Jonah @ Kutz: Danny Wender

Jonah @ Kutz: Danny Wender

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2015.06.SummerCamp“Summer Camp” is The Jonah Maccabee Foundation’s summer fundraiser for 2015. Throughout June and July 2015, we’ll be remembering — through the writing of his friends as well as some who watched from the sidelines — experiences, both great and small, that were part of Jonah’s seventeen years (from age 1 to 18) at the URJ Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY. We’re hoping you’ll be inspired to help us help Kutz continue its wildly successful work of helping teens blaze a summer’s path to a whole, healthy life. Please consider making your tax-deductible gift at jonahmac.org. Thank you. You’re the best!


 

Danny Wender remembers …

DannyWender.01aDanny is currently finishing his bachelors degree in the science of education at SUNY Geneseo. In the fall he will be student teaching, which is the last step of the journey before “the job hunt” begins. In addition to his courses, Danny has been working with five-year olds at an afterschool program. Between enjoying children’s movies, his girlfriend and his lifelong love of video games and comics, he’s been able to connect with his students in ways he never expected. While having a classroom of his own is still nerve-wracking, Danny is excited for what this future holds and the lives he will be able to affect.

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Jonah Dreskin has been a huge influence on my life especially through Kutz Camp. As a young freshman just making my way into NFTY, Jonah was immediately open and welcoming, and made me feel like I belonged. He helped me establish a confidence in myself that has followed me to this day. Jonah was always a great time at Kutz, whether it was performing at the talent show or making jokes and just hanging out. Jonah helped to make my Kutz experience something that I will never forget.

I couldn't find a photo of Jonah and Danny together, but I did find this one that Jonah took of Danny (Summer 2007)

I couldn’t find a photo of Jonah and Danny together, but I did find this one that Jonah took of Danny (Summer 2007)

Jonah was someone I always looked up to. I saw him as an influential leader in the Kutz community even though he did not hold an official position. People would look to him for advice and leadership, but one of the main reasons that I think people really looked up to him was that he knew how to have fun and to make things more enjoyable.

I remember a time when we were participating in a game show program and the answers that Jonah would call out were not only very funny but also correct. The one that sticks out in my mind, which I still laugh about to this day, is the idea of the chipmunks taking over the camp. Everyone in the Beit Am was laughing uproariously when he gave that answer.

Jonah always knew the right thing to do and say to make people laugh and have a good time. Anytime Jonah was around, no one was wearing a frown.

Danny

 

Do you have a memory of Jonah at Kutz? Share it as a comment below. And please donate to our “Summer Camp ‘15″ campaign at jonahmac.org/donate. Thanks!

BillyJonah @ Kutz: Danny Wender

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