I have offered wonder what happened to SGF after it closed. I was amazed to find a web page dedicated to the camp and campers. I spent many years as a camper, CIT and Jr Counselor and enjoyed every moment of it. I can honestly say that SGF lead me down the right path and kept me out of trouble during the summer months

to all my SGF brother
I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. I hope the upcoming year brings everyone happiness and great prosperity.

Anyone know Mark or Craig Weinstein? This message came through the SGF "contact us" form. I had an address for Mark Weinstein, but it bounced.

==

01_first_name: Michael
02_last_name: Wind
03_street_address:
04_city_address:
05_state_address:
06_zip_address:
07_email: ascydeus@yahoo.com
08_telephone_num:
20_camper_years: 69-71?
21_counselor_years:
30_message: I went to SGF during the summer while living in a boy\'s group home in Philadelphia. One of the campers in the sgf campers then and now section was a housemate. His name is Mark Weinstein, he had a brother Craig, and his mother lived in South Philly. Any idea how I can get in touch with him?
Primary_Status: camperalum

Hello to all of my SGF brothers.
We had a plan and we brought it to life with "people fuel." Each SGF brother busted his chops to bring a unique experience to a group of great and deserving kids.
Our kids come from various walks of life. They come with their cultures, religions and their unique beliefs and values, but together, in a magical weekend, we become ONE. It is that oneness that serves as the common thread which weaves through our souls, and now, through a younger generation. SGF has found its legacy in the work we have done in recent years to ensure this weekend is indeed memorable and serves to spark interest in the next one. It is quite apparent that, G-d willing, we will plan and experience many more years of magical SGF weekends with a group of guys that have incredible HEART. I am beyond thrilled to have had a significant role in the design and delivery of this event and feel most confident that I will find much pleasure in future trips. As my fantastic co-director, Spencer, has shared the closing Firefly Ceremony gets tougher and tougher for each of us as each weekend passes. What can I say that hasn't already been said by others about the younger generation of volunteer counselors -an awesome bunch of guys that have found their special connection? This is the miracle of SGF. Family comes first. SGF comes next. And then there's everything else in life.
I close by wishing each of my brothers the very best of health and good fortune for the New Year. When I sit in the synagogue, I'll thank G-D that we are ONE.

Mike

To all that attended the 2010 SGF overnighter. Thanks for bringing back the great memories of my childhood. It was terrific taking a journey back in time and seeing the whole weekend through my son's and all of the other campers eyes. It was truly a magical weekend and to celebrate my 50th with my SGF brethren was even more of a blessing. Cheers!!!!

...been going back and forth with Mark Blass about photos today---possible watch for a couple of video short takes---I WANT THE ENTIRE SGF FAMILY TO KNOW HOW AWESOME YOU ALL ARE...Some people never find 'meaning' in there life. Your team has brought that 'meaning' to so many...and you have laid the foundation for the SGF future. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...
"R" "I" "D" "G" "E"
"R" "I" "D" "G" "E"
"R" "I" "D" "G" "E"
"H" "I" "double L"
"H" "I" "double L"
"H" "I" "double L"
Now I will go eat my Rita's water ICE!
Life is Good

Michael Glass' Overnighter picture set is at...

http://sgfvc.com/gallery_over2010_glass/index.html

A very dear friend of mine, Charlie Rossman passed away a few days ago. Charlie went to SGF in the late 1920's early 1930's. Can you say a prayer for him. Thanks

The SGF 2010 Overnighter Smiles video is at...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO_vmmq6ylA

To all of my SGF bretheren,
After viewing the video posted by Mark Blass,Thank you.It's very apparent to my that SGF still lives. If I hadn't known better, I was transported back to our blessed campgrounds. The faces of those boys reminded me of my own beautiful summers at SGF. They did everything that I did those many years ago...Swimming,fishing, Indian Ceremonial,color war, mess hall, the bunks, firefly ceremony,friendship, brotherhood,and most of all...the memories.
I want to thank all of the staff for their giveawy of time, energy, heart and sweat. You are all beautiful men. I'm sure the boys will take thses experiences with them thruoghout their lives,just like we did.
I'm already looking foward to next year. Hopefully with the help of god and Samuel G. Friedman's guidance we can expand our program to a week and a hundred deserving boys.Keep it growing. KEEP making it better!!SGF lives!!
Blessings to the entire Staff & Board for making this possible........
Uncle Herman Tannenbaum

The question as to where to begin one's sentiments looms large on my writing pad. I guess after viewing the slideshow (see Mark's previous posting for address)the answer is looking at the faces.

