Earlier this month, Steph and I met a couple of friends in Nevada. It was designed as a long weekend getaway, but it was more of a re-enactment. Back in December 1995, when our friends Brad and Amy Herzog were in the early stages of what would become a nearly year-long RV journey around the country, we met them in Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas? Shrug. We didn’t stay there. At least not too long. We quickly piled into the RV and made our way from Sin City to the scenery of Valley of Fire State Park.
Valley of Fire was a revelation to us—a gathering of bright
red sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone, all set against a
bright blue sky. Since December wasn’t the busy season, we felt like we had the
whole place to ourselves. We hiked and climbed. We barbecued beneath the stars.
We laughed. A lot. Most of all, we cemented a close friendship that has lasted
more than a generation.
So a few weeks ago, we decided to do it again. Steph and I flew from Boise to Las Vegas. Brad and Amy came in from California. And we spent a very hot day hiking in that same Valley of Fire. Sure, we also spent a night amid the neon absurdities of Las Vegas, but the primary aim of the trip was once again to surround ourselves with natural wonder. After all, the nature played a large role in nurturing a friendship. Why not re-live the experience?
I believe Camp Nebagamon offers much the same opportunities.
Those of us who are lucky enough to still spend summers there can re-live the
experience each June, July, and August. And those of us who have maintained
camp friendships for decades can understand that they were friendships nurtured
by the Northwoods.
When alumni return to Nebagamon, whether after a long or
short absence, they always marvel at how it feels much the same. The cabins
haven’t changed. The sound of the bell matches their recollections. The climb
to the Upper Diamond seems similar, if perhaps feeling a bit steeper. But what
really brings it all back? The natural sense memories—the whisper of the wind
in the trees, the scent of the pine cones, the sound of a crackling fire, the
view from the beach. The natural surroundings that were imprinted in our
memories.
It’s one thing to form friendships around the table in the Rec Hall, but those bonds become even stronger when you’re sharing a jaw-dropping view of the Northern Lights or when you seem to have a whole lake to yourselves at Quetico Provincial Park. In fact, Nebagamon’s broad and bold wilderness tripping program allows campers to have that experience over and over again. I’m certain that most alumni reading this have vivid memories of first glimpsing a natural marvel that made you gape in awe. The rocky beaches of Rainbow Cove on Isle Royale. The endless stretch of Gunflint Lake in the BWCA. Log Slide Overlook at Pictured Rocks. And on and on and on…
With that in mind, this edition of The Keylog is the NATURE issue—devoted to the notion that Nebagamon both develops an appreciation for our surroundings and takes advantage of it. Toward that end, we asked a handful of alumni to wax poetic about their favorite trees amid camp’s 77 acres… and we offer a Q&A with the original Brother Nature (whom I remember fondly from my Swamper and Logger days)… and we highlight a few people who are taking steps to save the Boundary Waters… and we’ve taken a vicarious trip (thanks to excerpts from a blog by Jaime Hensel) to one of Earth’s most wondrous natural wonders—Antarctica.
Is it any wonder that trees are the subjects of some of the
most iconic poems? Joyce Kilmer famously wrote, “I think that I shall never
see… a poem lovely as a tree.” (Joyce was a man, by the way—Alfred Joyce Kilmer
died during World War I). Robert Frost penned, “The woods are lovely, dark and
deep… But I have promises to keep… And miles to go before I sleep.” (Of course,
that was a poem about a snowy evening—not really applicable to a 77-acre summer
camp). Shel Silverstein created a beloved book called “The Giving Tree” (well,
not beloved by a certain camp director—don’t get Adam Kaplan started about it).
Actually, for all the Rudyard Kiplings and Sylvia Plaths and William Blakes who
waxed poetic about trees, no collection of words about trees may resonate more
among the readers of The Keylog than
“Thanks for the Pines.”
So let’s talk about the trees at Nebagamon—the exclamation points that punctuate the natural beauty that we all love about the place. Everyone has his or her own favorites—the pines leading up the Hill toward the Big House, the birches that line Range Road, the dark canopy on Lorber Point, the natural amphitheaters around the Council Fire Ring and the Shrine… but how about a singular tree? We asked a handful of alumni to lyrically celebrate particular trees. Which is the most iconic? Well, we’ll just, ahem, leave that up to you:
THE TREE AT THE TOP OF THE SAND DUNES
There are thousands of trees surrounding the Upper Diamond,
but there is one that stands apart both literally in its location as well as an
indelible image in your mind when you started reading this sentence. I have a name
for the tree that overlooks the sand dunes and provides shade to speedball
spectators on Paul Bunyan Day—the Wisdom Tree. To box out all competition for
dozens of yards in every direction, it had to have been savvy throughout the
decades. From its perch, it definitely Knows Things, and, at least in my
personal experience as a believer in the Great Spirit, it can provide
telepathic guidance and advice. Every time I visit Camp Nebagamon, regardless
of whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, I make sure to pay my respects
to the Wisdom Tree and seek its counsel. — Ryan Glasspiegel
THE TREE NEXT TO THE LOWER DIAMOND
When I was a camper in Logger 5—that’s when it was the cabin closest to the Lower Diamond—my counselors (Rich Broder and David Reich) weren’t big fans of us kids letting the door slam shut. So they came up with a rather goofy rule: Every time we let it slam, we were required to open the door wide, rush out to the towering tree a few dozen feet away, touch it, and get back before the door slams. Sure, this power play somewhat backfired because we kind of enjoyed the challenge. But that tree remains imprinted in my memory—and it’s an enduring tree, too, having survived (mostly) the big storm of the summer of 2014. This is the tree that has provided shade during every mid-July field hockey game on the Lower Diamond, that has overseen every Camp Birthday barbecue for generations, that probably smiled at egg toss competitions, cheered at bi-camp tennis matches, stood proudly as villages walked silently by on the way to the Council Fire Ring, and possibly winced at every middle-of-the-night decision not to trudge all the way to the jop. But those scenes encapsulate camp. So does the tree. – Brad Herzog
THE RING TOSS TREE
In four weeks as a camper and three summers as a counselor, I spent more time in the Swamper Village, and by its iconic Ring Toss Tree, than anywhere else in Camp. While you can picture what it looks like, the sounds also resonate. The wind “whispering” (like the song says) through the dark treetop, while walking through an otherwise silent village as MOD. The click of a “ringer” followed by cheers from the lucky Swamper and celebration from onlooking 10 year-olds. The thud of the ring on the side of the tree and the groans, often from curious counselors who could never quite figure out where to place the ring before letting go. The background sounds of the bouncing four square and ping pong balls complete the daylight audio picture. If the Swamper Hill is a town square, the tree is its memorable center. Close your eyes and listen. — Matt Friedman
THE WATERFRONT TREE
The next time you’re at an art museum, look just past the famous paintings and notice the stunning frames that anchor those masterpieces. You’ll be surprised to discover that many are works of art in their own right. Now consider the tree on the lakefront just behind the benches by the rowing dock. You make the portage down from the Rec Hall and, coming around that last bend, you’re hit by the majesty of the waterfront — camp’s masterpiece. And enhancing, without distracting, from your initial impression is that magnificent tree, serving as the lake’s frame, giving you a reference point to take in all that splendor. Like the frames around the Mona Lisa or American Gothic, you’ve seen this tree frame so many photos of the lake that at some point you’ve probably taken it for granted. Go ahead, scroll through the photos of the waterfront you took the last time you were at camp. I bet that tree shows up in shot after shot. For me, it’s easy. The lock screen on my phone is an early morning shot of the lake, still as glass, reflecting an orange sunrise and framed with two parallel branches of that wonderful tree—a reminder throughout the winter that the best two months of the year are right around the corner. — Alex Gordon
THE TREE NEXT TO THE REC HALL
Clearly one of the iconic trees is the one and only tree at
camp planted in concrete—or at least surrounded by 360 degrees of concrete—in
front of the entrance to the Axeman porch. We all have stood under the cool
shade of this lonely, isolated tree and waited for the horns to blow before the
rush into the Rec Hall. Imagine what this tree has witnessed over the
years—countless campers perusing the Project Board, playing Rinde Ball and
four-square (when there was a court there), horse-n-goggling for a spot in
MOCA, running (er, walking) down to G-swim. This tree has heard every post-meal
announcement, enjoyed every GTC, every “Rise and Shine” song. The unique shape
of the base of this tree, oozing out of the ground over the unnatural surface
the tree encountered as it grew, is nature’s way of saying, “Nothing is going
to stop the trees of Camp Nebagamon.” – Jim Koretz
“If you’ve been on one of camp’s trips to the Boundary
Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), you know what a memorable and
life-changing experience it can be,” says Hunt Greene (Dallas/Long Lake, MN
62-67). “We want it to stay that way for generation, but there is an imminent
threat that it could be degraded forever.”
