42 entries.
wrote on January 17, 2023
at
5:29 am
Great experience for me from 1960 to 1963 Remember getting my lifesaving certification and playing softball against Camp Green Lane for the Allstars
wrote on January 11, 2023
at
3:36 pm
Happy and Healthy 2023 New Year to all my SGF Brothers from every generation.
wrote on August 16, 2022
at
7:27 pm
Hi Everyone - let’s all pitch in and help Neal Goldberg. Please click this link or copy the link to help him! Let’s give it the SGF spirit.
https://eddiestephens.com/neal-sgf/
wrote on May 14, 2022
at
7:40 pm
Well, SGF brothers, it’s now 100 years since Pop Friedman acquired the current site in Collegeville and moved the camp from Betzwood. So much has occurred since then. Tens of thousands of deserving boys went through the SGF summer camp experience. Me included. We all came way with a gift. The gift of experienceing SGF. For that I’m thankful
wrote on April 6, 2022
at
1:22 pm
Went there in the early 60's..Uncle Shorty,Uncle Mike, Uncle Pete and The Beard is Weird Uncle Soz...The Knot Hole,Buck Bathing,The Candy Drop...What memories....
wrote on July 8, 2021
at
8:53 pm
It's been a long time. They were great times. Haven't funfed anybody in years. Since we gave Mel a bad back.
wrote on March 14, 2021
at
12:04 pm
It was raining all day! Counselor, Steve Funt was pacing the bunk while we were all reading comic books.
Steve kept going outside and coming back in letting us know it was still raining...hard!
He walks back in again and this time hollers, "Everyone in their underwear!" (things were way more innocent back then)
"Huh, what, why?" we all responded. Steve hollered the same thing again. As we started stripping off our clothes, Steve hollered,
"Everyone outside"! Steve led, now in his BVD's, we all followed.
As we exited the bunk, Steve called out, MUD FIGHT!!!!! One kid said, "In the rain?" It was then that the 8 of us and Steve proceeded
to chuck mud at each other in the pouring rain. I remember it so vividly, from 50 years ago. Oh, the fun we had. All of the other bunks
heard the chaos, but stayed on their porches watching us. When it was all over everyone applauded us. I don't know why. That is what made Steve Funt the best counselor ever and SGF the best place to ever be.
wrote on March 13, 2021
at
2:35 am
Hi there to whoever remembers good times, missing home and getting over it real fast, Lenny, the Collegeville Killer , Indian ceremonials - toe/ heel and more ...Be well. I wish for our grandchildren such rewarding experiences and life long good memories. All the best!! Cliff
wrote on February 28, 2021
at
8:07 am
Totally true Barry. The memories are vivid. That's what made us re-do SGF for 12 years. New kids, some new memories. SGF lives and breathes.
wrote on February 15, 2021
at
9:52 pm
The Mighty Watash, Camp Director Mel Drukin for my first three years at SGF passed away almost a year ago. And though I didn't speak to him often, I got to dine with him and Marilyn a couple of times prior to his passing. And I have contact with Many Many former SGFers and it is always and still amazing to me the effect Camp has on my life . Such a fabulous Memory that not many people have...
wrote on November 11, 2020
at
6:33 pm
TODAY
by Eddie Stephens, Organizer
NEAL’S PROGRESS – As Neal continues to recover from medication issues, he is still dealing with various financial matters.
We want to show him our ongoing support and care for him. Now is the time to make a donation to assist Neal. To those of you who have already helped out, please take this opportunity and consider making another GOFUNDME donation. Your open heart and your gift will help Neal get through the year.
Please re-post Neal’s GOFUNDME page on your facebook and twitter pages. Also, please share with your friends so that they can join us. Thank you so much.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/neal-goldberg-emergency-fund
wrote on September 1, 2020
at
3:55 pm
Update on Neal Goldberg’s Health Situation:
Today is Neal’s birthday! He recently underwent a hernia surgery and is healing. He has more health issues and dental issues to deal with, but the first step has been taken!
