Read the memories here!
If you attended Camp Achva, we want to hear from you! Please complete the form below and encourage your camp friends of yester-year to do the same.
By completing the questions, you are giving permission for your “Then and Now” update to be published. You will also be added to the Camp Achva Alumni email list.
Thanks for taking the time to complete this form.
Camp
Memories…
Updated - May 29
Larry Finkelstein
Attended As: Both
Fondest Memory: I have real fond memories of my entire Camp Achava
experience, both as a camper and staff. I guess my fondest is being in
the groups with Mike Housfield and/or Dan Fink as my counslers.
Doing Now: I am married and have two wonderful chldren. I am working
for the Department of Defense as an Intel Analyst specializing in Iraq.
I deployed to Baghdad in 2006 and am deploying again this May.
Additional Thoughts: I am happy to report that my kids will be going to
Camp Achava for a 2 week secession this summer
David Satlin
Attended As: Both
Fondest Memory: Two words.... Teen Camp.
Without a doubt a highlight of my childhood is the 10+ yrs I spent at
Achva.
The memories of losing games (take your pick - scooter hockey, 500,
hoops) to Seth and Len Baron, getting pb&j and capri sun on my whites
and scheming our way out of dance class are all etched in my memory 20
yrs later.
One of my favorite memories could be the summer when my sister Jen and
brothers Michael and Jonathan all piled into the Rabbit diesel each
morning as a family heading to Achva.
Doing Now: Living in West Hartford, CT with my lovely wife Susan and
yellow lab Duncan. I work as a Bureau Producer for ESPN\'s Spanish
versions of SportsCenter and lead the Editorial team the abc/espn World
Cup coverage. The Mrs. is also a ESPN veteran.
Experience/Person: Countless counselors (Sahr, Fink, Hausfeld, Murray)
went over the top to entertain, teach and guide us through the years.
Additional Thoughts: Whoever put this site together deserves a hug!
I had no idea there was a reunion last year. That google machine is an
incredible tool.
Congrats go out to childhood friends Terri, Sandy, and Seth for their
recent newborns and to Arlene for bringing back the supressed memory of
\"swimming at Southern Towers.\" Does that place still exist?
Come to think of it, was I kissed by all of the above (including Seth)
at some point? :)
Thanks for the memories.
Dave
Laura
(Fuchsman) Adler
Years
attended camp: The ‘70s
Attended
as: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
The
singing and dancing—Amnon playing the accordion and everyone
singing through the halls as each group was picked-up for the Shabbat
program (Bonu-Me-Achva, etc., etc.); Shirley Waxman teaching Israeli
Dancing and saying “Peee-ple!” when we weren’t paying attention
to her directions; Arts & Crafts with Alice and Marilyn Gidez;
swimming at the Waxman’s pool (and seeing my first sunk-in living
room—that was very cool); Judy Frank’s group songs and cheers;
Adele’s hugs for everyone; and the feeling of “family” when the
whole camp sang Shirley Grossman’s songs about pride in being
Jewish and being family.
Where
are you now?
I’m
working full-time at the JCCNV as the marketing & public
relations director after having spent many years on the Board and
involved in several committees. I also continue to consult the
cinema advertising industry which is where I’ve spent more than 20
years of my career. I’m living in Annandale with my husband David
and three children (Ilana & Emily-14 and Aaron-13).
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Here
at the Center, our mission includes “inspiring Jewish journeys”.
Adele, Shirley W., Shirley G. and Judy all influenced me as they
inspired my Jewish journey. They made being involved in the Jewish
community a priority and made being Jewish fun for kids in a very
secular town who weren’t being inspired at Hebrew school or
religious services. To have touched so many children, more than
30-years ago, who still hold such vivid and fond memories of a place
and time where it was fun to sing Jewish songs, and songs about being
part of a Jewish “family”, and dance Israeli dances and make
Shabbat a beautiful experience—what an amazing
accomplishment—especially considering it all started because they
needed a summer camp for their kids!