Few campers over the decades have completed their Nebagamon
experience without an excursion to the Boundary Waters. BWCA is as much a part
of the essence of the camp experience as MOD, OBR, KP, and CNOC. In fact, it
could be argued that those Minnesota lakes have played as much a role in
casting “the soul of man” as council fires and sermonettes.
So several people with Nebagamon ties are trying to do something to confront the imminent threat to the Boundary Waters, and their efforts seem like… well, like the lessons of council fires and sermonettes come to life.
“Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.”
Facts matter, of course, including information about how the
BWCAW came to exist—and why it is currently endangered. Ben Hanson-Kaplan (Boise
12-19) summarized the origins this way in the March issue of The Arrowhead: “It is the most visited
wilderness area in the entirety of the United States and accounts for 20
percent of the freshwater in the National Forest system. Its 1.1 million acres
of immaculate water has been protected since the early 1900s by the
Commissioner of the General Land Office, who withdrew about 1,159,700 acres of
land from a lumber and mining treaty. This newly protected land was finally
named the “Boundary Waters Canoe Area” (BWCA) in 1958.”
Photo by Hunt Greene
That was the original solution to protecting those pristine waters. Here, Ben explains, is the current problem: “On September 6th, 2018 the current administration lifted a blockade preventing the environmentally harmful practice of copper sulfide mining in the region, the most toxic industry in the U.S, and a form of mining that has never been allowed in Minnesota. This decision was like a literal gold mine for the Chilean mining giant, Antofagasta. Because of this decision, they are planning on building multiple mines in the watershed that leads into the Boundary Waters. A governmental study on the issue found that even one mine in the watershed could pollute the Boundary Waters for a minimum of 500 years.” Check out this animated video about both the important of the protected region and the threat to it.
“Stand for something,
or you’ll fall for anything.”
Hunt Greene
Hunt Greene first visited the Boundary Waters in 1963, while a camper at Nebagamon. Eight years later, he purchased property on Lake Vermillion, right next to the BWCAW. Two years ago, when he retired after a 40-year career in investment banking, he was eager to devote himself to philanthropy, and he has focused on environmental concerns. Hunt has served as board chair of Wilderness Inquiry with its mission “to connect people from all walks of life to the natural world through shared outdoor adventures.” And he is a board member of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness (NMW), the fiscal sponsor for Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters and Sustainable Ely. Toward that end, Hunt is trying to round up some important donations and would like to be contacted at hunt@rghpro.com.
“There is no copper-nickel mine in the United States that has not polluted the water around it,” he explains. “If constructed, this mine would cause deforestation, significant increases in traffic and noise, and potential irreversible water pollution. This pollution would reach all the way into Canada on the Rainy River.” Hunt and NMW are fighting the mine by collecting petitions, educating elected officials, and informing the public of what he describes as “this devastating threat to American’s most visited Wilderness.” Check out the Save the Boundary Waters website for more information.
“Don’t wait ‘til you’re
a man to be great—be a great boy.”
Ben and Andy at work
Protecting the Boundary Waters requires efforts big and small. As a 10th grader, Ben Hanson-Kaplan was assigned to create a project on something that he cared about deeply. He chose to craft a canoe paddle for a cause. With the help of camp’s head caretaker, Andy Mack, Ben built a wooden paddle from scratch—and then decided to raffle it off to raise funds for the Save the Boundary Waters Foundation. He created a Crowdrise fundraising page, and for every $20 donated the donor receives one virtual “raffle ticket.” He is oh-so-close to reaching his $1000 goal—and every penny goes to Save the Boundary Waters. Here’s a link to Ben’s summary of the situation and his goals in the March Arrowhead.
“Many of you have a strong connection to the BWCA because it
has created such vivid and long-lasting memories, connecting with nature and
connecting with your camp brothers,” he wrote. “Our future Nebagamon brothers
may not be able to enjoy those memories if the place that created them is
damaged…or destroyed completely. One of the only things standing between the
best canoeing waters on the planet, and a desolate industrial landscape, is
people like us. Save the Boundary Waters foundation is a coalition of folks,
just like you and I, who are trying to elevate this threat to a national level
with the goal of protecting our BWCA. But they need help, and that is what I
hope we all can do.”
“The size of a man is
not found by measuring his feet, but by measuring his footsteps.”
Jeff Goldstein (Clayton, MO/Springfield, IL) was a camper at
Nebagamon from 1980-82. Years later, he introduced his four sons to the wonders
of the Boundary Waters. His son, Joseph, was six years old at the time. Seven
years later, Joseph was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. When
the Make-A-Wish Foundation offered him a wish, he decided that he wished to
save the BWCA from contamination by the copper mine proposed in its watershed. “The Boundary Waters has formed who I am, was a good teacher to
me, and helped me through personal struggles,” he told an interviewer just a
few weeks ago.
Joseph Goldstein
When he discovered that his wish was too politically-charged for Make-A-Wish, Joseph took matters into his own hands. According to an April 25, 2019 story in Minnesota Monthly, over the next several years, when his chemo treatment allowed for it, Joseph wrote letters, gave speeches, blogged, and implored policymakers to let science trump corporate interests. Last June, he officially launched Kids for the Boundary Waters. In December, he and a few dozen peers traveled to Washington, D.C., where they met with officials including Senator Amy Klobuchar and then-Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. So… inspired by the memory of his camp experiences, Jeff Goldstein introduced his child to the Boundary Waters marvels, and that kid has formed an army of environmentally-concerned youths.
That’s paying it forward.
Says Joseph, now a 17-year-old high school senior living on a farm with his family in Springfield, Illinois, “This fight has gone on for many years, and it’s going to go on for many more, but ultimately I think we’re going to win it. It’s important we preserve the Boundary Waters for all of us who have experienced it and for those who have yet to experience it.”
Jim Nahlik is a physician in the St. Louis area, specializing primarily in family and emergency medicine. But before he was Dr. James Nahlik, he was Camp Nebagamon’s Brother Nature — from 1977 through 1980. Best we can tell, he was the original Nature Lore counselor to be known as such. After a long absence, Jim revisited Nebagamon as one of the attendees at the 90th Summer Reunion. The Keylog caught up with him for a Q&A:
What was it like returning to camp for the reunion last
August?
It was so beautiful
to be back. My wife had heard hundreds of stories about the people and
the place, and she got to see it in all its perfection. Early in
2018, I had reconnected with Nardie Stein, and I got to take him to lunch along
with Steve St Cyr, camp’s business manager from the 70’s. Then I was fortunate
to get the Steins’ book and show my wife some highlights. It even allowed
me to reconnect with two older doctors who had mentored me early in my
career. Pat Harr and Mike Cooperstock are mentioned in the Steins’ book,
and I had forgotten that they were connected to camp. I also reminisced
about the one summer when I got to be camp doctor at Nebagamon—in 1986.
My oldest sons were very young for that visit, but they even have some memories
of the place.
It was especially
fun to hear Adam tell me he was a Swamper who spent many days in the nature
shack when I was there. I begged him to send a photo of him in those days,
and when he did I immediately remembered the guy! At the reunion, I was
amazed at the directors’ leadership, and Adam’s statement that he was a steward
charged with maintaining what we all love about the camp. I found it little
changed from my days.
You were an Eagle Scout back in the day. Is that what
sparked your interest in the natural world?
Yes, I started in
scouts when I was about eleven, and four years later I became and Eagle Scout.
