The One and Only Camp Munk Circus

11
>>Follow Matzav On Whatsapp!<<

camp-munkOver the past few years it has become increasingly harder to find a place to bring our children for good, clean and wholesome entertainment. The summer vacation has added an additional challenge, with kids off from school and often finishing day camp and looking for something to do. Camps too have been faced with the challenge of striking the balance of finding appropriate trip locations befitting frum Jewish children.

For close to 6 decades, one solution to this issue, and the best bet for a kosher night out, has been the Camp Munk Circus.

57 year ago, in a small camp in Ferndale NY, a night activity was created that replicated a typical circus. Very quickly parents began to come to camp to watch their children perform in this very cute camp event. After seeing the popularity which this camp function was receiving, the legendary R. Josh Silbermintz ztz’l had a visionary idea. R. Josh, as he was affectionately called, recognized the benefits of having a framework for boys to realize and utilize their various talents. He envisioned a show that would be open to the public, with all the proceeds going to very worthy tzedakos. Shortly thereafter the now extremely popular Camp Munk Circus was born. To date, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for tzedakah through the Camp Munk Circus.

For many years R. Josh ran the circus meticulously, adding new acts every year. Campers and staff of all ages began to learn how to act, sing and do acrobats (or Munkrobats, as they’re called in Camp Munk). Finding staff members to cut wood for props, paint backdrops, and man the sound and lighting equipment became a major feat in and of itself.  In the Year 1990 the renowned R. Dave Silverman took over the reins as the ring leader of the circus and continued the tradition for the next 23 years, adding his own talents and one-of-kind personality to the show. Close to 6 decades later, the cute little mock circus that started as a night activity has evolved into the unparalleled Camp Munk Circus.

One can frequently overhear men and women reminiscing about their earliest summer memories at the Camp Munk Circus. What is undoubtedly more significant, is speaking to the boy who started his summer a bit unhappy because he wasn’t thriving scholastically during the school year and wasn’t really bringing much to the table on the ball field in camp either, but has now found his healthy outlet singing in the circus choir or acting in the highly popular lip-synched tape. This coming Tuesday, you can come see some of the boys who started as young campers years ago who are now running the show! There is a tremendous feeling of fulfillment felt by the administration and staff knowing that a camper has developed a talent he never knew he had. These talents are often ones that will boost a camper’s confidence and have a life-long effect on them.

So on Tuesday July 30th, when you hear your kids gearing up for the infamous “we’re bored!” they won’t be bored for long! Come join the exhilaration felt by thousands of men, women and children at the best ever Camp Munk Circus 2013. For information, call 845-292-9393.

{Andy Heller-Matzav.com Newscenter}


11 COMMENTS

  1. Most wonderful memories. Campers shined parents beamed with pride and camp was transformed into a magical place. Genius on so many levels it could only have been the brainchild of legendary mechanichim like R Josh a’h and the Munks. Just these memories alone bring me back to a place in my heart that all Camp Munk alumni uniquniquely experianced. Each camper was able to contribute and devlope their own special talents. Now that’s chinuch!

  2. We Have been going forever and love the circus! Good clean kosher entertainment for the whole family! Yasher Koach!

  3. THOUGH WE ARE FAR AND CANT GO EVERY YEAR WE SURELY ATTEST TO THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS.. EVERY AGE YOUNG AND OLD ENJOY THE CIRCUS FROM THE MUNKROBATS (YAY KATZENSTEINS AND MUNKS!!)TO THE FAMOUS LIPSYNCHED PERFORMANCES..FROM BEGINNING TO END A GOOD TIME IS ALWAYS HAD BY ALL… SPECIAL CREDIT TO RABBI TRENK WHO ALWAYS STAYS BY THE ROAD TO GREET EVERYONE WITH HIS SIGNATURE SIMCHAS HACHAIM! AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST THANKS TO PINNY AND SHULLY MUNK FOR HOLDING UP THE TRADITION YEAR AFTER YEAR!!
    FROM THE LAKEWOOD FAN CLUB!!

  4. i myself ran many circuses and i have to say
    it gave me the opportunity to use my managerial skills which i now use in a large business capacity.
    yasher koach to reb dave and the munks.
    i owe u big time!

  5. Chaskel you are the best.
    Camp Munk the best camp.
    Torah in Adelphia. The best.
    R’T. The real best.
    R’Eli A”H the best.
    What a zchus.
    Your best chavrusa.

Leave a Reply to trt bunglow colony Cancel reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here