Celebrating Paul Karasch and His 33 Years at Camp Nonesuch

The celebration brought together generations of campers, counselors, parents, Rivers alumni, and colleagues, all with their own cherished memories of the camp. Director of Family and Alumni Engagement Janet McKeeney organized the event in the heart of the camp grounds, with the help of Paul’s family and friends—Semima, Francis, Joseph, and Matt Karasch, and former faculty member Jeannette Szretter P’94, ’97.

Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem opened the evening’s remarks with a personal anecdote about sending his son to Camp Nonesuch when his family arrived from California in the summer of 2023. He noted that his son returned home each day “a little dirty—that good ‘Nonesuch dirty,’ but excited about the day.” For Dahlem, it quickly became clear that “the spirit of this special place was Paul Karasch.”

Located on 13 wooded acres on the Natick-Weston town line, Camp Nonesuch was founded in 1980 by visionary Rivers School faculty members. Across the waters of Nonesuch Pond from the Rivers campus, the camp offers a unique summer experience for children ages 7 to 14. 

Since taking the helm in 1993, Karasch has been a champion for Camp Nonesuch’s founding principles: choice, responsibility, and calculated risk-taking. These values, envisioned by a small group of Rivers faculty members 45 years ago, have made Nonesuch a unique and beloved summer program. As one former camper put it, “Nonesuch is the best camp I’ve ever been to,” while a parent praised the “awesomeness of the camp” and its “relaxed feel.”

Karasch’s role went far beyond “director.” He was the chief enrollment officer, parent ombudsman, facilities manager, and even the boat repairman. He navigated countless challenges, from managing enrollment to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, all driven by a deep devotion to what Camp Nonesuch stands for.

“The work that began by a group of insightful Rivers educators continues today with the same philosophical direction—giving children the responsibility to choose things that they want to do, then having the opportunity to be truly playful while completing those activities,” Karasch once said, reflecting on the camp’s purpose.
This commitment to the camp’s core values has defined his leadership. Karasch also fostered a close relationship between the camp and the school. Each summer, Rivers students and alumni serve as counselors, bringing a reciprocal movement of values and philosophies.

Beyond its own community, Camp Nonesuch has also extended its purpose to others. In one notable instance, the camp donated its facilities to the Mazie Foundation, which had been awarded a grant by Rivers Givers for its work with local teens. The foundation’s mentoring program was able to use the camp for swimming and canoeing, offering an opportunity to students who might not otherwise have had a summer camp experience. This act of generosity, spearheaded by Karasch, was a powerful reflection of the camp’s and the school’s shared commitment to community.

In a poignant moment during the celebration, attendees were asked by Dahlem to remember Karasch ringing the camp bell for the last time. The “spirit tunnel” is a tradition that campers themselves walk through on the last day of each session, each year as the staff cheer on the campers and say their goodbyes! This time, it was Paul’s turn. On his last day, Paul walked through a “spirit tunnel” of counselors, CITs, and campers, who began a spontaneous chant: “Thank you, Paul! Thank you, Paul!” The crowd at the celebration recreated that same chant before offering a standing ovation. 

As a token of appreciation for his extraordinary service, Karasch was presented with several gifts including a hammock and a forest-themed pillow to help him relax during his summers off. In a nod to the camp’s choice-based philosophy, he also received a gift card with the direction to “choose whatever you want.” Finally, a certificate was presented, recognizing his 33 years of service and the positive impact he has had on generations of children.

The programming concluded with more heartfelt remarks from Chief Financial Officer Jon Wasserman and Karasch’s son, Joseph Karasch, who fondly remembered his father’s legacy, having been a camper himself (five years) and a counselor (27 years). “I have been able to see behind the curtain, and it is a Sisyphean effort as things fall apart and get put back together. The amazing part is that the kids don’t see that at all, they get to enjoy being kids, which has always been my dad’s number one priority.”

The celebration served as a fitting tribute to a man who, for over three decades, has not only upheld the legacy of Camp Nonesuch but has also contributed to it, leaving an indelible mark on the community.