WINKLE’S MAGAZINE SUNDAY 15th june 2014
WATERSKI legend ! ALL ABOUT CAMP CHI’S FAVOURITE SPECIALITY + MUCH MORE INSIDE!
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WELCOME... The memories and experiences which happen here are unforgettable for campers and staff alike.
Hello and welcome to the first edition of Winkle’s Magazine! Behind the scenes myself and the endless amount of contributors to this publication have been working tirelessly to bring you the first edition to your computer screen. I’d like to take this moment to thank them for their hard work and efforts. I couldn’t of done it without you! Throughout the summer this is the tool to see what, when, where, how and why your child or relative are doing this summer at Camp Chi. Camp is a truly magical place and Camp Chi is the highest example of that.
When I first came up with the idea for a magazine, I wanted to give a deeper perspective to someone who has never been to Camp Chi an appreciation to what we do. I also wanted to capture and archive the magical moments that occur. This magazine will be archived and available to download for you to keep forever! If you have any comments, suggestions or maybe you’d like to include something in Winkle Magazine, please do not hesitate to contact me via email. The email address is magazine@gojcc.org. Finally, I’d just like to say I hope you enjoy reading and sharing this magazine as much as I have putting it together.
Sean Dyer EDITOR
QUICK JUMP NEWS ADDRESS BOOK PHOTO OF THE DAY GUEST WRITER 15 GREATEST CAMP SONGS
WATERSKI AT CHI VILLAGE UPDATES BLAST FROM THE PAST
JCC CHICAGO This magazine is published by Sean Dyer on behalf of JCC Camp Chi and JCC Chicago. All material is copyrighted unless stated and all rights reserved unless stated.
DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to insure that all information in this magazine is correct, changes can affect the accuracy of copy which the JCC of Chicago can not be held liable for. The opinions of this magazine’s contributors does not necessary reflect the opinions of the JCC of Chicago and JCC Camp Chi or it’s staff and disclaim liability for those impressions.
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ABOUT CAMP CHI
Camp Chi was founded in 1921 and moved next to majestic Lake Blass in Lake Delton, Wisconsin in 1957. We are now entering our 93rd summer! Thousands of kids from all over the world have come through our doors here at Camp Chi for a summer they’ll never forget. After a summer at Camp, campers return home with not only great memories, but with increased self-confidence in their abilities to accomplish everything from reaching the top of the climbing wall to negotiating social interaction.
Fun is never in short supply as we provide various activities catering for everyone’s own unique personality. Our 600 acre facility features a lake to waterski on, two pools, tennis courts, a horseback riding stable, athletic fields, a large gymnasium, a radio station, a year-round conference center, miles of magnificent trails and much more. Also, did you know that ‘Entourage’ star and ‘Golden Globe’ winner Jeremy Piven once went to Camp Chi?! Jewish values lie closest to the heart. We celebrate our Jewish believes through core values such as kavod (respect), kehilla (community) and chesed (kindness). We host Shabbat services every Friday and close with the customary Havdalah on Saturday evening. Some of our campers are lucky enough to have their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvahs here at Camp! Some campers never leave Camp Chi, our Associate Director Brad Finkel is one of them! After many summers as a camper, Brad became a counselor, an Assistant Director and now is the Associate Director - he has done it all and your child is in safe hands. We hope that your child has a great summer here at Camp Chi. Our email addresses and phone numbers are opposite if you need to contact us throughout the session. We look forwarding to hearing from you. Here’s to a great summer!
Ron Levin, Brad Finkel, Jamie Lake - the Directors of JCC Camp Chi
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WWW.CHI.CAMPINTOUCH.COM WWW.CAMPCHI.COM
UNCLE ARI’S BRAIN TEASER
I moved to Chicago in August. I live 2 blocks from Wrigley Field. The irony is that I spend most of the Cubs season at camp (the only place better than Wrigley, in my opinion). But since I moved in and the season ended, I have eagerly been counting the days to opening day for baseball. Every day I drive past Wrigley and watch as they prepare the field for another season (hopefully 2014 is our year!) I know that I am excited for baseball season, which unofficially begins the march towards summer for me.
