As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer approaches, excitement builds for what will be the 101st summer of Camp Airy in Thurmont, Md. For over a century, this camp has been a place of friendship, growth, and memories. The anticipation is even greater this year, as we return to camp with the brand-new dining hall—an incredible symbol of resilience and renewal after the fire that affected us all in the summer of 2022. The familiar sights and sounds of camp—like the iconic Cohen Theater, the buzz of the Village Row basketball court, and the echoes of laughter from the hill—are more meaningful than ever.

What makes each new summer even more special is the history that comes with it. It’s amazing to think of how many people have walked these paths, played on these fields, and shared the same traditions year after year. As we gather in the brand-new dining hall, a space that stands as a testament to both camp’s spirit and the dedication of everyone who made it possible, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of pride. The new building will fit perfectly with the camp’s charm, offering a modern yet inviting atmosphere where we’ll share countless meals, stories and fun.

With a century of tradition behind us, I can’t wait to dive back into things, knowing that we’re continuing to build upon the legacy of camp. Camp Airy has always felt like home, and I know this year will be no different.

Marty

A Leaf Shabbat Across the United States

In April, we'll be hosting Shabbats across the United States — join us! The goal of these Shabbats is for Airy alumni to reconnect in small settings for dinnerin a way that works best for them — we’ll even cover the costs up to $100.

We already have Shabbats in the following cities, add yours to the list!

Washington, D.C.

Arlington, Va.

Baltimore, Md.

Los Angeles, Calif.

New York, NY

We're partnering with OneTable, an online and in-person community empowering people to find, enjoy, and share Shabbat dinners to make the most of their Friday night and enjoy the best of life together. Through this partnership, we’ll be covering the cost of your Shabbat. All you need to do is let us know if you’re interested and we’ll send you more details.

Reach out to Dan at president@orderoftheleaf.org to learn more and host a Shabbat your way near you!

Don't Be Pickled!

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world and it’s popularity has reached us at Leaf! It’s one of the best attended events at Leaf Weekend, so we’ve decided to give you more!

Join us for a pickleball day at camp and a chance to dink it up with Leaf!

Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 1!

More details to come soon.

Calling All Cooks!

In the year ahead, we are also looking at new fundraising opportunities. One we are currently working on is a Taste of Leaf Cookbook!

Our plan is to invite the Leaf community to submit recipes that we will compile into a cookbook. We plan on including some camp favorites like pizza bagels, CA snowballs, Egg McAiry's, and hopefully Bob's Campfire Brisket.

We welcome all recipes, not just camp favorites. Camp Airy is a place where we have all shared countless meals, and we hope this book will bring a taste of Camp Airy community to our homes. More information coming soon!

—Stephen Tonelson

The Leaf family lost a dear member as Caryn Lasser passed away on December 18, 2024, after receiving a brain cancer diagnosis 20 months earlier. She was 64 years old.

Caryn is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Michael Lasser; sons Jeff, Phil and Ricky, each a member of the Order of the Leaf, daughters-in-law Emily and Aimee, who are members of Camp Louise Circle, and granddaughter, Maisie, born on June 12, 2024.

Caryn was an extremely devoted wife, mother, grandmother and public servant who dedicated her life to improving her community and having a meaningful impact on the lives of others. She gave of herself to a variety of organizations and causes, including Camp Airy. She joined Mike and the boys on the mountain, volunteering and then working officially from 2004-2019 as a department specialist in Arts & Crafts Uphill/Fun FactAiry. She was inducted into the Order of the Leaf in 2006 and attended many Leaf Weekends alongside her fellow “Camp Moms,” with whom she shared cherished friendships. In her childhood, she was a Louise camper from 1974-75.

When she wasn’t at camp, she enjoyed spending summers at Bethany Beach and taking vacations all over the world. At the family home in Clarksville, Md., she built a Jewish household filled with many family traditions and delicious holiday meals. She loved sports, especially attending and watching basketball games of her alma mater, Duke University. She was a member of the university’s varsity volleyball team and played on many recreational sports teams throughout her life. She also coached her sons’ basketball teams.

