Going back to SGF was such an unbelievable trip. We first visited with Herman and saw the wonderful work that his group is doing in restoring bunks C and D. We then hiked to the nature cabin, around the lake and to the Dell. The feeling I got was that we were transported back almost a half century to when we were kids. I share the comments by Mike that the scent of the trees were adding to the venture. Words can't express the true feeling of being back at SGF, not only being on this sacred land, but sharing this with my wonderful SGF brothers.
It was kind of muddy where we walked and got mud on our shoes and pants (Spencer got a little more than the rest of us) and I keep looking at the bottom of my jeans and I smile reflecting back to my day there. I think it was like the hike through the woods in "Stand By Me", except there was no dead body... or was there? Maybe Uncle Steve can work on that.
And as if this wasn't enough of a great day, we capped it off with a visit to Charlies Pizza, where we used to get pizza for camp.

As the camp's co-director I can offer a "ditto" to Spencer's eloguently-presented overview of our recent visit to the "Magic Land". Each visit brings back the fondest of memories. As I had shared on Friday while visiting the grounds, the drive up the entrance road reminded me of arriving by bus from Gimbels, Cheltenham in the early-mid '60s. What Excitement! The smell of the beautiful pines around the cabins was also powerful for the memory. Another touching visit made special in the company of fellow SGFers.
Thanks to Herman for the invite. Great job with the cabins guys.
Happy holidays to all.

While millions of people spent Black Friday shopping, a bunch of us took the day off to visit old SGF. Myself, Alan Saionz, Marshall Davis, Scott Kleiman, Mike Wolf and Neil Dorfman met Herman Tannenbaum and his Troop 95 brothers up at the camp.

It was incredibly nostalgic to walk the grounds reminiscing about how wonderful that camp was to all of us. Sadly, Lake Lou is a hole in the ground, and the Dell has been taken over by nature. The memories are incredibly alive though!

Herman and company have received permission from grounds owner Bill Moran to restore bunk Commanche/Delaware, and for the most part will maintain the integrity of the old Ridge Bunk.

The SGFVC Foundation is well on its way to producing the 5th SGF overnighter at Briarwood Day Camp this July. It's an amazing 3 days that really has been successful in bringing back the spirit of SGF to about 50 boys every summer...so much so, that Marshall commented that Briarwood is becoming more like our SGF.

All of this is due in part by an incredible SGFVC board that raises money to bring half of these boys for absolutely no cost! Folks like Nancy Aleshire who posted right before me have generously donated to this cause as they have been touched by SGF too, and appreciate the spirit it rekindles.

Happy Holidays to all. Cheer for our camp boys.

Spencer Glass
SGFVC Foundation
President

Today, November 20, would have been the 101st birthday of my father, Bob Snyder (a.k.a. Schnitz). He passed away in 1991 at the age of 80. Camping, Boy Scouts, and S.G.F.were his life. He spent countless hours in the pool. His love of swimming was passed down to me (but not my 27 year old son). His brothers and sisters are long gone, as well. He grew up in a large family. Thank God the S.G.F. legacy lives on, and I appreciate all pictures of my father that were sent to me. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am thankful I was able to experience the pool, picnics, and fresh air of the camp.

Leanne, welcome home!!!

I have LOTS OF PICTURES. When I get time, I will scan and send them.

My father, Norman was the Superintendent at the camp from the time I was 5 until it was sold.

I loved living there. It was so beautiful! Saying good bye was really hard as there were 180 acres of memories we left behind. Like our huge garden that my mom worked so hard in. She made us shell beans! Like watching Sam Brown, the local farmer go fishing and catch snapping turtles. The geese. Swimming, Canoeing and sledding in the winter. Riding on the tractor with my Dad while he mowed down a field that had just as many daisys in it as grass! I remember asking him why he was cutting all the flowers down. I could go on and on. I am so grateful that I got to experience the country life.

I'm Samuel G. Friedman's granddaughter

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since our sensational 2011 encampment but a few words of praise and recognition are always valued. I am so thrilled to share in the planning and experience of our weekends and feel incredibly blessed to share this unique time with a bunch of great guys who think with their hearts.
How does one measure the impact? The feedback we get is always favorable and the smiles on the kids' faces makes all the work worthwhile. Looking forward to many more weekends as well as our regular get-togethers to plan and to improve each encampment. May G-D bless each of us with many years of good health and the strength to continue to do magic with fabulous and deserving kids. A special recognition for Spencer who keeps us focused on the mission. To each staff member, I extend my thanks for a job well done. Cheer for our camp boys.