I have to admit this year's Overnighter was especially challenging inasmuch as the heat was so incredibly oppressive it was difficult to muster the enthusiasm I wanted to have. Why am I doing this? Then I look at the faces. The smiles show no such distress from the elements. All 50 boys were so enchanted by the events that the heat was a minor side issue.

The other piece of the "why do I do this" puzzle comes to me when individual boys just come over and make it a point to say thank you! Not that I need thanks, but I am so taken that they are having such an incredible time, that they are moved to appreciation...and to say it.

I receive a lot of accolades for what I do, but I am not spouting cliches when I say it is a team effort. I have grown to love all of you guys I work with. We have so much fun together. Don't you believe that God felt that we should all be put together to do this. I do!

I repeat Marshall's sentiments about the Briarwood guys. James is 25 and sets aside this weekend every summer to volunteer of himself. The kids cherish him. Dylan, just a monster of energy and enthusiasm. Max, Josh and Ian, now with years of service are growing into an integral part of our team.

Neil's sons...what a couple of menschs!

I have a lump in my throat as I write this and it is obvious the firefly ceremony is becoming more and more difficult for me to speak at. I feel so blessed that I am able to be a part of the magic the boys have during this weekend. A small speck of time, hopefully a memory for life.

First 2010 picture set is posted as a YouTube video slide show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG0Y6RME7do

I still have to process pictures from Michael Glass, Stu Beck and (maybe) Marshall if he can find the skate key necessary to open his gigunda camera.

When I get them all, I will post them as several picture sets on the SGF VC website.
--

Now that the weekend is past and I can’t move or can’t walk upright, I would like to say these overnighters have only gotten better with age. I was thinking this morning of the metamorphosis that has taken place before my eyes.

We started the first weekend with the hope that we would bring joy and an experience to boys who would not have the opportunity to go to camp, albeit a short visit.

Preparing for that first weekend I felt that it was “for the kids” but, it was just as much to take us back to be with our friends and a journey back to those sacred grounds we know as SGF.

We found a great camp with the help of Spencer. We put together a group of kids and the counselors who joined us from Briarwood would be able to help us with that first weekend.

Last year, it was truly for the kids, seeing them be surprised at night with the carnival or playing drums at the “Dell” or screaming and having fun in the pool.

But this year, it dawned on me that the biggest achievement was that my group of SGF brothers had made a significant step in the direction of our dream. One of the things that I was always concerned about was what would happen as we got older and couldn’t organize these weekends. But this weekend the fire is starting to take hold, starting to roar.

Those counselors that Spencer put together a few years ago now seem to share our love, our desire to help these kids. So today, I am so very proud of a few young guys, who I think will keep this thing we love building. Watching James, Dylan and Perry and Max Duretz gave me great warmth knowing that they could take the ball and run with it.

I look at Max and Nate Dorfman, and my son Ian now being Junior Counselors, and in a couple of years, Eddie Sobel’s son and Chico’s son Ethan. I think our future is in excellent hands.

I often think of the last line in the movie Stand By Me. When Richard Dreyfus says, “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?” The best friends that I have in my life are those from those years at SGF when I was in that age bracket. And some of them, I didn’t meet until I was fifty.

So I ask you, if Mickey's a mouse, Donald's a duck, Pluto's a dog. What's Goofy?

I could never begin to name-thank-applaude-AND THINK OF ANY OTHER COMPLIMENT TO ADD TO THE LIST...to each and EVERY ONE of you. You guys DID IT AGAIN!,,,and you did it BETTER,,,and you did it S G F style. I a so so proud to be amoung you---all of you. I am a very fortunate guy to have this be a part of my life. I will carry the memories of that day with me throughout the year---Thank You SGF family...my heartfelt best wishes to all of you.

Woooooo Hoooooo
Today is JULY 23

Hi everyone,

Just wondering, is Saturday evening Indian Ceremonial open to visitors like it was last year?

ED

I'm so excited. My duffel bag is all packed. My name tags are sewn on all my clothes...even my underwears. I have postcards ready to send home even though I probably won't write more than one.