ADDRESS BOOK
I want to know what is the name of the baseball teams that won the first National League pennant in 1876? The answer can be found on page 22.
Ron Levin / Director: RLevin@gojcc.org (ext.100) Brad Finkel /Associate Director: BFinkel@gojcc.org (ext.200) Jamie Lake / Assistant Director: JLake@gojcc.org (ext.300) Rachael Finkel / Business Manager: business@gojcc.org (ext.400) Shayne Brunner / Camp Registrar: SBrunner@gojcc.org (ext.500) Main Office: office@gojcc.org (ext. 0) Perlstein Resort: perlstein@gojcc.org (ext. 800) Shoreshim Village Leader: shoreshim@gojcc.org (ext. 901) Tsofim Village Leader: tsofim@gojcc.org (ext. 902) Chalutzim Village Leader: chalutzim@gojcc.org (ext. 903) Habo Village Leader: habo@gojcc.org (ext. 904) Noar Village Leader: noar@gojcc.org (ext. 905) SIT Director: GYates@gojcc.org (ext.600) Yeladim Village Leader: yeladim@gojcc.org (ext. 906) Kadima Village Leader: kadima@gojcc.org (ext. 907)
HOW TO SEND A PACKAGE TO CHI:
Campers name, Village, Camp Chi, 443 Munroe Avenue, Lake Delton, Wisconsin, 53940
Please do not send anything unsuitable, large or prohibited 5
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Camp Chi is going green! We’ve used a grant from the plastic utensils and polystyrene cups. The biggest exam We use our normal metal utensils and plastic plates inst looking after the local environment and the surroundin
Gendler Grapevine Project to dramatically reduce our use of paper plates, mple of that is when we do our famous big cookouts in the Picnic Grove. tead of paper-based items. At Camp Chi, campers learn the importance of ngs around them whether it be at home, at camp or at school.
GUEST WRITER
SEAN DYER 8
This month's Giving Tuesday was the perfect example of how much Camp Chi centres around the lives of many. A common theme throughout the posts on Facebook was the theme of ‘development’. It’s absolutely true - Camp Chi is the best place to develop as a kid. It’s done through a blend of fun, spirit, Jewish values but most importantly by celebrating everybody’s own unique individual qualities.
Child development is ripe at Chi, but what about adult development? In 2011, when I applied to be Camp Chi staff member via Camp Leaders for the following summer, I was hardly independent. I had never done my own washing and drying before or been on a plane. I didn’t learn to tie my own shoelaces until I was twelve. Initially, I blamed it on being left-handed, but deep down I knew it was because of my stubbornness to move on from Velcro to lace. The longest I had ever been away from my parents is probably a weekend camping trip with school, but that’s probably it. Because of Chi, I’ve become much more independent and positive as a person although it almost didn’t end up that way...
hesitant. I didn't know much about Jewish customs and traditions apart from the things I had learned in my religion lessons at school and thought it might have been a bit too much. I come from a Christian background, but don’t practice any faith or religion. However, I do believe in just being a good person to whomever and whenever there is a need – it’s good karma and practice. I’ve learned that Judaism and I share beliefs and a similar ethos. Since becoming a member of the Camp Chi community, I have a much deeper appreciation and respect for the Jewish faith. I don’t think I could get the same understanding of Judaism or Israeli culture through reading a book or watching a documentary. I loved that I got to experience two different cultures first hand and at the same time. When there’s an international contingent of staff and campers, the place becomes a hub for culture and expression.
There are so many things I love about Chi – playing basketball and baseball, living with a cabin group, being a part of a community and, of course, the grilled cheese! But the most special thing about Chi are the campers, especially Shoreshim. It’s an honor to share their first Camp Chi was my first match Shabbats, late night adventures, although, when I found out it waterpark day and their first was a Jewish camp, I was very nights at an overnight camp.