NEAL feels blessed to have such a community behind him. Over 161 people have donated and there has been 309 shares of his GoFundMe page and we have raised $16,143. However, we still have a essential funds to raise to put Neal in a safe place.
If possible, it will be greatly appreciate if you match or come close to your first contribution.
If you know any other campers, counselors or anyone else Neal had an impact on, please share this message, and the go fund me on facebook with them and give them the opportunity to help Neal.
Thank you for your past support. Stay safe, and would you please help me wish Neal a happy birthday by giving one more donation to help him through these difficult times.
With gratitude,
Eddie Stephens
wrote on August 27, 2020
at
4:39 pm
Dear Brothers,
Like any good story, there comes an ending. Happily our story closes with a very nice ending. For 12 straight years we ran a weekend program for boys that mimicked the experience we had as boys. We all liked to say we packed 3 weeks of SGF into 3 days.
I never got to be a counselor at SGF so the rebirth gave me the opportunity. I relished it. I felt like I was back at SGF, just with a better cot.
I'd say we served about 600 boys over those 12 years. I am confident to say they came away with experiences and memories just like we did.
I also came away with a lot of new friends. Friends who helped build this event with all of their love and fervor. Mike Wolf was a spectacular co-supervisor; loyal and true. Sorry about the fake fire Mike. In the beginning Marshall Davis, and Alan Saionz put together this magnificent fun program every summer. This was followed up by younger men, namely Dylan Weisman and Ian Davis who started with us as kids.
This all happened because God put me and Steve Funt together for an unlikely reunion. We were quickly joined by Scott Kleiman, Neil Dorfman, Herman Tannenbaum, Karl Lindenbaum, and Mark Blass. All of these men played key, key roles in our success. God bless all of you!
It is sad to end it, but time was up. I was getting ready to graduate high school when the original SGF closed its doors. You might have said, forever. It wasn't forever, though. We all proved that! And maybe this isn't forever either. Maybe one day Dylan and Ian, and all of my fantastic Briarwood friends/counselors will bring an SGF rebirth...just like we did. You never had better friends than when you were 12.
wrote on August 27, 2020
at
12:34 pm
First a big thank you to Uncle Herman. You have kept the spirit of SGF alive. Next thank you to Mike Wolf and Spencer Glass who worked tirelessly to make sure that the summer program stayed up and running for all of those years. What a great job you guys did. And then there are the phenomenal counselors (my SGF bretheren). Some that I knew from camp many, many years ago and some that I met about 12 years ago and became family with them. Scott, Marshall, Alan, Neil, Ian,Dylan, Mark,Chris, Steve and Mike Glass have all become a part of a Band of Brothers. They all put so much of themselves into making the camp experience authentic, fun and unforgettable. The pictures on the site tells it all. The smiling faces of all the happy campers enjoying themselves in an experience that they could not get anywhere else.
No camp experience could come close to what they had.
Thank you all for such a great job you did.
wrote on August 27, 2020
at
11:23 am
Dear SGF VC Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you all for your thoughtful gift. It is so appreciated. Whenever I think back to my camp days, I always know that my SGF Camp experiences and friendships positively influenced my life and helped build the very foundation of who I am today. Please take care and stay strong and healthy. My love and respect, Uncle O'Neal Goldberg
wrote on August 19, 2020
at
6:01 pm
THANK YOU UNCLE STEVE FUNT!!
wrote on August 14, 2020
at
3:02 pm
Thank you Herman, I know it wasn't on purpose, but one man was left off of the list. Steve Funt was key to this mission. It all started with Steve and I accidentally meeting at a teacher's professional development seminar.
wrote on August 14, 2020
at
12:59 pm
An open letter to the entire SGF Community:
The SGF Summer Weekend Program at Briarwood has come to an end. After 12 years , around 600 deserving boys went through the SGF Program. They all take home similar memories as ours, just many, many years later. None of this would have been possible without the vision, hard work and dedication of the entire SGF Board of Directors. At this time I want to Thanks each and every one for their heart, skills, energy, expertise, and most importantly, their “Giveaway”. They gave away their time, hearts, memories and Their collective experiences To a new generation of SFGers.
