Changes at Camp Hatikvah

BEN GOLDBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

Camp Hatikvah has undergone a major transformation over the past three years and, according to Susan Fine, president of the Camp Hatikvah Foundation, even more changes are in the offing.

Camp Hatikvah, located on Lake Kalamalka, midway between Kelowna and Vernon, is Western Canada's largest Jewish summer camp, attracting more than 400 children from age eight to 15 each summer. While most campers are from the Greater Vancouver area, the camp has a significant number of Albertans, as well as children from as far away as Mexico, Israel and Eastern Canada. Each summer, longtime camp director Paul Myers hires in excess of 70 counsellors, the majority of whom are past campers.

Four years ago, Hatikvah launched its first major fund-raising campaign in recent memory, with the goal of relocating the staff in training (SIT) site for its 15-year-old campers. Within two years, the required funds were raised and, in 1999, the camp built a new SIT site comprised of six insulated duplex cabins. According to Fine, "It was our board's intention that once a significant portion of the Hatikvah site was redeveloped, the camp would become a year-round facility that could be enjoyed by the entire B.C. Jewish community. It is anticipated that synagogues, day schools and other Jewish organizations will frequent Hatikvah for retreats, seminars and other related purposes."

Buoyed with enthusiasm from their successful SIT fund-raising campaign, Hatikvah started Phase II, completely demolishing and replacing the dilapidated Kochot site for 13- and 14-year-olds. This campaign raised $650,000 over a two-year period. Hatikvah was fortunate at this time to receive a major donation from the Dr. Irving and Phyllis Snider z"l Foundation and, together with donations from other camp supporters, completed a new Kochot site last summer. The new site, which can accommodate 104 children, has 13 insulated duplex cabins, surrounding a new insulated recreation hall, aptly named the Snider Ulam.

Having completed phases I and II, the board of directors approached the Diamond Foundation, previous supporters of the camp, as they initiated the next set of improvements. The Diamond Foundation awarded the camp the largest donation in the camp's 47-year history. The gift will transform the landscape at Camp Hatikvah, with the construction of the new Knesset, which will serve as the community centre of the camp. The Diamond Foundation also decided to complete the kitchen at the new Kochot site to facilitate rentals during the off season.

Camp Hatikvah's motto is "leadership by example" and, according to Fine, with this unprecedented donation, the Diamond Foundation has set yet another example for the entire community, investing in our youth – tomorrow's leaders.
Much of the credit is also given by Fine to the hard-working Hatikvah executive.

"I am amazed and grateful to our dedicated volunteers who devote long hours, not only raising funds, but in overseeing all aspects of the design and re-building process."

What is next on the agenda for the busy Hatikvah board?

"We will soon commence Phase IV of our ongoing updating of Camp Hatikvah," said Fine. "This will involve the rebuilding of the cabins for campers aged eight to 12, adding more sports courts and upgrading the main Ulam which is several decades old."

Finally but just as importantly, Fine said Camp Hatikvah wants to get word out to all Jewish organizations that the camp is open for their use.

The camp recently hired its longtime program director, Joanna Murray, as its new administrator. For information about Camp Hatikvah registration or rentals, call Joanna at 604-263-1200 or visit the Camp Hatikvah Web site at www.camphatikvah.com.

Ben Goldberg is a vice-president of the board and is in charge of fund-raising for Camp Hatikvah.

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