Big Avoda World Podcast

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.