The Loeb Family

By: Jordy Loeb

By the time I showed up to Camp in the mid-70’s, the legends of Camp Interlaken JCC were being established. The first campers were becoming counselors and extended families were populating the ranks of campers and staff. Towards the end of the decade it seemed every third person at Camp was either an Appel or a Dorf (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I wondered, somewhat enviously, what it would be like to have so many relatives at camp at the same time.

I did not have to wonder by the 80’s as I joined the staff. My sisters were already campers and my younger cousins were starting to show up. By the 90’s my family had taken over the place. The third generation of Loeb cousins is now at camp, it is the fourth generation if you count my father’s experience as Chair of the Camp Committee. More than 20 of my first cousins have been and continue to be campers and staff. We have added to these ranks with camp marriages. I am not going to attempt a current head count, but our camp “Loeb” mishpacha includes many family names—Grange, Gallard, Shovers, Lowe, Macy, Isaacson, and Cohen; Kahn, Forman, and Florsheim if we extend the degree of kinship.

This display of Camp yichus is much more than bragging rights. I love asking my young cousins what cabin they were in and enjoy the instant credibility when I tell them that I was also in Levi as a camper, Ozo and counselor. Because I married Jessie, another longtime camper and counselor, all of our closest friends know each other. Our kids have an intimate relationship with their cousins from all over the U.S. because they hang out together each summer at camp. Our kids know our close camp friends; better yet, they are now going to camp with their kids. I’m looking forward to seeing our kids’ next round of camp experiences. The system is working!

By: Hallie Loeb

1983. My turn, I’m finally going to camp, too! My parents placed a strong value on the Jewish summer camp experience, having both been involved in their youth. Interlaken shaped my interest and involvement in the work of Jewish pluralism. Coming from an Orthodox day school, Interlaken invited me to bring my knowledge and stretch my imagination while making meaningful friendships, swimming, dancing and singing my heart out. 

P.S.

Returning from camp was also a right of passage. It is the age at which you are inducted to laundry duty.