The unique bond that we all share is that we are all trying to cope without our parents some for the first time! I hope that in some way I have inspired campers, but it’s the other way around - they have inspired me. They’ve inspired me to be more positive, be forward thinking and to celebrate my individual personality. They’re my heroes.
The camp experience reminds me of another one of my heroes, Captain Joe Kittinger, who rode an air-balloon up to the edge of space and jumped in August 1960. Armed with only a parachute, he fell for 4 minutes and 36 seconds, reaching a speed of 614MPH. His record of highest ever parachute jump was only broken last year by Felix Baumgartner. (You know, that guy in the Red Bull spacesuit). His daring and his willingness to step into the unknown is what inspires me... or maybe I’m just an skydiving enthusiast?! Joe Kittinger’s achievements can be put into a simple metaphor. Everyday we jump out of our own air-balloons. It might be at work, at school or trying something new for the first time. The best thing about Camp Chi is that when you jump, there’s always someone there to catch you.
THE
15 GREATEST CAMP CHI SONGS OF ALL TIME AS CHOSEN BY YOU! RECENTLY WE ASKED VIA AN ONLINE POLL WHAT you thought were THE 15 GREATEST SONGS to grace camp chi. CAMPERS, STAFF AND CAMP CHI ALUMNI HAVE VOTED AND WE’VE TALLIED UP THE RESULTS 10
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Can’t hold us - macklemore & ryan lewis
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fire & rain - james taylor
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drift away - dobie gray
‘Can’t Hold Us’ was the 2013 song of the summer. In a unique twist we let the campers choose what was going to be the song of the summer by crowd reaction at Homecoming. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis beat One Direction and Taylor Swift to the top spot by campers going absolutely crazy for ‘Can’t Hold Us’ - it was the best pump up jam of 2013 - just ask the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL team that Macklemore supports. The music video for ‘Can’t Hold Us’ won two MTV Video Music Awards last year for Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Cinematography. Moody and introspective, ‘Fire and Rain’ became something of a prototype for the singer-songwriter genre that would boom in the few years following its release. A relatively slow number, ‘Fire & Rain’ is a song for those delicate memories such as Chi Burning, camp fires or the last song of a song session. The song has many interpretations to fans, guessers and even James Taylor! In 2005, Taylor told an interviewer the song is split into three parts chronicling three different parts of his life so far. ‘Fire & Rain’ was originally released way back in 1970 and was released on the latest technology available - a 7-inch vinyl. Doing research for this feature I had never heard the original version of this song. It’s because our Song Leaders make this song their own ever summer! A popular hit at every song session, ‘Drift Away’ encompasses everything needed to make a good camp song - a belting chorus, crazy moves to accompany the song and perfect mix between a slow and fast chorus.
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Bad, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim croce
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House on pooh corner - kenny Loggins
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yesterday - the beatles
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If a song mentions the south side of Chicago it’s going to feature in this top 15. ‘Bad, Bad Leroy Brown’ (or ‘Leroy Brown’ for short) was released in 1973 and carries on that great era of singer-songwriter’s started by James Taylor three years earlier. ‘Leroy’, due to his size and attitude, had a reputation as the ‘baddest man in the whole damn town.’ One day, in a bar, he makes a pass at a pretty, married woman, whose jealous husband proceeds to beat Leroy in the ensuing fight. Not so bad now are you Leroy?
‘House at Pooh Corner’ is the title of a song that was written by Kenny Loggins, based on the popular children's book of the same name. The song written by Loggins but first performed by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1970. The song was further released on their album ‘Uncle Charlie & His Dog, Teddy’. The book which the song was based on was published in 1928. It’s the second volume of books based on ‘Winnie The Pooh’ written by A. A. Milne. It’s notable for the introduction of ‘Tigger the Tiger’ who like Winnie became a popular character in the series.
Paul McCartney came up with Yesterday in a dream. Upon waking, he hurried to a piano and played the tune to avoid forgetting it. McCartney's initial concern was that he had subconsciously copied someone else's work (known as cryptomnesia). As he put it, "For about a month I went round to people in the music business and asked them whether they had ever heard it before. Eventually it became like handing something in to the police. I thought if no-one claimed it after a few weeks then I could have it.” This all happened in the 60s with the song being first recorded in 1965.
