by Larry Gassman
[Camp Bloomfield was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire in Early November, 2018.]
I was 7 years of age when I first went to Camp Bloomfield in 1962. I spent many glorious summers there with my twin brother John. We met so many wonderful people who still are a part of our lives. Norman Kaplan was the director. He taught so many of us so many core values that have stayed with me these many decades later.
Built in 1958 in the Malibu Mountains, it served as a place where we could go yearly to learn and grow as young people. Norm kept up with all of us long after we left camp. In 1988 he asked John and me how the radio show was going. I am not even sure how he knew we were doing one.
Ken Morgan was a longtime friend of the Kaplan family. He wrote:
"Camp Bloomfield as we know it is no more. It's been ravaged by the fires."
When you stop and think about it, Camp Bloomfield as we know it hasn't been there since Norm left. Someone said to me that it's a shame Norman and Nadia Kaplan's legacy doesn't live on. I strongly disagree. Values like the concept of "its nice to be nice," "the kids come first," we don't say shut up, we say be quiet please." The love in the values we learned were all inspired and no fire can ever destroy them. The love and respect we show to others makes those legacies live on. The fire came through and destroyed some buildings. Those are just things. Let Norm and Nadia Kaplan's legacy live on through you and the people you touch. If you meet someone who has no smile, give them one of yours.
The camp will not be rebuilt. It was in the process of being sold. I am sad that it is gone but, primarily because of my physical memories of the buildings. I will always have the memories of those who were there every summer with me when I was a camper and later a counselor. I will always have those memories until I go to be with God. Nothing can take those memories from me or the many values I learned and had reinforced while at camp. And so, its legacy also lives on. Michael Bloomfield and his family lived at Camp Bloomfield for over 20 years. They lost everything in the fire. Michael was the managing director of the camp.
My friend Peggy Campbell wrote: "Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay, love isn't love til you give it away. I remember this saying and so many others we were fortunate to hear from Norm at camp and at the Foundation of the Junior Blind. Let us live these mottos and spread the love and fellowship we learned on a daily basis. I know that I became a better person because of my affiliation with camp, the Kaplan's and and all who attended FJB functions over the years.
Olivia Ostergaard wrote:
"In '88, we attended the 35th-year reunion. I still have a picture of Jim and I with Norm. He never forgot any of us. I can still see those buildings, and remember in '64 or '65 the CBs digging sewers, and how it stunk. Ugh! I remember those camp dances, "Coketail parties, and our trip to the Greek Theater to see Harry Bellafonte. Man, what wonderful times. I guess I could say we all came of age while there. I developed my love the music and writing with the tutoring they gave us in '69. Remember songs like 'Dona,Dona'; and 'Black, White, Red, and Yellow?' Oh, all those Peter, Paul, and Mary songs, and 'Me and Bobby McGee.' I sang my first solo there, had my first kiss, and hated those green figs we were served at breakfast. I even met David Hartman and David McCallum, big stars in that day. I think we all came of age, and now, a part of our childhood is no more. I didn't know Nadia, but we all loved Norm. I agree that when he passed, Bloomfield did as well. RIP old friend, we will always treasure you in our hearts."
Most will never have the incredible opportunity to be with people and with an organization like Camp Bloomfield. We were so lucky, we were so blessed. Those memories will live for ever in our hearts.
