EXCLUSIVE: Canada’s 4th Smartest Man Talks Upcoming Camp Massad Reunion

Marshall Carroll discusses his cherished memories at Camp Massad before it’s 60th anniversary.

By: Ashley Baylen
Published: June 15th, 2012 in Culture » Society » Interviews

Marshall Carroll in 1984 as camp counsellor with flower pot on his head. This is at the final event of the camp session - a masquerade dance.

Costumed campers in 2011 in front of a cabin with a beautiful mural displayed. These campers are filming a movie to be featured in Camp Massad's Oscars evening program.

AB: Viewing the list of activities on the website, Camp Massad seems to offer some very exciting and unique activities. Can you tell us about some of them, specifically Olympiada, Televisia, and Maccabiah?

MC: Olympiada – Campers are divided into various countries. They create a flag, dress in the country’s colours and compete in various Olympic style sports. A medal ceremony is held as is a memorial service commemorating the 1972 Munich tragedy.

Televisia – Two teams create made-up TV stations and then write, act and build the sets for commercials, a late night feature, sitcom and game show all in the course of one day. Every camper has a part in a play or shtick.

Maccabiah – Colour Wars. Yes, many camps have end of session Colour Wars. But ours is the best! Roller Coasters are built, themed meals are created – the entire camp is transformed as the creativity of campers and counsellors flourishes! {Ashley: if you are ever in Manitoba, please come visit us during Maccabiah! I guarantee you will be amazed! Further, a professional documentary, Project Maccabiah is in post-production and will hopefully be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and other venues shortly.

AB: How long were you a camper at Massad?

MC: I was a camper at Massad from 1972-1978 and a counsellor from 1979-1984

AB: What is your current relationship with the camp?

MC: I am a lifetime member of the Board of Directors. I am on the public relations committee and am the webmaster for www.campmassad.ca My eldest child, Samara, is the program director and my youngest, Gilad, is on the administration. My middle daughter, Niri, was on the administration last year. My wife, Sharon Chisvin, is the president of the board. By the way, I met and fell in love with my wife at Camp Massad in 1981. We were Rosh Maccabiah (heads of our colour wars team) together. All my extended family has also been part of the Massad experience.

AB: Can you share a few memorable experiences you've had at camp?

In one Maccabiah skit, I played a chef and waiter, switching hats and accents between the two. My wife played one of the patrons at the restaurant. She laughed so much! She also said that’s when she fell in love with me.

In a Televisia shtick, I chose a shy camper to be the lead in the Munsters sitcom. He (Herman) struggled through the rehearsals and with the Hebrew but did a good job. Though we didn’t win, the smile he had for being recognized and commended was a memory that I cherish.

One year I was in charge of the older (15year old campers). At first they were focused on looking cool and would take their own sweet time getting to the flagpole. I got them to all line up. We all held hands (twenty of us!) and skipped in unison clear across the campsite to the flagpole. By the end of the session, they really looked forward to this. It was a great memory.

During Yom Sport (Day of Sport), the counsellors had a game of Gaga (not Lady). You are out if the ball hits you below the waist. One of my friends dangled his arms like a monkey so that they covered his legs. This strategy caused a huge debate. The other team was screaming in Hebrew for him to stop acting like a monkey but he said it was within the spirit of the Rules of Gaga ! Needless to say, my friend is now a successful lawyer (and will be attending the reunion).

For more information on Camp Massad, visit www.campmassad.ca

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