Big Avoda World Podcast

pod617

4.8 (18)
Leisure

The BIG AVODA WORLD podcast features Executive Director Ken Shifman and Director Ronni Saltzman Guttin telling tales both memorable and hilarious; talking to Avodians past and present about their Avoda experience and much, much more. Please share and subscribe!

Aug 21

Avoda 100 Plans & Alumni Stories

Lee Kaiser and Ken Shifman preview Camp Avoda’s 100th anniversary celebrations leading into 2027, including summer-long events, the “banquet of the century” on April 10, 2027 at Temple Sharat Hayam in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and Centennial Saturday on June 12, 2027 during alumni weekend. Guests from the 1990s–early 2000s era share camp histories: Greg “Lazzy” Lazaroff (camper 1990, bunk 14 in 1997, SC through 2003), Eric Steiman (camper 1991, bunk 14 in 1996, last year 2001) returning as assistant director in 2026, and Seth Jacobs (joined later, stayed through 2004; waterfront director and head counselor), with a brief appearance by “Adam Sandler.” They discuss athletics traditions, pranks, alumni bonds, and core values like teamwork, competitiveness balanced with friendship, tolerance, acceptance, and celebrating diversity, plus the appeal of reconnecting across generations at the centennial. Topics 01:27 Meet the Guests 02:10 Greg Lazaroff Origins 03:09 All Around Athlete Talk 04:47 Eric Steiman Returns 06:07 Pranks and Camp Mischief 07:18 Adam Sandler Surprise 08:40 Seth Jacobs Camp Journey 11:44 Core Values of Avoda 15:00 Why Eric Came Back 17:07 Looking Ahead to Centennial 18:30 Ronnie Club Stories 21:02 What Alumni Want Most 24:12 Wheel Spin Athletics Stories 26:20 Closing Thanks and Next Decades
Jul 29

Avoda Legends on Camp Memories and the 100th Anniversary

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
Jun 26

Big Avoda World Returns: Planning The Camp’s 100th Anniversary

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
09/13/2022

A Look Back at Desert War 2022

Ken Shifman is joined by a host of campers to recount all the action from Desert War 2022.
08/26/2022

Avoda: Summer of 2022

Hear all the fun that happened at Camp Avoda in 2022, recorded live at the camp in August.
08/08/2022

Live Sports Action From Avoda!

Avoda Director Ken Shifman takes to the fields for live reporting of all the camp action.
07/29/2021

Live From Avoda: Summer 2021!

Enjoy this show recorded live from Avoda as counselors and campers update us on all the activities, fun and shenanigans!
05/24/2021

Avoda Daze: Shay Wenglin

The Avoda Daze is back with special guest Shay Wenglin!

4.8

out of 5

18 Ratings

The BIG AVODA WORLD podcast features Executive Director Ken Shifman and Director Ronni Saltzman Guttin telling tales both memorable and hilarious; talking to Avodians past and present about their Avoda experience and much, much more. Please share and subscribe!

Creator

pod617
Years Active

2019 - 2026
Episodes

27
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© All rights reserved
Show Website

Big Avoda World Podcast