Community Reflects After Fire Destroys Dining Hall at Camp Airy

Damage from dining hall fire at Camp Airy
Damage from the fire at Camp Airy (Frederick County (MD) Fire & Rescue Facebook page)

He declared to his family, “I do not have faith in the concept of dessert.” The idea of dessert was first introduced to him when he was a 7-year-old boy attending the Airy Camp for Boys, as stated by Frank Blatt.

The dining area referred to as the “White House” provided those sweets — and other delicious cuisine, ranging from fries and toasted cheese to pizza.

Now a clinical pharmacist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Md. Watched internet and TV reports of a massive two-alarm fire that consumed the White House at Camp David in Thurmont on June 29.

Firefighters managed to confine the fire to the dining hall, which had already been cleared. The firefighters utilized a pond approximately one mile away to extract water since there were no fire hydrants nearby. According to WBAL, around 100 firefighters from Maryland and Pennsylvania were summoned to combat the inferno. The fire ignited shortly before 7:30 a.M. On June 29th.

Frederick County Fire and Rescue has stated that the dining hall has been declared a “complete loss,” with damages estimated at approximately $2 million. Despite the absence of injuries and Camp Airy operating as usual, investigators have excluded any deliberate or questionable elements.

Blatt, who started working as a counselor at the camp at the age of 19, expressed, “I felt like a portion of my childhood memories were destroyed.”

“Today has been one of the most unexpected and challenging days we have ever encountered on the mountain, as stated in a Facebook statement released by Louise & Airy Camps. As a team, we applaud the entire staff for their efforts in providing our campers with a normal day and for rising to the occasion.”

CEO Gil Preuss, upon reading an email, made a commitment to provide $25,000 in emergency funds to assist Camp Airy, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Preuss added that he was relieved to know that everyone in the camp community was safe from the loss and fire in the “special space”.

“According to Preuss, the support provided by Camp Airy has been heartening for the witness to the outpouring, serving as reminders of the importance of our strong connections in situations like these.”

Baltimore, a city in the Federation Jewish, has long been considered the summer home for countless Baltimoreans, where they enjoy the camps in Louise and Airy.

The first session of summer camp started days before. Marty Rochlin, the camp director, wrote to parents, informing them that the White House is not only an activity hub but also the place where we serve meals. You can imagine it as such.

Campers at Camp Airy
Campers at Camp Airy | Photo courtesy of Camps Airy and Louise

The blaze managed the campground and emergency personnel in such a way that no injuries or pride were present, providing a sense of relief to the members of the community camp, as shared on Facebook.

Andrea Abrams stated, “#airylouise powerful! This incredible household, of which I am honored to be a member, will persist throughout the summer and the efficient handling of everything yesterday does not astonish me. Similar to numerous individuals, I am.”

Benjamin Alpert expressed his gratitude, stating that it was fortunate that no individuals were harmed. He also mentioned the deep-rooted connection his family has with Camp Airy and Louise.

Thank you for keeping everyone safe. We are confident that you are doing an amazing job, giving all of our kids an amazing summer.

David London “1978-80 Graduate here. I am relieved that no one was injured and that the camp will proceed.”

Alysa Bernstein: “Thank you!! Incredible work at Camp Airy. Quite an alternative plan.”.

Rachel Sari Waxberg-Singer: “Great job handling the pressure!!!”

In the coming years, I eagerly anticipate Sandy’s office becoming the central gathering place for staff meetings. Wishing you all a fantastic summer. This setback in the summer of 2022 will be just a minor obstacle, I am confident. It will be reconstructed on a larger and more robust scale, as resilience is inherent in your character. Marty stated, “Camp is about the people.” The impact of the fire was felt across great distances. Love was sent from various parts of the globe, including myself in the United Kingdom.