Friday is going to be great because I'm back at SGF. See ya there everyone!

PS: What's buck-bathing?

First I would like to say how great of a job you are all doing with our goal for SGF. I just wish I could be more of a part of it. I, unfortunately will not be able to take part in the Briarwood weekend. You see the smiles on these children that would normally not be able to take part in something like this. Hope all have a great time and hope to see pictures on the SGF site. Once again, keep up the great work.


Lee

Well, her we are...about a week and a half away from going to the BEST camp in the world,SGF!!! I'm thinking about getting my catchers mitt packed. Making sure I have my longs and longs...for those cool nights around the Indian cerimonial campfires.I'm getting excitede about taking my swimming test so I can swim in the deep end of the beautiful SGF Olympic pool.I can't wait to go to atrs and crafts. I love eating dinner in the mess hall around those square tables, set with loaves of split pullman loaves of white bread, with a saucer of apple butter placed next to them.The butter is just soft enough to spread without tearing that bread. The bug jiuce is flowing. The Camp Dirctor is standing under bthe knot hole waiting for silence....I wait for the Motzi to be said by the Meschgiach... we then tear into the BEST meaL sgf has to offer....I'm SO full.
I love this place!!!
Uncle Herman Tannenbaum

I was a camper at SGF in the early 1950's, both in Indian Ridge and the "hill.",,,,,In 1958, I had the honor to work there as a camp counsellor. I still have pics from when I was a camper with my favorite uncle, crazy uncle Bert. Was also camp bugler. Best two weeks of my summer!

I am Bob (Schnitz) Snyder's daughter and sister of Howard Snyder. I had always wondered what happened to the SGF camp, but my Aunt Gerry and Uncle Ed Snyder are no longer alive to tell me. Howard did an excellent job of relaying the background of our father. The SGF facility is something you appreciate more now that it is gone. I especially remember the huge, big pool. I share my father's love of swimming, as also his brothers and sisters. He came from a large family. I am nothing like the excellent swimmer and diver he was. I remember large gatherings around the pool and family picnics when camp was not in session. I also remember the main building which was the cafeteria that had a fireplace. I believe they called it the mess hall. The camp was like out in the country, although it was not that far.

In less than 3 weeks 50 SGF campers will assemble at the Briarwood Day Camp for a weekend of SGF games, activities, and folklore. This will include a fabulous Indian Ceremonial performed by a new generation of SGF counselors, James Abelson and Dylan Weisman.

Hey, if you're interested in checking this out, post me an e-mail for details.

Getting excited for the kids! This is going to be the best encampment yet. Good work guys.

On June 9th, 2010, the Montgomery County Open Spaces Board approved the designation of the major portion of our hallowed campgrounds as a permanent open space. Indian Ridge and other areas, except for Cassett Hill, will remain as a natural preserve. Many people participated in the 10-year long process to achieve this great goal. Special thanks to Uncle Herman Tannenbaum who spearheaded SGFVC participation.

The Montgomery County Lands Trust plans to make a video of the process of preserving the SGF campgrounds in order to document these extraordinary efforts as a historical record.

To fund this video, the SGF Foundation has been asked to raise $500 within the next 30 days. A generous donor has pledged to match this amount.

This video will publicize our overall mission to fund the summer camp experience for underprivileged boys and may open the door for future SGF events to be held at our campgrounds.

Please help to fund this video by sending whatever amount you can to Uncle Herman at:

Herman Tannenbaum
6763 Montrose Way
Boynton Beach, Florida 33437

My SGF Brothers,
It is with great joy that I write you to formallty inform you of our successful efforts to save our beloved SGF grounds from any future development or building.This land will go into the Montgomery County Open Space priogram and will remain as it is FOREVER!! We are grateful to the Moran family, Pennsylvania Dept of Conservation of Natural Resuorces, Momtgomery County Land Trust,Worcester Township Open Space Board,Mr. John Harris and especially you.....for all of you devoted support and encouragement. Thank you in our letter writting campaign. It worked!!In a few months we will be calling upon you to join us in helping to construct a new walking path through our hallowed grounds. We will also be asking you to help us fund a video do#@*%!enting how we got this done.This will go a long way towards initiating additional land acquisitions in Montgomery County. It would be great press in helping us with growing our campership and furthering our role in serving underprivledged boys.
Thank you again!!
CHEER FOR OUR CAMP BOYS!!
Uncle Herman Tannenbaum

This morning, I was telling a friend about our overnighter planning meeting yesterday. She said that my description filled with emotion had reminded her of the ending of the movie, BIG, when he turns back into a twelve year old boy, walking in the oversized adult clothes.