Alan
Bash
Years
attended Camp Achva: I don’t remember
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
I
have very few specific memories of Achva since I was so young. I
remember playing Capture the Flag and that is about it. But what I
remember to this day with total clarity are the lyrics and music to
all of Shirley Grossman’s songs. (see below about influences)
Where
are you now?
I
am married to Ruth Kanef Bash (of New City, NY). We have been
married 10 years and we have three beautiful children: Jonah (age
7), Dina (age 6) and Miriam (age 2). We live in East Brunswick, New
Jersey. I am a marketing director at a pharmaceutical company,
Bristol-Myers Squibb in Princeton, NJ. We have been living in East
Brunswick for 7 years and are active members of the Young Israel of
East Brunswick synagogue.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Without
a doubt, the songs of Shirley Grossman have been a huge part of my
life. My mother would play them on the piano and we would sing them
all the time – for ourselves, for friends, for family. Pretty
soon, everyone in the family was playing them on the piano – and
singing. I still know all the lyrics and music. They were,
of course, clever and fun to sing (who didn’t love singing, “deli
do, deli do, deli do da do da do do da!”)
But
now looking back, what is so special about them is their message –
a message of pride of identify (Jewish is a people a nation), pride
about observance (oh, ya can’t), pride of Hebrew (v’korayt, she
reads!), pride of family (it’s your Uncle…), pride of being
American (more like stew). Occasionally, I will sing a line or two
for my kids and they will ask me about them. This reunion is
reminding me that I want to teach them every single song. They will
love them!
I
would also like to pay tribute to the other three fabulous women -
Adele Greenspon, Shirley Waxman and Judy Frank – who are being
honored. They all helped make growing up Jewish in Northern Virginia
a positive experience. A special Mazel Tov to Judy and the entire
Frank mishpacha, who have been such close personal family friends for
so many years. Thank you for your love and friendship.
Robert
Bash
Years
attended Camp Achva: in the 70's
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Don't
have a lot of clear memories, but do remember the music, I think I
remember a few different locations of the camp, and I have some
memory of a Friday pre-Shabbat program where all the different groups
marched in a parking lot at a synagogue in Alexandria. Is that
possible?
Where
are you now?
Married,
4 kids, living in Central Israel, working in the medical device
industry.
Miriam
Rosen Blake
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Shabbat,
especially when Amnon was still there. I still have a copy of the
1974 camp song book.
Another
would have to be John Smith leading "Cheery Beery Bim".
Where
are you now?
I'm
an Air Force wife (21 years now) mother of 2 (boy 14, girl 12).
Currently living in Japan, about to move back to the US.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
I
think that camp led me to always search out a Jewish community
wherever we have lived. It was amazing to watch my daughter learning
the same dances at Sunday School in Hawaii that I learned at camp 30
years ago. I got to dance with her.
Additional
Thoughts:
I
went through the whole thing. Summer & winter camp, camper, CIT,
junior counselor. It was the music-song & dance that always kept
me coming back.
Dr.
Alec Bodzin
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1972-1977 (I think)
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Color
war was a lot of fun.
Enjoyed
learning songs from Amnon and watching him play the accordion.
Where
are you now?
I’m an Associate Professor of Science Educator
at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.
I’m
married with a seven year old daughter.
Eric
Brissman
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
It
was either 1978 or 1979 - I was the first recipient of the Adele
Greenspon Scholarship. I am one of four Brissman siblings to attend
Camp Achva.
Where
are you now?
I'm
a software trainer for an Irish software company. I'm single and live
in Northern Virginia.
Karen
Cohen
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Shabbat,
singing with Amnon playing the accordion; art projects like making
those flowers out of wire and dipping them in that plastic stuff that
hardened to make the flower petals; walking home with my neighbor's
little (at the time) daughter.
Where
are you now?
Married;
3 children (ages 8, 5 and 7 months); attorney
Judy
Rubenstein Coulter
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1969-74
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Singing
with the Israeli staff and hanging with my friends (one of whom I am
still in weekly contact with).
