HERMAN RUBENSTEIN

We still feel the spirit of Herman at modern day Buffalo Gap Retreat everyday as we revive his dream in a very different but meaningful way. I think that Herman might have enjoyed seeing the camp become public and knowing that guests from all across the U.S. and the world are enjoying an extension of his dream, planted here in 1954 and still going 66 years later.

Herman and I were teachers at the old West Rockville Elementary School. Herman sometimes was given a class of 5th or 6th grade boys that were culled from other classes and were to be managed by Herman. Made for some very interesting stories. Haven't seen Herman or Elizabeth since the funeral of our friend and principal of West Rockville Joe Viquiera. My condolences to the family.

Sadly I never got to meet Herman Rubenstein, but one of my business partners from the recently purchased Buffalo Gap Retreat did at a reunion a couple of years back. The 5 current partners of Buffalo Gap are planning a Memorial Garden at the site where Herman and Jerry bought the land that became Buffalo Gap Camp back in 1954. We will create a placard in time and work with his son and our neighbor John to have a befitting memorial along with a beautiful garden of 3 season flowers and...

I would like to add my appreciation to those of the other first year counselors at Buffalo Gap. I had met Herman at the JCC in downtown D.C. in the weight room while working out. A couple years later, In the hot, humid summer of 1955, I was working in the unairconditioned Sports Center store in D.C . selling sporting goods. Herman came into the store and asked if I would like to escape the heat for the summer and work in the mountains of West Virginia at his new boy's camp as a...

I was one of the high school pals, along with Art Auerbach, et al, who were some of the first counselors at BG, back in the day we loved Herman & Jerry. They were great leaders and examples of integrity, always approchable for advice.
Herman had a big heart& he was stronger than all of us combined. I have the picture for Proof!
We miss you Herman for the positive impact on our lives. Much love to you and your families!

I was one of 33 boys who attended Buffalo Gap Camp when it first opened in 1955. Herman and Jerry made it a very special summer for all of us. They did everything possible to make sure we were safe, had fun every day and fed us like kings. What other camp served unlimited lamb chops , steak and fried chicken along with bug juice to wash it down. At campfires we would always sing "you can't get to heaven in Herman's car because Herman's car won't go that far". Well, I am sure Herman bought a...

Rest in peace Herman. You didn't have to climb the mountain. You are WAY above Mt. Herman now. G-d bless you and your family.

He had a stern visage. He had a growl in his voice. He would frown. He might even use a curse word. Oh, how we all loved it. 'Cause he had a big heart. He couldn't fool us.

Herman Rubenstein and Buffalo Gap are synonymous. One goes with the other. Thank you Herman for the many years I spent at Buffalo Gap and for the memories that still fill my life and will never leave me. Rest in peace Herman and know that the spirit of Buffalo Gap is alive and well and cherished by many people.