Embedded Files
President’s Message from Dan Alpert
President’s Message from Dan Alpert
A Message from Director Marty Rochlin
A Message from Director Marty Rochlin
Is it just me, or does everything feel a little brighter when we're still thinking about being in Thurmont in the Camp Airy summer sun?
Summer 2025 was incredible — full of laughs, traditions, and pizza bagels — and we’re keeping that energy rolling right through the fall! Leaf Weekend was a blast, as always — the perfect mix of reconnecting and fun. Since then, the off-season has been buzzing: we hosted Washington Hebrew Congregation for a Family Fun Day; four ice cream socials for campers and families; the 2026 Airy trainees for a Sunday gathering filled with pizza, s’mores and football on the big screens in the Dining Hall; and even a UMD staff reunion at Ledo’s. The spirit of the mountain is alive and well all year long!
On the prep front, camper registration and staffing are moving right along — and the early numbers look fantastic! Our team is on the move, with some heading to Mexico for a hiring fair, and others gearing up for recruiting events in the UK and Spain this January. A special shout-out to Scott Black, who was a much-heralded presenter at the recent CampMinder Conference in Boulder, CO. At the JCamp 180 Conference I attended shortly after, people rushed over to me to praise Scott — we’re lucky to have him on the camp team!
The countdown to Summer 2026 is officially on — and from the early looks of it, Number 102 will be top-notch! Until then, stay connected, stay Leafy, and keep that Camp Airy magic going wherever you are. Keep spreading the good word about camp to potential campers and staff, and be well. We’ll see you at the next Leaf event — and back on the mountain before you know it!
Campily yours,
Marty
P.S. Take a look at these almost completed, new and improved benches at the Airy's Cohen Theater - so great and ready for audiences in 2026.
Leaf It to Lager: The Order of the Leaf Raises a Glass Again!
Leaf It to Lager: The Order of the Leaf Raises a Glass Again!
The 4th Annual Leaf & Lager took place on the Friday night after Thanksgiving, November 28, at the always-welcoming White Oak Tavern, and it was a night that truly delivered. With tacos and wings fueling the crowd and lagers flowing freely, alumni gathered to swap stories, share laughs, and relive legendary moments that have been tastefully enhanced over time.
As always, the evening proved that once you’re part of the Order of the Leaf, you’re never far from camp. The strong turnout made it clear that this tradition has officially taken root. Four years in, Leaf & Lager has become a can’t-miss stop on the calendar— a chance to reconnect, recharge and raise a glass with friends who share the same Camp Airy roots. Life pulls us in different directions, but shared camp history brings everyone right back together. Within minutes, conversations picked up exactly where they left off — whether that was last year, 10 years ago or back at Camp Airy when lights out was more of a suggestion than a rule.
Beyond the fun, the event also served a bigger purpose. Leaf & Lager is a meaningful way for the Order of the Leaf to continue supporting Camp Airy, helping contribute to and give back to the staff who keep camp running and continue the traditions that shaped so many of us. It’s proof that a good time can also do a lot of good—and that the Leaf knows how to combine friendship, loyalty, service and a solid beer selection.
The Leaf Board would like to remind everyone that all are welcome—whether this was your first Leaf & Lager or your fourth, there’s always room at the table. If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign to leaf it all behind next time and join us.
Thank you to all who attended to help make this year's Leaf & Lager so special. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
-- Jason Smulson, Vice President
Friendship, Loyalty, Service… and Rocky’s Pizza:
A Recipe for the Perfect Leaf Weekend
From September 5–7, 2025, Airy alumni gathered once again in the Catoctin Mountains for the much-anticipated Leaf Weekend. As always, the weekend served as a reminder that while the summers may change, the times we spend together never do.
This year’s Leaf Weekend was especially meaningful, packed with activities, milestones and moments that reminded everyone why our core values — Friendship, Loyalty and Service — remain the backbone of the Order Of The Leaf. A highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the Lifetime Passion Award to none other than Mike Tallman, a man whose impact on Camp Airy spans well over three decades and countless roles. The ovation he received echoed through the mountains, a testament to the loyalty and admiration he has inspired. If anyone embodies what it means to turn over a new leaf yet stay rooted in tradition, it’s Mike.
As always, the weekend offered a little something for everyone—whether you wanted to compete, relax, reconnect or simply relive your camper days.The rest of the weekend moved with the easy rhythm of old friends picking up right where they left off. Alumni bounced between pickleball competition, basketball games and the pool. The Kona Ice truck was a hit, Rocky’s Pizza disappeared almost as fast as it arrived and karaoke reminded everyone that camp confidence never fades—even if vocal range does. A wine tasting added a classy twist and the hike to the vista had more folks than ever climb our mountain.