I enjoyed two summers at SGF as a teen counselor in '63 and '64....came from NE High with Sosnov and Boozie. But also went there as a camper in 1953 for one 2 -week encampment. Sixty- six years old now, recall being homesick that summer of '53, my first away from home...... I was eight years old.....Uncle Bob, my counselor, not very sympathetic...they had to bring in Uncle Doc to console me that first evening. He failed too...kept saying," Stan, DON'T FORGET YOUR TOWEL ! " But another counselor, who I only recall as "Uncle Bones", saw me so glum the next morning at line-up, came over to me and put his arm around me...told me what a wonderful time I'd have, and his smile and manner did the trick...almost 60 years later now, this memory is as strong as ever.

To my SGF Brothers,I am sad to announce the death of a former SGF'er and a personal friend of mine, Gary Shoap.Gary grew up in the northeast and attended SGF as a camper through the sixties & seventies. He was a great athlete and was on many of SGF's baseball all star teams. He was killed last wek in a car accident in Buckingham, Pa.Gary was 58. For a detailed account on Gary,go to :www.philly.com
With sadness,
Uncle Herman Tannenbaum

See the amazing camp video http://vimeo.com/27874941
Thanks to everyone who helped "close the deal."

Noted an SGFVC obituary in today's paper. Seymour Shay, brother of SGF counselors Joe and Alex Shay.

SHAY
DR. SEYMOUR MARTIN, August 15, 2011. Brother of Alex Shay, Joseph Shay (Laura Zimmerman) and Susanne Shay, uncle of Kevin (Gabria) Shay, great uncle of Gibson Shay, dear friend of Bernie and Maria Siskin. Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services Wednesday 1 P.M. precisely GOLDSTEINS' ROSENBERG'S RAPHAEL SACKS SUBURBAN NORTH, 310 Second St. Pike, Southampton. Int. Shalom Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed at his late residence. Contributions in his memory may be made to Upper Darby High School, c/o Dr. Seymour Martin Shay Memorial Fund, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill PA 19026.
--

My name is Phil Denenberg.I went to SGF for a couple of years in the mid sixties, I was there when the fire happened. If I recall, it was where some critters were being housed. They told us that all survived. There was also a counselor from Sweden there,his name was Bengst. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

Sorry I didn't make it up there this year to visit. I am sure it was even better than all the past years. It was just too damn hot up there, and I hope you did little more than stay in the pool in that 102 degree weather!

Hi Everyone. I wanted to say that the 2011 encampment was wonderful. The kids loved it and the staff was great. I know it’s only 3 days but to me it feels as if its 3 weeks like when we were young. In fact, I ran into a camper while I was in a pharmacy while sporting my SGF tee-shirt. He said, hey I went to SGF at Briarwood - I smiled and said it was great! It was really nice having him say "SGF" no Briarwood first. As far as Briarwood - thanks to the current owners they trust us with their asset and I’m grateful.
Also, thanks to our board for the time, effort and passion you put into this weekend!

Having had sufficient time to cool down, I can now reflect on the events of this past weekend, our 4th SGF Overnighter. Despite the excessive heat warnings, 50 kids from the city and Briarwood converged for a weekend of fun and games and ceremony highlighted by another spectacular Indian Ceremonial. A great performance was made by counselors Dylan Weisman and Max Duretz.

Another spectacular color war event was an amazing steeplechase orchestrated by Alan Saionz. It was wild to watch the flagbearers as they followed their team through the activities. You could tell who was in the lead and who was catching up from afar. My brother Michael’s sponsorship of the end of evening ice cream truck is always a great event for all.

I am very lucky to be backed by a great bunch of guys who mesh like the gears of a finely tuned Swiss watch. Brothers Mike Wolf, Steve Funt, Alan Saionz, Scott Kleiman, Marshall Davis, Karl Lindenbaum, Mark Blass, Herman Tannenbaum and Neil Dorfman. Our planning sessions are always fun get-togethers and stuff gets done!

Many thanks go out to our bunk counselors who kept the groups going throughout the day and constantly invigorated the kids. Dylan Weisman of Apache held together the youngest group. Perry Paul and Gary Kolber lead Blackfoot while 2nd generation counselor Josh Kleiman took care of Commanche. None other than super-counselor, James Abelson could control the raging Delawarians (is it Delawarites Taxi fans).
Scott’s son-in-law to be Chris Tuck did another amazing job with the Erie Boys while it took the stern supervision of Dr. Eddie Sobel to keep Geronimo in line.

What most impressed me were our Jr. Counselors (JCs). They were instrumental to all of the bunks’ success. They were role models to the boys and true partners to the counselors. They were true mensches. Max Duretz, Jesse Marks, Jordan Fash, 2nd generationers Ian Davis, and Nathan Dorfman and Josh Lyons were one helluva a bunch of young men.

Every Sunday as camp breaks and am hit with a tidal wave of sentiment and exhaustion. Sometimes the good-byes are heartbreaking. The exhaustion makes me ponder whether I can do this again. A higher power tells me I have to. Thank you one and all for making all of this a reality. This is our mitzvah.

