2016 Winter Reunion
EBR Camps Blog
YO STEVEN GELOBTER
This past Monday, a magnificent sculpture was placed in Brooklyn Bridge Park and will remain there until August.
Stretching 8 x 17 1/2 feet, this amazing sculpture is both powerful and simple and spells out YO. Described by Deborah Kass, the artist, “The fact that this particular work resonates so beautifully in so many languages to so many communities is why I wanted to make it monumental”. I can’t believe that the dedication and opening of this piece of art is coincidental. The color of it is yellow, however I’m sure that when Equinunk and Blue Ridge do its summer magic, it will glow red and blue. So the next time you’re walking along the east side of Manhattan, think of MCW and give a YO!!!
You can read the full article in The New York Times, Thursday November 12th, Page A28.
Steven Gelobter Funeral and Shiva Arrangements, Contact and Donation Information
Dear Equinunk and Blue Ridge,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to you today about the passing of my dear friend Steven Gelobter. Words cannot express the sorrow, love and support we all feel for Lidia, Evan, Dylan, Giselle and their entire family.
When I met Steven 30 years ago, he dazzled me with his charm and charisma and that never changed. It was just the beginning of an amazing personal and professional relationship. I was blessed to have him in my life; he was unlike anyone I’ll ever know. Our initial connection was through camp. That bond grew and developed into a treasured brotherhood that transcended the EBR foundation. We shared many memories, lots of laughs and all momentous occasions together.
Steven spent his entire life loving and giving to Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge. Generations of campers will remember him as “MCW”, (Mr. Color War). We all grew up with and couldn’t wait for “Great Moments In Color War History” at line-ups and “The Speech” in the Mess Hall. The Upper Seniors adored him and trailed him with walkie-talkies on “Gelobter patrol”, trying to sniff out any hint of Color War and The Break. Every Color War line-up was masterpiece theater. He created the mystique ofThe Game, the former Chiefs introductory ceremony, and the Opening and Closing ceremonies. Every year was the best “war” ever.
Steven’s love extended to Blue Ridge as well. He commuted almost every Thursday from Atlanta, Georgia for Tribes. Every girl couldn’t wait to hear his imaginative explanations for their scouting reports. Steven’s passion was for everyone at camp to embrace every tradition that he held close to him.
We can honor Steven’s memory and his family by following his lead and respecting one another in the Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge spirit.
Whenever I hear a helicopter overhead, I know that Steven Gelobter is safeguarding all of us and camp.
MCW,… “With a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat”, we all love you, Steven.
See you at The Break!
Love,
Richie
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Services for Steven Gelobter
Sunday November 8, 2015 at 10 AM
Temple Sinai of Roslyn
425 Roslyn Road
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
516-621-6800
Shiva to follow after the interment for one day only until 9 PM
Nadine & Scott Teman
3218 Judith Lane
Oceanside, NY 11572
516-972-3943
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Contact Information for Lidia, Evan, Dylan and Giselle
For those wishing to contact the Gelobters and/or share any memories, stories or sentiments of Steven please email:
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from Lidia:
Dear friends and family,
In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made in Steve Gelobter’s name to the following charity which assists in cancer research and seeks to improve the lives of young adults and teenagers with cancer.
The Kristen Ann Carr Fund : Funding the fight against sarcoma
1-2-3- “YO”
While we’re all busy in the Equinunk/Blue Ridge post-season with school, sports, family and friends, take a moment and smile at a 95 year tradition, the life of an American folk hero and a Cuban Paul Bunyan.
We all know that for 95 years, every Equinunk line-up has been highlighted by each group cheering 1-2-3 Yo, forecasting great morning and evening activities. In addition to announcing our daily activities, we also present our “real world” Sportswire. Baseball, an American tradition, celebrated the life of YOgi Berra this month. YOgi was not a big man; he wa
s a great man. Although he was one of the greatest players of his generation, his greater success was a life devoted to family, sports, team, humor, community and charity. YOgi made everyone better and happier in his humble and unassuming way.YOenis Cespedes joined the NY Mets a few months ago and continues to write one of the most amazing 60-day game season baseball has ever known.
