A two-alarm fire destroyed the historic dining hall facility at Camp Airy on the morning of Wednesday, June 29. At least 100 members of Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services — as well as firefighters from other units in Maryland and Pennsylvania — arrived on the scene at the Jewish boys sleepaway camp near Thurmont, Maryland.
Fire officials said the 550-seat dining hall — known to generations of campers and staff as “the White House” — was empty and no injuries were reported.
By early Wednesday afternoon, the fire — which attracted national media attention — was under control, according to authorities. A cleanup operation and investigation is now underway. Fire authorities said a large pond near Airy was used to extinguish the blaze because of the lack of hydrants in the area.
The first camp session at Airy started last Sunday, June 26. The staff said they plan to move forward with activities this week. The camp said meal services and activities will be relocated, and counseling will be offered to campers and staff.
More than 85,000 gallons of water were utilized to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished. Damages are estimated at $2 million.
At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, a visibly emotional Airy director Marty Rochlin, who first came to the camp in 1984 as a camper, said of the destruction of the White House, “For me, personally, It’s bittersweet. This is a building most of us grew up in, had all our meals in as campers and as staff. … Thankfully, it’s just a building. … Camp will continue because camp is the people. We’ll be back and better for whatever is the plan for 2023 and beyond.”
He called the White House “historic and known for its view overlooking the valley. It will be missed.”
In a letter sent earlier in the day to Airy parents, Rochlin wrote, “At around 7:30 AM this morning, a fire was reported in the Dining Hall (aka the White House) at Camp Airy. While it’s too early to tell the extent of the damage, we wanted to advise everyone that all campers, counselors and staff are safe and accounted for. No one was injured in the event. We want to applaud our counselors and senior staff for keeping our campers calm and safe throughout this event, and thank the first responders who remain on site for clean-up efforts.
“As you might imagine, the White House is not only where we serve our meals, but also a hub of activity at camp. We are currently relocating many of these activities, and want to assure you that campers will be fed on time with the quality meals that you expect. What is important to know is that no one has been hurt, and camp will move forward with the full slate of activities.
“We will provide further updates on the situation as we have more news to share. Thank you for your support and patience in this matter.”
The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore said in a statement, “For years, countless Baltimoreans have considered Camps Airy and Louise their home during the summer months. As The Associated learned about the two-alarm fire that broke out at Camp Airy this morning, we are grateful that no one was injured. We reached out in solidarity and offered assistance knowing that this is a devastating event for the campers, counselors, families and leadership.
“Camp Airy, an independent organization along with Camp Louise, has an enduring connection with The Associated and the Baltimore Jewish community. We will keep you posted as we learn more and how the Baltimore community can be helpful.”
Founded in 1924 by Baltimore philanthropists Aaron and Lilly Straus, Airy is the brother camp to Camp Louise, a Jewish girls sleepaway camp in nearby Cascade, Maryland. Louise was founded in 1922.
Located on 450 acres, Airy’s campus includes a rope course, an archery range, a swimming pool, athletic fields, tennis courts and an outdoor theater with seating for 600.
Airy is located about seven miles from Camp David, the presidential country retreat, and 15 miles north of the town of Frederick.
“As news breaks of a massive fire at Camp Airy, Federation is relieved to know that all campers, counselors, and staff are safe and accounted for,” the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington said in a statement. “We are working with our friends and colleagues on the ground to assess the needs, and plan to support the camp and families however we can in both the short and long term. Close to 50% of campers across both Camps Airy and Louise are from Greater Washington. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
Volunteers of the D.C. area nonprofit Feed the Fridge prepared and delivered more than 600 meals to Airy on Thursday evening. The meals were prepared at the Medium Rare Restaurant in Bethesda.
To contribute to Camp Airy’s Dining Hall fund, visit airylouise.org/airy-dining-hall.
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