I specifically want to honor these Men:
Spencer Glass, President
Mike Wolf, Camp Director
Scott Kleiman
Marshall Davis
Alan Saionz
Neil Dorfman
Ian Davis
Dylan Weisman
Mark Blass
Karl Lindenbaum
Chris Tuck
Our appreciation goes to you.
THANK YOU for Making it Better
wrote on July 22, 2020
at
2:23 pm
Hi SGF’ers
I’ve been asked to post this Gofundme for a special person that was part of the SGF experience. Uncle Neil Goldberg is experiencing some health issues and is having financial difficulties at the same time. Be part of helping Neil (if possible) as he matters to our SGF community.
Click on my name above to go to the link and you’ll be directed to his Go Fund Me page.
wrote on July 16, 2020
at
9:00 pm
My SGF brothers,
Tonight I have had the tremendous honor of actually speaking with some of the giants and legendary people that have become an integral threads in f the fabric of SGF. Tonight I spoke with Uncle O’Neal, Uncle Soz, Uncle Shorty,Uncle Boozie, Uncle Lemon, Uncle Barry, Uncle Mike Wolf , etc , etc etc. The common thread I learned about is that we all have a common bond. The bond of Samuel G Friedman. His legacy still live on almost 100 years later. We all have been through Troop 95 and the SGFVC Camp. When Talking with SGFer after SGFer, what I hear is the joy of the experience. We were all those “ Underprivileged Deserving Jewish boys fro Philadelphia”. What’s so fascinating is that we didn’t know how underprivileged and deserving we were. However, we all went to the pool to learn our deep water tests. We all went to the Messhall for our meals and quieted down as the Director stood under the knothole. Vespers on Friday nights in the Dell. Canoeing on Lake Lou. Creek walks. Indian Ceremonial. County fair. Fireworks on the 4th of July. The horse show. The Firefly Ceremony on the last night of camp before we went home. . Buck Bathing so our bathing suits won’t be wet for the bus trip back to Gimbels Cheltenham. The memories of The Flag Raising each day. All present and accounted for sir. White glove inspections. Pushing a very up Cassette Hill. Peeing in the pool. The gigantic sliding board. Arts and crafts in the old Barn. Candy drop. Shabbat services will On Friday nights.
These things bring us all together. Wherever you are , where’ve you e been the one thing that courses through our veins is SGF.
Thank you Pop Friedman. !!
wrote on July 11, 2020
at
4:36 pm
I came across your websitefrom from an old newspaper article Ihad saved. I brought back some fun memories. I attended 1961 to 1964. Steve Levy of local news fame was my counselor in bunk 9. I saw Paul Hofstein atthe my 45th high school reunion because I graduated with his wife.
I
Was
wrote on July 9, 2020
at
9:05 am
To my SGF Brothers,
Uncle O’Neal Goldberg , Legendary Camper, Staffer, Camp Director, is having some trying times right now. Due to the Caronavirus he is unable to earn an income to sustain himself. His health is also an issue for him. Some friends of his From his Meadowlark Camp days have put up a “Go Fund Me” page. I encourage and invite you to visit the page, look for Neal Goldberg, and search your hearts to support him in his time of need. Many SGFers , myself included, have already made donations. Any contribution, large or small makes a difference.
The Camp motto is”MAKE IT BETTER”. Lets help make Neals life better..................
wrote on July 8, 2020
at
5:38 pm
Cheer for our camp boys! Hope everyone is ok during this crazy time. Share your memories of camp. Until then, I’ll see you in the mess hall.
wrote on July 7, 2020
at
8:40 pm
Hello - I thought you might be interested in supporting a go fund me for Uncle Neal Goldberg.
Even a small donation could help Eddie Stephens reach their fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word!
