The Crane Lake Difference
Last month, a group of seasoned Crane Lake counselors attended a retreat as part of Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Cornerstone Fellowship. These staff members spent the week with counselors from over 60 other Jewish camps! After having the opportunity to exchange ideas...
A Blessing Before Sending a Child to Overnight Camp
The process of dropping a child or loved one off at camp stirs many emotions, for adults and young people alike. Here at Crane Lake Camp, we felt this moment merited some words of reflection and blessing. We hope you can share these words with your camper in the days,...
Learning During a Pandemic
by Aaron Gurvis, Assistant Director, Crane Lake Camp In September of 2000, I experienced my first transition from camp to school. I had just finished two weeks in K’tanim and was getting ready to start second grade. I remember how hard it was to leave camp that first...
Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof
Dearest Crane Lake Families, In the last week, it has filled our hearts with hope and light to see our campers, staff, alumni, and faculty living their Jewish values by taking a stand against hatred and racism and standing up for the dignity and equality of all...
World Zionist Congress Elections 2020
by Debby Shriber, Executive Director, URJ Northeast Camps & Youth I’m typing this as I get ready to travel to Israel to meet some of our new shlichim. As you know, each summer an incredible cohort of Israeli Shlichim enriches our summer experience by bringing...
Dedicating our Outdoor Sanctuary
by Melissa Buyer-Witman, Eisner & Crane Lake Faculty Dean On Friday, July 19th, our Alumni, faculty, board members, generous supporters, leaders in the movement along with campers, and staff all gathered together to dedicate and celebrate our recently revitalized...
Maccabia 2019
Chop, Tug, Hatchet, Rope Burn, Apache, Sing, and Banner. These are the elements that make up our Color War and Maccabia 2019 was one for the ages! Re-live the magic in this video.
Jewish Value of the Week: Kehillah
Rabbi Darcie Crystal of Hebrew Union College spoke beautifully on the Jewish Value of kehillah – community. Here is what she had to share at tefillah.
“We Remember When . . .” Growing Up in West Stockbridge in the 1950’s
A Series of Recollections by John Bormolini and Friends. This article was originally printed in West Stockbridge's monthly newsletter, the Local Yokel. Reposted with permission. Until 1954, Crane Lake Camp (CLC), one of the many camps in the Berkshires, was owned and...
Moses the Mensch
Second session's play was Moses the Mensch, a dramatic presentation of the story of Moses. We were transported to the time of the Torah with the excellent set and costumes. The cast had the audience in stitches with the comedic timing. What made this play even more...