Emma Kaufmann Camp
Emma Kaufmann Camp (EKC) is a Jewish overnight summer camp in Morgantown, West Virginia.[1] EKC has been owned and operated by the Pittsburgh JCC since 1908, formerly the Irene Kaufmann Settlement and Irene Kaufmann Centers.[2]
History
Emma Farm Camp, Harmarville PA, 1908-1921
Emma Kaufmann Camp, then called Emma Farm Camp, was founded on May 19th, 1908 by Isaac and Morris Kaufmann. It was named after Isaac's wife, Emma Kaufmann.[2]. The Emma Farm Association (EFA) were the original administrators of the camp. The camp was located in Harmarville PA on 65 acres of land[2]. The camp was founded as a fresh air camp, with the goal of giving immigrant children and adults recovering from illness the opportunity to escape the polluted air of Pittsburgh[3]. The camp was originally run independently of any other organization. In 1916, the camp joined the Irene Kaufmann Settlement[4]. The camp was free to attend until 1917, when an income based fee was introduced[2]. Eventually, the small size of the camp in Harmarville forced the Irene Kaufmann Settlement to find a new, more suitable location for the camp[4]
Emma Farm Camp, Harmony PA, 1921-1971
| Emma Kaufmann Camp | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Coordinates | 39.701096, -79.873138 |
| Previous names | Emma Farm Camp, Laurel-Y, Camp Lynnwood |
| Type | Non-denomination Jewish |
| Campus size | 200 Acres |
| Operated by | JCC of Greater Pittsburgh |
| Established | 1908 |
| Website | emmakaufmanncamp.com |
A new site was found for Emma Farm Camp outside of Harmony, PA on Connoquenessing Creek. Through donations from Isaac Kaufmann, the new camp featured upgraded facilities including hiking trails, sports courts, playgrounds, and a swimming pool. The camp also built a new dining hall, hospital, and eight cabins with running water and electricity. Donations from Belle C. Meyers, Isaac Kaufmann's second wife, enabled the construction of a 600 person recreation center with equipment for theater shows and playing movies.[2] From 1922 to 1942, four two week sessions for campers were implemented, along with a mother's trip later in the summer.[5]
A two year study was conducted beginning in 1959 that led to the decision to merge with the Irene Kaufmann Center, the Young Men’s and Women’s Hebrew Association and the Laurel-Y Camp, another mostly Jewish camp in 1961. The camp continued to operate in the same location until 1971.[3]
Emma Kaufmann Camp, Morgantown WV, 1971 to Present
In 1971, the decision was made to acquire the 200 acre Camp Lynnwood, then located on Lake Lynn in Morgantown WV. The IKC paid $538,500 to acquire the camp and all of its facilities. To finance this, the IKC sold Emma Farm and a 550 acre undeveloped site in Normalville, PA, which was originally going to be the new site for EKC.[2]
EKC opened for its first season in 1972 after undergoing significant renovations. Cabins were added and renovated, facilities were upgraded, and numerous buildings were added. The only structures remaining from Camp Lynnwood are the dining hall, field house, and barn.[6] The slew of renovations continued in 1979 with the dedication of the Oliver M. Kaufmann Teen Village and other upgrades to the camp.[7]
The camp continued to make changes including multiple capital campaigns, the most notable of which took place in 1990. The camp invested one million dollars to add the Circle and Street cabins, expand the dinning hall, build a new arts and crafts center, renovate bathhouses, build the playhouse, and add various other programing areas.[8] Other than the bathhouses, all of these structures are still actively used by the camp.[9] By this time, Sabra campers lived in the Chalets, Kineret lived in the Street, Halutzim boys lived in the Park, Halutzim girls lived in the circle, and Teens lived in the teen village.[10]
In 2000, EKC stepped into the digital era by launching its website. In 2002, EKC launched its alumni network for those who attended EKC, Emma Farm, or the Laurel-Y camps.[10]
2005 marked the 40th year that Claire and Vern Reingold were at camp. Clair was camp nurse and Vern was maintenance supervisor. The Claire and Vern Reingold Park, built in 2008, is named for them.[11]
In 2006, EKC worked with architect Schmidt Copeland Parker Stevens Architects to develop a master plan that included many changes including a new dining hall and more cabins. Ultimately, no part of this plan was ever followed through on.[12]
In 2007, EKC renovated their existing dining hall.[6] EKC also added a four week trip to Israel to its Staff in Training programing.[13]
In 2008, EKC removed the last remaining cabins from the purchase of Camp Lynnwood and replaced them with new ones. The area of camp was renamed to the Claire and Vern Reingold Park.[6] 2008 also marked EKC's 100 anniversary. EKC held a celebration party for all alumni and campers.[14]
