The Zayde Who Loved Camp

By Rabbi Choni Marozov

It was 12 years ago that I received a phone call from Ned and Lori Miller. Mr. was a successful businessman and a Baal Tzedakah. His question to me was, “what programs do you have for the Jewish youth in Valencia.”

I explained to him that since we recently moved to the Santa Clarita area in California, we were slowly implementing new programs and activities.

Undeterred, he asked what it would take to open a Jewish summer camp. I explained that there was a lot of work involved and would get back to them soon. Ned’s response was “We are willing to help in any way you need.”

That was the beginning of Camp Gan Israel Valencia.

That first year we had 16 campers and true to their word, the Millers showed up almost every day and acted as counselors, drivers, chaperons, and anything else that was needed.

Over the next few years, even as the camp swelled to over 100 campers, Ned would come to the camp trips on the camp bus in his camp t-shirt and added so much to the camp spirit. Campers would jump with joy when they found out that Ned was their leader at the amusement park. (Did I mention? Ned was 70 years old).

He truly cared for every child as they were his own. It didn’t take long before Ned became known as “Zayde” to all the campers. Every year before camp, Ned and Lori would sit with us and ask about the enrollment and the financial situation. They personally covered most of the scholarship requests that came in.

They became so inspired by the counselors and the effect that Camp Gan Israel had on the campers, that they created a fund to help other Chabad Houses start summer camps. Over 10 Camp Gan Israels received seed money from this fund.

Unfortunately, Ned became ill, and 2 years ago returned his holy soul to its maker. It was a devastating blow to the Gan Israel family.

With the help of Lori, we have established the Ned Miller Scholarship Fund, which will ensure that every Jewish child in Valencia has the opportunity to benefit from the Gan Israel experience.

We are proud to announce that next Sunday, May 20, the Ned Miller Scholarship fund will be holding its first Chinese auction. This is a small auction with big prized and huge odds. Prizes include the new iPad WiFi 4G, a European or Florida Vacation, cash and sas card, tablets and camera, and much more.

To help this fund and an opportunity to win big, please visit MyCampAuction.com