My six years of camp were memorable milestones in my childhood. I intended to become a counselor after a summer in Israel, but life took me in a different direction. Then I found myself back at camp at the age of 42. Though I love the independence that camp instills in children, my second son Josh just couldn’t attend camp without me.
Josh has multiple severe food allergies that make eating out risky and travel a challenge. He is allergic to five of the top eight allergens and then some – basically everything in “regular kid food” and many key ingredients on most menus. Therefore, we didn’t see camp in his future.
Then two of my friends who worked at B’nai B’rith Camp in Oregon saw a solution in a lightly used house kitchen. I’m a Phoenix native and have lived here most of my life. We lived in Oregon for three years during my husband’s pediatric residency and I remember hearing wonderful BB Camp stories. So in 2011 I became the camp photographer and have subsequently managed the camp store. Now my husband also attends BB Camp where he volunteers as the camp doctor for one week each summer.
With the exception of preparing and delivering meals, I stay out the way and Josh and his brother have had three years of independent fun and friendship at BB Camp. I too have made my own camp friends, reconnected with old friends and have felt invigorated by the camp spirit.
We have attempted to create a sense of normalcy on this food allergy journey, teaching Josh to learn to live in the world around him. There have been struggles, but I prefer to focus on a slew of silver linings – two being that I have become a creative cook and BB Camp has been good for us!
Suzye Kleiner resides in Scottsdale and loves spending her summers at BB Camp. She has enjoyed the positions of camp store manager, photographer and writer. A native of Phoenix, she is a member of Temple Chai and on the board of Camp Swift.
QUOTES FROM CAMPERS:
“We love BB Camp because it keeps us connected to Judaism and it’s a great way to stay busy over the summer while reconnecting with our camp friends. We have learned useful life skills such as independence, confidence and leadership during our six years at BB Camp.”
—Briana Bayer, 15, left, and Samantha Bayer, 17, of Phoenix
“I love camp because there’s lots of laughter and lots of sports. BB Camp has made me more responsible as a person because I have to look after myself. I’ve had many awesome counselors from all around the world. I like the evening program Dor L’ Dor where we do a meaningful activity with a new counselor and reflect upon the week.”
—Joshua Kleiner, 11, right, of Scottsdale, pictured with his camp buddy Alec Spiro
“My favorite thing about camp is the diverse people. There are people from all over the country and the world that come together as a family to have an awesome summer at BB Camp. The friends made at camp are friends that change your life. I even flew to my friend’s bar mitzvah in Salt Lake City, which shows how special camp friends are.” —Eric Flayton, 13 of Scottsdale
