Lee Kaiser hosts the returning Big Avoda World podcast with executive director Ken Shifman and Camp Avoda director Ronni Saltzman Guttin, joined by alumni Gary “Chubes” Epstein, Evan “Schmed” Yampolsky, and Andy “Stoney” Stone as they trade bunk histories, camp memories, and jokes (including practical bed-wetting logistics like new washing machines and discreet disposal). The main focus is Camp Avoda’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2027, with planned on-site summer celebrations, a “Banquet of the Century” at Temple Shirat Hayam in Swampscott on April 10, 2027, and “Centennial Saturday” at camp during alumni weekend, likely June 12, 2027 (not June 5). The group reflects on defining moments, homesickness support, staff longevity (Avoda in the 90% returning range), multi-generation families, and lifelong friendships that continue through weddings, shivas, and year-round connections.

Topics

00:00 Welcome to Big Avoda World

00:24 Introductions

01:59 Pre Camp Excitement

02:33 Camp Life Laughs

03:59 Centennial Announcement

04:56 Banquet and Dates

06:58 Evan Joins In

09:19 Defining Camp Moments

12:49 Gary Origin Story

16:07 Alumni Weekend Streak

16:31 Stoney Stone Arrives

17:04 First Summer Origins

17:40 Counselor Legends

18:41 Never Leaving First

19:22 Village of Evodians

20:22 Staff Retention Secret

21:48 Generations and Geography

24:45 All Boys Bond

25:09 Centennial Reunion Hype

26:53 Lifelong Friendships

31:46 Support in Hard Times

32:45 Color War Memories

33:52 Leadership Beyond Comfort

35:08 Activity Call Wrap Up

Lee Kaiser and executive director Ken Shifman return to the Big Avoda World podcast after a hiatus to launch discussion of Avoda 100, as Camp Avoda approaches its 100th summer since 1927. They reflect on the camp’s founding vision by Judge Samuel Barnett and the YMHA, key leaders across generations, and the impact of longtime director Paul G. Davis, who ran camp for 50 years. Shiffman describes strong current momentum: growing camper numbers, expanded staff, fundraising, and campus renovations including the rec hall, a CIT cabin, larger cabins, and a new maintenance shed. They preview centennial plans including a spring gala, April 10, 2027 “Banquet of the Century” at Shirat Hayam in Swampscott, and June 12, 2027 Centennial Saturday at camp during alumni weekend, featuring archives displays, videos, engagement opportunities, and digging up a historic time capsule. They promote campavoda.org/avoda-100, a planned documentary by Robbie Sokolovsky, a commemorative “Evodian” edition, and invite alumni participation and future podcast guests.

Topics

00:46 Why 1927 Matters

02:14 Avoda Turns 100

03:28 Founding Vision Legacy

04:41 80s Camp Memories

07:13 Planning The 99th

08:43 Summer And Alumni Ideas

09:56 Banquet Of Century

16:31 Centennial Saturday Camp

20:04 Documentary And Keepsake

23:10 Time Capsule Hunt

24:41 More Episodes Wrap Up

The WHITE team's submission for the first-ever podcast competition for Colorwar.

The BLUE team's submission for the first-ever podcast competition for Colorwar.

Ken Shifman is joined by a host of campers to recount all the action from Desert War 2022.

Hear all the fun that happened at Camp Avoda in 2022, recorded live at the camp in August.

Avoda Director Ken Shifman takes to the fields for live reporting of all the camp action.

Enjoy this show recorded live from Avoda as counselors and campers update us on all the activities, fun and shenanigans!

The Avoda Daze is back with special guest Shay Wenglin!

Avoda legend Ty Goldstein joins the boys from Avoda Daze.