In 2009, a teen camper was killed by a tree falling onto one of the tents in Teen Village. Camp resumed all activities as soon as possible and provided grief counseling.[15] 2009 also brought the new Beit Chosky, which is a fully air conditioned lodge. Currently, the SIT's use this space. The renovations for the pool also started in 2009.[6]
In 2011, EKC finished renovations its original pool with three new pools. Funds for the project were provided by John and Leatrice Wolf. Wolf also helped fund the purchase of the current site of the camp in Morgantown in 1971. As such, the current aquatics center is named the John and Leatrice Wolf Aquatics center. He also was responsible for the idea that created the Oliver M. Kaufmann Teen Village.[7] EKC also produced a Lip Dub video in 2011 which has nearly 50,000 views on YouTube.[16]
In 2012, a counselor named Rueben Eli Mitrani was killed due to a brain hemorrhage.[17] EKC memorialized him with awards for counselors and specialists in his honor that have been given out every year since. Mitrani was also friends with Mac Miller, who attended EKC.[18] Miller's song REMember is about their friendship and the feelings that came after Mitrani's death. Miller also named his independent record label after Mitrani.[19]
Throughout 2014 and 2015, bathrooms were added to all cabins and both main bathhouses were renovated into new structures. EKC also added 5 new cabins to the Street and Park during this time to accommodate growth. A gluten free kitchen was also added.[6]
In 2018, EKC made the goal of raising 43,000 dollars to renovate the benches in the amphitheater. The campaign was dubbed the Tush Push, and was ultimately successful in raising the money.[20] EKC also stopped offering specialty week programming this year.[21]
For the 2019 season EKC embarked on a one million dollar capital campaign which including renovating the docks and blob platform; creating the camper kitchen, library, and dance studio; and building three new houses to accommodate older staff.[22]
Traditional camping was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. EKC instead operated family camps during this year with numerous Covid-19 mitigation strategies in place.[23]
Camping resumed in 2021 but included many changes to mitigate Covid-19 spread.[24]
Camping resumed normally in 2022.[25]
A treehouse was built in 2023 in memory of Johnathan Bahm.[26]
Sessions
Currently
EKC currently offers 3.5 and 3 week sessions, called session one and session two respectively. Session one begins in mid June and session two begins in mid July, ending in August. Campers also have the option to stay one, two, or seven weeks.[27]
The SIT program is seven weeks long and includes three weeks at camp and four weeks in Israel.[28]
EKC also offers family weekends and weekends for Shavuot and Rosh Hashana.[29]
Historically
Until 2018, EKC offered the opportunity to stay for 1, 2, 3, or 4 week sessions. They also had specialty week at the end of the summer, where campers would choose a specialty to do for half of the day. First experience also happened during this time. This meant that campers could stay for up to 8 weeks.[30]
Units
EKC is split into six different units, Sabra, Kineret, Halutzim, Teens, SIT, and Gesher.
Sabra is for campers age 7, 8, and 9. Kineret is for ages 10 and 11. Halutzim is for campers age 12-13. Teens are ages 14 and 15. Counselors in Training, later renamed to Staff in Training, is for age 16.[31]
Gesher is for special needs campers and takes place during session two.[6]
Culture and Traditions
Due to its age, EKC has a significant amount of traditions and programming that are quite old. Some activities and traditions have existed at the camp since its inception.[5]
Shabbat
Traditions during Shabbat at EKC include wearing all white for Friday night services. Campers then eat Shabbat dinner, which includes matzoh ball soup, chicken or brisket, cake, and challah. At the conclusion of dinner, campers and staff participate in song session, which includes sing alongs to songs such as Taylor Swift's "Love Story" or John Denver's "Country Roads."[13]
Saturday morning includes morning services following a late wake up. In the afternoon, the pool and ball fields open in what is called open-uppers. EKC also has a talent show called Shabbat Concert after dinner on Saturdays, which is followed by Havdalah.[13]
Color War[32]
Color war has been a major part of EKC for decades. Color war starts with a break that is unexpected. Then, all programing at camp changes to color war for two days. Activities include:
- Tug of War
- Apache Relay
- Climbing the Flagpole
- Silent Lunch
- Battle Royal
- Rapid Fire
- Overtake
- Cheers
- Staff Competitions
- Poem Reading
- Sign Lighting
Color war historically featured Shams, Dodgeball, Rock Paper Scissors.
