[BCMA] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Exhibit explores Jewish Summer Camp history and culture

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

PRESS RELEASE - EXHIBIT ANNOUNCEMENT

February 11, 2010

 

The Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia present

 

HOME AWAY FROM HOME:

Building Identity and Community at Jewish Summer Camps

 

on view March 18 - October 7, 2010

 

The Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia present the exhibit
Home Away From Home: Building Identity and Community at Jewish Summer
Camps, opening Thursday March 18, 2010, and on view through October 7,
2010. The exhibit is located on the third floor of the Jewish Community
Centre of Greater Vancouver (950 W. 41st Ave, Vancouver).

 

Focusing on the history of three local camps, Camp Miriam, Camp
Hatikvah, and Camp Solomon Schechter, the exhibit follows their growth
in parallel to the growth of the wider Jewish community. Starting small
in the inter-war years, these camps grew dramatically with the community
after World War II, when many new immigrants arrived in Vancouver.

 

This playful exhibition features photographs, memorabilia, T-shirts and
other items from each of the camps. Additionally, interviews with camp
alumni and recordings of camp songs can be heard, with accompanying
analysis. Interactive displays invite museum visitors to share their own
camp experiences as well. 

 

Since the 1930s, the children of the BC Jewish community have attended
Jewish summer camps in BC and elsewhere. They have learned about Jewish
history and ethics, the history and politics of Israel, and developed a
strong sense of community. When asked about their experiences at camp,
alumni often say that their dearest and longest lasting friendships
began at the age of seven or eight, in their first days at camp.

 

The camps reflect the diversity of the local Jewish community, each
offering a different political and religious leaning. Similar diversity
can be found in the other ethnic communities across Canada. The
programming of these camps raises questions about how a community
balances the fostering of ethnic identity with assimilation to Canadian
society.

 

Camps teach youth through informal education, what author Chaim Potok
has referred to as 'education caught rather than taught'. Through
example and through games, campers learn about Jewish history and the
Jews of the world. They learn about their obligations to help others,
and ways to make a positive contribution to society. These
characteristics of the camp experience are discussed prominently in Home
Away From Home.

 

"I think [camp was] where I learned about being part of the Jewish
collective, and caring about other people, and taking responsibility for
what goes on in the community." - Ted Zacks, Vancouver, BC.

 

Home Away From Home has been organized by the Jewish Museum & Archives
of British Columbia with guest curator, Michael Schwartz.

Preview the exhibit online at www.jewishmuseum.ca/upcoming-exhibit and
share your summer camp stories on the Jewish Museum & Archives Facebook
Fan Page
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jewish-Museum-and-Archives-of-British-Col
umbia/189985535116?v=app_2373072738#!/pages/Jewish-Museum-and-Archives-o
f-British-Columbia/189985535116?v=wall> .

 

 

RELATED PUBLIC PROGRAMS:

 

Thursday, March 18, 2010; 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Opening Reception:

Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia

FREE Admission, refreshments to be served

 

Thursday, March 25, 2010; 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

After-hours exhibit schmooze:

Adults aged 19-35 are encouraged to drop-in and experience the full
breadth of Home Away from Home during an evening of camp reminiscences,
food and drink. 

Event by donation. Co-sponsored by the BC Birthright Alumni Association
and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver.

 

Thursday, April 15, 2010; 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Curator's Talk: Michael Schwartz

A long-time staff member at Camp Miriam, Michael Schwartz served as Rosh
(Executive Director) in 2006 and 2007, and previously as Merkez Chinuch
(Programming Director) in 2005. He completed his Master's Degree in
History at the University of Toronto in 2007 and has worked as a
researcher and coordinator at the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. 

Join Michael Schwartz for an in-depth look at the research and
photographs which led to the exhibition. 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia is open Sundays to
Thursdays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. It is closed during statutory and
Jewish holidays. Admission is by donation. For more information, visit 
www.jewishmuseum.ca  or call (604) 257-5199. 

 

The Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia, administered by The
Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia, is the preeminent and
authoritative body for collection and sharing of community memory of
Jewish life in British Columbia. 

 

For photos, interviews and additional information, contact:

 

Molly Winston, Media Contact

Jewish Museum & Archives of British Columbia

(604) 638 - 7288, mwinston at jewishmuseum.ca

-30-

 

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