ePinemerit Newsletter

April 2011

From the Executive Director

Dear Pinemere Families,

We heard you!

In the November e-Pinemerit, we shared the results of the survey of Pinemere families conducted by the Foundation for Jewish Camp after
camp last summer. The two areas that were identified as the most in
need of improvement were our facilities, and our sports program. I am
pleased to report that we have taken a number of steps to improve both
these areas.

In addition to the complete renovation of the "Palace" (the older boys' bath house), we recently hired a full-time Facilities Supervisor, Keith Raymond, who is working up at camp every day to repair existing structures as well as build new ones. We are excited about the progress Keith has made in the short time he has been with Pinemere, and look forward to showing all of you the enhancements in camp when you arrive this summer.

I am also excited to share the news that we have hired Bob Bailey as our Athletic Director during the summer. Bob is a year-round high school Athletic Director, and is already working with us to both upgrade our sports facilities as well as overhaul our sports programming and instruction. Bob is also working to enhance the clinics we have offered for the last two summers, by making more options available to our campers, and during both sessions. These clinics will be taught by professional coaches and will allow our campers to build their skill levels and learn more about the game. You can read more about Keith and Bob below.

For the first time, I traveled to Eastern Europe (Budapest and Prague) in February to interview and hire our support staff for the summer. The cities were absolutely gorgeous and these young adults are an amazing group of people. All are currently studying at university in a
variety of fields, and are excited to experience an American camp
environment. Please read more about each of them below and take the
time to introduce yourselves when you get to camp.

It is hard to believe that in less than three months, camp will already be underway! We are busy every day making preparations for the summer, interviewing and hiring staff, and doing everything we can to ensure the summer is a success. Our enrollment continues to grow, and we continue to receive new camper applications. You are definitely getting the good word about Pinemere out into our community. Keep up the good work - we are always happy to welcome new campers. In order to become a "greener" camp, we are excited that we are going to an almost exclusive online system for our forms. Current families will be hearing from us again in the next few days with information about how to log in to our website to complete all of our additional forms required by camp. This includes our medical form; feel free to make your appointments with your family doctor for your child's annual physical examination.

In a few short weeks, we will be celebrating Passover. Passover is a
time of renewal and reflection, and a sure sign that spring has finally arrived. Passover has always been my favorite holiday as everything always seems new and fresh. I use the time to reflect on the past and to take a big breath of the wonderful spring air (especially after the long winter we have had) and to get myself ready for an exciting summer. I wish you and your families a wonderful Passover holiday.

Think Camp!

Toby Ayash

Executive Director

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