Traditionally, 3rd year staff serve as the captains for color war. The event culminates in a final night ceremony where each team does dances, an instrumental, and cheers. Plaques are also made for each team that get hung up in the dining hall.
Music
Music is part of the EKC culture. People have written songs about the camp, including the song "Sit By the Fire."[33] Mac Miller is also popular due to the fact that he attended the camp.[18]
Sit by the Fire
Sit by the fire stay close as the air
Sharing our memories of camp
The beauty of the woods
the coolness of the water in the lake
We share together
Memories of camp stay close in my mind
feelings of joy that I’ve known
People that I’ve met
and the friends I know I never will forget
at Emma Kaufmann
Walk down the hillside or sail in the cove
Ride in the forest so free
Gathering our thoughts
and sleep beneath the starry skies above
we’ve seen together
Emma Kaufmann will always be near
as far as I may go
remembering the joys
and knowing I’ll return to EKC
again next summer
Unit Traditions[34]
EKC also includes some traditions by unit.
Sabra
Sabra participates in the Big Brother/Big Sister where teen 2's meet Sabra campers and do activities together. Sabra also has Sabra Free Day
Kineret
Kineret visits the Laurel Caverns and also makes breakfast in the street on the final day.
Halutzim
Halutzim visits Swaney's Roller Rink and has an ice cream social on the final day of camp.
Teens
The teens also go to Swaney's Roller Rink. In addition, during session two, they visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. Teens have their own version of color war called teen challenge that lasts throughout the session. Teens finish the session with teen banquet.
Israel Day and 4th of July
During both sessions, EKC hosts Israel day. The day includes many Israeli themed activities and seminars. EKC also has a celebration for the 4th of July.[35]
Cheers
Units do cheers in the dining hall after dinner on Saturday nights. Many of these cheers have been around for decades.[35]
Cabin and Staff Plaques
Campers and staff alike often make plaques to celebrate their cabin. Staff plaques get hung in the staff lounge and cabin plaques get hung in the dining hall or cabins.[36][37]
Facilities[6][9]
EKC has four village areas, one for each main unit. Each has either cabins or tents and a bathroom. EKC also has the Beit Chosky, which can be used in the winter. In addition, EKC has multiple houses on property for head staff.
EKC's dining hall has been fully Kosher since its inception. The dining hall serves three meals per day and two snacks.
Being located on Cheat Lake, EKC has a private cove with boats, the blob, and the rave. The lake also has a fire pit and Sunshine Point, a viewing area.
The stables at EKC house many horses that are ridden around camp.
The Outdoor Adventure course, or OA course, has a zipline, two climbing walls, a low ropes course, a giant's ladder, and pamper pole. The entire facility is located in a ravine.
The Amphitheater was built in the 1950's and is used for Shabbat, Shabbat Concert, and Special events.
EKC's playhouse is used for theater activities, the camp play, and for rainy Shabbats.
The sports courts are used for many different kinds of sports, competitions, and color war.
EKC also has a centrally located flagpole, where many programs including the flagpole ceremony and color war take place.
Activities[35]
EKC calls its activities programs or programming. These happen when it is not any of the special programs listed in the Culture and Traditions section. They include:
- Theatre
- Dance
- Arts & Crafts
- Singing
- Ceramics
- Cooking
- Tennis
- Softball
- Archery
- 4-square
- Badminton
- Gaga
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Pickleball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- High Ropes Course
- Low Ropes Course
- Mud Hike
- Robotics
EKC also has chugim, which are activities that campers get to choose. These often include outdoor adventure, arts and crafts, and sports chugim. Leagues are a longstanding camp tradition in which campers play competitively in sports.
