in our lives.
  2.  Interesting programs and events that happened while you were in camp.
  3. People you’ve met at camp.
  4. The impact camp has had on your Jewish identity, your role as a parent, teacher etc.
  5. Or whatever else you can think of that is special regarding your days here at camp. 

When our editors are in place, I’ll announce to whom you should be submitting your essays.  Sound like a plan?  Let me know what you think.

Lastly, I’d welcome any other ideas for commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of G.U.C.I.  I’ll start a folder.  Email your ideas to me.  Let’s do it!

Ron 

PS.  We are still searching for doctors for Kallah Bet this summer.  July 23rd-30th, and July 30th-Aug 6th are the dates.  This is very important.  Please contact me  (guciron@aol.com) if you are interested. 

Back to home page