I publicly thank scouting for much of my life successes! I grew up in Ferguson,
MO, and was guided by my older brothers in scouts, as well as great adult
leaders. As an Eagle Scout, I was encouraged to work summers at the boy
scout camp in St. Louis. I did that for five summers and was inspired,
too, by other staffers from all over. I learned they were going to
college, and I even got to visit some with the camp doctors there. I
decided I loved the summer camp experience and that there were three main ways
to keep coming back. I could become a full-time scouter, or a teacher, or
a doctor! I set on the latter path in college, and it was not easy. Pre-med
at that time was sometimes cut throat, but I did just enough to be able to
apply to med schools. Nature
is applicable to every area of medicine. I got to study biology and anatomy
in great detail, and it is now clear to me that the same master plan that
happens with trees, rivers and lakes, happens in some ways to our
bodies. One simple example is in my family practice: had a Ziploc
bag to hold three leaflets of poison Ivy—thus to teach patients how
to avoid the stuff.
Since you didn’t have the opportunity to attend Nebagamon
as a child, what was your introduction to the camp experience?
Before my time at
Nebagamon, I worked for five years at Camp S-F Scout Ranch in Farmington, Missouri.
Eventually, I served as the business manager of the camp, but I really wanted
to get outdoors more often. So in my last two summers, I was promoted to
the Nature Director position. In fact, that’s where I was first known as
Brother Nature. Funny story there… some smart-aleck 13-year-old wanted to
make fun of my enthusiasm for nature. He said, “What are you? Mother
nature’s son—or BROTHER NATURE?” My ears perked up, and I grasped the
moniker! When I got to Nebagamon, I knew I needed a spark to encourage the
kids, so I used the name. I think many former campers do not remember my
name, but I am proud that other nature guys also were called Brother
Nature. Another story is that with the Boy Scout program, the campers each
did a one-week program. So at Nebagamon in 1977, I had a great first week
of camp with some creative programs that I had done before. The program
director came to complement my success, and I thought, Uh oh, one week of stuff is all I’ve got! But I did come up
with some other ideas, like the ability to gain ranks in nature. Also the
great Stan Strauss had brought his pet rats each summer, so we did many evening
programs with them running the rat mazes on the table in the nature
shack.
What brought you to Nebagamon?
Besides a ’67 Chevy?
The director of Camp S-F knew Nardie Stein from the American Camping
Association. He was looking for a Nature Lore counselor, and I really wanted
to see another part of the country. Paul Brockland from St. Louis Boy
Scouts recommended me to Nardie. I interviewed in Clayton and was thrilled with
the contract. I still have lunch with Mr. Brockland sometimes in St louis,
and his sons also worked at the S-F Scout Ranch. My sons worked many
summers there, too, and their pay rate was much better than when I worked there—thanks
to Camp Nebagamon’s Dubinsky family! You see, the finance guy for scouts
was finding it hard to get good young people to work as counselors. One
day, he was having his car washed at the Waterway owned by Bob Dubinsky, and he
learned what those car washers were getting paid, so he increased his pay rate
for counselors. I’m very fond of what Nebagamon’s leaders do with the
scholarship funds and was glad to contribute to the cause there, too.
What kind of higher education regarding nature did you
bring to the job?
In college (at the
University of Missouri- Kansas City), I studied ecology and biology. In fact, I
recall receiving nine college credits for submitting a post-summer report to
professors in both ecology and psychology, which are obviously both paramount
when you’re a counselor in Nature Lore. By doing the extra documentation
to get credit for my senior year in college, it helped me be organized with
objectives for the campers. The concepts that I tried to teach the
youngsters were well thought out, then documented for
my coursework. Those nne hours of Grade A were added to a regular
semester of work in the fall semester—so I still have the report card showing 24
credit hours of straight A’s. That GPA boost allowed me to gain acceptance
to medical school.
I also trained at
the National Camping School in 1975 for Boy Scouts. That was a memorable
week near Bloomington, Indiana, and my first experience at a convention. The
leaders gave us many ideas to give campers a fun experience and some
intrigue. It was there that they had a wooden contraption with the word MONGOOSE
on it. I made one to use in my two summers at the Boy Scout camp. Then, at
Nebagamon, I made a better one, and it worked well to excite—and gently
startle—many campers. Since we also had live rats, mice, and a raccoon, the
possibility of a real mongoose was believable.
For a time, you served as president of the Missouri
Academy of Family Physicians. Is there anything that you learned as a Nature
Lore counselor or simply as a Nebagamon alumnus that has proved valuable in
your medical career?
My medical career is
a joy that I am so thankful for. Nardie and Sally Stein helped me know
that I was a good teacher for the campers. When I did not get accepted in
med school the first time, Nardie encouraged me to get a degree in
education. I persisted on my path, but learned that “doctor” is derived
from the Latin “docent.” So I teach my patients many facts about improving
their health. In my early career, I taught many young men and women at
Saint Louis University Medical school. I also taught many resident
physicians in family practice. Dr. Pat Harr had been an officer of the
Missouri Academy of Family Physicians, and he helped me become a student member
of his board of directors. He later was the national president of the
organization, while I did the leadership for Missouri’s family doctors. Another
mentor was Dr. Bernard Garfinkel, who was Nebagamon camp doctor many times, and
I recall hearing stories about his other love while acting as team physician
for the NFL’s St Louis Cardinals. In the middle of my career, I was Chief
of Family Medicine at Missouri Baptist in St. Louis. I ran grand
rounds education there, and after Bernie retired, he attended many of
these sessions and served on my committee to plan the programs.
For many camp alumni, the Nebagamon experience translates
into lifelong hobbies, whether that means tennis or tripping. Did it have the
same effect on you?
My lifelong hobbies
do include traveling, camping, Boy Scouts, gardening and racquetball. On days
off during camp summers, we played racquetball at Telemark Resort east of
camp. I still play, and after teaching one son, he played on a high school
national champion team, and for four years in college at Arizona
State. Tennis was always fun at camp, and I did play for many
years. One summer, I was fortunate to travel to Denmark and visited with
the Orienteering counselors whom I met at camp. Jorn Lund Pederson and Jan
Rahbek were very cordial hosts. We even went to the original Legoland
together. In the Steins’ book, Nardie wrote about his experience in Boy
Scouts. He mentions the national scout adventure camp in New Mexico
called Philmont. I was able to do a two-week trek there with one son when
I was over 50. To hike that 100 miles with a 60-pound pack was a fun
challenge. I also got to take two sons on a trek to the BWCA. That
allowed me to know what all the fuss was for the older campers Big
Trips.
When my wife and I
came up for the reunion, I was thrilled to take her up to Gooseberry Falls.
It was little changed from the days when I took day trippers
there. We also got to go to Bayfield after the reunion, and went out on a
boat to one of the islands in Lake Superior. When we told friends that we
were planning that trip to Duluth, and Superior, they said to try and eat at
Duluth Grill. We did not get to that place before the reunion, but
loved it when Adam and Stephanie had them cater the fine dining under the big
top at the 90th reunion.
Nebagamon alumni have traveled all over the natural world, but it’s likely nobody has had an adventure quite like that of Jaime Hensel (Atlanta/Seattle, 2005-09, 11-13, 17-18), who has spent part of the past couple of years as a nurse practitioner… at the South Pole. The following are brief chronological excerpts from her blog “Hensel Below Zero!”
October 21, 2017: A
SHORT PRIMER ON ANTARCTICA
So I’m going to try to answer some of the most common
questions people have been asking me about Antarctica. To begin, Antarctica is
a continent but it isn’t a country. It’s governed by international treaty and
is supposed to be used mainly for science/research. The USA has three bases,
all managed by the National Science Foundation. The bases are Palmer, McMurdo,
and Amundsen-Scott (better known as South Pole Station). I’ll be getting to
South Pole station by way of lots of planes. I’ll fly commercially on United
Airlines from Atlanta to Houston to Auckland to Christchurch. Then I’ll fly in
a large cargo plane (a C-17) flown by Air Force pilots to McMurdo Station. The
plane from McMurdo to the South Pole (LC-130 Hercules) lands on skis, which
makes me super nervous, but there aren’t a whole lot of alternatives.
Amundsen-Scott Station really is at the South Pole (give or
take a couple hundred feet). It’s about 880 miles inland from McMurdo and the
coast. And it sits on top of 9300+ feet of ice. So I’ll be at significant
elevation. Due to its position on the planet, the sun only rises and sets once
a year at the South Pole. It rose Sept 23rd this year, and will set sometime in
March. Which is to say, I’ll be there during its period of 24-hour daylight.
Temperatures range from cold to really cold. Average annual temp at South Pole
is -56 F. In high summer, temps get to around -15 F. Highest temp ever recorded
was 9.9 F. I bought a lot of nice long underwear.