Staff
Staff at EKC are entering their senior year of high school and up. EKC has a staff training week before session one. Staff are divided into counselors and specialists. Counselors go around with their cabin, while specialists work in a particular area such as the Outdoor Adventure Course or the Lake. Many staff come from countries from outside the USA, such as Israel.[38]
EKC also has head staff. Unit Heads supervise counselors and Supervisors supervise specialists. EKC also has a Jewish educator, camper care team, and a programming team.[38]
Famous Alumni
Mac Miller
Mac Miller attended Emma Kaufmann Camp through his teen two year.[18] During his time at EKC, he was a Teen Challenge captain for the 2009 season. His team's plaque with his name on it is on display in the teen recreation hall.[37] Miller participated actively in Shabbat Concert, and former camp director Sam Bloom joked that "[p]eople say he got his start at Shabbat Concert."[18]
Miller would make reference to EKC in two of his songs. The first of which is about Reuben Eli Mitrani, his friend who died of a brain hemorrhage in 2012. His song "REMember" talks about his feelings about his friends death and their time at camp.[19]
I remember
When we were just kids
We knew nothin' at all
And we would talk about the life we lived in
West Virginia
Lost somewhere out in
West Virginia[19]
Miller's song "Ave Maria" also makes reference to EKC. In the song, Miller states that he has been "Killin' off these monsters ever since I was a Sabra,"[39] making reference to the fact that he has been fighting battles since he was young.
Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban worked at EKC during his freshman and sophomore years of college. One year he worked at the canteen and the other he worked as an assistant maintenance technician.[40] Cuban made reference to EKC in an episode of Shark Tank during the pitch about Camp No Counselors.[41]
Tom Cruise's Daughter
In 2002, Tom Cruise's Daughter came to EKC from California.[14]
References
- ↑ "Emma Kaufmann Camp Philosophy | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Historic Pittsburgh". historicpittsburgh.org. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Rauh Jewish Archives". www.jewishhistoryhhc.org. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Emma Farm Association - Rauh Jewish Archives". Rauh Jewish Archives - A project of the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center. 2022-08-28. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Emma Kaufmann Camp Team | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Bloom, Sam (February 26, 2018). "EKC Strategic Plan".
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Wolfs receive warm Emma Kaufmann Camp reception". jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com. 2023-06-26. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Wayback Machine". 2001-04-01. Archived from the original on 2001-04-01. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Facility Rental | Emma Kaufmann Camp". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Wayback Machine". 2002-06-01. Archived from the original on 2002-06-01. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Emma Kaufmann Camp in 360 | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-03-12. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Emma Kaufmann Camp Details | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Emma Kaufmann Camp celebrates 100 years". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ Chottiner, Lee (2023-06-26). "EKC clears trees in Teen Village as camp life returns to normal". jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ EKC: Full Music Video, Are You Ready? Camp LipDub, retrieved 2023-07-24
- ↑ "Reuben Mitrani Obituary (2012) - Harrisburg, PA - Patriot-News". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Reinherz, Adam (2023-06-26). "Mac Miller, global rap icon, remembered as genuine, appreciative friend". jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 "I remember / When we were just kids / We knew nothin' at all / And we would talk about the life we lived in / West Virginia / Lost somewhere out in / West Virginia". Genius. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "EKC's Tush Push: For even more magical Shabbats". Jewish Community Center Pittsburgh. 2018-04-13. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Emma Kaufmann Camp Sessions | JCC Pittsburgh". 2019-10-02. Archived from the original on 2019-10-02. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "EKC Parent Newsletter". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Covid-19 Update". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "COVID-19 and Summer 2021". 2021-05-15. Archived from the original on 2021-05-15. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Summer 2022 and COVID-19". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ Tabachnick, Toby (2023-06-26). "A spectacular treehouse honors the life of 'gentle giant' Jonathan Bahm". jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Emma Kaufmann Camp Dates & Rates | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Emma Kaufmann Camp Sessions | JCC Pittsburgh". 2021-04-17. Archived from the original on 2021-04-17. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Emma Kaufmann Camp Family Weekend | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "EKC | Summer 2016". 2016-05-01. Archived from the original on 2016-05-01. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Emma Kaufmann Camp Age Groups | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Maccabi Color War!". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "EKC | History | About EKC". 2016-04-20. Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Notes from Emma Kaufmann Camp". Jewish Community Center Pittsburgh. 2018-07-25. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 "Emma Kaufmann Camp Activities | JCC Pittsburgh". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Color War Final Night". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Life, Death, and Summer Camp | Penn State - Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA)". sites.psu.edu. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Work At Camp | Jewish Summer Camp Jobs Pittsburgh | EKC". Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "Killin' off these monsters ever since I was a Sabra". Genius. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
- ↑ "My Conversation With Mark Cuban". https://www.thefp.com/. 2021-06-15. Retrieved 2023-07-24. External link in
|website=(help) - ↑ https://www.dailymotion.com/luudinh-icyicyicy-hai (2016-06-19). "Shark Tank - S07 E28 - Camp No Counselors, Extreme Vehicle Protection, Gladiator Lacrosse, VPCABS - Video Dailymotion". Dailymotion. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
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