Big Avoda World Podcast

pod617

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!

  1. 5h ago

    Avoda 100: The Creators -- Origins of Camp Traditions

    Hosts Lee Kaiser and Ken Shifman record the Big Avoda World podcast from Bunk 14 at Camp Avoda, highlighting Camp Avoda’s 100th-year celebrations, including the April 10 “Banquet of the Century” at Shirat Hayam in Swampscott (limited to 350 people) and Centennial Saturday on June 12 during alumni weekend (June 11–13), plus in-camp centennial ideas still being planned. Guests Paul “Moose” Hantman (1972–77), Lou Dennis (1970–81), Tom Leavitt (1965–77), and Steve Zaidman discuss enduring camp traditions they helped create: Moose Ball (a Gaga-based game renamed by Gary “Tubes” Epstein), Zoo Ball (a chaotic soccer-ball-to-a-hole game later modified for safety), and league competition (originating as “Lou Ball” to mix ages, then evolving into today’s league periods). They also cover the sound-off tradition, the “Hey Bourndale” cheer (now “Hey Bauercrest”), Bunk 1’s “Gink Gonk” song, Bunk 14’s alma mater origins, and incidents and cultural moments from the late 1960s–1970s that shaped camp life.   For all the info on the Avoda 100 celebration visit https://campavoda.org/avoda-100/   Topics 00:37 Centennial Events Preview 01:28 Summer Plans and Shirt Challenge 03:27 1927 Throwback Trivia 05:23 Guests Arrive in Bunk 14 10:33 Why Creators Matter 11:44 Mooseball Origin Story 19:36 Zoo Ball Creation and Evolution 25:12 Voder Tough Sports 26:17 Hey Bourndale Origins 27:06 No Prep Color War 29:18 Bunk One Talent Night 31:29 Alumni Songs Lore 33:03 Flag Rush History 34:47 Politics Meets Camp 36:51 Graffiti Wake Up Call 40:39 League Competition Created 45:07 Sound Off Tradition 48:09 Anything Goes Trophy 49:58 Closing Thanks Events

    Avoda 100: The Creators -- Origins of Camp Traditions

  2. Oct 23

    More on the Avoda Centennial Celebration

    Hosts Lee Kaiser and Ken Shifman announce registration for Avoda’s 100th events: the Banquet of the Century on April 10, 2027 at Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott (limited to about 350 spots) and Centennial Saturday on June 12 at Camp Avoda during alumni weekend June 11–13. They reminisce about 1980s camp technology and culture (Walkman, Watchman, Wet Bike, computers elective, black-and-white photography, typewritten Evodian, reel-to-reel movies) and welcome guests Nat “Phipsy” Phillips (1974–84), Peter “Glovo” Glovin (1980–87), and Steven “Peasley” Poverman (1983–84), who share bunk 14 stories, camp connections, nicknames, and Color War controversies. The group discusses how modern technology and parent visibility differ from earlier camp independence, names people they hope return for the centennial, and closes with a call to register at campavoda.org/avoda-100 and follow the podcast.   Topics 00:00 Centennial Kickoff 00:32 Banquet and Registration 01:39 80s Tech Memories 04:19 Bunk 14 Guests Arrive 04:55 Phipsy Camp Years 05:34 Glovo and Peasley Intros 08:57 Bungalow Cabin Stories 10:45 Who Should Return 15:31 Camp Then vs Now 18:52 Nat and Archery Legend 20:06 Nicknames Hall of Fame 21:19 Bunk 14 Nicknames 21:49 Pee Wee Fenway Story 22:41 Guf Origin Debate 23:21 Peasley Name Lore 24:08 Wheel Of Stories 24:57 Color War Hockey Blowup 27:02 Fuse Gate Play Sabotage 29:34 Nat Flag Rush Glory 32:48 Camp Bonds And Regrets 35:05 Final Thoughts And Reunions 40:55 Bugle And Podcast Wrap

    More on the Avoda Centennial Celebration

  3. Oct 6

    Bunk 14 Legends and More on Avoda 100

    Hosts Lee Kaiser and Ken Shifman welcome listeners back to the Big Avoda World Podcast and preview Camp Avoda’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2027, including the Banquet of the Century on April 10, 2027 at Temple Shirat Hayam in Swampscott, MA, Centennial Saturday at camp on June 12 (10:00–4:00), and an Alumni Weekend June 11–13, with registration to appear on the Avoda 100 website and a mailer forthcoming. They recap a strong summer with high camper numbers, field trips, close Color War, and mostly good weather, then share 1927 trivia. The episode features guests from “Bunk 14” across generations: Barney Horowitz (Avoda 1961–69; Bunk 14 in 1964–65), David Nollman (1958–65; later reconnected and produced Avoda history videos), and current camper Jake (age 10) with his father Derek Wade. They compare past and present camp traditions, music, services, activities like capture the flag/flag rush, Maccabiah-style events, Kosher Cabin, Zoo Ball, and emphasize Avoda’s enduring tradition and alumni connections.   Topics 00:44 Centennial Tease 01:42 Summer Recap 02:40 Banquet Details 03:24 Alumni Weekend Plans 04:03 1927 Fun Facts 05:32 Bunk 14 Legends 07:14 Meet Jake and Derek 08:53 Sixties Camp Vibes 10:19 Avoda Video Archives 13:21 Directors Before Paul 14:42 Two Sides of the Sixties 15:46 Camp Music Then Now 15:59 How Kids Listen Today 16:58 Rough Flag Rush Stories 18:10 Structured Camp Days 18:56 Games Names Evolve 20:08 Modern Flag Rush Rules 20:41 Services And Prayerbooks 21:45 Zooball And Camp Creators 22:37 Tradition Across Generations 25:06 Cookouts Tailgates Then Now 26:30 Alma Mater Origins 27:47 Closing Thanks And Traditions

    Bunk 14 Legends and More on Avoda 100

  4. 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

    Avoda 100 Plans & Alumni Stories

  5. 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

    Avoda Legends on Camp Memories and the 100th Anniversary

  6. 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

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    pod617
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Big Avoda World Podcast

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