There will be approximately 150 people at the station, which
is mostly one big building. The bathrooms are shared. There’s a cafeteria,
small gym, some TV rooms, lending library, something that acts as a bar, and a
sauna. There are also labs and science spaces… I’m going to be working as a
nurse practitioner, since scientists need healthcare too.
November 5, 2017: I
MADE IT!
On November 1st I said goodbye to Graylan (note: that’s Graylan Vincent, camp staff member in
2017-18) – since he’s staying at McMurdo to work as a communications technician
– and boarded a Hercules C-130 (aka a “Herc”) to the South Pole. This was the
dreaded plane on skis. It really wasn’t as bad as I was worried it would be.
The landing was smooth, and then we were here! The airfield is pretty
close to the station at South Pole, which is good because it was approx -50 F
when we landed, with windchill that made it feel like -80 F. Yesterday I
finally braved the cold again so I could take my first pictures at the
(geographic) South Pole. The actual pole is the small rod in front of the big
white sign.
November 15, 2017: AN
AVERAGE DAY
So far I’m having fun. I’m meeting cool (similarly crazy)
people. I’m playing music, reading, knitting, and exercising (sometimes). I’m
also learning a lot about medicine, especially altitude medicine. I’m not
living up to my goal of going outside every day, and cross-country skiing
hasn’t really started up for the season yet, but as it gets a little warmer I’m
hoping to remedy that.
November 26, 2017:
SUNDAYS
Typically, Sunday is the only day we don’t work here. Almost
everyone is off, though there are some science experiments that require daily
tending. Brunch starts about that time, and that’s when the weekly tradition of
Bailey’s and coffee (or hot chocolate) starts. The topics of conversation have
recently ranged from beard oil vs wax, to why moist is an icky word, to how my
friend ended up getting his toe amputated last year. Meals with medical
professionals are not for the weak of stomach. Another excellent Sunday
tradition: the sauna. There’s a group of about five of us who go down around
7:30 pm and roast for about half an hour. Other than the conversation, the best
thing about the sauna is the humidity. But the second-best thing about the
sauna is getting so warm that it’s comfortable to stand outside in a bathing
suit. The temperature is approx -27F in that photo, and it felt sooooo good.
Dec. 27, 2017: MERRY
CHRISTMAKKUH!
Race Around the World. Every year on Christmas morning at
the South Pole, there’s a 2.25-mile race around the geographic South Pole that
encompasses every degree of longitude. The cool thing about being at the bottom
of the planet is that you can go all the way around the planet on approximately
the 89.96th parallel in a short amount of time. The not-so-cool thing about
being at the South Pole is that we’re at high altitude and even the 7.5 weeks
of adjustment time left me gasping like a fish while trotting very slowly
around the race course.
Jan. 5, 2018: HAPPY
NEW YEAR!
The station and everything else on top of the ice drifts at
a rate of about 30 feet a year. So on January 1st, there’s a ceremony to move
the geographic pole back to its correct location. A surveyor comes up and
everything. At the time the pole is moved, the topper on the pole is also
replaced. It’s designed and made by the previous year’s winterovers and the
design is kept a big secret: New Year’s Day is the big unveiling. So everyone
gathered around the old pole. The station manager, Marco, gave a lovely speech,
and then we all passed the American flag to its new home.
Jan. 11, 2018:
OBSERVATIONS
It rarely snows: This is definitely a function of the
temperature. Sometimes it’s foggy, sometimes it’s grey, but often it’s blue
skies. And when it does snow, it’s only for about 10 minutes, and the flakes
are the tiniest little flakes. I think I’ve seen it snow about three times
since I got here. It’s actually mind-blowing to think about just how long it
has taken to accrete the 9000ft of snow the station is sitting on, given that
the South Pole gets something like 4 inches of precipitation annually. Antarctica
is a massive paradox: a desert that contains 70% of the world’s fresh water.
Two-minute showers: All of our water comes from melted snow.
And while there is lots of snow to melt, it takes very expensive fuel to melt
it. So everyone in the station is allotted 2 two-minute showers a week. I got
used to it pretty quickly, probably from all the time I spent living on boats
and at summer camps.
After leaving the ice
in February, Jaime—and Graylan—traveled quite a bit. They went snorkeling at
the Great Barrier Reef, held a koala bear in Australia, enjoyed a safari in
South Africa’s Kruger National Park, toured Morocco, visited Gibraltar and
Venice and Rome and Stockholm, stayed with Larry Held and Sara Feinstein in
Ukraine, and even took a day trip to Chernobyl. They spent the summer at
Nebagamon, took a few boundary waters trips afterward, and then…
The summer ended with Nebagamon’s 90th reunion, which saw
almost all of my favorite people in my favorite place. There was singing and
crying and laughter and campfires. My soul was so full at the end of that
weekend.
November 7, 2018:
BACK AGAIN
I made the decision to return to the South Pole this year,
for another austral summer season. And this year Graylan Vincent (staff
2017-2018) will be with me!
This year when I landed the air temperature was -56 Fahrenheit,
the wind was blowing, the sun was shining bright, there’s still not much oxygen
in the atmosphere here (which I remembered as soon as I started to walk towards
the station from the runway), and the snow underfoot still makes the same
creaking noise. It felt like coming home. Once I got in the building, it almost
felt like I never left.
November 10, 2018:
PUZZLED
South Pole station is a LOT smaller than McMurdo. Right now
our station population is about 87 though it will increase throughout the
summer back up to about 160 people. There is no recreation coordinator here. We
get to make our own fun. Last night, there wasn’t anything official going on.
Graylan had the brilliant suggestion we do a jigsaw puzzle, so we went to the
huge closet of games and puzzles in one of the lounges. It was after 7 pm, so I
suggested a 500-piece puzzle. Graylan insisted we dream big and grabbed a 1000.
We sucked a couple of passersby in, plopped down in the galley, and finished
just before midnight. With 24-hour daylight and lots of windows in the galley
it’s hard to remember to go to bed. Also we’re nerds and a little compulsive
and we couldn’t leave the puzzle unfinished. Behold last night’s entertainment: That’s
right, we picked a puzzle of famous scientists. And it was awesome. Did I
mention that people tend to be a little nerdy down here?
November 29, 2018:
SASTRUGI
Today, I was struck by the snow. Antarctica is the highest,
driest desert on Earth. Less than 8 inches of new snow that falls here a year
(not sure what that translates to in actual rainfall, but not very much). And
most of that snow falls in crystals so small that you never see it snowing –
it’s just overcast with diamond dust swirling through the air. Despite that,
the South Pole sits at an altitude of 9,301 ft, of which approximately 300 feet
is land (at the bottom, obviously), and 9,000 feet is snow (and ice – the
weight of the snow compacts itself). Some of the snow blows in from lower
altitudes (and therefore warmer climates). But most of it just accreted very,
very slowly over a very, very long time.
The wind action here, combined with the dry character of the
snow (it squeaks when you walk on it!), causes some amazing natural sculpturing
and contouring. The humps and bumps and rifts and drifts go by the name
“sastrugi.” They’re a pain to walk over (since you never know how crusty or
soft they are, so you slog through them, and sometimes trip over them), but I
find them beautiful.
December 9, 2018: A WALK
Last Sunday I took a walk with my friends Holly and Graylan. It was pretty warm (like -15F) and there was no wind at all. It felt great to walk around. But no matter what you do, when you breathe down here inevitably the frost forms from respirations. Behold the frozen hat and eyelashes.
Jaime’s Recap:
The last month I was at South Pole station flew by. I gave a
lecture to the station entitled “Why the South Pole Hates Your Body”
about the physiology of living in a high altitude, cold desert. Researching and
preparing for that talk took up a lot of my time. I was also applying to nurse
practitioner fellowships. With only three hours of internet a day, that was
also a cumbersome process. Needless to say, blog posts fell by the wayside. And
then all of the sudden, it was February 7th, and Graylan and I were
saying our goodbyes and headed to McMurdo. On February 9th we made it to New
Zealand (where we got to meet up with Noah Stein and Andrew Meyer for a couple
of days)! After a little more traveling, I headed back to the US and the
adventure was over.
A lot of the people who work at South Pole go back year
after year. I certainly jumped at the opportunity to go back for a second “summer.”
