What an amazing Family Camp Day at Camp Massad on July 1^st, 2016. Over 230 people, young and old, came to partake in all the festivities and activities on this sunny day.

The event was held to celebrate Canada Day and to allow families to experience Massad programming. But for most people there it was a time to meet new friends, see old friends, and reminisce about the good old days.

All my conversations with old friends started with a review of what years we had been at camp and in what capacity, and what years we had sat on the board and then a run down of all our favourite moments at camp. (1979-1982 and 1984-1986, 1987 as assistant director, and 1990-2004 on the board) Oh, the memories!

But all is not old – I had a chance to see all the new and improved amenities that the camp now has to offer. Each one more impressive than the next:

• The new canoes purchased with a Jewish Foundation grant
• The drainage system complete with a rain pond and rock garden with native plants
• A fully equipped archery range
• A new soccer field
• A new fire pit with seats
• Handicap access on all public buildings and two cabins
• Renovated dining hall and deck made possible through the generosity of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba and the Asper Foundation
• The Richard Tapper Memorial Cabin, Mercaz Tapper, a counsellor-in-training centre with an outdoor stage
• Beach volleyball court / big sandbox
• Tennis courts
• Basketball court
• Swimming pool
• Parking lot and round about
• Three flag poles

I was most impressed with the contour landscaping - man-made small hills on the shetach (field) - which add visual appeal and break up the monotony of the flat site.

And best of all, there are the new sufsaleem (benches). After 64 years (Camp Massad was founded in 1953) someone has come up with a design for a wooden bench that doesn’t wobble. Very impressive.

Most of these improvements have came about as a result of a capital campaign competed last summer which raised $1 million.

The fantastic summer of 2016 is Camp Massad's 64th summer offering incomparable Hebrew Immersion Jewish programming with unparalleled, creative, interactive programming, a stellar staff, and a myriad of site improvements.

For further information about Camp Massad, please contact the Camp Massad office at 204-389-5300 (summer) or 204-477-7487 or email [email protected]