TORONTO — This year’s Intercamp Classic, presented by Fred and Linda Waks, will take place on May 5 at the Powerade Centre in Brampton.
Males representing mostly Jewish camps from across Ontario will compete in either a softball or flag football tournament, while females will participate in a handball tournament.
More than 900 Jewish high school students, university students and young professionals will participate, and about 1,500 people from the community are expected to be in attendance.
The teams will represent several camps, including Tamarack, Manitou, Timberlane, Winnebagoe, URJ George, White Pine, Wahanowin, Walden, Ramah, Northland, New Moon and Young Judaea (Shalom, Solelim, Biluim and Kadimah).
All proceeds will go toward the Kids in Camp (KIC) charity, which helps send underprivileged children to camps across the province.
“The physical, emotional and social skills that these kids develop at camp will be truly invaluable,” said Josh Howard, who co-founded the tournament with Noah Sliwin.
Howard said he and Sliwin were passionate about camp when they were growing up and see the Intercamp Classic as “a fun way to bring camp people together to help support people in need.”
All the players have had a similar camp experience, which has impacted who they are today, Howard said. “The event gives people the chance to reconnect with old campers and staff members. It gives people the opportunity to have a blast while displaying their camp pride and helping others.”
By working together, “participants and fans alike can walk away feeling great about contributing to those less fortunate and providing them with a camp experience. Camp teaches confidence, self-esteem, perseverance, responsibility, respect and social skills in a way that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.”
Last year, the event raised more than $120,000. This year, the goal is to raise $175,000, he said.
In addition to featuring a high level of competition among the players, the Intercamp Classic offers great food, music, inflatables, a silent auction and raffle prizes.
For more information, visit www.intercampclassic.com.