Caryn had an extensive and distinguished career in public service. She retired as the deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging, where she worked tirelessly to create policies and strategies aimed at improving the lives of older adults. Caryn previously served as deputy chief of staff for the Howard County executive, where she led key initiatives to improve the quality of life for county residents and visitors. Caryn was honored with HCPSS's Friend of Education Award for her contributions to education and the community, being recognized for her “innovative or unique contribution that directly supports the school system’s mission of excellence in teaching and learning, supports student achievement, and is significant in scope.”
Caryn was an active volunteer in the Howard County public school system and non-profit community, including serving on the steering committee for Leadership Howard County and on the Neighbor Ride Board of Directors.

 Caryn’s resilience and joy for life were a constant, and she remains an inspiration to all who knew her. Her unwavering positive attitude and optimism throughout her illness exemplifies the fortitude and leadership consistently demonstrated in all aspects of her life. She will be greatly missed by all of us on the mountain.

— Linda Esterson, secretary

Spades League Season 5:

It's Underway and it is BIG

The 20th Century bracket, due to their advancing age, went a little slower.  There were some really exciting matchups though and we areawaiting the winner of the final. Three 1992 CITs and a 1993 CIT are inthe finals for their century’s bragging rights. Marc Selfon and Jon Grossman are facing off with Harry Sanderoff and Donny Singer. The game should happen very soon.

Season 4 was a huge success and we met our fundraising goals.Through the league, we were able to fund a pizza party for the summer staff and an ice cream truck to enjoy during Leaf Inductions. The staff really appreciated our efforts and we will continue our staff morale efforts. They really do make a difference. I am thrilled that Leaf can play a small partin creating such an awesome atmosphere at camp for the staff as they are theones who make sure that the campers have the best summers imaginable.

Season 5 just started at the beginning of February. This season’s inspiration comes from the College Football world. There are 37 teams that are organized in six groups (or conferences).  Each team will play a minimum of five games and the two teams with the best winning percentages from their conference will qualify for a 12-team playoff! The regular season will last from February to August. Playoffs will start in September, just in time for some friendly trash talk to take place at Leaf.

With the new season, we have started our fundraising goals for next year too. If you would like to contribute, please visit the Leaf Donor page.  The money will be used for staff appreciation events.  

—Adam Clay, executive secretary

A Celebration Like No Other

Raising a Glass at Leaf & Lager III

Treasurer's Report

2024 was another eventful and successful year! We have continued the last board’s paperless and electronic banking practices. We are also exploring new ways to make donating to Leaf even easier this year.

The highlight for most of us was probably the Centennial Leaf Reunion Weekend! Last year's event was one of our best ever. We had our highest attendance ever with over 300 people registered. Thanks again to our sponsors:

Cabana—Steve Goldklang

Pool Party— David Berger

Kona Ice— Larry Polen and Joe Band

Wine Tasting—Alan Tiles

Shabbat—Scott Feldman

Centennial Celebration— CIT1979 & 1994

Swag—James Mendelsohn - Proximo Capital

Security— Leonard P. Berger, The Phyllis and Leonard J.Attman Foundation, Inc.

Rocky’s— CIT 2014

Leaf & Lager: For the third year in a row, this event has been a great reunion during the holiday season. This year we found a new venue that worked with us to make the event the best it could be. Thanks to the White OakTavern and the more than 50 Leaf members who attended. This year's event was the most successful Leaf & Lager to date.

—Stephen Tonelson, treasurer

Accounts

Total Cash and Bank $15,891.94

Other Assets $294

Long-Term Assets    $0

Total    $16,185.94

Liabilities

Total Current Liabilities       $0

Total Long-Term Liabilities  $0

Total Liabilities $0

Equity 

Total Other Equity    $0

Total Retained Earnings      $16,185.94

Total Equity $16,185.94

Reunion Weekend 2025 - September 5-7 

Whether you are a Leaf member or not, please join September 5-7, 2025 at Camp Airy.

Reunion Weekend is open to alum who have been inducted into the Order of the Leaf or are at least three years beyond their CIT summer 

or their first summer on staff.

Registration opens after the camp season!

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.