Where
are you now?
Married
with three daughters, I’m a dentist.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
GIRL
POWER!! The camp groups were by sex and age. We were so cool and
could do just about anything we set our minds to.
Additional
Thoughts:
I
loved learning Israeli folk dancing from Shirley Waxman. Such a great
place to be with Jewish kids which was hard to find in Northern Va.
It was a great place to just be Jewish!! Lots of Jewish pride.
Terri
Esterowitz
Years
attended Camp Achva: mid-70’s – mid-80’s camper, then CIT
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
The
music! Singing in the AM & PM at the circle, singing at lunch,
singing Shirley’s songs, singing with Rochelle (one of the music
teacher’s one year).
Where
are you now?
Married
with 3 children ages 4 ½, 3, & 1. Internist in Rockville.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
The
spirit, music, & friends there gave me an extra Jewish connection
& helped me to feel more comfortable growing up in an area that
did not have many Jewish people (in my public schools).
Cindy
Halpert Fine
Years
attended Camp Achva: 10 years
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Amnon
and his accordion, great ruach, friends, Shirley G’s creativity,
Israeli folk dancing w/ Shirley W.
Where
are you now?
I’m
married to a wonderful man, Jonathan Fine, originally from Cape Town,
SA and we have 2 great kids: Brandon age 11 and Alyssa age 8. I’ve
lived in So Cal in the OC for 23 years. Oy! I work as a dietitian
in a hospital based, cancer center. I’d love to hear from anyone
and we have room for guests if you’re heading west.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
I
truly believe that my positive Jewish identity and attraction to the
Jewish community stems from my wonderful experiences at Camp Achva.
Mitch
Halpert
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
I
can't recall any one specific memory. It’s been too long. I just
remember that I loved going each day, and had a great time.
Where
are you now?
Married
20 years. Wife is Susan Halpert
Son,
Doulgas 17, will start 12th grade in August
Daughter,
Meredith 14, will start 9th grade in August
Distributor
manager, for JM Huber Corporation.
Additional
Thoughts:
I
hope all attendees have a great time, and I regret that I won't be
able to attend.
Bill
Horwitz
Attended
As: Camper
Where
are you now?
Married
with two daughters, Sintra (4) and Julia (2). We all live in Madrid,
Spain now and I work for Capital One running our partnership with a
Spanish bank.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Mike
Hausfeld as a camp counselor had a huge impact on me as he was a
sincere and caring guy who took time off from a high paying career to
spend a few weeks investing in us. Beyond that, the other kids I
went to camp with became some of my best lifelong friends.
LeeAnn
Altman Kole
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
I
loved the Friday afternoon Shabbat programs! The art was also a lot
of fun.
Where
are you now?
I
am married and have 3 children (a daughter, 14, and 2 sons, almost 12
and 6). I am a stay at home mom and a "professional volunteer"
for my children's schools, our JCC, Federation, Hadassah, and the
children's theater.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Susan
Frey, the art instructor..I am always trying to recreate her projects
for our day camp. I still remember most of the camp songs, which I
remember Shirley Grossman patiently teaching us for our programs.
Additional
Thoughts:
I
wish I could be there!!!
Jill
Chavkin Lehr
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1970-1980
Attended As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Shirley
Grossman teaching us “Jewish is More than a Bagel” and Amnon
playing the accordion.
Where are you now?
I
am married with 2 children. I live in Coronado , CA . I
am a teacher, but am currently staying home with my kids.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
The
whole experience influenced my adult life. I am not religious,
but Camp Achva provided many positive Jewish experiences. I
feel committed to teaching my kids the culture and sharing the
memories I had.
Additional Thoughts:
I want to thank the
honorees for providing me with all of the great childhood memories I
had from Camp Achva.
Sandra
Levinson
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Hanging
out with all the cool staff members
Where
are you now?
Married
for 3 years and working at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
I
have remained friends with a few people from Achva.