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9
Anything can happen - ellie goulding
8
american pie - don mclean
7
you’ve got a friend - james taylor
This has seen a late surge into this poll at the demand of one village in particular - Chalutzim. Ellie Goulding’s hit from her second album Halcyon became the adopted anthem of the 7th graders last summer. The song is about exactly what it says on the tin - anything can happen at Camp Chi. It’s about being open to try new things and new experiences. Not only do the themes earn it a number nine rank but it’s a pretty decent pop/dance anthem with a euphoric chorus.
The song captures Don McLean’s period of grieving for Buddy Holly who passed away in 1959 from an air crash. Who ever said good songs never had a sad meaning? McLean said about the song when questioned: “You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me. Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence.” Although McLean dedicated the ‘American Pie’ album to Buddy Holly, none of the musicians in the plane crash are identified by name in the song itself.
Another one of James Taylor’s classics is featured in the top 15 - ‘You’ve Got A Friend.’ Written in 1971, Taylor and co-writer Carole King won Song of the Year at The Grammys. Taylor also won best Male Vocal Performance. Various artists have recorded the song over the years, including Dusty Springfield, Michael Jackson, and Donny Hathaway. The song is perfect for installing the value of friendship; especially for the younger campers. For those thinking it, this isn’t the same song as featured in the Toy Story films!
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time of your life - green day
6
lean on me - bill withers
5
HAtikvah (The Hope) - rick recht
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‘Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)’ by Green Day makes number six on our chart. Written in 1994 but only released three years later, the song later became a hit at prom dances, much to the band’s surprise. Vocalist Billy Armstrong had not meant it to be a romantic song, and was surprised that it was used so. Producer Richard Cavallo wanted to add strings to the track. He sent the band to play foosball for 15 minutes whilst he did it. Cavallo reflected on his decision to add the strings "I knew we had done the right thing. I knew it was a hit the second I heard it." ‘Lean On Me’ was Bill Wither’s only number one single and was his third attempt at topping the charts. His previous two attempts, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ went to number three and ‘Grandma’s Hands’ only reached 42. ‘Lean On Me’ is really popular at Camp Chi. Easy to sing, create actions and even create alternative lyrics to songleader Scott Serota’s dismay. Numerous cover versions have been recorded, and it is one of only nine songs to have reached number one with versions recorded by two different artists.
This song is the highlight for many at every Camp Chi Shabbat service. The credit for this song goes to Rich Recht who is a Jewish rock musician who is especially known for his live performances with scores of youth all over the United States as well as performances at synagogues and Jewish rock festivals. A great ‘sing-and-repeat’ number, The Hope encompasses everything great about Chi - music, fun, togetherness and the Jewish faith.
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3
Iris - the goo goo dolls
2
ALL MY LIFE’S A CIRCLE - Harry chapin
This song is not only one of the biggest 90s alternative rock staples in the history of alternative music, it is also one of the biggest crossover hits and the most played song of 1998. ‘Iris’ was originally written for the film City of Angels - a romantic fantasy drama film starring Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage. The soundtrack for that film became incredibly successful. Not only did ‘Iris’ become a hit but also ‘Uninvited’ by Atlantis Morrissette and ‘Angel’ by Sarah McLachlan made the charts too. The song propelled the band to stardom, as it stayed on top of Billboard Hot 100 Airplay charts for a record-breaking 18 weeks, and was nominated for three Grammys that year. According to several interviews with vocalist John Rzeznik, he was experiencing serious bouts of writer's block when he was approached, and was on the verge of quitting the band days before he wrote the song. All the songs in the top four are all connected to a significant period of a Camp Chi summer. ‘The Hope’ being played at Shabbat. ‘Iris’ being played at Chi Burning. ‘All My Life’s A Circle’ is the final song that is played after a fun, chaotic song session after Shabbat services and meal on a Friday night. The song brings emotion to the surface whilst a whole village sits in a circle taking turns to sing the lyrics. It’s an emotional one - especially when it’s the last song session of a summer. More about the writer, Harry Chapin. Chapin was also a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger; he was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work.