I think Antarctica is addictive for many of the same reasons Nebagamon is: a
chance to try something new, being surrounded by a small community of
interesting, quirky, and supportive people, limited access to technology, a
unique and uniquely beautiful environment of which we are caretakers. In fact,
people often jokingly call South Pole station “summer camp for
adults.”
Since I’ve accepted a nurse practitioner fellowship and am
moving to Anchorage in August, I know I won’t be headed back to South Pole any time
soon (if ever). When I left it was definitely the same bittersweet feeling of
being a ninth grader in August. I’ll admit I cried a little bit on my last day—though
only inside the station, because I didn’t want my face to freeze. But like
camp, I left with a pile of golden memories. And I definitely plan on keeping
the friends I found there. Whether or not I ever have the chance to return, I
feel so unbelievably lucky to have had the opportunity to have spent time in
that wild and wonderful place.
Bob Silverman (Chicago/Springfield, IL/Scottsdale, AZ 59-62, 64, 67) wrote a quick note about The Keylog: “Always look forward to the Spring and Fall editions. They bring back lots of laughs, a few tears, and always a smile. I was hoping to get to the 90th reunion, but my wife had back surgery, and I didn’t think she would have appreciated my leaving. Planning on being there in 10 years. Trying to convince my one grandson to check out CN. Thanks for all you do.” Bob moved from Chicago to Springfield more than four decades ago, along with their then-eight-month-old son. He now splits time between Springfield — where he frequently sees Jamie Myers (Springfield 61, 66) –and Scottsdale.
Sally Lorber Stein
and Nardie Stein (St.
Louis/Minneapolis/Lake Nebagamon) sent an update on their big move: “In 2018 our children helped us decide that
the time had come for us to adapt to the realities of aging and to move closer
to one of them. We picked Minneapolis because of its proximity to Euan and
Jane Stein Kerr and also its proximity to Lake Nebagamon. Though we sorely miss
our St. Louis roots, we have been happy in our new home, even when snowbound
part of the winter. We have a roomy apartment in a small (90 units) senior
facility in Minneapolis—the Waters on 50th,. It is in an attractive
urban setting, provides excellent programming, cultural and fitness
opportunities, and we have found some fine new friends here. Our exodus to
our Lake Nebagamon home remains the same. We plan to be there from
mid-May to early October.”
Frank and Kari Sachs
The Keylog
obtained a letter from school directors at Blake School in Minneapolis
announcing the official retirement of Frank
Sachs (St. Louis/Apple Valley, MN 62-65, 68-99, 07). It included the
following: “Frank’s departure marks the
end of 37 years of remarkable commitment to the Blake community, during which
he also held numerous local, state and national professional leadership
roles. Frank joined Blake in 1982 and has worn many hats, including
athletic coach, Upper School Counselor, Assistant Upper School Director,
Director of College Counseling, Forum Co-chair, and Quiz Bowl Coach. But
he reports he has cherished his time in the social studies classroom the most,
teaching Constitutional Studies, AP Government and U.S. History electives. In
recent years, he has rediscovered a zeal for the Founding Fathers, attending
the Gilder Lehrman Institutes at Mount Vernon and in New York City for the past
two summers. Frank’s deep well of guest speakers, authentic learning projects
and expert understanding of U.S. politics have galvanized our students and
deepened connections within and beyond the department.”
Dan Polster (Shaker Heights, OH 62-66), a federal district court judge in Cleveland, Ohio since 1998, recently corresponded with Nardie and Sally Stein about his current role overseeing Multidistrict Litigation (a special federal legal procedure designed to speed the process of handling complex cases) brought by cities, counties and Native American tribes against the manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids. “The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, comprised of seven judges, decides whether to create an MDL by consolidating for pretrial case management a number of similar cases before judges around the country,” he wrote, “At the end of 2017 when they created the Opioid MDL there were about 100 cases; there are now more than 1700. My colleagues asked me to take this assignment, most likely because Ohio is in the epicenter of the opioid epidemic and I had previously handled a large MDL. While I knew it would be incredibly difficult, I said yes. I was raised to believe that not succeeding is not failing, but not trying is.” Be seated.
Back in December 2017, Randy
Haspel (Memphis 58-61) posted a couple of old photos on Facebook that
featured him and Bob Simon
(Memphis/Willits, CA 59-63, 67, 70) playing guitars and singing in front of a
camp audience during a GTC (see photo at right). Randy added a note: “1st gig with Bob Simon (the encore) 1959.
Photo discovered in the archives of Camp Nebagamon. I was 11, Bob was 10.” A year later, Randy posted a photo of former
GTC singing-and-strumming duo Bud Herzog
and Al Goldman standing in front of
the rec hall. He wrote (to Bud), “Hello
Zog. I never forgot you. I’ve had a career in music because I heard you and
Alan Goldman sing ‘Play Shrine.’”
Bud became an insurance broker. Alan became a pediatrician.
But Haspel and Simon? They became a songwriting duo at the heart of a garage
band called Randy and the Radiants (Randy on guitar and lead vocals; Bob on
rhythm guitar). They were signed by Sam Phillips at Sun Records (who had
launched Elvis Presley’s career), recorded their first single in 1965, and even
opened for the Dave Clark Five at the Mid-South Coliseum. Their second single,
“My Way of Thinking,” became a #1 hit for WGMN in Memphis before Randy and the
Radiants disbanded. The old band later reunited and remained active until 1985,
its last gig being an appearance at the Hard Rock Café in New York.
Randy started his own music publishing company and has continued to write and play music, publishing over 250 songs. He airs two radio programs in Memphis. Bob’s songwriting career has included penning tunes for Reba McIntyre, notably “What Am I Going to Do About You.” And it all started with a GTC in the Northwoods. Take a listen to “My Way of Thinking” here.
Keep us posted! You can send life updates to Louis Levin in the Camp Nebagamon office (louis@campnebagamon.com) or directly to Keylog editor Brad Herzog (brad@bradherzog.com).
1930s-1960s
Jim Cornbleet (St. Louis) published Who Says A Fish Can’t Sell? True Tales From Top Salespeople, a book that “shares what qualities shape a great salesperson through stories about memorable catches and the ones that got away.” He’s generously donating half of all proceeds to the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund, so you can get a good read for a good purpose by purchasing the book here… Stuart Fabe (Cincinnati) has written a fourth book in his Clay Arnold mystery series. This one, Evening Son, takes place along the Brule River and the protagonist’s son attends a nearby camp that is Nebagamon in all but name with references to CN places and thinly-disguised Nebaga-names (there’s even a President Horvath)… Real estate developer Marty Fein (Louisville/Houston) was the Founding Chair of Holocaust Museum Houston and was the recipient of the Guardian of the Human Spirit award from the Museum in 2006… Andy Newman (St.Louis) is the vice chair and chair-elect of the Board of Trustees of Washington University in St. Louis…
Henry Dubinsky (St. Louis), a past president of the local chapter of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and a member of its national board since 1985, was recently part of an AJC leadership delegation that had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican in early March… Hugh Broder (Detroit/New York City), Nebagamon’s current waterskiing director, is an Executive Producer/Managing Director for The Underground, a production and post production company, that works with multiple advertising agencies… Reed Maidenberg (Marion, IN/Santa Rosa, CA) is spending his retirement enjoying travel, hiking, cycling, and playing music, along with some volunteer work and occasional calls through his International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union “to keep my skills sharp and to stay in touch with colleagues of 30 years.”… Upon hearing of the passing of William Goldman (Highland Park, IL/New York City), Bob Elisberg (Glencoe, IL/Los Angeles) wrote an interesting and enlightening blog post about his encounters with the renowned author and screenwriter. You can read it here.
1970s-1980s
Evolutionary biologist Jonathan Losos (St. Louis) has been inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. In 2018, he became the founding director of the Living Earth Collaborative, a partnership between Washington University (St. Louis), the Saint Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Garden… Jay Riven (Nashville/Peoria, IL) has been appointed Head of School at the Peoria Academy… Ryan Marks (Chicago) coached his University of St. Francis Fighting Saints to the second round of the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship… Bravo executive and “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen (St. Louis/New York) became (undoubtedly) the first Nebagamon alumnus on the cover of People magazine. He and his new son Benjamin graced the February 25 cover… In spring 2018, John Levinson (Memphis/Washington, D.C.) and his family returned from an eight-month epic around-the-world journey that took them from the Pacific to Asia, Israel, and Europe as they explored cultures, religions, history, and much more. Now that’s a Big Trip!