Devorah
(Debby) Levy
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
I
truly had so many wonderful memories, but the ones that stand out
include the spirited singing, esp. the Shirley Grossman years; the
Israeli dancing with Shirley Waxman(especially Hora Ora); the soulful
shabbats, and all the ruach!
Where
are you now?
I
am a school teacher living in Berkeley, CA. I've taught Elementary Ed
and English as a Second Language for Adults. Since college and
beyond, I've spent time as a National Park Ranger, living and/or
traveling in Israel, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, India and all over the
U.S.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
There
is really no one person that made camp so great...all my
counselors/specialists were fabulous, especially Laura Fuchsman,
Amnon and his accordion, Shirley Waxman, Shirley Grossman, etc.
Several years ago, I helped facilitate the writing of a kids book
entitled "Kids Explore America's Jewish Heritage", I lead
both the teachers and children in Jewish songs. Of course, I
couldn't help but pull out the good ol' Shirley Grossman hits to add
to the spirit of the writing workshop.
Additional
Thoughts:
Having
such a fun-spirited and authentic approach to Judaism added meaning
to my Jewishness that I might not otherwise have ever experienced.
Thank you Camp Achva!
Susan
Silver Levy
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Mifkad,
the skits, plays, songs, overnights at Prince William park...making
friends for life.
Where
are you now?
Currently,
I'm a full-time mom to my kids - Jacob (6), Noah (5), and Samantha (1
½).
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Growing
up in a largely non-Jewish neighborhood and public school system, it
was awesome to come to Camp Achva every summer where I could feel
part of the group and become friends with so many people with whom I
shared a lot in common. Camp Achva taught me a lot about Israel and
Judaism, sports, dance, music, and wonderful arts and crafts...but
the best experience was the friendships I made and still treasure
today.
Additional
Thoughts:
I
am so excited to sing those wonderful camp songs again. I'm sure my
kids will be glad to know that their mom is not the only person in
the world that seems to have a silly song for every occasion. I
don't think we'd ever survive a trip to the beach without a few
rounds of "My Dog Jelly".
Ken
Lifland
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Taking
kids on field trips; Swiming at Oak Mar Rec Center and Wakefield
Where
are you now?
Married,
3 kids
Director,
Fannie Mae
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Roz
Engels, Gail Gordon
Andrea
Ebert Matlaw
Attended
As: camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
I've
been living in Israel since 1987, and of course have heard our
national anthem, "HaTikvah" many times. I must say that
every time I hear it I think of "mifkad"!!
Where
are you now?
I've
been married to Ethan Matlaw since 1983. We have a son and 2
daughters. We made aliyah in 1987. I have an MSW and am a social
worker at a Nursing Home.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Camp
Achva shaped my Jewish identity and liberated me. Adele has always
been a second mother to me and Shirley's dancing lessons built my
confidence.
Additional
Thoughts: G-d willing, I'll be coming in for the reunion. I am
looking forward to seeing my old friends who I keep in a special
place in my heart!
Randi
Levin Mendelsohn
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1973-1977
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Friday
(Shabat) afternoon programs and Israeli dancing and art projects.
Where
are you now?
I
am married for 27 years with 2 daughters, ages 22 and 18. I work for
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation a federal government
corporation in human resources.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Shirley
Waxman influenced me the most. We were friends with the family,
carpooled to Hebrew school, and spent time enjoying our “Jewishness.”
She was also the key to my learning Israeli dancing, which I love!
Additional
Thoughts:
Having
attended camp both as a camper and leader, I really got in touch with
my Jewish heritage through the Achva experience. We did so many fun
activities, sang fun songs, and did awesome art projects. I remember
working with Sue Frey and decorating huge Baskin Robbins ice cream
containers with magazine pictures and covering them with contact
paper to make a personalized trash can. I used it for many years!
Suzi
Benoff Pomerantz
Years
attended Camp Achva: too many to count!
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Many
little moments stick in my head: Myra pouring hot water up and down
the legs of chickens during morning ruach…David Sahr on the bus
singing about the “zoupstrainer”…Michael Hausfeld as staff…my
own campers when I was staff…Adele, Shirley, Roz and so much more.