She explained that it was if we all turned back into twelve year olds. You know, she is right. Everytime we meet, I go back in time with my friends. Some of these SGF alumni were not even there when I was at camp.

I have come to the realization that we were in fact there at the same time, if not physically, we were there spiritually.
Yesterday, as we walked through the bunks, it felt like it was over forty years ago, coming back to the bunk to get ready for swim.

This has been a special week getting the SGF property protected forever, but I have to say although it a wonderful thing that happened, it would have made no difference, as long as we have each other and our memories. God how I love you guys.

I just found out the great news about the preservation of part of the remaining SGF property. It is a super feeling to know that we will now be able to visit the grounds whenever we want without fear of tresspassing on private property. It is also good to know that we will be able to relive our memories on the old SGF grounds and give everyone else a chance to appreciate this magnificent piece of nature. Cheer for our camp!

I always said there was something magical about that land and the camp that once laid foundation on it. From its earth sprang magical people who grew up to do some great things.

Uncle Herman and all of my SGF brothers, what a wondeful piece of news to see that our hallowed land shall remain unjaundiced for ages to come thanks to the incredible devotion put forward.

If...perhaps now we can dream of the reality of an SGF campout on the true SGF land. One never knows, when magic is involved!

It's approved! Alan and I are here right now. Just approved moran project!

Cheer for our camp boys!

Well, here we are on the eve. of what may be one of those very special days for those of us that have experienced the magic of SGFVC.

To my SGF Brothers, This morning I recieved the good news that the SGF land will be approved and granted Open Space status on June 9th. We have been working long and hard to see this happen. Our hallowed SGF grounds will remain open, wild and as pristine as we remember it, in perpetuity.You are invited to attend the County Commissioners meeting on June 9th at 10:00AM in One Montgomery Plaza, Norristown, Pa......Thanks Dad for giving me SGF..Thanks to all of you that helped and supported this effort.
Herman

Great meeting today boys! Getting excited about SGF Camp in July. I hope to see some alum at Indian Ceremonial.

Going into hospital (HUP) in the morning. Hopefully being discharged on Saturday. Will keep y'all informed............Capnkarl

Howard Snyder..when was your Bar Mitzvah..we may have been Bar Mitzvahed together at Beth Emeth..possibly in June of 69

When is the dinner

Okay guys, less than 2 weeks and only 7 people signed up for the dinner. Where is everyone? I can't make the eservation until I see how many people. If less than 10, we will not need the reservation and we'll just go on our own. The last dinner we had 26 brothers and everyone had a great time. Pictures and stories and just meeting old and new friends. How about it. Please respond to the evite asap. Thanks.......cap

So if you watched Cold Case May 3, 2010
yes that was Joel Polis of SGF Best Camper and Brother to Terry Polis...
He has also done guest spots on Northern Exposure as the son of the store keeper, and I have seen him in some movies...
He has made a career in Hollywood.
Uncle Barry

Hey guys, I grew up in Oxford Circle, attending Solis-Cohen Elementary, Wilson Jr. High, and Northeast High, graduating in 1974. I attended SGF camp the summers of 1967 (Hopi: Uncle Murphy aka "Murf the Surf") and 1969 (Cabin #? on "The Hill": Uncle Denny). I don't remember which trips I was on, except that I was at camp the night of July 20, 1969, when all of Cassett Hill gathered on the porch of the Taj Mahal to watch Neil Armstrong take his first footsteps on the surface of the Moon. Even though I only attended SGF as a camper for two summers, it seems I spent most of my childhood as a frequent "visitor" to the camp. My father was Robert Snyder (Bob) known to most SGF'ers as "Schnitz". Born in 1910, lived in South Philly, frequented the Starr Garden Rec. Ctr., and active Eagle Scout member of Troop 95 and the SGF Club. Throughout my childhood, my dad was active on the SGFVC Board of Directors, including serving a term as President of the Board. We were, therefore, frequent visitors to SGF while camp was in session, and when camp was not in session, it seems we were there every weekend the weather was nice. In addition, my dad had earned a reputation for telling stories and leading sing-alongs around the nightime campfires, first with Troop 95 camp-outs, and then with all sorts of SGF Club overnighters, father-son weekend camp-outs, etc. He even served as a frequent "guest campfire-leader" for SGFVC if he happened to be visiting camp on a campfire night while a summer camp trip was in session. My dad, Bob (Schnitz) Snyder, passed away in February 1992, at the age of 81. Sadly, I must also report the passing of his brother (my uncle), Ed Snyder (also an active SGF'er, known as "Little Schnitz") in October 2008, followed by the passing of their sister (my aunt), Gertrude Snyder (Gerry) in December 2008.

