Seeing Camp Differently: A Lesson in Philanthropy

Written by Ariana Rosenfeld

Over the past 12 summers, I have experienced camp from different viewpoints: as a camper, a k’farnick, an ozo, and a counselor. Each role has provided me with a new perspective on something that has already given me so much. Seeing something you love in different ways only strengthens your affection for it.

This past summer, I saw Camp Interlaken from a perspective I never would have imagined — one that changed my understanding of my favorite place on earth. In addition to being a cabin counselor, I also worked as a Financial Resource Development (FRD) intern. I had the privilege of working with Elyse Cohn, the Chief Development Officer for the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. Elyse and her team oversee all philanthropy efforts for the JCC and its programs. 

As an FRD intern, I combined with my passion for business with what I love. Before I left for the Northwoods, I met with Elyse, who taught me about stewardship and the culture of philanthropy. Stewardship involves building a deeper relationship with donors by expressing gratitude, highlighting the impact of their contributions, and staying connected with them. Camp exists because of the donors who support its mission. Camp families and alumni ensure that camp remains for the next generation — l’dor v’dor, the Jewish principle of “from generation to generation.” Donor philanthropy helps camp enhance experiences, such as the culinary program, build cabins, and provide needed scholarship support.

When I got off the bus for the start of staff week, after hugging all my friends and shaking off my camp jitters, I was ready to go to work. I was so excited to share my newfound knowledge. I had the honor of leading an Ozo session with Elyse and Kayla, the JCC development coordinator. We were able to share the importance of philanthropy with the Ozrim. After the session, we taught each of them how to make donor thank-you calls, an important aspect of donor stewardship. The Ozrim practiced role-playing these calls before being assigned real donors to call. Over the next few weeks, each Ozo had the chance to call camp donors and thank them for their generous support. During these calls, the Ozrim shared their love for camp and connected personally with the donors.

The next project I wanted to tackle was gathering content to show donors the impact they have on camp. I had some of my 8th-grade campers create and decorate signs that said, “I love Camp Interlaken,” and then set out around camp with our amazing photographers to capture photos. The amazing thing about camp is that you do not have to look hard to find kids having fun and enjoying all camp offers. I gathered quotes from all the campers about what they love about camp. As I sat on the porch of Cabin Dan reading them, I was astonished to see how many campers love camp as much as I do. I felt pride knowing that camp holds the next generation of amazing staff and alumni — the current campers.

This past year, camp was especially needed. As antisemitism rises across the country, campers needed a chance to escape. This need was reflected in the notes campers wrote. Campers shared that they were happy to be at camp because it allowed them to celebrate their Judaism and escape from everything going on in the world. These notes showed only a glimpse of why camp is so important to every single camper, highlighting how crucial it is that camp is around for generations to come. More than ever, people need a space to escape where they can be the best version of themselves. This emphasized the importance of the culture of philanthropy and stewardship to the camp community.

As I reflect on this summer, I am filled with profound gratitude and joy for the opportunity to see camp from a new perspective. I am beyond grateful to Elyse for allowing me to learn about stewardship and FRD. This experience has shown me that stewardship is not only about sustaining camp’s future but also about ensuring the camp community will last for generations. I would not be the person I am today without camp, and I am extremely proud that I had the chance to contribute to its future. Supporting the future of Camp Interlaken is not just about giving back; it is about the magic, friendship, and character that it gives.

Ariana Rosenfeld is a Junior majoring in Real Estate and Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.