URJ Kutz Camp
October 31, 2009
Kutz Camp is a leadership training camp for Jewish high school students. I was a camper in 1981 and worked there in 1983. I had been involved in NFTY prior to going to Kutz so I had some exposure already in the type of activities the camp would offer me, but truthfully, the experience of being surrounded by other fun and talented Jewish teens from around the country was one that I will never forget and one that is beyond anything I had ever encountered. I am still friends with some of those people and they have all gone on (as I have) to be productive leaders in both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations. The skills we were given and the sense of community was unparalled. The camp also provides a creative way to experience and learn about Jewish values, worship, customs and history. I think people who go through Kutz are more inclined to have a strong Jewish identity throughout their lives and this in turn helps them contribute to the world in many unique ways.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
from all over the world. They were the best and the brightest teens and staff.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 29, 2009
There is not enough time, words, or anectdotea to express the meaning that Kutz put into my life and anyone I know who had the privelage to be a part of this great institution. It made me into the Jew that I am today, fostered my love for my religion and the desire to pass this understanding on to my children. I met icredible peopl who thru face book today i am excited to hear from and get caught back up! Anyone who wants there children to learn about there judaic place in the world, meet incredible people, and fall in love with life and those that you are privelgaed to encounter throughout that life this is a great place to startt off on that wonderful journey!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
learning how to be independent on my own, finding a deeper appreciation for my heritage that has stayed with me even until this day. Made unbealivable friends that i still stay in tocuh with 20+ years later
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
1997
October 27, 2009
BEST PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE. no one has ever gone to Kutz and had a bad time. i wish everyone could have the same life changing experience that i did
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
everyday life
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
force everyone to go
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
only good
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
the best
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world
Ways to make it better...
it was longer
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
economic limitations
One thing I'd also say is that...
no negatives!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 27, 2009
Although I got swine flu at Kutz Camp this summer, it was one of the be best experiences I've ever had. I made some of my best friends there and worked with people with disabilities. I learned more about religion, how to do yoga and some of the best dance moves ever. I've been to a lot of camps over the years and this one is my number one because it was fun and taught me good ethics and morals at the same time.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the affects it has made on my outlook on life. I've seen how camp has effected kids who've never been before and it taught me to cherish my time.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Caring, interesting, fun, exciting, insightful and outgoing. The staff was close to my age so I could easily relate and still have fun with them.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 19, 2009
I went to Kutz in 1981 and it was one of my best summers of my life. I loved learning about songleading and the music was incredible but my most memorable experience was that I met my first boyfriend Steve Meltzer. We went out for two weeks. In camp terms that is like a year! After we broke up we both stayed at camp but never saw eachother (even though we were both in songleading). In 1988 I went to a camp reunion at Kutz. While working the registration table I re-met Steve Meltzer. I don't know if it was love at first sight or just exciting to see my first boyfriend again. Steve and I had a long distance relationship between NY and Boston. What made it ok was that Steve's mom and grandfather were from Brookline Massachusetts (since I am a huge Boston Red Sox fan). Steve and I went out for 2 1/2 years and then he proposed at Pagoda Isaac at Kutz at a Kutz Alumni meeting on March 31, 1990 (Steve's Birthday) We got married May 26, 2009 We would have been married for 18 years but unfortunately Steve passed away this past April 7th of a fatal heart attack. Steve was only 45. Steve's passion for music, Jewish education and NFTY was developed when he went to KUTZ. It was a huge part of both of our lives.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
being a camper in 1981.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the entire experience from the music to services and staff and campers.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Were excellent
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Re-do all the bunks and buildings and have scholarships for campers who couldn't afford it.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 19, 2009
URJ Kutz Camp was one of those experiences that people would call indescribable. Kutz is a place was a place where i learned more about myself than i never knew. If I didn't have Kutz this summer, I really don't know where I would be. Kutz truly turned my whole life back to where it should be. I owe so much to Kutz. I love it there and cannot wait until next summer.
Photos
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
far exceed the expectations the participants already have for it.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 16, 2009
I met my husband at this camp in a Jewish music workshop. He had been a teen participant as well. We returned with our own children to develop the day camp.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
summer programs.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated and creative.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
October 16, 2009
My two summers at this place was everything i hoped it too be and more. Both of these summers had too different meanings to me, my first summer i feel like i grew up and started realizing about myself and why all of us are Jewish.Being able to live with Jewish teens 24/7 was amazing. I became more comfortable with who i was and realized that everyone was going threw the same things i was. Everyone that goes to kutz comes with a story and i learned so much about these people that i would have never guessed. Being able to open up like i could in a safe environment was something im not able to do in the real world, and kutz was a place that made it so easy.I have learned to not judge a book by its cover and to enjoy the little things life hands us.I think its important for people to experence something like this. this place isnt just any camp. it is a home, a place that you form a new family with new people from all around the world. you come to relize that they are just like you in so many ways, and that all of us are going through the same things. I have learned alot about who i am and who i want to become,these are the people that will stick with me through anything life hands us.The friends and memories i have from this place will be with me forever. Im closer to the people i met here then some of the kids at home that i have known for years. You go through so much with these people mentally and spiritually that you couldn't ever experience anywhere else. Im not done learning about my judasim or asking questions.But i am ready to take on any challenges that life throws at me :)
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
services, my majors everything.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wouldnt, its perfect the way it is
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
i get to tell my story
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazing in every way. They made my experience even more meaningful
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
have more scholarship money
Ways to make it better...
It was a longer camp
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
having to live with 14 girls in one cabin
One thing I'd also say is that...
I advise if you haven't been to kutz and want a meaningful Jewish summer you should go!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 16, 2009
It was an experience unparallel to anything else I had done in my life. The community that was created allowed me to figure out how I wanted to practice my religion, and showed me that it's possible to have a community where everyone trusts each other. I also learned the main ins and outs of leadership, and I've been able to put that to work in everyday life. Kutz Camp is just one huge Jewish family, comprised of 200+ high schoolers from around the nation. Kutz changed my life in so many different ways and it is by far the best possible thing you could do with your summer.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
everyday life and all NFTY experiences
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
figure out a way to create more scholarships. Money is huge in these times. You never know what event will change someone's life.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the love and compassion that I see people have
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazing! They were once in my shoes and they were so much fun to be around.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change every Jewish teens life in American.
Ways to make it better...
I had more clothes. I didn't plan on staying initially, but I got drawn in at the last second. Best idea ever.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
drops in membership; due to the recession.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Kutz is unlike anything in the world.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
October 16, 2009
an un explainable experience that will change your life forever. I am 100% positive that everyone who has ever gone to this camp can agree. my dad who went there in the 1970's had told me this and when i went there i experienced the same exact thing
Photos
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
rebuild and make its self bigger so it can stay standing for generations to follow
Ways to make it better...
it had lasted longer
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009