Camp Massad of Manitoba is inviting Massadniks, young and old, to celebrate the camp’s 70th anniversary at an alumni reunion weekend from Aug 26th to 28th. Whether you went to camp in the 1970’s or 2000’s, you were a camper or on staff, Camp Massad wants to celebrate you and everything that is Massad.

Camp Massad was founded in 1953 just north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by a group of Winnipeg educators and volunteers dedicated to the fledgling State of Israel and the revival of the Hebrew language. Massad has always taken pride in offering a camping experience unlike any other. As the only Hebrew immersion camp in North America, the camp is committed to enhancing Jewish life and a love of Israel and Jewish culture through creative programming, strong leadership and use of the Hebrew language.

Massad grew out of the Talmud Torah Hebrew School and Zionist youth groups and was built on the locaton of a former Habonim camp. The building, and longevity, of the camp would not have been possible without it’s early administration and staff members. Soody Kleiman (Massad’s first counselor) and Leona and Alec Billinkoff were instrumental in the successes of the camp.

Leona Billinkoff, known affectionately as Geveret B. served as “eemah” (camp mother) and administrator at Camp Massad (1953-1978). As “eemah” she supervised the kitchen, comforted homesick children, and developed programming. With the help and expertise of her husband Alec, she oversaw the growth of the camp into a self-sustaining entity. Many of the programs and infrastructure that they built together remain to this day.

Since its inception, Camp Massad has offered unparalleled creative and interactive multi-age programming facilitated by an extraordinarily talented and energetic staff. Each program has its own Massad flare that makes it different from any other camp’s programming. In addition to the classic Massad programming, the camping experience also features such traditional camping activities as swimming, wilderness activities and a variety of sports.

The reunion weekend, taking place on the campsite in Winnipeg Beach, is scheduled to be filled with a number of Massad classics. Including, but not limited to, a Massad style Shabbat dinner and service, Rikud Am, sing alongs around the medurah, writing skits and singing songs. During the day, former campers and staff will take part in water and sports activities. Reunion participants will be in cabins with their peers.

With many former Program Directors, their Hanhallah’s and many other former campers and staff already registered, there is no doubt it will be a weekend full of reminiscing, debating Maccabiah scores singing old cabin songs and performing classic Massad shticks. It is anticipated that there will be between 120-140 people registering for some portion of the weekend.

Attendees have the ability to choose how they want to celebrate by deciding between three options; Friday Evening ($36), Saturday Full Day ($72) or Friday-Sunday ($144). Although different, each option is designed to bring back memories and show off Massad’s truly unique programming and spirit.

To register for the weekend of a lifetime head to www.campmassad.ca and for more information please reach out to [email protected]. Limited spots are available so register ASAP!

Heydad Massad!