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1 She got mad and lost her head OLD ST. HELEN! Sky turned black and the trees fell dead OLD ST. HELEN! Cleanup crews were working hard OLD ST. HELEN! They had to change that postcard OLD ST. HELEN!
Oh, oh, oh, the mountains gonna blow! Oh, oh, oh, the lava's gonna flow! Oh, oh, oh, the ash is gonna rise! Oh, oh, oh, there were pieces of the mountain in your eyes, Up your nose and down your chest! A little bit deeper on every breath! She don't care your point of view, now the mountain's part of you! RUMBLE!!!
Truman lived by Spirit Lake OLD ST. HELEN! They told him to leave, he said, "Aww, give me a break!" OLD ST. HELEN! "I've lived on this mountain fifty years!" OLD ST. HELEN! "Ain't nothing moving me from here!" OLD ST. HELEN! OLD ST. HELEN! In 1980 that's when she blew OLD ST. HELEN! Old man Truman did not dodge OLD ST. HELEN! She covered him up inside his lodge OLD ST. HELEN! Ten years later I came by OLD ST. HELEN! Looking at the sights and the things to buy OLD ST. HELEN! In between the mobile homes OLD ST. HELEN! I see she's got a brand new dome OLD ST. HELEN!
old saint helen billy jonas
Billy is a bit of a celebrity at Camp Chi. His main philosophy in life is one that is similarly adopted at Camp Chi - throwing the rule book out of the window. An advocate of improvisation and recycled instruments, Billy proves that you can make something out of nothing. Billy Jonas is one of those rare performers who can engage and delight both young and adult audiences. Billy's clear tenor voice is well-suited to a plethora of venues, from intimate settings and workshop sessions to large halls and outdoor festivals. For more than two decades, his creative and interactive performances have enchanted and inspired folks from all walks of life — touching hearts, souls, and minds world-wide. As a founding member of the acclaimed duo ‘The Billys,’ Billy Jonas made innovative use of "found objects." He helps audiences discover the music within common items and within themselves. Billy Jonas' recordings and live concerts across the US and Canada have generated an enthusiastic following. His CD ‘What Kind of Cat are You?!’ received multiple awards including a First Place/Gold from AFIM (American Federation of Independent Musicians), and a Parent's Choice Gold. Jonas' videos have garnered critical acclaim, including Parents Choice Awards and a New York Times "Best" listing. In 2010 he was invited to present a concert at The White House! ‘Old Saint Helen’ is a Camp Chi classic and it’s only fitting it made number one on our list of all-time favourite camp songs. Obviously based on Saint Helen - a volcano in Washington state, the song is a metaphor on releasing the inner ‘lava’ in you and being as free-flowing as Saint Helen was when she erupted on May 18, 1980.
"My favourite instrument is the audience. I work to 'tribalize' the compositions, to provide an immediate opportunity for the listener to join in." - billy jonas 17
Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Alison Krauss, Peter Yarrow, Keb' Mo', Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, Paul Winter, Michele Shocked, Justin Bieber (yes, THE Justin Bieber!), Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger.
Winkle Magazine was lucky enough a few weeks ago to catch up with the man who topped our poll Billy Jonas and ask him a few questions! Hi Billy, how are you? I’m good thank you! I’ve just finished a run of dates all over the US. I’ve been to Delaware, North Carolina, Baltimore and California this month. At the moment I’m preparing for some shows in South Carolina next month. What was the first instrument you learned to play and when?
sticks, rocks, and everybody singing together - Heaven! In high school and college most of my friends were not musicians, yet they wanted to play, so we had massive ‘kitchen jams,’ playing pots and pans with chopsticks. At Oberlin College which is a big arts school in Ohio we turned it into a band, ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ a voice and percussion ensemble using only found objects and homemade instruments. Did you start performing somewhere? What was the response?
