It’s hard to put into words what the end of camp feels like. In the last 24 hours of camp, we sang, we danced, we laughed a lot, we cried a lot and reflected on what has truly been an unforgettable summer at Wingate.
We posted thousands of pictures this summer and sent home a weekly newsletter with videos and details about all our activities and special events. These pictures and videos gave you a glimpse into what we were doing at camp each day. But a picture and video only tell part of the story because at the end of the day, what really makes an extraordinary summer, are the people at camp.
The bonds and friendships formed at camp are like no other. We cheered each other on, we nominated our friends for core value awards, we supported each other through challenges, we celebrated every victory - big and small - together. It’s these connections that make Wingate more than just a place; they make it home.
On the last night of camp, after our final sing song and slideshow, we gathered as a camp for the last time on the beach for the burning of the “W”. CIT’s, staff and head staff spoke about Wingate and what camp means to them. We hope you’ll take the time to read their speeches and poems below. There were plenty of tears as everyone took in their words and when we finally lit the “W” the camp sat in silence to appreciate the beauty of the moment.
Summer 2024 was a special one for us, as it marked Wingate’s 10-year anniversary. We want to thank you, the parents, for entrusting us with your children. It was our privilege and joy to get to know them and take care of them. To the staff of 2024, thank you for all your hard work, you did an incredible job and Wingate was lucky to have you. And lastly, to the campers, each one of you brought your own unique personality to camp and helped create this amazing summer.
As we say our final goodbyes to camp, let’s carry with us the spirit of the summer - the courage to try new things, the kindness to lift others up, and the joy of simply being together. While everyone is home now and school will be starting soon, our hope for you is that the memories you’ve created will carry you through the year until we get to cross that bridge again for summer 2025.
With lots of love,
The Wingate Team
Inside This Issue
Jacob Smith
I don’t know where to start. It feels like just yesterday we stepped off the bus and crossed the bridge expecting what would be yet another amazing summer at this special place, and what can I say, it truly did not disappoint. Given that Zach, Paige, Zoe and I have been here for quite some time now, we wanted to talk to you about what it means to us to spend our summers here.
This camp is like none other. The people you meet, the relationships you build, and the family you make are precious parts of this camp which make it incomparable to any other place. I remember my first year at camp as a shy inter boy at my first sing-song, reading the lyrics off the board, scared to join in as loudly as the rest. Fast forward six years, I’m a CIT sitting at the last bench of the Wingate hall, screaming till I have no voice left and knowing every lyric. Although as a junior, you look up to the older kids hoping to be just like them one day, I promise you I am speaking for all of the CITS when I say, that there is nothing we wouldn’t give up to be little kids at this camp again. I encourage all of you listening right now to come back each and every year, and make the most out of every single second that you are blessed to experience at this amazing place that we call home. Be grateful for every moment you spend here, and take it all in, because in the blink of an eye, it will be over before you know it.
Paige Bultz
As we stand here together on our last night, I can't help but feel the weight of this moment. They say the older you get, the faster the summers go by, and I’m really feeling that tonight. This summer felt like it flew by in the blink of an eye, and knowing it's our last as campers makes it hit even harder. When I first came to this camp during the pandemic, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was special because it was one of the few that stayed open for day camp, but I had no idea just how much it would mean to me. That next year, when I came back, I had one of the best summers of my life, and that’s when this place became home to me. Looking back, the biggest mistake I made in my camp life was not coming here sooner. Now that it's over, it's hard to accept. I’d give anything to relive every camp memory, every inside joke, every moment I’ve shared with my friends over these incredible summers. Before I came here, my siblings Mack and Lyla would talk about camp all the time, and I thought I understood what they meant. But it wasn't until I experienced it myself that I truly got it. This place is special in ways that are hard to put into words. If you haven't been here, you’ll never fully understand how this camp changes you for the better. No other camp does Color War like we do. POTH isn’t just a lip-sync battle, and Super Bowl isn’t just another football game. What makes these moments so special are the people we share them with, the bonds we've built. Look around you at the people by your side. These aren’t just your camp friends—they’re your brothers and sisters for life. Appreciate how lucky we are to have each other and to have been a part of something this amazing. As we stand here tonight, surrounded by the safety and warmth of camp, it’s important to remember the world we’re about to step back into. As Jews, we face a world that isn’t always kind, a world where challenges and adversity can seem overwhelming. But it’s in those moments of hardship that we need to hold on to the lessons we've learned here. We’ve built something powerful—a community rooted in strength, resilience, and unwavering support for one another. When we leave the gates of this camp, let’s carry that with us. Let’s stay strong, stay united, and always have each other’s backs. Because out there, the world might not always understand us, but in here, we’ve built a bond that nothing can break. We’ll need to lean on each other, just like we have during the best of times here at camp, and continue to be a light for one another when the world outside feels dark.
