Why we assist in CRS Camper Selection
As you may know, all applicants to CRS undergo a multi-step process with the ultimate goal to be invited to attend a Camp session. This process, called selection, is run by global alumni selection committees.
With the selection process well underway, we caught up with Tommy Cobb (‘78 USA, Mississippi) and Gábor Fazekas (Hungary, ‘01) to learn why they are part of their regional selection committees and how other alums can stay involved in this way. They also offered tips for prospective applicants, so read on!
LAJF: What do you love most about selecting campers for CRS?
Tommy: I enjoy selecting campers because I know of the possibility that so many doors might be opened or an awareness created regarding the world and their place in it. I recall what a life-changing experience it was for me and have the hope that it might be something similar for them.
Gábor: I like when we get to select someone who seems very well fit to Camp Rising Sun and comes from a slightly less well-off background than our average candidate. I like when we find someone already passionate about CRS despite not having seen it yet.
LAJF: When did you first get involved? Why?
T: After the summer of 1973, I stayed in contact with several campers - I am still in touch with some of them - and would see them once in a while. I later became involved with selection after moving to Starkville, Mississippi. I had some contact with the local high school and I recalled that one of the early objectives of Camp was to bring people from different regions together. I have been involved as a selector for 25 years or so.
G: The Hungarian community always welcomed back campers to take part in the selection right when they return from Camp, so I started participating right after Camp!
LAJF: Did you always stay engaged with the CRS community? If you lost touch, what made you reconnect?
T: I was out of touch with the Camp community while in college and medical school (although I personally kept in touch with some, and two even came to my wedding in Mississippi in 1981). I reconnected after having children of my own (one of our daughters was an alumni camper around 2000) and seeing their classmates and envisioning that it might work to try to send a camper from the Starkville area. It’s easy to fall out of touch and a major obstacle is maintaining accurate contact information as most campers will move several times for college or work. Also, Mississippi has somewhat of a ''brain drain'' and many bright energetic ambitious people move away.
G: I mostly stayed engaged, however during my university years I missed out on a few selections.
LAJF: How does selection work in your country?
T: Usually I will contact counselors and teachers at the local high school and they will help get information to prospective campers. Recent alumni who are still at the school are also helpful in spreading the word. I will then go to the school one day to interview the applicants.
G: We try to reach out to schools and other institutions to reach the possible candidates. We invite the candidates for a whole day event. The morning includes group games that require campers to be imaginative and work in teams (e.g. they have to create a play in teams of 5) and a large discussion. We then select who will move forward to the interview phase, and after lunch, we have another group discussion while the interviews take place.
LAJF: What is your role in the selection committee in your region?
T: In Starkville, I guess I am the committee. In Jackson, when possible, Rachel Hicks will be involved.
G: I organize the event itself, but selection is done by the community and we make a joint decision at the end.
LAJF: Do you have any tips for 2020 applicants?
T: Most of the applicants have a great sense of curiosity and adventure and don’t need any tips from me!
G: Apply already :)
LAJF: Would you encourage other alumni to get involved in selection?
T: That would be great and lead to a more sustainable process
G: Definitely! Reach out to your previous school, people you know or take over some part of the selection activities!
LAJF: Please tell me a bit about yourself: when did you go to Camp and what are you up to now?
T: I attended CRS in 1973, when, Freddy (the founder) would make a trip around the country and interview at various places where he had connections. I still remember the interview, flying over to New York City and my homestay there. As you might imagine spending some time in the city was an eye opening experience. Reginal (the other MS camper) and I would pool our gathered quarters and call some of our former camp mates from various pay phones. Reginald and I both went on to medical school and both still practice in Mississippi. I have practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in a relatively small Mississippi town for 32 years and my wife Laura Lea and I have raised our 3 children here.
G: I went to Red Hook in 2001. I am currently working as a software developer for a large enterprise.
And that’s it, folks! Thanks to Gabor and Tommy for sharing your experience and advice with us. If you are interested in becoming involved in selection in your community or learning how you can be an asset to LAJF, please reach out to alumni@lajf.org.
By: Elyem Chej, Program Coordinator
Applications have not yet closed for most regions, so make sure you put yours in if you’d like a chance at being part of CRS 2020.
Tommy Cobb, middle, with Helene Mattera, Executive Director, in NYC
Gábor (Fazi) Fazekas acting in a Monty Python sketch at Camp Rising Sun in 2001.