The History of Camp Lindenmere

The stone buildings of Camp Lindenmere were built by hand in the early nineteen hundreds and was opened as a camp for children in 1935.

 

 
Camp Lindenmere was originally owned and run by the Brochhausen family, who sold it to Andrew and Irene Schoenberg in 1944. Three years later, the Schoenbergs sold the camp to Harry Spielberg, a Physical Education teacher and coach from Philadelphia, who owned it until 1965. Under Spielberg’s leadership, the camp maintained a traditional approach to summer camp, focusing on sports and physical activities.

In 1965, Mike Sharff took ownership of the camp, bringing innovative programs. The Sharff era (1965-1997) became legendary, with alumni often sharing fond memories of the exciting changes and advancements made during his ownership.
In 1997, the Marcus family became the 5th owners of Camp Lindenmere, further shaping the camp’s legacy.

In 2006, Mitch Garfinkel purchased Camp Lindenmere, bringing fresh ideas and fully renovating the camp. He updated existing buildings, added new facilities, and enhanced the programs, all while preserving the camp’s rich traditions. Mitch’s children, Hayley and Kyle Garfinkel, have since joined the team, playing a vital role in advancing the camp’s mission. Together, they are shaping Lindenmere’s future by introducing exciting new programs while maintaining the cherished traditions, taking the camp to new heights.

Today, Camp Lindenmere continues to build on its rich history, providing a unique and top-tier camping experience. The addition of exciting programs like the All-Choice Program and the development of new state-of-the-art facilities show that the camp is moving forward while keeping the cherished traditions alive. Camp Lindenmere offers campers a balance of tradition and innovation, and it’s poised to continue its legacy of excellence for generations to come.

Find out more about our All-Choice Program here!