Zach Smith
Since my very first summer here, I’ve known that this place is much more than just a camp. It’s a community. Just like every family, we’ve grown up together, had so much fun and supported each other every step of the way. And although our core values were only technically introduced last summer, it goes without saying that they’ve always been a very significant part of our time here. I remember my very first day at this camp. I came from a different city, had never gone to camp before, and had no idea what to expect. Within minutes, we were laughing as a bunk on lower field and I instantly felt like I found my place. Six years later, here I am delivering this speech in front of the camp with those same boys by my side. Together, we’re ready to take on our new roles as staff next year and lead the camp, something we’ve been looking forward to since being inter boys. I am beyond grateful for the people I have met, experiences I’ve made and memories that I will cherish forever. To the head staff that keep this place running, this camp would not function without all your hard work, and although we have trouble showing it sometimes, we are so thankful and appreciate every ounce of effort that goes into running this camp. Thank you Adam and Jray for making our time here so special. You guys are my big brothers and although I’m sad to move on to this next chapter without you, I’ll keep everything you’ve ever taught me throughout my whole life. And last but not least, to my bunk 9 brothers and bunk 10 girls, we’ve grown up together at this special place and developed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. You guys are the reason I come back to camp every single year and I look forward to the fun times ahead as staff together.
Zoe Dalfen
Camp Pripsteins has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I still remember the very day in 2014 when the camp was shut down, and how sad my family was. I was just six years old then, and even though I had come up with my parents most Saturdays running around The Mishmar during sing song, I couldn’t understand how something as unserious as a sleep away camp could mean so much to them. I watched them work tirelessly, trying to find any sort of solution to bring back the place that meant the world to them. So you can imagine, the day Wingate opened in 2015 was like a holiday to me. Walking into Wingate for the very first time that year was like a dream come true. The feeling of being here is something unexplainable, and magical. Something that only we understand. Although I technically didn’t know anyone aside from Jonah and Jacquie my very first day as a Junior girl, I never felt alone. The most special thing about this camp is how close we all are. Each year my camp experience only got better and better. Wingate evolved and grew up with me and with every passing summer, I felt more connected and more a part of something so extraordinary. But by far, the most special gift this camp has given me is my best friend, Sabrina. From living alone in bunk 3 together to sharing our final summer in the same bunk, Sabrina has become my favorite person in the world. Back then, it was just the two of us that made up all the Junior girls in the entire camp second month. Today, as we celebrate the ending of the tenth summer, there is a full bunk of Junior girls. As we get ready to leave behind our camper years and become staff, I feel bittersweet. It is an honor to become a leader here but I don’t want to leave behind my camper memories. To all of you who are still on your camper journeys, savor every moment. I would give anything to go back to the beginning and do it all over again.
Adam Lieblein
12 summers ago, to the day, a junior boy who lived in bunk 4 was sitting exactly where you guys are. Bawling his eyes out, listening to head staff say their goodbyes to camp. You can ask Jared, every single summer I’ve been here, I was known as the biggest crier on the last night of camp. Every summer on that day, my staff would look at me and say “why are you crying so much - you’ll be back next summer!” Well Ziggy, this year is different - I won’t be back next year - these tears are justified. So for all of you, crying and upset, let me tell you: You will be back. You will experience the magic of Wingate once again. Dance parties in the dining hall, sneaking out with your bunk, laughing and crying. Your story is not over. I’ve been a junior, inter, senior, super senior, CIT, staff, and finally head staff. Let me offer you some advice.
Juniors - Man, am I jealous of you guys. You’ve just finished up your first years of camp and have your entire story to be written. Never lose the Wingate Junior magic. You are all so special and make this camp what it is.
Inters - You are the heart of this camp. Your enthusiasm and love of camp are what keep camp exciting for all of us. As you continue your journey through your camper years, stay as passionate and energetic as you’ve always been, and I know the future of Wingate looks bright.
To Bunk 8 and Bunk 18 - Next year, you will be finishing off your camper years. The traditions and heart of this camp will live through you guys. Lead the way and continue being leaders. High Senior summer is a big deal - and I know you'll take advantage of it next year.
To Bunk 16 and Bunk 1 - I know that before this summer we weren't so close, but I’m glad to say we’ve bonded over the last year. I know it feels so sad to say that your camper years are over - but trust me, a whole new experience is going to start next summer. Take advantage of everything you have left.
And lastly to the CITs. Firstly the girls - I consider all of you guys as my little sisters. From the advice, to the jokes, and of course the never-ending gossip, we’ve created a bond that only this camp could have made. There have been ups and downs, but I can 100% say that you guys are ready. You guys are ready to be staff at this camp and lead the way for the next generation.
