By Troika Brodsky
Have you ever traveled just for a camp friend? Not just across town for a reunion, but to another city—or even another country—simply to spend time together?
I was thinking about this last weekend as my wife, son, and I flew from St. Louis to Minneapolis for a dear camp friend’s birthday. And we weren’t the only Nebagamon folks there. As special as it was, I realized—this isn’t rare in our community. Camp friendships don’t just last; they lead to lifelong connections and adventures.
Over the years, I’ve gone on epic canoe trips in places like the Boundary Waters, Quetico, and even Wabakimi—where we were dropped off by train and picked up 15 days later by a seaplane! I’ve made many winter pilgrimages to Lake Nebagamon with camp friends for ice fishing (and once, after some questionable judgment from Adam Fornear, attempted to cross-country ski down the sand dunes—don’t try it). I’ve celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Henry Pulitzer more than once and lived to tell the tale. I’ve traveled for camp weddings as far away as Brazil, and my own wedding in Kansas was officiated by Andy Mack—with Nardie Stein leading two dozen camp friends in a rousing rendition of Han Skal Leve.
But my experiences are not unique. Again and again, I hear stories from the Camp Family—cabinmates reuniting years later, groups planning camping and ski trips, friends meeting up for bar mitzvahs, birthdays, weddings, and everything in between. Every summer, Adam Kaplan reminded our 9th graders that this community is for life, and he couldn’t be more right.
This is a big part of what Keep the Fires Burning truly means. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a commitment—to stay connected, to make the effort, and to keep these friendships alive.
So… who’s the next camp friend you’re making plans with?
Troika Brodsky, Jaime Hensel, Adam Fornear, Stephanie Hanson, Andy Mack, Amy Rusch, David Sachs, Jason Yale, Emily Jodock, Jamey Sharp and Zayla Asquith-Heinz celebrating Emily’s birthday in Minneapolis, 3/29/25.
Steve Ballin, Jim “JK” Koretz, Ron Koretz, Jim Hensel, David Stern, Bob Koretz and Rick Koretz at JK’s daughter’s wedding celebration in Chicago, 3/29/25.
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How Do You Keep the Fires Burning?
We’d love to hear how you’ve stayed connected with your camp friends! Share your stories and photos of recent reunions, adventures, and meet-ups with old cabinmates and staff. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Fill out this “News Of The Camp Family” Google form to share your story: https://forms.gle/rJSnTPCZtXHECxxTA
- Email Troika Brodsky, Camp’s Director of Alumni Engagement, at [email protected].
- Join the official Camp Nebagamon Alumni Facebook Group and post your updates there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/campnebagamonalumni.
We can’t wait to see how you’re keeping the Camp Family strong!