After college I began writing songs and playing them at Piano at five years old, guitar coffee houses and ‘open at eight, trombone at ten. No stages.’ I would present them discipline though, so I raw, with just one water bottle graduated to pots and pans in drum and my voice, imagining high school. that if they worked in this striped down form, they were His upbeat, engaging Pots and Pans?! I guess you worthy to develop into full presence encourages active started using ‘recyclable’ blown songs with guitar or audience participation. instruments from an early other traditional instruments, His concerts are a magical age? Where did you get the but the response to the songs mix of stagecraft and idea of using those kinds in this initial raw form was so wholesome, open-ended, of instruments? strong, and the smiles were so anything-can-happen big, that I realized they were spontaneity. Billy Jonas offers It all began at Camp Chi often complete as they were. I family and adult oriented actually, around the campfire, was also imagining that when concerts, primarily with his where, just as in a tribal the songs were finished they three or four piece band. culture, the lines were blurred would have a full band playing Billy's educational concerts and singing them. include study guide materials between performer and audience - everybody was part To approximate that, I would and are usually booked in of the band! give simple parts out to the conjunction with a public performance in a community. Guitars, a harmonica, buckets, audience.
“Yes, I’ve shared the stage with Justin Bieber!” 18
Would you describe your music as funky? Absolutely!
‘Turn-of-the-21st century neo-tribal hootenanny music,’ or ‘funky folk music,’ for short.
Who do you like to listen to when you are not performing yourself ? Joni Mitchell, Harry Partch, Parliament-Funkadelic, Igor Stravinsky, Jimi Hendrix, Maurice Ravel, Spike Jones, Pete Seeger
“Kids were extremely excited to have me there, and to hear Old Saint Helen sung by the originator of the song.” You returned last year in 2013 for a Shabbat appearance, has much changed since you were last there and what have you missed the most?
It seems that a singalong culture has taken root! I'm Have you always wanted to sure it can be traced to be a musician? multiple songleaders over the years. The kids were extremely I knew from early on that I excited to have me there, and wanted music to be a big part to hear Old Saint Helen sung of my life, but I wasn’t sure it by the originator of the song. would be a career until it There are more facilities, but started to be. If I wasn’t a amazingly it’s very similar to musician, I’d be involved with 20 years ago. Camps are good camps and environmental at that - keeping the good education or languages. aspects for decades, so that campers can return with their I think I'm right in saying kids and grandkids, and feel Billy you used to be a staff like they are sharing member at Camp Chi in the something intimate. Its kind mid-90s, what was that like? of like a time capsule - That's magical! Yes - I was a song leader in 1995 and 1996. It was fun, Where are you from? and exhausting! I remember putting my entire body and I grew up in Chicago. soul into it -- there was a My family has always been singalong culture at the time, extremely musical - my greatbut it didn't feel cohesive. grandfather was a cantor in a I remember attempting to will synagogue in Germany which the cohesion into existence, is pretty cool. through volume and spirit.
How important is music to Camp Chi? There are camps where it is everything.
At Camp Chi it seems to be moving in that direction. The kids and staff seem to really get into it.
You are the composer of an all-time Camp Chi classic (and number one on our poll), Old Saint Helen, can you tell us more about that song? That song popped out of my mouth as I was hiking on Mt. Saint Helen in 1990, as the counselor for a group of ten year olds from Camp Thunderbird, a camp from Bemidji, Minnesota. We had flown to the Pacific Northwest for a 19 day hiking adventure. The mountain gave me the song. Anything else to add Billy?
I think Camp Chi offers tremendous opportunities to the campers and staff. I’m proud to be part of their family, and to have participated in creating a Camp Chi legacy in ‘Old Saint Helen’!
Visit www.billyjonas.com to see where Billy and his band are playing next or to listen to his great music! 19
WATERSKI AT CAMP CHI WATERSKI IS THE MOST POPULAR SPECIALITY AT CAMP CHI. WITH OUR PRIVATE SKI DOCK, CAMPERS CAN NOT ONLY TRY WATERSKIING FOR THE FIRST TIME BUT ALSO PRACTICE WHAT THEY’VE ALREADY LEARNED. THE MAN IN CHARGE, RYAN WHITEHEAD, SAT DOWN WITH WINKLE’S MAGAZINE TO TELL US ABOUT THE SKI SPECIALITY AND HIS LOVE FOR EVERYTHING FAST & EXTREME...