Okay guys, Evites are out. If you didn't receive one, let us know and we will send you one. Please respond whether you are going or not. We want you to join us and have a great time. See where SGF is right now and meet the people that are working to bring SGF to todays young men and boys.And while you are there, enjoy the food. Total cost is $18 (that includes the tip and all you can eat). Please help make this dinner a big success. Looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar and unfamiliar faces.

I was a camper between 1945 and 1953

Spencer, The date on the announcement page for the next board meeting looks wrong. April 21st was this past Wednesday.
Please correct.
Thanks,
Herman

Chinese Buffet reunion coming up in May. Watch your e-mails for an E-vite.

Arthur, you nailed it.

Let's get copies for our next overnighter.

If you were watching the Masters on Thursday you would have noticed that K J Choi was wearing an SGF shirt.

Hi All SGF'ERS

We need something from our alumni base. In order for the SGFVC Foundation to receive larger amounts of donations we would like to form a 501c(3) - a not-for-profit entity. Are there any CPA's or Attorneys in our base that would volunteer to file the needed papers to make this happen - of course - we would give you a big glass of bug juice! Come on - help out and we could help so many
more kids. Either send me an email with your contact info or post it on the guestbook. Thanks!

My friend and fellow SGF alum Jack Cohen spotted this in today's obits. I don't know this man, but perhaps either Herman or Scott do.

==

IRWIN FRANK, age 91, passed away on February 24, 2010. He was a Mason and undertook to repair homes in Queen Village and Society Hill. He graduated from Central High School. He was in scouting from his 12th birthday. He helped build SGF Camp in Collegeville, PA, created by the alumni in Troop 95, dedicated to send underprivileged children to camp, and continued to maintain bunks. He worked at the Phila. Navy Yard and was a veteran with the Seabees in 1946. He was a Mason and a Shriner. Husband of the late ADELE (nee VOLINSKY); father of DEBRA FRANK KARTEN and ROBIN (ROBERT) ROSENFELD; his wonderful caretaker CEECEE (CECELIA BONNER); and a host of niece and nephews. Contributions in his memory may be made to Contributions in his memory may be made to www.achaheart.org (ACHA-Adult Congenital Heart Association), 6757 Greene Street, Suite 335, Phila., PA 19119-3608, (215-849-1260 or 888-921-2242) or to the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, www.muralarts.org (215-685-0759)
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS
--

Very strange day today. My mother passed away yesterday, so I was looking at the Obituaries today. What do I see right next to my mother, but a big article about Val Udells and his life. I couldn't help think about my child hood. Eric

We attended Val Udell's Celebration of Life today. SGF was represented by (oldest to youngest) Gil Besser and wife, Moishe Shor and wife, Aaron Newberg, me, Barry Brait and Myles Kauffman. The hall was packed to the walls. Val left a huge footprint throughout his life and at SGF.

Pictures at...

http://picasaweb.google.com/mblass/ValUdellCelebrationOfLife#

Wish SGF had a larger contingent, commensurate with the Val's importance to our camp.
--

Gentleman, I'm confused...and somewhat saddened.Why havn't I heard more fro you regarding our coin can fundraising campaign? we have 100 cans available for distribution. We are trying to raise money to sent some deserving kid to an SGF weekend this summer. All I'm asking for is for you to contact me and ask for a coin can. Your loose change goes a long way towards helping to change a kids life.Click on the top banner on the homepage and do what somebody else did for you.
Uncle Herman

Hey I heard a rumor that the WFIL Boss Bus was gonna be at the Chinese Buffet on Feb 28th...The Boss Chicks will be giving out prizes! You'll have to come to find out.