About Charlie Wasserman
Admittedly, I have been on the fence about participating in this year’s swimathon not because of my love and support for Surprise Lake Camp (SLC) but because of how busy I have been and my lack of ability to train for this fundraising event. Then I got to thinking and said to myself this isn’t about me nor my personal struggles. My personal issues pale in comparison to so many that need a place to be a part of and that place should be Surprise Lake Camp. Surprise Lake Camp is a Jewish Federation Camp and has been around since 1902 for children whose parents wanted to send their kids with other children to a safe place out of the hot city. A place with grass and trees and swimming. Unfortunately, many of those families and current families could not and cannot afford to send their children to such a truly meaningful place. That place being SLC.
Surprise Lake Camp is important to me because through so many life cycles of my life Surprise Lake Camp played so many roles. I went to SLC for five years as a camper and for five years worked as a lifeguard and eventually became Mainside Waterfront Director in 1990. Waterfront
activities and swimming was a main stay for me. My sister, Amy, and brother, Jason went to SLC. Needless to say, my family was a fixture at camp for so many years. Our parents loved coming to camp on visiting day and seeing the camp and truly loved seeing us grow. As life progressed in July of 1996 at an alumni day I met my wife, Jill. She never went to SLC but went to see the camp with a friend, Nancy Johnson-Horn, who never stopped speaking about camp. So Jill when given the offer to go see the camp, said I will come for the day. That day changed both of our lives and allowed for Camp to have the next generation attend. Both of our sons, Tyler and Jonny went to SLC and both have memories that will last forever. Camp was also there for us when we lost our dad/grandpa; my sister was working at camp that summer when the unfortunate sudden news came of our dad's passing. Camp was there for us and was a part of our family through this difficult time. I want camp to be there for future generations to come, including my grandchildren and great grandchildren and with your generosity I know we can make this happen. I of course swim for SLC and every year alumni day falls out around when our dad/grandpa passed away so I swim in his memory. In addition this year I am also swimming in memory of all those who were brutally murdered, raped, and dismembered and the hostages and their families who were and still being held from the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. With that I ask you to give and support SLC! Thank you.