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“When I saw Camp Chi’s ski dock for the first time and saw the lake, the boats and realised I’d be here all summer, I highfived everyone in arm’s length!” Ryan Whitehead jumped at the chance to become Camp Chi’s waterski supervisor this year - the guy breathes high-octane action. It’s all that he has ever known.“My parents have been skiing together since before I was born so I've always been around a ski lake. When I was around 5 or 6, I had my first ski set and I've been hooked since. My parents have been the biggest influence as they gave me my first start and have supported me all the way whilst entering all the competitions I could. We always use to go ski lakes around Italy, France, Greece and Spain – basically everywhere around The Med.”
Camp Chi have just invested $80,000 into better water facilities this summer including two 2014 Moomba Outback Motorboats which are greener but also a lot safer to operate. On top of that there are new sailing boats and lifejacket equipment for campers to use. As Ryan explained waterski at Camp Chi isn’t all about backflips and extreme action but also about general water safety. “Waterski and wakeboard instruction begins with waterski basics, signals
and safety. Campers build confidence and comfort using a training boom, and are taught further skills as they become more advanced.
Professional and dedicated staff is the key factor to the success of the water-ski and wakeboard program. The Ski Team and Wakeboard Team are made up of Camp Chi alumni and staff from all over the world. Throughout the summer, they introduce new lessons and instructional techniques to help all campers learn how to water-ski and wakeboard. “We appreciate that some campers have never skied before or only ski whilst at camp so we teach them all the basics and try and have as much fun as we can whilst doing it. We also appreciate that some kids are highly advanced as well. We want to bring those skills to an extremely high standard so we invite talented skiers to the docks when it’s quiet (before 9AM) where we can teach and practice advanced skills and tricks.”
revolving door of campers every day. One bus leaves and immediately two buses arrive. We enjoy it though!” Chi’s private ski dock is located on Lake Delton – the jewel of the Wisconsin Dells’ billiondollar tourist industry. Much of the shoreline of Lake Delton has been developed with summer homes, year-round homes and condos. The website of the Wisconsin Dells boasts that 1.5 million visitors visit the area every year.
In 2008 a nearby dam burst it’s banks causing the whole area to flood and the lake to completely drain out. “I wasn’t here that year but I heard there was a bit of panic among the decision makers here at Camp.” Ryan said. A famous attraction in the Dells is The Tommy Bartlett Show. They suffered immensely in 2008 when the lake flooded into their grandstands and of course their biggest component in their show, the water, disappeared. The show opened days later, however, like everyone else in the Dells, the show’s waterskiers had left for the summer!
Waterski is the most popular speciality at Camp Chi along with High Ropes and Horse Riding which are always over subscribed. “You never get a moment to yourself if you’re a member of the ski team but Now the lake is back at full we wouldn’t have it any other strength and 2014 is ready for way.” Ryan said. “It’s like a it’s best summer yet! 21
gear. campchi. com LISTEN TO THE 15 ‘GREATEST CAMP CHI CAMP SONGS OF ALL TIME’ ON SPOTIFY.
@campchi
@campchi
Ari’s brain teaser answer: Chicago White Stockings (now know as the Chicago Cubs
facebook.com/ jcccampchi
VILLAGE UPDATES SHORESHIM TSOFIM CHALUTZIM HABONIM NOAR SIT ‘14 yeladim kadima
monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday friday sunday sunday
If you have any questions concerning your child’s welfare please don’t hesitate to contact the village leader assigned or a camp director. Contact details are located on page 4 & 5. 23
TRAVELLING BACK TO... We travel back in time to find out what happened across the world back in 1982. Turn over the page to see more pictures from Camp Chi back in 1982! January 11 - January 17: A brutal cold snap (similar to this year’s polar vortex) sends temperatures to alltime record lows in dozens of cities throughout the Midwestern United States. January 26: Mauno Koivisto is elected President of Finland.
