Dear Tevya Families,
We’ve arrived at the final newsletter of Summer 2025. The days have been long and full, yet somehow the weeks have flown by. We’re not quite ready to say goodbye to lakefront sunsets, endless laughter in the bunks, and the joy of gathering as one community for each meal in the Dining Hall.
As we prepare to welcome Shabbat together, it feels especially fitting that…
Our Midat Hashavuah—the value of the week—is Gratitude. What a perfect way to close out the season. We are grateful for so much: for our incredible campers and counselors, for this beautiful place we call our summer home, for the adventures of trip days and game days, and for you, our parents and families, who share your children with us and trust us to help shape their summers. We’re also thankful for the behind-the-scenes magic-makers: our Senior Staff, Operations Team, Health Center and the many seasonal staff members whose dedication ensures that camp runs smoothly whether the skies are perfectly blue or we’re making rainy-day memories.
When you see your campers next week, we hope they’ll tell you about the big and little things that made them grateful this summer—from a friend’s encouragement on the climbing tower to the thrill of a Color War win to the comfort of Shabbat songs in the Pavilion.
Around Camp
We promised an action-packed last full week, and it delivered!
We began with our observance of Tisha B’Av, creating space for reflection and connection.
Sunday brought the annual Tevya Invies tennis tournament, where several of our players earned top spots in their age groups. At the same time, another group represented Tevya at Camp Pembroke’s Swim Meet and Water Carnival, competing in races and water challenges with great sportsmanship and spirit.
On Tuesday night, our Birya and Kinneret campers wowed the crowd at the Jewish Arts Festival at Camp Yavneh. Performing Hebrew and English songs along with a spirited dance number, they joined five other Jewish camps for an evening of shared culture and artistry. On Thursday, we closed out our trip days with a camp-wide adventure to Canobie Lake Park complete with roller coasters, pizza, ice cream, and lots of laughs.
Last night and this morning, BTC led our final Shabbat services of the summer. In addition to our treasured Shabbat melodies and readings, BTC campers shared personal reflections on how camp has shaped them and the role Tevya plays in their lives. Their words are always a highlight, reminding us of the lasting impact of a camp journey.
In addition, last night at Shabbat, we recognized four of our exceptional counselors through the David Minn International Staff Leadership Award, and the Aaron and Blanche Gordon Award.
The David Minn Award is given in memory of David Minn, a beloved staff member and friend who lost his life in 2018. David had a tremendously positive impact on our community in his 3 years on staff. He had a magnetic personality and was truly a connector of all people. The David Minn Award is presented each year to a returning international bunk counselor who emulates David’s positive leadership style.
The Aaron and Blanche Gordon Award is a scholarship given to “homegrown” Tevya counselors in honor of Aaron, a former Tevya director, and his wife, for their long-time dedication and contribution to both Tevya and the greater Jewish community. This award is given to two first year counselors entering their first year of college based on their exceptional leadership and strong character during their summer as a first year counselor.
This year’s David Minn Award recipients are Jayden Cook and Eneritz Mingallon Gonzalez and the Gordon Award recipients are Ella Patti and Jake Goldfine. All of our counselors have been exceptional this summer, but these four counselors consistently go above and beyond for their campers and our Tevya family.
Thank you to Temple Israel of Boston and the Gordon family for allowing us to recognize our staff in celebration of young Jewish leaders.
This Week’s Evening Activities
Oles: Mario Kart races, relay races, Game Night, DLD Carnival, and bunk night
Tsofs: Club Tsof, Manhunt, Duct Tape Fashion Show, DLD Carnival, and bunk night
Bogs: Reverse Ghost Trials, Bog Sunset, Dance Party, Movie Night, DLD Carnival, and bunk night
Upcoming Events
Even with just a few days left, there’s still plenty of magic ahead. Today after services, we’ll hold the Staff vs. Birya Powderpuff Football Game, followed by a lively afternoon celebrating Israel Day. After dinner and Havdalah, International Night will bring a taste of global culture to our campers and staff.
Sunday night, Kadima will host the always-popular Casino Night. Monday morning marks the final day of regular programming, giving campers a last chance to paddle the lake, finish art projects, or climb the tower before we shift into closing traditions. Monday night, we’ll gather for our Night of Tevya Performing Arts—or TARTS—featuring a showcase of electives and a special performance from our Jewish Arts Festival participants.
Tuesday will be all about closure and celebration: Department Awards in the afternoon, followed by our much-anticipated Final Banquet. KTY has been hard at work designing every detail of the Banquet theme and décor, and we can’t wait for the big reveal. The night will end with our final slideshow, the Color War video, and our last Shira session of the summer—a mix of joy, summer memories, and the inevitable tears that come when a well-lived summer comes to a close.
Thank You
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We know the weight of that trust and never take it for granted. As the cars in the pick up line roll out next week, we’ll begin the countdown to Summer 2026—but for now, we’re soaking in every last moment of Summer 2025.