Special shoutouts went to the reunion classes—CIT classes of 1995, 2005, and 2015—each celebrating milestone years and proving that the Leaf spirit doesn’t just stick; it grows. In the end, Leaf Weekend once again reminded us no matter how far we travel, we never truly leaf the order behind.
-- Jason Smulson, Vice President
Introducing the Airy Leaf Open!
Introducing the Airy Leaf Open!
Coming to a local Baltimore or MoCo golf course near you, I bring you the first annual Airy Leaf Open! This event happening in early April will be a 4 man scramble format and the best scramble event within 1,000 miles of the Catoctin Mountains. We will have prizes, long drive competitions, closest to the pin, and more! Reach out to your friends and get ready for an awesome day on the course with friends and alums from the hill.
All skill levels are welcome and keep an eye out for more details on an exact course and date in April of 2026. We are looking forward to having you and if you have any questions in the meantime feel free to reach out to Zach Mittelman atlargeone@orderoftheleaf.org or Ricky Lasser at rmlasser@gmail.com.
We are looking forward to seeing you there and let’s go golfing!!!⛳️🏌️♂️
-- Zach Mittelman, Officer at Large
ROOTS NYC Launches with a Packed House at Mustang Harry’s
ROOTS NYC Launches with a Packed House at Mustang Harry’s
In early December, midtown Manhattan was buzzing with that unmistakable Leaf energy as Mustang Harry’s filled up ahead of the Knicks game. I had the incredible privilege of co-hosting the first-ever ROOTS NYC event alongside Ethan Fruchtman (’17), and we couldn’t have been more thrilled with the turnout. Twenty Leaf members from across the tristate area joined us, representing a wide range of CIT classes from the '95s all the way through the late-2020s.
It was amazing to see old friends reconnecting, stories being swapped, and new connections forming. There’s something truly special about watching camp friends come together in the city, sharing wings, cheering on the Knicks and reliving moments that have always made our community feel like home. The energy in the room perfectly captured the spirit of ROOTS: camaraderie, nostalgia and the enduring bond of camp no matter where life has taken us.
The success of this kickoff event is just the beginning. ROOTS is an initiative of the Order of the Leaf to engage members where they live now -- or in other words, where they settle their roots. ROOTS NYC is committed to bringing Leaf members together in new and meaningful ways throughout 2026 and beyond. We’re excited to continue building a space where memories are shared, friendships are strengthened and the connections that make our Camp Airy community so unique continue to grow.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this night so special. We can’t wait to see even more of you at upcoming events so stay tuned! ROOOOOOOOTSSSSS
— Josh Dupler, CIT ‘13
Leaf to Begin Bylaws Review
Volunteers Wanted for Bylaws Committee and Leaf Weekend Help
The Order of the Leaf is set to review our bylaws and we are looking to for Leaf members to form a committee. A mix of members from varying CIT classes is desired and we will meet to review the bylaws for relevance, clarity and alignment to our mission of friendship, loyalty and service. Recommendations from the committee will appear on the election ballot in the fall.
We’re also looking to engage more volunteers with different aspects of Leaf Weekend. Please click the link below to indicate your interest — all help is appreciated!
Treasurer's Report
Treasurer's Report
2025 was another successful year for Leaf!
In 2025 we continued our practice of online banking, continued to use PayPal and Jotform for events and used the same accountants for our taxes. This year, we had a record number of sponsors for Leaf Weekend. This led to a successful weekend and opportunities to give back to camp in other ways, which the board is focused on for 2026.
Thanks to your help, Leaf is in a strong financial position. Here’s to another successful year in 2026!
—Stephen Tonelson
Accounts
Total Cash and Bank $19,534.42
Other Assets $0
Long-Term Assets $0
Total $19,534.42
Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities $0
Total Long-Term Liabilities $0
Total Liabilities $0
Equity
Total Other Equity $0
Total Retained Earnings $19,534.42
Total Equity $19,534.42
Save the Date!
Save the Date!
Reunion Weekend 2026
October 2 - 4 at Camp Airy
Registration coming this spring!!
Camp Airy Order of the Leaf Officers 2024-2026
President: Dan Alpert
Vice President: Jason Smulson
Secretary: Linda Esterson
Executive Secretary: Adam Clay
Treasurer: Stephen Tonelson
Members at Large: Zach Mittelman, Ryan Pine
Want to support the efforts of the Order of the Leaf? Make a contribution today.
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