February 5: London-based Laker Airways collapses, leaving 6,000 stranded passengers and debts of $270 million. March 26: A ground-breaking ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is held in Washington, D.C.
April 2: The Falklands War begins: Argentina invades and occupies the Falkland Islands which is owned by The United Kingdom. Prime Minister at the time, Margaret Thatcher sends in the troops...
1982
April 6: A blizzard unprecedented in size for April dumps 1–2 feet of snow on the Northeastern United States, closing schools and businesses, snarling traffic, and cancelling several major league baseball games.
June 14: The Falklands War ends with Argentina surrendering to the British. June 21: Prince William is born in London, England
April 17: By Proclamation of the Queen of Canada on Parliament Hill, Canada patriates its constitution, gaining full political independence from the United Kingdom.
April 25: Israel completes its withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula in accordance with the Egyptian–Israeli Peace Treaty of 1979.
June 13: The World Cup begins in Spain. Italy won in the final beating West Germany 3-1.
August 17: The first compact discs (CDs) are released to the public in Germany.
September 19: The first emoticons are posted by Scott Fahlman. :) September 25: In Israel, 400,000 marchers demand the resignation of Prime Minister Menachem Begin. October 11: The Mary Rose, flagship of Henry VIII of England that sank in 1545, is raised from the Solent.
November 30: Michael Jackson releases Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time. Since 1982 Thriller has sold more than 42 million copies. Nothing has come close since.
1982
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Families in the north of Chicago will have more opportunities for familyfriendly fun whilst getting fit at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook, with the launch of an expanded lineup of programs designed to help children and families lead more active and healthy lives. “The additions this fall will build upon the strong foundation of quality aquatics, sports, fitness, children and family speciality programming that make Bernard Weinger JCC a key destination for families across the North Shore,” said JCC Director of Children, Family and Wellness Laurie Goldberg. “We’re excited to be providing an even greater complement of program choices to support the diverse fitness and wellness needs of individuals and families in our community.”
In addition to a wider range of fitness offerings for adults, including swimming lessons, yoga and Zumba classes, JCC Chicago has partnered with CrossFit to provide personal advice on training, boost sports performance, advice on strength training and conditioning across all ages and skill levels through a unique program.
Camp Chi is operated by The Jewish Community of Chicago which is a non-profit organisation.
CrossFit was launched by Greg Glassman in 2000. Greg said: “CrossFit helps prepare the body for every day movements such as running, squatting, lifting and pulling, executed at high intensity, but scalable to individual capability.”
“We have developed a fitness program for kids with their parents in mind. CrossFit KidsFit program starts children on the path to lifetime fitness through fun games and structured activities. KidsFit workouts develop core strength, general fitness, coordination and agility through basic movements such as pushing, pulling, running, jumping, squatting throwing, and having fun! Workouts are scaled for children ages 6 to 12 years according to their age and individual capacity. To keep kids active and help them develop a love of sports, a variety of new recreational classes, leagues and partnerships have also been developed.”
Badminton Developmental Coach of the Year Shannon Pohl.
The state-of-the art Bernard Weinger JCC facility in Northbrook features a six-lane, 25-yard, indoor pool with an observation area, workout center including exercise equipment, free weights, barbells, and exercise balls, a 7000sq.ft. gymnasium, classrooms, dance studios, two outdoor playgrounds, outdoor sports fields and a full-service teaching kitchen. Year-round social, recreational and educational programs meet a wide range of children and family interests and connect them to the greater community. Mainstays include early childhood programs, day camp, After School programs, and school holiday Vacation Days.
No membership is required and families of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. For more information, visit gojcc.org New programs include Sports or call 847.763.3661. of All Sorts, a basketball clinic with founder of Play Hard Hoops David Adelman and a badminton academy with former USA #1 Women’s Singles leading badminton player and 2012 USA
magazine@gojcc.org