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OUR HISTORY AND TRADITION
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac was founded in 1929 by camping great, Joe Kruger on the shores of Lake
Mahkeenac, now called Stockbridge Bowl in Lenox, Massachusetts. The camp has been in
continuous operation for over 75 years. Joe is considered a pioneer in camping. He was
among the first directors to implement a systematic, education-based approach to the summer
camp experience. Joe's contributions to camping have been acknowledged by induction into the
American Camp Association's Legends of Camping.
In 1983, alumnus Danny Metzger and wife Nancy took over Mah-Kee-Nac. The Metzgers directed
camp for almost 20 years, raising their three children there. The Metzgers were also partners
in Camp Danbee, Mah-Kee-Nac's sister camp. Under Danny and Nancy, Mah-Kee-Nac continued to be
a leader in boys camping, modernizing facilities and program to meet the evolving needs of boys.
Danny is also a founding director of America's Camp, a camp for children of 9-11 victims. Camp
Mah-Kee-Nac is proud to be the original host site for this truly special camp.
The standard of excellence for Mah-Kee-Nac's leadership now continues with our new director,
Walter Synalovski. Walter brings 25 years of experience working with children, including 18
years as a camp director. Walter graduated from Florida International University in 1989 with a degree in business administration.
He started working with children as a youth group advisor and became the Director of a sleep
away camp in North Carolina in 1993. From 1996 through 2009, Walter was the Director of a
prominent camp in Pike County, PA - the same camp at which Joe Kruger started his own camping
career. Walter will continue the Camp Mah-Kee-Nac philosophy to take care of one child at a time.
Walter lives in New Jersey with his wife, Kim, and teenage daughters, Lizzy and Rachel.
Mah-Kee-Nac, Native American for "Moon over water", is in the historic Berkshire Mountains. Writer
Nathanial Hawthorne and the Tanglewood Music Center have been among our famous neighbors.
The original program, located on Yokum Pond, featured tent camping, outdoor community living and an Indian lore theme.
Campers were encouraged to try new activities and develop a sense of self. Today's 45-acre site
features the facilities of a premier modern camp, including a heated swimming pool, roller hockey rink
and 18 tennis courts. Modern campers follow the traditions of a well-balanced program with an
emphasis on excellent sports instruction.
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