YOenis’ displays of raw power and skill has made everyone on the NY Mets better and excited as they begin the World Series.
YOenis’ courage and power have been on display his entire life. He was born in the tiny town of CAMPechuela, Cuba. As an adult, he and 11 others were stranded on an island for 3 days as they defected from Cuba.They nearly ran out of water and he arranged to get the group to safety.
YOenis’ humble beginnings, his difficult road to freedom, his perserverence and courage, and YOgi’s greatness and humility are great values for you to consider as YOu become the best version of YOurself. So get ready for YOur next great moment with 1-2-3 YO!!!!!
CECBR Announces 2015 Pop-Up Socials!
Hello from the CECBR Team!
We are excited to announce that Equinunk/Blue Ridge Pop-Up Socials are back this fall and will be coming to an area near you! Pop-Up Socials are quick get-togethers where CECBR will treat our camp families at a nearby ice cream or pizza shop! The CECBR Team will be on-hand to meet and greet, reminisce about Summer 2015 and look ahead to 2016!
Our Pop-Up Socials are in addition to our Winter Reunion set for Saturday January 9th, 2016! Dates are as follows:
New York City – October 28th (16 Handles 1161 1st Ave, New York, NY) | New Jersey – October 29th (44 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood, NJ) | Long Island, North Shore – November 2nd (The Lite Choice 7921 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY) | Florida – November 9th | Maryland – November 11th | Long Island, South Shore – November 16th | Westchester – November 17th | London, UK – January 23rd for Staff!
Locations for each Pop-Up Social will be announced on SOCIAL MEDIA ONLY!
Be Sure To Follow CECBR on Twitter @CampEBR, on Instagram @equinunkblueridge and on Facebook!
We would like to invite all NEW CE/CBR Campers to join us 30 minutes before each Social to meet our Directors and other NEW Campers!
RSVPs are NOT REQUIRED for our Pop-Up Social Events.
Just bring your camp spirit and smiles!
We certainly hope you can join us at one of our Pop-Up Socials in your area! If you have any questions, please email nicki@cecbr.com who will be happy to assist.
See You Soon!
The CECBR Team
The CECBR Subway System
Everyone is “Buzzing” about the possibilities of a 2015 Subway Series featuring legendary baseball teams the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Just imagine fans from those two camps dressed in their team uniforms going back and forth from the Bronx to Queens on Mass transit. As dreamy as that possibility, I can only imagine how out of this world it would be to have a CECBR subway system connecting Equinunk and Blue Ridge.
Why not dream? How many of your friends would believe that we already have the CE/CBR Bridge connecting our two camps? New York City just opened a new subway stop connecting the 7 line to the West Side of Manhattan. Why not us?
We are in contact with the Wayne County Transit Authority and have our eyes on the tracks in Callicoon and the train in Honesdale.
Just imagine the convenience of high speed transit going to your favorite places in camp: Blue Ridge and Equinunk Class, Boys campus for Carnival, shows at the amphitheater.
Service would be air conditioned and a Food Car would service fruit and ices after Rest Hour and milk and cookies after evening rides.
Lori and Gil have already applied for Chief Engineer and Conductor positions.
We anticipate subway service beginning this summer for the 2016 season. We will keep you posted on the progress, but for now keep your fingers crossed for the Yanks and Mets.
Fall Foliage
Camp Equinunk – Final Buzzer!
Thank You all for an incredible summer — we miss you already! Here is a digital copy of our Final CE Buzzer.
All Our Best,
The CE Team
Alumni Day 2015 at CECBR!
Dear Alumni:
Summer 2015 is off to a terrific start and you can rest assure that the tradition is very much alive and thriving. Our PCs and Upper Seniors would make you all very proud in how they have led our camps these last few weeks.
We wanted to reach out this evening to invite you to our Annual Alumni Day on Saturday, July 25th.
Alumni Day begins at 2:00pm on each campus and will conclude with a BBQ at 6:00pm. For CBR Alumni, following the BBQ – join us for singing in the mess hall.
RSVPs are not required.
