Camp Kinder Ring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camp Kinder Ring |
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Front gate to Camp Kinder Ring (2006)
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| Location | Hopewell Junction, New York |
| Coordinates | 41°36′20″N 73°44′23″W / 41.605487°N 73.739687°W |
| Established | 1927 |
Camp Kinder Ring is a special summer camp for Jewish kids. It is a nonprofit organization, which means it focuses on its mission rather than making money. The camp is located in Hopewell Junction, New York. It is also approved by the American Camp Association, which means it meets high standards for safety and quality.
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Discovering Camp Kinder Ring's History
Camp Kinder Ring started way back in 1927. It was created by a group called The Workers Circle. For many years, the camp and The Workers Circle worked together.
However, in September 2023, they decided to become separate organizations. Both will continue their important work on their own. Many families have loved this camp so much that they have sent their kids and grandkids there for up to four generations!
The name Kinder Ring means "Children's Circle" in Yiddish. This name was also used for a short-lived children's publication in the 1920s.
What Makes Camp Kinder Ring Special?
This fun camp is located near the Catskills mountains in Dutchess County, New York. It is close to the town of Beekman. Camp Kinder Ring offers many exciting activities for campers.
Kids can enjoy sports, arts and crafts, and cool activities on the lake. The camp also teaches campers about Jewish traditions and culture.
How the Camp is Organized
The camp is set up with separate areas for boys and girls. Each side has its own team of staff members. There are head counselors and assistant head counselors for both boys and girls.
Below them are eight different divisions. Each division has a group leader and a team of counselors, usually between three and six people.
Fun Camp Traditions and Games
Camp Kinder Ring has many special traditions that campers look forward to every year. These include a big carnival on July 4th. There are also special awards like "KR of the Week/Year" and "Behind the Scenes."
One unique tradition is the all-whites shtiller ovnt. This Yiddish phrase means "silent evening." Campers wear white clothes to celebrate the start of the Sabbath on Friday evening. Another beautiful tradition is setting candles onto Sylvan Lake. This symbolizes the end of another amazing summer.
Popular Jewish singers, like Rick Recht, often visit the camp. New and exciting events are also created every year.
Exciting Traditional Games
Camp Kinder Ring is famous for its special games and competitions:
- Maccabean Games: These games are named after Mikhl Baran. They happen every year during the first half of the summer. Campers are split into two teams. These teams are named after important Jewish people from history. For four days, the teams compete in different challenges. The main goal of Mac Games is to build team spirit, encourage teamwork, and have fun, not just to win.
- Olympics: The Olympics are held every year in the second half of the summer. Campers are divided into teams named after two different countries. For four days, these teams compete against each other. Just like the Mac Games, the focus is on team spirit, working together, and having a great time. The Olympics include some of the most famous events at camp. These are the Rope Burn, the Decathlon, and the Triathlon.
- Torchbearer: This special tradition began in 1971. Being named a Torchbearer is considered the highest honor at Camp Kinder Ring. It shows a camper's deep love and dedication to the camp. During the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics, past Torchbearers return to help pass on this honor. Every summer, a new Torchbearer is chosen in front of the whole camp. This person then lights the Olympic flame, just like in the real Olympic Games.
Famous People Who Attended Camp Kinder Ring
Many notable people have attended Camp Kinder Ring as campers or counselors:
- Dean Blandino (born 1971) – He used to be a vice president for the NFL and is now a sports analyst for Fox.
- Barbara Boxer (born 1940) – She was a U.S. Senator for California.
- Bill Freiberger – An Emmy-nominated television writer.
- Adam Schefter (born 1966) – He is a well-known NFL Insider for ESPN.
- Lawrence S. Wittner (born 1941) – An American historian who was both a camper and a counselor.
See Also
- Camp Boiberik
- Camp Kinderland (a camp that separated from The Workers Circle)
