Each morning, as the boys prepare for a day of fun in the sun, they begin with their own little ritual. Alec tells stories, Dylan talks to Mom, and Jared reads."It’s really exciting that I can go here with my brothers,” says Alec, the oldest of the three, and his two brothers nod their heads in fervent agreement. When asked what they like most about Camp Sol Taplin, interestingly enough, each has their own favorite activity as well as sharing one very common bond.
“I like swimming the best!” exclaims Alec. “I like gymnastics the best!” yells Dylan. “I like musical games!” shouts Jared. The trio also enjoys activities offered at the camp such as science, computer games, arts and crafts, and dancing, but all three agreed in unison that their favorite thing to do together here at camp is eat their lunch! Alec loves Ice cream, Dylan loves tomatoes, and Jared loves pizza. “When we’re at lunch together, we can sit with each other and talk about what we did that day” says Alec. “Yeah, and I like giving Alec kisses!” Jared pipes in.
This will be the triplets 4th year at Camp Sol Taplin, and the first year that they decided not to participate in all of their activities together. While Alec and Dylan are registered in Aquatics Camp who wears blue Camp T-shirts, Jared chose to be registered in Science Camp. “Jared wanted to wear green this year” said his mother. "If I'm lonely, my brothers will be here and we'll actually have a friend here," Jared says.
Fast forward 10 years to age 16, and meet the Lacs triplets. Jonathan, Leon, and Jacobo (pictured left to right) may be a decade older than the Tamaroff boys, but their bond remains steadfast. The Lacs boys also attended Camp Sol Taplin as youngsters the same age as Alec, Dylan, and Jared, and have returned this year as C.I.T’s (Counselors In Training).
Identical from the outside, the Lacs kids share mutual interests as well as interests that identify them as individuals, which are important, because according to most who meet them, it takes a very trained eye or close connection to tell them apart. “When we turned 16, our parents got us one car to share”, explains Jonathan. “We drive to Camp together each morning, and we look forward to spending the summer together here”, he continues. As C.I.T’s Jonathan, Jacobo, and Leon have the responsibility of watching over some of the younger campers, and act as role models. Each of these young men feels they have something special to offer the kids at Camp Sol Taplin.
Jonathan, who claims to be the most athletic, “Enjoys teaching campers the finer points of many of the different sports activities offered here”. Leon attests to being street savvy and likes to keep up with the latest technology. “Although I like participating in sports, Camp Sol Taplin offers a Science Camp, and that’s where I think I can be the most help”, he says modestly. And then there’s Jacobo, who clearly states “I’m the Slick one”! Jacobo loves to take advantage of the unmistakably identical good looks they share and play harmless pranks on unsuspecting fellow C.I.T’s, Teachers, friends, or whoever may fall for their good natured trickery.
At the end of the day however, both sets of triplets attending this summer’s program, share a strong connection of friendship and camaraderie that is fostered by the positive community spirit that the Michael-Ann Russell Summer Programs has provided kids and their families for over 30 years.
