Camp Memories

Jason Schneider (counselor 1990-1993) "Wow – can’t believe it’s 50 years. Congrats! I still wear my 30th anniversary staff shirt.  Hope I can make it down from Boston..."

Kristin Kielbasa (counselor 2001-2004) "I miss you guys. I've driven by and seen the open air theater. Love it. Looking forward to July 14!"

Laurie Flanzbaum Ovadia (camper 1968-19709, counselor 1979, mother of campers 1995-2005) " I went to Riverbend as a kid, worked there as a counselor, and sent both my kids from Israel for years! Lots of love to all the Breene's on this momentous anniversary. I remember when the entire camp fit on the benches...."

 Melissa Kranz Ricci (counselor 2000-2009) "Can't wait 'til my little girl gets old enough to come to camp!"

George LaTorre (counselor 1996-1998) "I also am still doing fencing, as I did at Riverbend, and had a National Champion a couple of years ago. I remember bringing my daughter, Dominique and my son Paul there with me as campers when they were 10 and 12 years old or so, and now they are 26 and 24 years old. They were two of the best summers of their lives!"

Rich Napolitano (camper 1963, counselor 1974-1979) "I vaguely remember I was there when the first carton of milk was passed out and the first campfire was lit"
 
Arielle N. (camper 2000-2009) "Hoping to become a counselor at camp some day" 
 
Lauren Turell Kramer (counselor 1985-1988) "Congrats on the anniversary. So many great memories!"
 
The Perkins Family (Ava, camper 1999-2003) "Have a great 50th Anniversary celebration in July.  We will all be with you in spirit.  Blessings to you and your family for the joy you brought for many years to this Riverbender family!"

 Ava Perkins

Ava getting off of the Camp bus with all of her "stuff" with  help from the driver and bus counsellor.



Michael Loberfeld (counselor 1988-1991) "The involvement of the camp leaders, such as Harold and Debbie Breene, and the counselors made the atmosphere a warm, comfortable, and enriching one. I especially remember the two videos we made in "Video", "The Story of Camp Riverbend", and "Riverbend Joan and the Lost Camp Song". This was a great experience, as the campers took very active roles in the production and acting. I see on the website that the camp songs haven't changed much over the years! Thank you once again, and I am glad that so many campers have benefited and grown over the years."

 

 

Connie Ledder (counselor 1997-2001) "A great family run camp with a 'family' atmosphere.  A lot of laughs!"

Ian Ryzoff (camper late 1970's) "Camp Riverbend was an incredible part of my growth and I loved every second of it from Canoeing to Archery, to The Old FireTruck that was behind the Auditorium."

Judy Cariani (counselor 1997)"I want to wish the entire Breene family my best. I wish I could attend the celebration in July but will be celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary. Hope everyone is well." 

 

Albert DiCianni (counselor 1994-1997)   "I was thrilled to hear about reunion.I am happily retired from teaching.I am in two hiking groups and I enjoy hiking very much.  I am looking forward to seeing old friends and the Breene Family."

 

Gabrielle Fazio (counselor 2005, 2007, 2008) "I worked first worked in arts and crafts, woodworking and then worked as the Music Teacher. I have since graduating from College at University of Michigan and have been working as a Music Teacher for 3 years."


Katherine "Kit"  Rachlin (camper 1965-1971) "It is wonderful that Camp Riverbend lives on! I had a big smile on my face as I navigated the website and loved seeing and hearing from Robin, Jill, Wayne, Paul, and Mr. and Mrs. Breene. I have the BEST memories of Riverbend and sent the link to my brother, John, and sister, Isabel and we all were excited to see the words to the camp songs. Those songs really get stuck in your head - still there forty years later! "

 

June Glaser Schechner (camper 1969) " Only went for 1 summer before sleepaway camp with my sisters but I went with Meryl Manders!!! Also, two of my kids went as campers in the 1990's Maya Bea Schechner and Eli Schechner." 

 

Marjory Finkel (camper 1963-1965) "Skinny Dipping in the pool during the overnights. Singing all of the camp songs like The Dummy Line!"

 

Susan Finkel-Stockman (camper 1963) "I remember Nature Boy Ed, Pete , Ginny Stewart, Cinny and others.  The best parts were the overnights and skinny dipping!!

 

Heather Mackersie Trumpore (counselor 1988) "Sorry I won't be able to make it since I live in the area it would be nice. Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary!"