September 1, 2017

Dear Campers, Parents, Summer Staff and Agency Friends,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of our Executive Director, Zim Zimmerman, who has decided to pursue other options. I know you will join me, and the Board of Directors, in wishing him all the best for the future. 

Zim has been a tremendous asset to Camp Mountain Chai, as well as our Retreat Center, Alpine Meadows. He has enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with all our staff, whom he treated like family, encouraging them to excel each and every day. His professionalism has helped lead our Camp to be among the best in the country. 

We are grateful to Zim for his many contributions over the years. In particular, two years ago we were directly threatened with the cancelation of the entire 2015 summer camp program when devastating fires engulfed much of the Big Bear region, including the areas directly surrounding our camp. Zim was responsible for leading the successful efforts to keep our camp up and running during that entire summer. Equally important, he navigated the difficult and often confusing claims process with our Insurance Company. CMC not only survived financially but Zim helped prove that the heart of camp is its people and the ruach (spirit) they bring to camp, wherever it is. THANK YOU ZIM!

In the interim, Buddy Voit will assume the duties of Executive Director. As a member and treasurer of our Board of Directors for over five years, Buddy has been actively involved with both the camp and retreat center. Buddy has and will continue to work closely with Dan Baer, our camp director, and Dillon Campbell, our retreat center director as well as their respective staffs. Zim and Buddy will also be working closely together over the next month to ensure a smooth transition.

Thanks again to Zim for helping to make Camp Mountain Chai successful by providing a place where children can experience Judaism in nature and build life-long friendships in a loving and safe environment. 

Of course, if you have any questions, thoughts or comments please feel free to be in touch with myself or Buddy (buddy@campmountainchai.com). Please see below for a personal note Zim wanted to share with you all. 

B’Shalom,

David Bark

President, CMC Board of Directors

Personal note from Zim

Dear Campers, Parents and Summer Staff,

With bittersweet emotions, I share the news that I have decided to leave my position as Executive Director of CMC. After more than 20 indescribable years in the field of Jewish camping, the time has come to shift focus to other interests, including starting a family.

It has been a true honor to serve this community over the past five seasons and I depart with an indelible tapestry of joyful memories. I take great pride in the growth and successes we have achieved together, and will forever be grateful for having had the opportunity to serve such a vibrant and thoughtful community.

I hope our paths cross in the future and in the meantime, I wish you all the best for many more meaningful camp seasons and retreat experiences. Finally my thanks to my year-round colleagues and the Board of Directors for their support, warmth and passion.

With Gratitude,

Zim