And now my boys - From our first summer in Bunk 11 - I knew you guys were special. There’s something to be said about the brotherhood you guys share, and I’m so excited for you to become the next staff at this camp. I know that my legacy will live through you guys and that you will lead the way for years to come.
It’s now been 6 summers since I was a camper, and I can tell you that I miss it a ton. I know you’ve all been told millions of times that you have to take advantage and appreciate every second as a camper, but it’s the truth. 5 summers later, only me and Jared are here from my bunk. We spend time in the city together - so we didn’t come back for each other - we came back for all of you. We come back to make sure that the future of this camp is in good hands, and that kids don’t lose sight of the true meaning of Wingate. We’re so grateful to see that we don’t have much to worry about.
This place raised me and taught me many lessons. The main one being that you can’t waste a minute at this place because before you know it, you’re back in math class, learning about something that you know you’ll never use later in life.
The last thing I’ll say is the most important. This camp is for everyone. I don’t care who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been. If you’ve spent a second at this place, we share a bond. That means if you see me in the city, I expect you to come say hi, and I expect you to do the same with everyone next to you. What makes us special is that we all love this place so much, and whether you’re a Sun Hero or a Moon Knight, we are all Wingate.
Wingate, you are my home, and I promise that I will always come back home. I love you all, and thank you for letting me be a part of your summers.
Read by Noah Lieblein
I remember when I was younger I’d sit on that lawn,
Looking around as I stifled a yawn.
The buses are coming it’s almost that time,
That I leave in my wake my childhood’s prime.
I think back on the summer on the weeks that have passed,
And I can’t help but wonder, will this be my last?
The memories flash to when I was a child,
Running with friends oh how we were wild.
Fast forward in time to a moment when I,
Walked past bunk 7, sun low in the sky.
This nostalgia I feel I cannot explain,
Just those beside me relate to my pain.
This is the place where I learned how to play,
The friendships I’ve made still last to this day.
I made my own bed built my own shelf,
This is the place I discovered myself.
I wandered at night through camp I would rush,
Staying low in the shadows, my voice in a hush.
Filled with joy, with laughter and all the above,
‘Cause camp is the place, where I first fell in love.
How to give back, to a place that has given,
Me all the things, for which I have striven.
The scars disappear, the memories fade,
But I’m here forever due to friendships I’ve made.
The answers the same on every exam,
Wingate has made me the man that I am.
Read by Nathan Twik
Enjoy the last few days my man. Enjoy them for what they are and what they’ll be,
For what you hear and what you’ll see,
Will stay with you for all your days,
From Puttin' on the Hits to Wingate plays.
That bridge is a portal like no other,
Where a camper’s your son and co staff your brother.
From that counselors lounge to the lower field net,
Heed my words don’t live with regret.
So in the days to come imprint your stamp,
‘Cause in years you will realize there’s nothing like camp.
For whether you study med, engineering, or political science,
You’re all just the same by this special alliance.
I don’t speak of bunk letters you wear on your chest,
No this goes beyond that silly little crest.
For the wounds that don’t heal, those that turn into scars,
Are those that we suffer under camp Wingate stars.
Read by Izzy Lubarsky
As the sun sets low, and the day turns to night,
We’re packing up memories, holding them tight.
From bunk life laughs to the thrill of the game,
This place is our home, and Wingate’s the name.
Sun Heroes rising, Wingate Wars won,
We gave it our all, and had so much fun.
Team Taylor took the Superbowl crown,
And Mario at MAC, They never backed down.
We played our hearts out in every sport,
From tournaments here to intercamp courts.
Friday night program, our time to unwind,
These moments together, forever we’ll find.
We lived in our bunks, side by side,
Sharing secrets, no place to hide.
We laughed till we cried, with new friends we met
These are the days we’ll never forget.
Favorite activities, day after day,
From arts and crafts to Gaga play.
We soaked it all in, made the most of each chance,
Every moment a memory, every day a dance.
Time flew by, and now it’s the end,
But these memories? They’ll never bend.
We’ve grown up a bit, in this summer’s light,
Ready to take on what’s next in our sight.
We’ll miss this place, these bonds so strong,
But in our hearts, Wingate’s where we belong.
As we head home, we’ll always know,
This summer was special, it helped us grow.
So here’s to friendships that’ll never fade,
To the memories and friendships that we made.
We lived it up, we gave it our best,
Wingate’s the place where our hearts always rest.
Thank you for an Amazing Summer!
See you in 2025!
Show us some love and click on the heart if you like our newsletter!
Comentarios