Over 200 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall) and dedication ceremony for the Richard Tapper Memorial Cabin on June 28, 2015, at Camp Massad, Winnipeg Beach.

The new counsellor-in-training centre, Mercaz Tapper, in memory of Camp Massad alumnus Dr. Richard Tapper is a re-purposed cabin designed by Dov Secter.  There are two counsellor’s rooms on one side, a lounge/programming area on the other side, new windows and a unique outdoor stage in the centre. The plan is to add bench seating next summer so that the stage area may be used as an amphitheatre. Mercaz Tapper is an especially fitting tribute to Richard, as he developed the Machshirah (counsellor-in-training) program at Camp Massad.

The new and improved dining hall, made possible through the generosity of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba and the Asper Foundation, now has a screened room addition that will accommodate more campers during meal times, a new floor in the kitchen, and an expansive deck built onto the front of the building. There will soon be two wheel chair accessible washrooms right in the dining hall. These renovations were designed by Lanny Silver.

The fantastic summer of 2015 is Camp Massad's 63rd summer offering incomparable Hebrew Immersion Jewish programming, and it is the only remaining Hebrew immersion camp in North America. Camp Massad offers unparalleled, creative, interactive programming. It has a stellar staff, huge outdoor pool, basketball courts, paved tennis courts, an outdoor stage, play structures, acres of private forest with hiking trails, and close proximity to beautiful Lake Winnipeg.

The site now has an intricate underground drainage system designed by Jeff Frank that has already proven that it will keep the ground dry.  Water is transported through a series of underground pipes into retaining ponds instead of collecting in the fields where campers walk and play. 

The main programming halls and dining hall have wheel chair accessibility as does the washroom/shower building.  A deck has been built onto the back of the Mirpeset (a small building attached to the large Oolum  (Auditorium). Further renovations to the Oolum will take place next year.

And that is not all. Camp Massad now has a graveled parking lot and a round-about for buses. This parking area is especially helpful for people attending the Winnipeg Beach Shul on Saturday mornings. The soccer field/baseball diamond has been leveled. There are three new flag poles in the middle of the shetach (field) - one with a Canadian flag, one with an Israeli flag, and one with a Massad flag.

One of the most interesting improvements is the Rain Pond and rock garden that is in the midst of being built at the front of the shetach (field). It is said to be a rain catchment area, along with a climbing and play area filled with native flora and fauna.

After a successful fundraising campaign, Camp Massad has raised over $890,000 towards its goal of $1 million dollars earmarked for even more substantial site renovations.

There are more improvements to come, including the building of a new Refet (barn) which will also be a welcome centre, as well as a new Marp (medical clinic) for the on-site nurse. 

On Family Day, July 1, 2015, over 160 people came out to Camp Massad to enjoy Marilyn’s cooking (her 27th summer at Massad!!), a taste of Massad programming and entertainment, and a dip in the pool.

For further information about Camp Massad or its capital campaign, please contact the Camp Massad office at 204-477-7487 or 204-389-5300 or email [email protected]