Spencer Glass
President, SGFVC Foundation

checing in to say Thank You to all of the staff and board members that made this encampment another success. I appreciate all that you do.
Cheer for our staff boys!!!
Uncle Herman

...and watch the slideshow video of Saturday's pictures at...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6anVUqnwb0

Saturday's pics are posted at...

https://picasaweb.google.com/mblass/SGFOvernighter2011

For those of you who missed Mike Wolf's unfortunate accident, click on the attached thumbnail.

MB

Wish I could have sweated out the entire 48 hours but even Saturday was great.

I posted a Faces of the SGF Overnighter 2011 slide show on YouTube at...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4u_q7eftBU

Will get the rest of the pictures processed ASAP. Kudos to the people who ran another great Overnighter and especially to Alan Saionz who did much of the event planning.
--

I wish I was able to make the overnighter. I know fun was had by all. What you guys do for these kids is tremendous. I am very fortunate to know you guys. I am hoping one of these days to make one of the gatherings. I will become a grandfather in August and am very excited. Man it's making me feel even older.

Once again, hello to all and hope to see you soon.

Lee

Arrived back home at 1 am this morning from the 2011 SGF overnighter.

Spencer said it all so well at the candle ceremony. We become so close...so family...and so important to each other in such a short time.

It is incredible to see the SGF spirit growing in the campers and the JC's &CIT's.

YOU DID IT...SGF is officially alive and the SG Spirit growing AGAIN.

It is such an honor to be a part of this...and to know all of you.

From the bottom of my heart...SGF has put 'purpose' in my life that we all search for.

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO ---to all of you that did such a wonderful job -AGAIN.

Howard i have to ask..were we barmitzvahd together

Hey SGFers! Was anyone else out there at camp with me this week 42 years ago (ie, 1969)? Remember Sunday, July 20, 1969? Up on Cassett Hill, we all stayed up late into the night, crammed onto the porch of the Taj Mahal, watching Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin's historic moonwalk on that tiny TV screen.

The guy is O'Neal Goldberg, the women may be Nurse Marie........

Found this picture on the Web.
--

To my SGF brothers
In two weeks another 50 derserving boys are headed out to yet another encampment of the SGFVC experience. All is in place to offer these boys the times of their lives. Just like you remember. What hasn't changed since your days at camp is the need for your support and your money. I'm sending in my donation this week. I encourage you to do the same. Donations can be mailed to : Spencer Glass
311 Parkview Way
Newtown ,Pa, 18940
this would be a great time to empty your coin cans and send a check to Spencer. Just think, your dollars might buy some kid a midnight ice cream.
Cheer for our camp boys!!!
Uncle Herman

Hey Guys,

Cabin “C”omanche & “D”elaware are now cleaned up and cleaned out!!!! We had a work party at Camp this past Saturday Thanks to Neil & Max for showing up. We cleaned out 33 years of dirt, dust, poop, furniture, & junk, etc, and are now on our way to electrify and bring this old boy back to life. There is lots of work ahead, and I’ll announce later when the rest of the work parties are to be done. Any and all are welcome to help. Hopefully by the fall we will be able to camp there again (That’s the Eagle Scout group)…….although it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility…………………..hehehe……………. that a few of you board members “might” show up for a visit!!! I’ll keep you posted. We have a major buy in from the Morans. We even heard some talk of refilling the pool one day………probably a long shot, but enticing nevertheless.



Pam & I are headed to our “Summer White House; aka: Florida and will return in the fall. I wish all of you a great summer and especially a fantastic FOURTH encampment at SGF at Briarwood. Remember not to pee in Barry Brait’s pool and he won’t swim in your toilets!! Launch a Firefly candle for me and be advised that I’m there in spirit and standing with each of you at our beloved SGF.



Making it Better,

Pop Herman

Hello all. I atttended SGF from around 1948 for 5 or 6 years. I'm from Feltonville.

Magic, Pure Magic!!

To All,
I want to take a moment to acknowledge and recognize Uncle Mark Blass for all of his hard work and expertise in not onlt putting this webpage together, but maintaining it and updating it as well. He puts in countless hours and does this out of the goodness of his heart. The real SGF spirit.
For all of the We say "THANK YOU"!!!
We appreciate all you do.
Uncle Herman

There's our winner of the 2011 PGA Players Tournament and staunch SGF supporter (check out the shirt), KJ Choi.

Spoke with Mrs.Uncle Max Syken today. Gave her the website info. She says he really loved his camping and she is sure he will want to get involved. Lets hope.

