Camp Sabra has done some enhancing this summer and is opening three newly dedicated areas that should enhance the camp experience for all campers: The Helene Barcoff Family Resort Pavilion, Eli’s Patio and Koritz Crossing. These additions are thanks to the generosity and vision of the camp’s dedicated donors.
The Helene Barcoff Family Resort Pavilion, also known as the “HB,” is a new pavilion located at the lakefront Low Gap. During overnights, campers can cook and sleep there expanding the programming available at that location.
The HB was donated by the Butler and Schneider families in honor of Helene Barcoff, who was instrumental in connecting the Dallas community with Camp Sabra. She worked with Aubrey Herman, the Sabra director at the time, to create a pipeline for Dallas campers to the Lake of the Ozarks.
Without her hard work and commitment, Camp Sabra would likely not have the amazing Dallas camper numbers it has today. She was mom to Stacy Barcoff Butler and Tami Barcoff Schneider (alumni) and grandmother to Brooks and Gabbi Butler (alumni). The HB has already been used for overnights, undernights and other programming.
Eli’s Patio at Inspiration Point is dedicated to Eli Abeles, z”l, a Camp Sabra alumnus who truly embodied the values that the camp strives to instill in its campers and staff.
Eli’s Patio at Inspiration Point is an outdoor kitchen full of opportunities for programming like music, Shabbat services, cabin cookouts and more. Abeles served as the Camp Sabra chair for many years; he was a former camper, counselor and assistant director (then admin team). He met his wife, Stacy, at camp and the two later became engaged at Inspiration Point.
The Abeles’ sons, Aaron, 15, and Jonah, 11, are current Masada and Almagor campers respectively. Eli Abeles was considered a mensch, a great friend and an advisor to many. He leaves behind a legacy of love for and commitment to the Camp Sabra community and its infrastructure.
Koritz Crossing, a pavilion in the center of the camp that was made possible by Sue and Mark Koritz, lifelong Jewish Community Center members and supporters and avid Camp Sabra advocates, has already become a hub of activity for programming, snack time and hanging out together. Sue Koritz has twice served as chair of Camp Sabra for a total of six years, and in 1974 she and her husband established the original staff lounge at camp.
With their three children and two grandchildren as alumni of Camp Sabra, together the Koritz family totals 59 years of Sabra campers and staff. The legacy continues into this year with two grandchildren who are currently Sabra campers. The entire Koritz family are truly campers at heart. Due to their love for Camp Sabra and their belief in the importance of the Jewish camping experience for youth, it was meaningful and fitting for them to establish the new Koritz Crossing Pavilion, a gathering place for all.
“We were honored to have these three families dedicate new facilities at Camp Sabra,” said Terri Grossman, chief program officer at The J and former Camp Sabra director. “Each of these new facilities will change how Sabra campers and staff gather and play for generations to come.”