Where
are you now?
Happily
married to Bruce for almost 9 years, two delicious, amazing kids
(Samantha is 5 and a half, Bryan is 3 and a half), professionally
I’ve had my executive coaching business for 14 years (you can check
out my picture at my site: www.innovativeleader.com)
and I just published my first book (www.sealthedealbook.com)
which has been a wild ride. I serve on a couple of international
boards of directors and I LOVE my work!
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
I’d
have to say it was an unfortunate camera incident involving Michael
Hausfeld. I learned an important lesson about where to draw the line
between horsing around and being serious. I was 8 or 9, so it had to
be around 1976. We were at the pool (which was at some condos that
were big and brown and it took a long bus ride to get there…that’s
all I remember), and Mike was staff in the pool that day. He was
horsing around with kids, dunking them, playing with a whole herd of
kids who kept popping up to splash him and he’d “fight” them
off by dunking them. All were laughing, having a blast. I had
gotten out of the pool during this frolicking and fun. Mike asked me
to get him his camera. Stupidly, instead of carefully handing it to
him, I threw it to him, still very much in the mode of horseplay.
Well, in 1976 cameras were not designed to survive submersion in
swimming pools, and his camera was ruined. Even though I had no idea
what I was doing at the time, I was haunted by guilt from that event
for years – well into adulthood! So, Mike…if you’re reading
this…I’m so sorry I did that and I owe you a camera!
Additional
Thoughts:
The
lyrics to the songs are STILL with me. I find myself sometimes
singing “twins, twins, did you say twins? We can’t afford twins,
are you sure that it’s twins? You’re sure, well I guess we’ll
manage somehow, TWINS!” every time a friend tells me that she’s
pregnant with twins. I also still know all the words to and can sing
the “America’s not a melting pot” song that my camp group
performed one Shabbat when I was a camper. Truly, I think the
singing and ruach were the best parts of camp. I loved learning so
many songs and I remember really enjoying Shabbat. I remember
playing Ghosts in the Graveyard in an upstairs classroom when we were
at the Beth El facility in Alexandria. Even though I can’t
remember the name of it, what was that ball game that we’d play
indoors where we’d set the tables on their sides and smash the
rubber ball around trying to get people out? Gogo or something like
that? I’m having a senior moment. I just hope everyone has
nametags at the reunion, because my memory isn’t what it used to
be!
Beth
Klemow Razin
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Israeli
dancing with Shirley Waxman
Where
are you now?
Married
to Rabbi Steven Razin with two boys- Yonatan (15) and Yosef (17).
Went into Jewish Communal Service, working with teens for 13 years
and now working on Israel programs for the Jewish Federation of
Greater Philadelphia.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Overall,
I have always loved being part of and working in a Jewish setting, so
went into it as a career. (And was an avid Israeli folk dancer for at
least 20 years after I stopped going to camp!)
Ellen
Sargent Schneeweis
Attended
As: Camper
Additional
Thoughts:
Thanks!
I was there for the first year of the camp K'tan Tan! I have
photos, old Shirley Waxman and Adele Greenspon Song books, old white
and red t-shirt, etc. I still remember the words to the songs. (I
have used them with my kids!) I remember the moves to Shalom Rav
which we performed! Very excited to be there and share these awesome
memories of being a camper and CIT. I live in Colorado, but still
have family in Fairfax. Soooooo glad that you are doing this!
Samantha
Bodzin Seigman
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1976-1977
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Shabbat
and singing
Where
are you now?
Happily
married to Pete Seigman 5+ years, mom of Max Seigman (3months old
3/5/07)
Working
at AIHA as Continuing Education Planner. Stepping down as President
of Northern VA Hadassah. Adopting another child in May 2007.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Shirley
Waxman – singing and dancing; I like to sing and dance.
Adele
Greenspon – was always around; a smiling face.