NICE NICE NICE

My SGF Brothers,
THE KIDS ARE COMING!!!!THE KIDS ARE COMING!!
Before you know it summer will be here and lots of deserving boys will be going off to SGF Camp again........but not if you don't send in your coin can money. If you have any money in your coin cans, please convert it to a check and send it into:
Spencer Glass,Pres,SGF Club
311 Parkview Way
Newtown, Pa, 18940
Do this NOW ,before the Collegeville Killer gets you!!!
Thanks,
Uncle Herman

e mail is justliftit@comcast.net
just be cool with it.

I'm so sorry; i found you guys a few years ago,and wanted to go to the overnighter with my son; but life got in the way and it all got lost in the shuffle. At that time I posted what SGF meant to me... Tonight I found the site again, and my 9 year old son and I looked at all the pictures ( he can't wrap his head around candy falling from the sky). I so want to share that spirit with him. SGF is why I am who I am. It was the template from which I learned to be a man and a father. I draw on it daily. Though you may not know who I am, or remember me in any way, if you attended SGF or were a counselor there fom 73 through 76 (i think) you had an impact on my life, and by extension, the lives of my children and wife. When I think about it, I draw upon what I learned from SGF everyday. BTW..I'm still waiting for the bottle cap court template from Carey,got the perfect spot for it. I'd really like to attend the next overnighter with my son.

Thanks for keeping SGF alive

GREAT MEMORIES OF A TIME LONG GONE

SGF was heaven on earth
I caught 87 fish in 2 weeks at camp and broke the record---but it was just as exciting to dig a worm out of the ground near the lakes edge---the fish ate bread balls if they were desperate--but worms were special---god bless all of our fathers who made the experience possible

I remember Max Bockel and Larry Bernstein having many conversations, summer of '63, up on the Hill. I'm still working on decoding a few of them.

Here's the picture of success of an SGF'er. He's my new hero. Let's play some football!

Going from NE Philly to SGF via N. Philly station and Norristown seemed like a world away....and it was for the two best weeks every summer. Then to be a counselor...died and went to heaven!!

Life is great for Slim....retired, traveling, skiing, cycling and in good enough shape to still fit into my Bar Mitzvah suit (believe that and I'll tell you some other SGF stories!)

Hi to all SGF'ers wherever you are and hope everyone is doing super. Remember what SGF really stands for: Stevn Gratz
Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone see 'Uncle Soz' on Action News tonight at about 6:10 PM? It was in a piece about a prisoner release at Graterford prison.

Please see Alan Lewin's bunk plaque which he has had hanging in his garage for years.

http://sgfvc.com/images/770000_lewin_bunk_plaque.jpg

The plaque says Bunk 10. When I was a camper, Cassett Hill went as high as Bunk 9 (I think). Where was Bunk 10?
--

I went to SGF Camp for about 7 years beginning I believe in or around 1974. I had the best times of my life during those summers there. I just decided today, January 16, 2011 to look for a web site for SGF Camp right after my 13 year old received a camp DVD from this past summer at his day camp. Thanks for this web site.

My Brothers, Now that the dust is settling on the SGF land accquisiton it's time to move on with our next mission.That would be the collection of all things SGF and Troop 95.We are trying to gather any and all materials, memorabilia,artifacts, arts & crafts,SGF logoed items,etc and anything that would tell our story for all to see.If you would be willing to donate any items, please contact me at : htannenbaum@komar.com to arrange for a pick up or delivery .We are currently working to find a suitable venue for these SGF artifacts. If you have any ideas or suggestions, also please contact me or any Board member.This is our chance to memorialize all of our collective memories in one place for all to see.
Imagine that......an SGF Museum!!!! How cool?!!!!!
Uncle Herman Tannenbaum

I sit here, admittedly choked up by Herman's message. It's hard to believe that a small swatch of land could link me so tenderly to my own past and upbringing.

While our camp isn't a burial ground, I can relate to the sacred nature that Native Americans put on their land. SGF holds that religiousness for me.

I am so heartened to see that most of the grounds will remain was is/was. Herman and company put a whole lot of sweat equity in the project, as have my "boys" who sit in my basement once a month.

This "IS" a mitzvah!

To my SGF Brothers throughout the world,
I spoke with Bill Moran(Current SGF Owner)and he told me that he went to settlement on the SGF property last week. All is now final and settled that our beloved campground will remain open and undeveloped for all of perpituity.Nothing will ever be built or developed on this site again. It will remain open and as pristine as we all remember it.The only things that will live there are the Morans, the birds, the salamanders and crayfish in the creek, the fish in lake Lou, and the memories of all who walked aceross those beautiful parade grounds on the way to the mess hall.
I and the Moran family thank all of you for youer support and letter writing that helped make this day possible.
Thanks for making it better!!
Uncle Herman

Happy New Year to my SGF Family!

May we bring more smiles to kids faces this summer.

My life is enhanced with all of you as part of it.

Scott