Click on my name to take you to the go fund me.
Thanks for taking a look!
wrote on May 22, 2020
at
7:42 pm
Scott was the one time editor of Bunky News. He scanned each issue for fake viruses like Covid 19 and fake news about Richard Nixon.
wrote on May 21, 2020
at
1:24 am
Sorry about the spam campers. It should be better now. Also your post will be reviewed before posting. I review one time a day. Not for content or appropriateness, just to minimize spam. So you will see your post typically with a day - visit often post your memories or just reconnect.
wrote on May 19, 2020
at
7:52 pm
I did that mile swim. I'll admit I rested a couple times in the shallow end! I was only 10 so I think that was pretty good!
Thanks for checking in Barry!
wrote on May 17, 2020
at
4:58 pm
Just looked through Campers! Ye Gods! How many I signed Red Cross Swim Cards for in my years as Swim Instructior! And Mile Swims !! So many people went through that camp over the years. They are the history of America!
wrote on May 17, 2020
at
4:52 pm
Just re-found the web site which Hackers have now hacked twice which is very sad since so many Fondest Memories were on the pages prior. SGF was is a Grandest memory for me. That is especially true in a time when we all reflect back on the lives we led now we sit in sequester from a pandemic which can end lives in short order and without regard to who or what you think. Dining Room, Counselor/Lake Guy (a bad one at that)/Swim Instructor (what 3?4 years) under direction of the Mighty Watash Mel Drukin, Phil Snyder and Len Finklestein.. So many memories flood back/ Uncle O'Neal versus Uncle Barry Wrestling Match/Indian Ceremonial/Olympics/Sandy Bernstein Memorial Art Festival/Big Game Scavenger Hunts/ 1967 (Presidential) Election for Camp Director and more important the terrific and strong peoples that still are a part of my life both Counselors and Campers... Cheers for my Camp boys, our camp will win!!
wrote on April 24, 2020
at
7:24 pm
So many fond memories as not only a camper in the mid fifties, but also one summer as a counsellor (pardon spelling) during the summer of 1960.
wrote on April 12, 2020
at
8:30 pm
In bunk Kickapoo with Steve Funt on a very rainy day, he took us out for a massive mudfight! Names I remember from that bunk: Alan Saionz, Mike Lukacher, Kenny Goss, Mike Klein.
wrote on April 11, 2020
at
8:57 pm
Hope everyone is well. What’s your best memory with camp and we’re you on the hill or ridge.
wrote on November 20, 2019
at
5:50 pm
Hey boys,
Thanks to the incredible generosity of camper Chuck Goss, we now have another new roof on the Apache-Blackfoot cabin. It’s now water tight and high and dry. Refurbishment continues. The end game it to update A-B and add additional bunk space as well as creating an SGF/ Troop 95 museum. Then everyone can come out and enjoy our 100+ year history.
Contributions and memorabilia are welcome.
Continuing to MAKE IT BETTER,
Uncle Herm
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
3:35 pm
Dear Pam. Thank you so much for your service. It was so nice having you there!!! See ya in September
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
3:31 pm
You're welcome, Marshall. Still have to put graphics
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
2:33 pm
Dear Pam. Thank you so much for your service. It was so nice having you there!!! See ya in September
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
2:32 pm
Hi Victor - Hope all is well!
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
2:32 pm
Sorry Eric! Well...your donation certainly helps. Thank you so much. Come on over anytime during the weekend, and see what's going on. Our Indian Ceremonial is Saturday night at about 8:00 PM. That's cool to see. Our SGF counselors do a great job! Spencer
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
2:31 pm
July 22
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
2:31 pm
Sorry to bring you the bad news that Seymour passed away a few years ago.
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
2:30 pm
hey Jay what's going on Left the east coast for warmer weather. You lucky guy. Good to see u sign in. Hope all is well with u
wrote on November 5, 2019
at
2:30 pm
You're welcome, Marshall. Still have to put graphics header. --