We look forward to seeing you back home at Equinunk and Blue Ridge!
All our best,
Sheryl, Richie and Adam
Blue Ridge New Parent Meeting Notes
How much sunscreen do I need to send up? How often is sunscreen applied?
We recommend sending up at least two spray-bottles of Sunscreen, the “face-sticks” are also great. We apply sunscreen before swim periods (twice each day) and as needed. For campers who have fair skin and need more than two applications each day, please email Nicki@cecbr.com so that we can make a note for our Group Heads and bunk counselors.
A common theme with many of these questions will be “similar to what you may do at home.” Just as you might do; if your daughter has been spending a lot of time out in the sun, you may re-apply multiple times each day – we will do the same.
What is the camps electronics policy?
This winter we sent out an email addressing our newly updated Electronics Policy for Summer 2014. Any device that has Wifi capabilities is NOT permitted at camp. This includes Kindles and iPod touches. iPod Nano’s and Shuffles are allowed. If you are packing an older generation device that does not have Wifi capability, please remember games and videos must be removed. We also do not recommend that you send digital cameras to camp and prefer that you send disposable cameras. We do not allow pictures to be taken inside the bunk.
Will my daughter have a “Big Sister”?
Of course! All new campers receive a Big Sister on the first night of camp. This person is a role model and someone who can give a little extra special attention to your camper. Big Sisters will participate in activities and some special events together.
Beyond clicking the “Refresh” button in CampInTouch when viewing photos – how do I know she is doing ok?
Your daughter’s Group Head will be reaching out before the summer and you will hear from them (or another member of our Leadership Team) within 24 hours. We want to let you know how amazing the first day has been! Throughout the summer we will be in constant communication with you. Feel free to call the camp at any time 570-224-4121. You will be able to leave a message for your daughter’s Group Head. Remember that Group Heads are often on campus, with our campers and often return phone calls in the evening.
Your camper will also have two phone calls during the summer and as you can imagine will be writing you some good old-fashioned letters (filled with detail!). A phone call schedule will be sent out soon. Please let us know if you need to re-schedule your phone call to a different time.
Should I be sending a letter before camp starts?
YES! Mark down June 23rd on your calendar to mail your first letter to camp. Snail mail may take an extra day or so to reach us in Equinunk, PA so sending this letter the week before camp starts will ensure your son has a letter that first day of camp. We also recommend putting a small “surprise” – such as a note or small stuffed animal in with the trunks for when your daughters arrive at camp.
What is the routine for bedtime?
After a fun filled day at Blue Ridge and a great evening activity, campers will enjoy a snack at “Milk Bar” and go back to their bunk to get ready for bed. Bedtime varies by age group. For our youngest campers, it is around 9:15.
If your daughter uses TV or an iPad to fall asleep – now is a good time to change the routine so there is a smooth transition into camp life. They are welcome to read or listen to music before bed.
How do I send medication to camp? If my camper does end up in the Health Center, how will I know?
Medication should be mailed up to camp the 2nd week of June. Please make sure to label packages and medication properly and ship to Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge 788 Legends Path, Equinunk PA 18417. All epi-pens, Benadryl and emergency inhalers should be sent up to camp on the bus and given to the Bus Counselor. It is not necessary to send up Tylenol, Advil, etc., since our Health Center stocks those items.
In the event your camper ends up in the Health Center for an overnight stay – you will receive a phone call from our Nursing Staff to make you aware. They will continue to keep you updated during your campers stay.
I am concerned about my daughter’s hygiene, who will help her?
We keep a close eye on our camper’s hygiene and make sure that they are showering, brushing their teeth and hair, and wearing clean clothing. Counselors assist younger campers in brushing and putting up their hair.
Where will my daughter put all of her “stuff?”
Our counselors unpack our lower camp campers prior to camp. There are three drawers under each bed for underwear, swimsuits, and pajamas. All additional clothing is put in the back room area – where each camper has a cubby and small closest space. We recommend that you show your child what has been packed for them so that they are aware of what is coming to camp with them! Please consult our packing list for what items to send to camp, it is not necessary to send additional items since there is not space!