Surprise Lake Camp celebrated its 110th Anniversary with a gala at the Marriott Marquis on Saturday, March 10, 2012.  Over 400 alumni, supporters, and friends gathered to honor 110 years of camping and congratulate three special people who have given years of service to camp.  

The night featured delicious kosher food, retro arts & crafts stations, photo collages from the camp museum, a section honoring Surprise Lake’s past Camp Directors, a photo booth, a silent auction, a slideshow, and dancing.  Like every good camp event should, those still standing at 1am ended the party with a round of Nestling!

One of the honorees, Joy Henshel, a member of the Board of Directors for 50 years said, “Twas a night to remember! It has been an honor and a pleasure to see Surprise Lake grow and change over the past 50 years. I am thrilled to have made a difference in the lives of young people for these many years.” Another honoree, Joel “Whammy” Kaufman, a memorable staff member at camp for almost 40 years, said “making friends at summer camp creates a lifetime of experiences and memories that you can’t get anywhere else.  Surprise Lake has helped shape my life.”

The final honoree, Milton Herson, (1927-2011) was an incredible advocate for SLC.  Although Milton passed away in September, his family attended the gala and accepted the honor on his behalf.  His wife, Arlene Herson, said “Milton would have been so proud to be here and to share his stories about his years at camp.”  Each honoree was presented with a crystal sailboat to commemorate this milestone.

During the event Executive Director, Jordan Dale, went public with a capital campaign that the leadership of the camp has been developing.  Almost $1.8 million has already been raised from the Board of Directors and targeted alumni.  “The campaign’s next phase begins now, with a total goal of $3 million,” said Mr. Dale.  “This addition to our endowment will help ensure our ability to provide scholarships for the next 110 years.”

SLC will continue to celebrate its 110th Anniversary throughout the summer of 2012 with special giveaways for campers & staff, birthday parties, and surprise guests and events.  It will be a summer to remember for everyone involved! 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM SURPRISE LAKE CAMP'S 110th ANNIVERSARY GALA 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SURPRISE LAKE CAMP'S 110th ANNIVERSARY GALA COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 

Our Honorees:

Milton Herson (in memorium) Milton served on the SLC Board of Directors for 30 years and was a winter camper from 1937-1940.   We will honor Milton's life and leadership.
Joy Henshel Joy has been a valued Board member for 50 years, is a Past President, and the Henshel Family has long been one of Surprise Lake Camp’s leading families.
Joel "Whammy" Kaufman Whammy has been a special part of the SLC community since 1972. He is everyone’s favorite snake-toting, Hawaiian shirt-wearing hiking specialist, and an SLC legend!

Proceeds from this event benefited the Surprise Lake Camp Scholarship Fund.