Max Ehrlich, one of Pine Forest Camp’s great camp leaders, passed away this week. Max was married to Roz Ehrlich and his children, Neal and Lynne, both attended PFC for many years.  Generations of PFC campers know Max’s son, Neal, who has officiated the “Neal Ehrlich A game” for over 30 years during Color Days. “Max’s Courts” are named for Max.

Uncle Max, an award-winning teacher and Middle School principal, served as the Head Counselor of the boys camp for over 25 years, from 1949-1974.

Campers would “line up” to the crisp call of Max’s whistle and every bunk would salute him with the words “All present and accounted for, sir!” Max was a handsome, athletic figure with an easy smile. Campers and counselors idolized him. Dignified, smart, and confident, Max was the perfect camp leader. And he had a great sense of humor. Max reveled in telling stories of PFC shenanigans, always with a happy ending. In the 1960’s the boys camp built a huge arch between the Guest House and the boys pool, a gateway to boys camp, and named it “Max’s Arch” in his honor. For many years Uncle Max’s counterpart was Pearl Milestone, Head Counselor for the girls camp. Uncle Max and Aunt Pearl were a tremendously successful team, loved by campers, parents and counselors.

Although saddened by his passing, it is with many happy memories that the Pine Forest family remembers Uncle Max Ehrlich and expresses gratitude for his inspiration and leadership “Up Where the Sky Begins.”

                                                              Pine Forest Camp, 1956