Shalom everyone,
I can’t believe we are about to celebrate our last Shabbat of second session and the last Shabbat of summer ‘22! This week has flown by and what a week it has been.
On Wednesday we welcomed around 70 new Rookie Campers to join us for the last week of the session. It has been so wonderful to see all of our Rookie Campers throw themselves into camp and they are enjoying every single minute. On Wednesday night we kicked off their week with an opening campfire where we sang songs and representatives from each cabin came up to the fire and made a wish for something they hope to come true this week. It was such a blessing to hear the Rookie Campers tell us what they are excited for and hope to come true. After they made their wishes, they threw a stick into the fire in the hope that their wish comes true as the fire burns the stick. The campers have already made so many new memories and friendships, and I can’t wait for what lies ahead this week for all of them.
As we approach the end of this summer, I find myself feeling a mixture of emotions. One part of me is so sad that this incredible summer is about to come to an end. This truly has been the summer of a lifetime and I am so proud of everything that our campers and staff have accomplished. Every person who has entered the gates of camp this summer, has left a better version of themselves. I have seen people grow in confidence, learn new skills, make new friends to last a lifetime, explore their Jewish identities and so much more. Yet, on the other hand, I am so enthusiastic and excited about the future of Camp Solomon Schechter. I cannot wait until all of our campers are back on the Machaneh (camp) next summer and I’m counting down the days until the first day of first session 2023! My wish for all of our campers is to keep the memories from camp alive as they return home and go back to their regular lives. Keep talking about the fun times they had at camp this summer, the friendships they made, the times they laughed until they cried and all of the happiness they found here at camp. Take it home, share it with a friend, with their families and camp will stay in their hearts and minds each and every day until next summer.
For now, I have to go get ready to celebrate the last Shabbat with our wonderful camp community. I can’t wait to go to services, get tucked into a delicious meal and sing the night away at Shira (song session). The final days of the session are going to be incredible, and I can’t wait to spend it with all of our campers. The countdown is on until registration opens for summer 2023!!
Shabbat Shalom,
Adam