1990s-2010s
Grant Rosskamm (Highland Park, IL/Boulder, CO)is teaching art at Federal Heights Elementary School… Liam Sandrial (San Francisco) works as an assistant lighting director for concerts throughout Utah… Michael Fried (Washington D.C./San Diego) is studying to become a veterinary assistant and is currently working at a veterinary hospital… Fred Sproat (Duluth, MN) is the Minnesota Program Manager for Big City Mountaineers, a nonprofit focusing on getting children outdoors… Mark Blumenfeld (St. Louis) is an environmental health and safety coordinator for Millipore Sigma in St. Louis… Jeffrey Burnstine (Chicago/Atlanta) is working in the commercial real estate business… Harry O’Gorman (St. Louis) is a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland… Jackson Myer (St. Louis/Denver) and his brother Matthew Myer (St. Louis/Denver) both work in Denver—for PlayerLync and Liberty Mutual Insurance, respectively…. Max Lerner (Chicago) lives in Chicago with Grant Chukerman (Chicago) and works as a paralegal… Max Wise (Chicago/Vancouver, WA) is a 7th grade math teacher at Gaiser Middle School in Vancouver, WA… Luke Herzog (Pacific Grove, CA) was one of 20 high school seniors in the country selected as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. He’ll be honored at the Kennedy Center and the White House in June… Tom Elson (Chicago/Washington, D.C.) has launched a campaign to get more Americans outside and connected to the health benefits of nature. Outside I Can is a storytelling campaign partnering with national companies to inspire people across the country to see themselves in the outdoors. To learn more, click here,
Robert Bedington (Durham, UK/Singapore) was recently recognized as an Innovators Under 35 by the MIT Technology Review. Robert leads a team of quantum satellite-builders at the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore… Benno Stein (New York/Denver) is working on his PhD in computer science at the University of Colorado… Michael Freeman(Denver/Seattle) has written his first textbook, Programming Skills for Data Science, which teaches the foundational skills necessary to start writing code to analyze and visualize data… Brayden Levy (San Francisco) is finishing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at UC Santa Barbara and will soon begin work for the multinational technology company Garmin… Dan Michel (Providence, RI) is the Director at Brewster Day Camp on Cape Cod… Robbie McDermott (Dallas/New Hampshire) is a conservation officer for the state of New Hampshire and has appeared on the Animal Planet show “North Woods Law.”
Our productive alumni:
Ben Broder
(Hoboken, NJ 91-96, 08-02) and Kate Broder – Blake
Ryan Glasspiegel
(Chicago 96-02, 04-07, 09) and Karla Bright – Frankie
Grace Slosburg
(Leawood, KS 04-05) and Scott Steffens – Mollie
Charlie Dan (Evanston 93-99, 02) and Abby Dan — George
Michael Trager-Kusman (Louisville 93-97) and Erin Trager-Kusman — Asher and Hawk
Andrew May
(Chicago 92-98, 00-01) and Lauren May – Ethan
Troika Brodksy
(St. Louis 87-93, 95-07) and Elle Brodsky – Daniel
Andy Cohen (St. Louis/New York City 78-83) – Benjamin
We are sad to report the deaths of the following alumni:
Ed Kander (Kansas City 35, 40)
Richard (Dick) Yalem (St. Louis 37-39, 43-44)
Harry Rosenberg (St. Louis 40-42)
Buddy Rodgers (Fort Smith, AR/Oklahoma City 41-42)
William Goldman (Highland Park, IL/New York City 41-47)
As these campers roam the 77 acres of Camp Nebagamon this summer, they’ll be following in ancestral footsteps:
Sebastian Alderman (Tulsa) – father Jeff Alderman Zander Aronoff (Englewood, CO) – father Joel Aronoff Alexander Averbuch (Atlanta) – father Greg Averbuch Justin Blumberg (Guilford, CT) – father Alan Blumberg, grandfather David Blumberg Ace, Addison & Asher Burvall (San Diego) – mother Amber (Smith) Burvall Judah Callen (Kensington, CA) – father David Callen Asher Corndorf (Minneapolis) – father Eric Corndorf Ben Effress (La Jolla, CA) – father Rich Effress Adam Eberhard (Chicago) – father Jeff Eberhard Emmitt Gerstein (Washington, D.C.) – father Jim Gerstein Jackson Goldblatt (Chicago) – father Robert Goldblatt Jack & Matthew Gordon (Deerfield, IL) – father Andrew Gordon Charlie Goshko (Washington, D.C.) – father Matt Goshko Will Gray (Deerfield, IL) – father Josh Gray, grandfather Jim Gray Jacob Greenwald (Atlanta) – father Keith Greenwald Ari Held (Silver Spring, MD) – father Larry Held Daniel & Gabriel Heller (New York City) – father John Heller Eli Hoffman (Lexington, KY) – father Mark Hoffman Kasper Jorgensen (Birkeroed, Denmark) – father Thomas Jorgensen, grandfather Niels Jorgensen Ben & Ryan Kessler (Highland Park, IL) – father Arthur Kessler Simon Kessler (Washington, D.C.) – father Eric Kessler Stanley & Stafford Klein (Northbrook, IL) – father Spencer Klein Chase Kornblet (Glenview, IL) – father Ben Kornblet Henry Kramer (Houston) – grandfather Richard (Dick) Slosburg Benjamin & Jacob Laytin (Chicago) – father Dan Laytin, grandfather Bill Laytin Benjamin Mack (Washington, D.C.) – father Andy Mack, grandfather Alan Mack Ryan Mack (Bedford Hills, NY) – father Ken Mack, grandfather Alan Mack Avi Maidenberg (Oakland, CA) – father Daniel Maidenberg, grandfather Mike Maidenberg Ezra Maidenberg (Oakland, CA) – father Joe Maidenberg, grandfather Mike Maidenberg Joshua Marcus (Chicago) – mother Jill Kiersky Marcus, grandfather Jim Kiersky Sam Montag (Atlanta) – father John Montag Will Needlman (Evanston, IL) – father Randy Needlman Bokai Portis (Evanston, IL) – father Charlie Portis Jacob Powers (Chicago) – father Kevin Powers Harrison Reichert (Tenafly, NJ) – father Steve Reichert Zach Riven (Dallas) – father Jay Riven, grandfather Steve Riven Brady Rivkin (Lincolnshire, IL) – father Larry Rivkin Jack Rivkin (Chicago) – father Steve Rivkin Jacob Rolfe (Highland Park, IL) – father Jim Rolfe, grandfather Mike Rolfe Graham Rontal (Portland, OR) – father Andrew Rontal Jonah Rontal (Huntington Woods, MI) – father Matt Rontal Myles Rontal (Birmingham, MI) – father Dan Rontal Sebastian Rorsted (Pöcking, Germany) – father Kasper Rorsted, grandfather Bendt Rorsted Micah Rosenbloom (Nashville) – father Trent Rosenbloom
Sidney & Lazer Rosenbloom (Brooklyn, NY) — father Brice Rosenbloom Zachary & Kai Ruwitch (Shanghai, China) – father John Ruwitch, grandfather Joe Ruwitch Danny Schottenstein (Tiburon, CA) – father Jeff Schottenstein Griffin & Dylan Scissors (St. Louis) – father Irl Scissors William Schwarz (Woodbury, MN) – father Edward Schwarz, grandfather Roy Schwarz Logan Segal (Edina, MN) – father Mark Segal Ben & Jason Shacter (Chicago) – father Joe Shacter Toby Shapin (London, England) – father Andrew Shapin, grandfather John Shapin Matan and Sagiv Siegel (Stamford, CT) – father Michael Siegel Gabriel Sloan-Garcia (Albuquerque) – grandfather Bill Sloan Benji & Jacob Solomon (New York City) – father Josh Solomon Nathan & Seth Starhill (Arlington, MA) – father John Star, grandfather Frank Star Eli Terman (Chicago) – grandfather Tom Philipsborn Asher & Tanner Toback (Chicago) – mother Keri Rosenbloom Murray Wieseneck (Iowa City, IA) – father David Wieseneck Nate Woldenberg (Highland Park, IL) – father Jim Woldenberg Charlie Zeeck (Oklahoma City) – father Andy Zeeck
The Camp Nebagamon Charities website www.cncharities.org is dedicated to both the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund (CNSF) and Camperships For Nebagamon (CFN). Learn about different donation options, read about each charity, and more.