Additional
Thoughts:
The
accordion (music box) is one cool instrument!
There
was a lot of Israeli dancing and it was fun!
Joanna
Shuman
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1976
Attended
As: Camper
Where
are you now?
Podiatrist
in Sterling Virginia
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
The
songs, I can still sing many of them.
Lisa
Feinberg Sper
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
There
are so many - showing ruach at Mifkad, Israeli dancing (especially
keeping the beat during the drum portion of YoYa), singing “Jewish
is more than a Bagel,” banging on the tables at lunchtime, going on
overnight camping trips, playing gaga in the classrooms at Temple
Beth-El.
Where
are you now?
Married
with two children who attend the JCCNV pre-school and Camp K'Tona!
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
As
a camper, no one person or experience in particular, but rather the
collection of wonderful, fun counselors who helped form my Jewish
identity. As a counselor, I learned a lot about myself when I was
able to mentor one of my campers, a 5th grade girl, who was having a
hard time getting along with the other girls.
Additional
Thoughts:
Some
of my fondest childhood memories are from my years at Camp Achva, and
I'm so happy that my children will get to benefit from the camp as
well!
Arlene
Lechner Sprung
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Playing
pranks on the boys. Singing Shirley's songs. (Kosher song) Israeli
dancing “Yoya” and “Zemer Atik,” etc.
Where
are you now?
Married,
with 2 boys, Jacob-6 and Jared-9. I am a special education teacher
in Fairfax County Public Schools
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Sheila
Allen (Lerner). Always looked up to her and still keep in touch.
Like a big sister to me. Music is still a big part of my life and
now a part of my kids because of all the wonderful music we learned
and performed on Shabbat. I also learned to swim at camp lessons at
Southern Towers.
Additional
Thoughts:
I
have amazing memories from sports, Israeli dancing, overnights,
trips, mifkad and “One, finger one thumb,” “dodadodadodadoda,”
most of all the amazing people who became life-long friends.
Gwen
Stokols
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1974 - 1986
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Here
are a few: wearing whites on Fridays, scooter hockey in the social
hall at Beth El, overnight camping trips to Prince William Forest,
any activity led by Mike Hausfeld, David Sahr or Danny Fink.
Instead
of a single memory, I carry with me a feeling about Camp Achva.
Because so many of us attended year after year, it had the intimacy
and warmth of sleep-away camp. It was like being with family every
summer.
Where
are you now?
I’m
an attorney with the US Patent & Trademark Office in Alexandria.
I manage 25 other lawyers who are responsible for examining
applications for federal trademark registration. I live in Arlington
and am single (holding out for the right guy), but I’m a proud and
devoted aunt of a niece & two nephews.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
The
camp experience as a whole created a sense of Jewish identity in me
that I still possess today. Although I went to synagogue and had a
Bat Mitzvah, the emphasis on Israeli music and dancing and culture
instilled in me a love of Jewish tradition and Israel.
With
respect to individuals at Achva, Mike Hausfeld was a tremendous
influence on me. Who could be indifferent to his ALWAYS positive
disposition? It would be difficult to find a better role model:
someone who took weeks and weeks of vacation every summer to be a
counselor to a zillion kids not his own. He taught by example good
sportsmanship, kindness, responsibility and how to have fun even in
the pouring rain.
Seth
Waxman
Attended
As: Camper
What
is your fondest Camp Achva memory?
Color
Wars and "Uncle" Dave Murray
Where
are you now?
Married
with first baby due in August.
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Life
long friends . . . .
Andi
Shuman Wirpel
Years
attended Camp Achva: 1970-75, staff in 1982
Attended
As: Camper and Staff
Where
are you now?
Married,
with a baby; Working in HR, doing Organization Development &
Training
What
person(s) or experience(s) at Camp Achva influenced your adult life
and why?
Until
recently I was living in Chicago. While I was planning my wedding and
in one of the Jewish bookstores I saw and purchased the Camp Achva
songbook. What a great memory! I love all the songs and have shared
them with many friends who also think they are great.
