Camp Achva
Three generations of kids grew-up at Camp Achva—a group unique in many ways. There was no pool, no gym, no ball field and no real campsite. This was truly the camp of the wandering Jew! Campers and staff wandered from shul to shul, from parking lot to parking lot and from rec center to rec center. And yet, in spite of the lack of a facility, many former campers (now parents themselves) remember camp as the seminal event in their Jewish identity. Simply put, where else could Jewish kids in Northern Virginia feel so good about being Jewish kids? Proudly wearing Camp Achva t-shirts, we sang and danced and created. Every day was a celebration. The spirit and excitement of those early years inspired many who are now leaders in the Jewish community.
If you did not attend the summer of 2007 Camp Achva reunion, you missed a thrilling weekend of reuniting with friends and rekindling the ruach of camp days.
Saturday Evening Program:
With Marilyn Hausfeld as the evening’s emcee, alumni were treated to a fun and emotional program that included:
A video montage of images starting with the earliest days of Camp Achva and set to the music of our favorite Shirley Grossman songs followed by a message to each of the founders from David Fuchsman who wrapped-up his message by revealing that under his judge’s robes, he proudly wears his 1976 Camp Achva T-shirt!
Connie Pesachowitz presenting each of the founders with a beautifully designed certificate conceived and produced by former camper, artist Ayal Hausfeld.
Ann (Davidson) Moline poking fun as she asked the audience, by a show of hands, “How many in the room take personal credit for [the match between her and husband, Rabbi Jack Moline]?”
Deb Brissman drawing laughter and tears remembering the special talents of each of the four founders (View the Speech); and,
Capping the evening, a return to the ruach of camp as Amnon Sheeloh (our Shaliach from Israel in the ‘70s), who travelled all the way from Israel, was surrounded by alumni dancing and singing to the Hebrew songs played on his accordion.
Sunday Camp Day:
The day began with a rousing Mifkad ceremony led by David Sahr. Alumni, their families and friends joined the circle to sing and cheer. Everyone even got “up and down” for One-Finger-One-Thumb! Then everyone was free to participate in camp activities such as Gaga, dodge ball, all camp kickball (led by Mike Hausfeld), making gimp lanyards and friendship bracelets—or just hang out.
After our dairy lunch, Amnon led a spirited singing session and a guy/girl challenge-round of Hodu Lashem (Hallelujah!). Current Camp Achva song-leader, Sarah Miller and former camper Ari (Hausfeld) Jones then led a camp sing-along that included Second-Story Window, Bonu Mei Achva, David Melech Yisroel, and more!
Shirley Waxman got everyone’s dancing feet back in shape with all the favorite Israeli dances including Tzadik Ketamar, Zemer Atik, Johoshua, and Yoya!
The day came to a close as Ari, Mike and David led the closing Mifkad ceremony which began with a contest for who could remember their favorite (or any) camp cheer. Congratulations are given to Deb Brissman and Judy Frank for remembering the South-of-the-Border cheer and to original camper Ellen (Sargent) Schneeweis for remembering the cheer for Kton-Ton which dates back to the 60s! Judy Frank then reminded the alumni that it is up to each of us to make a difference—pointing out that the founders were younger than many of the alumni in attendance when they started the camp. And on that note, everyone crossed right-over-left and sang an emotional Shalom Chaverim.
A camp reunion committee is being formed. If you are interested in participating, be sure to email Laura Adler at ladler@jccnv.org.