New Level of Alumni Support for Nebagamon-Affiliated Charities
Nebagamon’s alumni community has stepped up support for our affiliated charities in recent years in meaningful ways. In addition to generous direct support for both Camperships for Nebagamon and the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund, alumni have increasingly encouraged donations to one or both funds as memorials and to honor happy occasions. In honor of Camp Nebagamon’s 90th season, Camp Nebagamon Charities also instituted a virtual keylog program, a means of giving while thanking someone special (you can donate and fill out a message here). Contributions are split evenly between Nebagamon’s two affiliated charities. You will receive two separate emails confirming your contribution to each fund. If you’d like to give a unique donation to CFN or CNSF of if you’d like to give a gift in honor or memory of someone, please use the CFN-specific and CNSF-specific donation pages.
Recent Donors to the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund
Recent generous donations to the Camp Nebagamon Scholarship Fund (CNSF) helped more than 220 kids attend non-profit camps in the summer of 2018.
CNSF helps children and teens who experience poverty and disability attend non-profit summer camps that specialize in meeting their needs. Recipient camps (located near communities where Nebagamon campers live) offer expert therapeutic and adaptive recreation and a nurturing environment for kids who have been exposed to adversity and trauma. Children are among peers and role models for success at these camps as they enjoy friendship, adventure and personal growth — opening new possibilities for a more positive future.
CNSF was founded in 1947 by Muggs and Janet Lorber, Nebagamon’s founding directors, and administered for 50+ years by Nebagamon’s former directors, Nardie and Sally Lorber Stein. Check out our Instagram and Facebook page to learn more!
CNSF gratefully acknowledges donations from November 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019:
Rick and Kathy Abeles Mickey and Cecelia Abramson Kelly Ballenger and Jeffrey Alderman Anonymous Pam and Tom Arenberg Susan Arenberg Steve Arenberg Marian and Art Auer Dana and Greg Averbuch Joe Badt Camilla and Frank Baer Nancy and Richard Baer Elizabeth and Andrew Baer Samuel Baldwin Linda and Bob Barrows Charlie Barrows Richard Baum June and Jim Baumoel Joy and Leo Bearman, Jr. Joshua and Karen Koenig Berris Adam Bleznak Jim Blumenfeld Carolyn and Rodney Borwick Hugh Broder Dale Brodsky Matt Brody Ann and Ken Brown Mary Dixon and Mark Caro Ellen and Scott Chukerman Autumn Greenberg and Jeff Cohen Stephanie Tomasky and Mitch Cohen Ed and Carol Bayersdorfer Cohen Bonnie and Mike Cole Cole-Belin Education Foundation Suzi and Jon Colman Ellen Nissenbaum and Jeff Colman Stuart Cowles Hank Crane Jennifer Daskal Jerry Dattel Licia Hahn and Gene Dattel Michelle and Stan DeGroote Leann and Bill Dexter Jessie and Scott Diamond Jed Dreifus Jon Dreifus Jennifer Sosensky and David Dreifus Sarah Rubenstein and Bob Dubinsky Ellen and Henry Dubinsky Marty and Kelli Cohen Fein Sara Feinstein Christine Taylor and Jim Feldman Michael Freeman Matt and Jodi Friedman William Friedman Andrew and Jennifer Friedman Judy Garfinkel Betsy and Spencer Garland Alan Geismer, Jr. Logan and Ben Gerber Aliza and Jim Gerstein Gail Giacobbe Ricky Gitt Dale Glasspiegel Ryan Glasspiegel Susan and Bob Glasspiegel Susan and Bill Goldenberg Debbie and Chad Goldenberg Elaine and Mike Goldman Joanie and Mark Goldstein Jonathan Goldstein Martha and Jerrold Graber Marty Gradman Martha and Jim Gray Roger Greenbaum Douglas Greene Family Foundation Scott Greenwald Sheliah and Scott Gruber Debbie and Paul Guggenheim Cheryl and Bill Guthman Julie and Alan Halpern Carol Prinz and John Hart Paula Hassinger John and Gabe Heller Jaye and Bill Hensel Jaime Hensel Hazel and Bud Herzog Amy and Brad Herzog Dana, Oliver and Quincy Hirt Ellyn and Matt Hoffman Maggie Horvath Mark and Cathy Ann Kaufman Iger Helaine and Warner Isaacs Dan Jackson David Jacobson Ted Jadwin Joe Jankowsky Joseph Family Charitable Trust Anne and Fred Joseph, III Ed Juda Kahn-Abeles Foundation Caryn and Harlan Kahn Bob Kahn Diane and John Kalishman Jordan Kanarek John Kander Ken Kanter Laura Dembo and Andy Kaplan Mark and Cheryl Bondy Kaplan Robert and Jennifer Gilbert Kaufmann Malcolm Kerr Jane and Euan Kerr Barbara and Dennis Kessler Keybank Foundation (Matching Gift) Carol Kiersky Klein Family Foundation Jay Kolbrener Bud Kolbrener Stephanie and Rick Koretz Claudia Simons and Alan Korn Danielle Brinker and John Kramer Marc Lawrence (Modestus Bauer Foundation) Cissy and Bob Lenobel Jeffrey Levinson Lia Grigg and Dan Levis Judith Axelrod and Kenneth Lewis Dick (“Hoagie”) Lippman Steve Loeb Barbara and Richard Lowenthal Laura and Ken Mack Andrew and Jill Kiersky Marcus Nancy Brown and Andrew May Norah and Matt Meadows Jean and Stan Meadows Medtronic Foundation (Matching Gift) Mary Kate and Jeff Mellow Julia Gittleman and Tom Mendelsohn Deborah and David Mendelson Misa Galazzi and David Michel Jean Middleton Erika and John Montag Alva Moog, Jr. Leah and Jamie Myers Nancy and James Nahlik Mary and Bob Nefsky Cynthia Wachtell and Jeff Neuman Lee Anne Hartley and Tom Nevers John Nickoll Robert Oppenheimer PEPSICO (Matching Gift) Laurie and Todd Platt Jennifer Pritzker, IL ARNG (Ret) Kim and David Reich Joan and Frank Revson Deb Weisshaar and Jonathan Ringel Jennifer and Jay Riven Larry and Michele Rivkin Hana Ruzicka and Steven Rivkin Don Robertson Kari Roe Cindy and Jon Rogen Marya and Tony Rose Sherri and Jim Rosen Judd Rosenblatt Lori and Brian Rosenthal Carol and Roger Rosenthal Lauren Katz and Joel Rubenstein Ellen and Nick Sack Mike Samuels Laury and Lewis Scharff Tiffany and James Scharff Sue and Jon Scharff Martha and Lee Schimberg Shelley and Bennett Schmidt Peggy and Bud Schram Lynn and Max Schrayer James Schulman Andrew Schwarz Laura and Ed Schwarz Monique and Robert Schweich Sara and Joe Shacter Jodi and Tom Shapira Judy and Allan Sher Rhonda and Eric Siegel Natalie and Bob Silverman Linda and Ron Sklar Krista and Tucker Slosburg Michael Sobel Geula and Josh Solomon Nancy Chasen and Don Spero Mindy and Frank Star Perrin and Ted Stein Benno Stein Sally and Nardie Stein Elena Stein Elise and Richard Steinbaum Corky and Rick Steiner Family Foundation David and Mary Elizabeth Calhoon Stern Amanda Whalen and Jim Stewart Carolyn and Brian Swett Madge and Tom Treeger Anita Tyler Donald Ullmann United Health Group (Matching Gift) Emily Brosius and Scott Ventrudo Valerie Zimber and James Waldroop Judy and Roger Wallenstein Esther Starrels and John Wasserman Michael Weinberg (II) Cathy and Craig Weiss Samantha Karrell and David Wieseneck Jason and Emily Jodock Yale David Zalk Judy and Lon Zimmerman John Zuraw
Recent Donors to Camperships for Nebagamon
Camperships for Nebagamon (CFN) was established in 1995 to enable children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to have a camping experience. Over the years, the CFN endowment fund has provided camperships for boys to attend Nebagamon and girls to attend Camp WeHaKee. Campers receiving camperships help to diversify their camp communities by virtue of their racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic status. In addition, CFN continues the tradition of support to sons and grandsons of Nebagamon alumni who demonstrate financial need.
Over the past decade, more than 500 Camperships have been given out to more than 250 boys and girls attending Nebagamon and WeHaKee. Over $2 million has gone to support the cost of tuition and related expenses for these boys and girls.
CFN wishes to thank the following individuals who generously made donations to CFN from November 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019:
Amy Levin and Keith Abeles Rick and Kathy Abeles Carol and David Adelson Ruth and Chuck Adler Richard Allman Jeff Alvis Amazon Smile Foundation Steve Apter Pam and Tom Arenberg Jeanne and Michael Aronoff Marian and Art Auer Dana and Greg Averbuch Joe Badt Elizabeth and Andrew Baer Nancy and Richard Baer Karen and David Balser Family Charlie Barrows Linda and Bob Barrows Deborah Ernest and Brad Baumgarten June and Jim Baumoel Lynn and Robert Behrendt Rick Bendix, Jr. Joan and Bert Berkley Rita Bernstein Peter Bloch Family Alison Kamine and Bob Bloom Jim Blumenfeld Julie and Adam Braude Dale Brodsky Barbara and Jim Bronner Lewis Burik Jeff Burnstine Jean and Mark Burnstine Mark and Mary Dixon Caro Jose Chay, D.D.S. Ellen and Scott Chukerman Jennifer Clark Stephanie Tomasky and Mitch Cohen Alfred Cohen Ed and Carol Bayersdorfer Cohen Danny Cohen Kevin Cole Cole-Belin Education Foundation Michael Coletta Suzi and Jon Colman Ellen Nissenbaum and Jeff Colman Jennifer Daskal Jane Davis Becky and Raven Deerwater Michelle and Stan DeGroote DELL Giving (Matching Gift) Barry and Lynn Deutsch Leann and Bill Dexter Jessie and Scott Diamond Deborah Pollack and Steve Domsky Jennifer Sosensky and David Dreifus Nicole and James Druckman Sarah Rubenstein and Bob Dubinsky Ben Edmunds Jeannette McNeil and Peter Fechheimer Gayle Weiswasser and Dan Feldman Christine Taylor and Jim Feldman Mary and Richard Fisher Julie and Dan Frank Molly and Michael Frank Michael Freeman Barbara and Richard Fried Marissa Jones and Bill Friedman Lisa and Steve Friedman Walter Fromm Laurie Bomba and Andy & Eli Fromm Caroline Portis and Stephen Galpern Betsy and Spencer Garland Alan Geismer, Jr. Tom Gerson Phyllis and Glenn Gerstell Ellen and David Gibbs Ricky Gitt Sandy and Bill Glassman Ryan Glasspiegel Susan and Bob Glasspiegel Debbie and Chad Goldenberg Susan and Bill Goldenberg Sarah and Josh Goldman Jonathan Goldstein Jimmy Golen Jack Goodman GOOGLE, Inc. (Matching Gift) Martha and Jerrold Graber Martha and Jim Gray Douglas Greene Scott Greenwald Debbie and Paul Guggenheim Cheryl and Bill Guthman Judith and Jon Harris Sally and Carl Harris Carol Prinz and John Hart Paula Hassinger Mike Heldman Jaye and Bill Hensel Jaime Hensel Barbara Herz Amy and Brad Herzog Hazel and Bud Herzog Carol and Richard Hillsberg Jason Hirschhorn Marilyn and Joe Hirschhorn Dana, Oliver and Quincy Hirt Jennifer Hodges Ellyn and Matt Hoffman Maggie Horvath Mark and Cathy Ann Kaufman Iger Dan Jackson Kathy and Mike Jay Joseph Family Charitable Trust Ed Juda Caryn and Harlan Kahn Diane and John Kalishman Amy and Jim Kalishman Ken Kanter Suzanne, Daniel & Noah Kanter Marjorie and Robert Kaplan Mark and Cheryl Bondy Kaplan Benjamin Katz Robert and Jennifer Gilbert- Kaufmann Alexis and Steven Kaufmann Malcolm Kerr Barbara and Dennis Kessler Wendy Bloom and Arthur Kessler Joe Kirkish Yael and Stephen Klein Heide and Jim Klein Klein Family Foundation Jay Kolbrener Bud Kolbrener Lewis Kopman Stephanie and Rick Koretz Danielle Brinker and John Kramer Emily and Michael Laskin Joe Laskin Marc Lawrence (Modestus Bauer Foundation) Dan and Kerrie Maloney Laytin Cissy and Bob Lenobel Mike and Jane Lenz Suzanne and Jeff Levi Jill and John Levi Lia Grigg and Dan Levis Joshua Levy Dick (“Hoagie”) Lippman Henry Docter and Elizabeth Loeb Linda and Eric Lucy Laura and Ken Mack Andy Mack Kitty and Mike Maidenberg Joyce and Fred Marcus Julie and Steve Mathes Peggy Warner and Robert Matz Jill and Paul May Norah and Matt Meadows Jean and Stan Meadows Mary Kate and Jeff Mellow Marji and Don Mendelsohn Julia Gittleman and Tom Mendelsohn Lauren Martini and Matthew Mendelsohn Audrey and Danny Meyer Lois and Bo Meyer Marc Weiss and Nancy Meyer Misa Galazzi and David Michel Millennium Pharmaceuticals (Matching Gift) Zach Mollengarden Ann and Gary Mollengarden Alva Moog, Jr. Kathe and Jim Myer Teena and Mike Myers Jeffrey Nefouse Mary and Bob Nefsky Network for Good Peggy and Andy Newman Chi Nguyen Gail and Sean O’Connor Robert Oppenheimer Brenda and Sandy Passer PEPSICO (Matching Gift) Betty and Tom Philipsborn Laurie and Todd Platt Renee and Joel Posener, M.D. Rita and Kevin Powers Jennifer Pritzker, IL ARNG (Ret) Judy and Paul Putzel Mindy and Laurin Quiat Daniel Quiat Kim and David Reich Renee Reiner Larry and Michele Rivkin Cindy and Jon Rogen Judy Rolfe Cynthia and Andy Rolfe Alyne and Jim Rolfe Marya and Tony Rose Sherri and Jim Rosen Kathy and Skip Rosenblatt Joseph Rosenbloom, III Lauren Katz and Joel Rubenstein Stephen Sachs Erin and Seth Salomon Dawn and Dan Saltzstein Mike Samuels Ruth Sang Laury and Lewis Scharff Tiffany and James Scharff Ron and Darcy Scharff III Marc Schechter Shelley and Bennett Schmidt Pat and Fred Schonwald, Jr. Peggy and Bud Schram Lynn and Max Schrayer Monique and Robert Schweich Lee and Mark Scissors Joanne Grossman and John Seesel Sara and Joe Shacter Judy and Allan Sher Ashley and Mike Sholiton Jill, David, Ben and Danny Sickle Rhonda and Eric Siegel Dick Siegel Natalie and Bob Silverman Kevin Silverman Stephanie Rivkin and Joel Sircus Stephanie and Joel Sklar Linda and Ron Sklar Drew Sklar Judy and Bill Sloan Krista and Tucker Slosburg Sue and Bob Smith Julie and Rick Smith Geula and Josh Solomon Frannie Spector Nancy Chasen and Don Spero Mindy and Frank Star Frank Star Irene and Norton Starr Jackie and Bob Stein Elena Stein Perrin and Ted Stein Sally and Nardie Stein Elise and Richard Steinbaum Karin Susens and John Stephenson David and Mary Elizabeth Calhoon Stern Laurel Southworth and Andrew Susser Debra Levis and Emanuel Tabachnik The Horner Family Foundation The Reggi Marder Foundation Merryl and Jim Tisch Peggi and Michael Touff Loris and Robert Ungar United Health Group (Matching Gift) Emily Brosius and Scott Ventrudo Valerie Zimber and James Waldroop Judy and Roger Wallenstein Esther Starrels and John Wasserman Michelle and David Weber Michael Weinberg (II) Cathy and Craig Weiss Nancy Werthan Suzanne Whiting Samantha Karrell and David Wieseneck Phyllis and Bruce Willett Trudi and Hank Wineman Stephen Woldenberg Jason and Emily Jodock Yale Carol and Michael Yunker Craig Zimmerman Judy and Lon Zimmerman Krista and Joseph Zito
