Gesher

The Camp Solomon Schechter Gesher Program for rising seniors in high school bridges the camper-counselor experience in an interactive and reflective program. Throughout the summer (including the option to work Session 2), Gesherim will learn how to care for campers’ emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing and promote positive experiences at Schechter. Gesherim will spend the first session supporting their assigned cabin in a progressively hands-on capacity, while enjoying cohort-based programming of their own to keep forming communal bonds. Following the Gesher trip and graduation, Gesherim will have the option to continue their leadership at camp and transition into in-cabin junior counselors during Session 2 (capacity dependent)! This summer will provide Gesherim meaningful closure of their camper career as they begin their journey as camp counselors and leaders at Schechter. 

Objectives

• Gesherim will take pride in and reflect upon their camp journey and how it has impacted their personal development and Jewish identity.
• Gesherim will solidify their cohort’s community.
• Gesherim will be able to approach campers’ needs with sensitivity, sound decision-making and reasoning, empathy and patience.
• Gesherim will find personal fulfillment and benefit from supporting the community.
• Gesherim will be role models to their campers and the larger camp community – exemplifying the ruach (spirit) and values we hope to foster at CSS.
• Gesherim will effectively assist their counselor staff in providing a safe and fun experience for their campers.
• Gesherim will develop  communication, time-management, and childcare skills and empathy, compassion, patience, and professionalism.

Broad Timeline

• Staff Week (5 days)
  • 5 days of unique, hands-on CIT programming and training before Session 1. 
  • Emphasis during these days will be for orientation, bonding, and professional development. 
  • Masa Program: Masa is Hebrew for “the journey.” An extended river trip filled with bonding experiences, fun, and training! 
• Session 1: Progressive CIT Experience (3 weeks)
  • Each week of the first session, CITs will become more hands-on with their assigned cabins and take on more responsibilities. 
  • Over time, CITs will support their cabin’s daily routines like nikayon (cleaning time), lunch, and evening programs! 
    • CITs whose interests lean more toward leadership and programming will have the option to help lead daily programming like cores and Chuggim (electives) activities. 
  • Throughout the session, CITs enjoy cohort-based programs for their group to solidify the class community, friendships, and camper journey! 
• End of Session 1: CIT Trip! (4 days)
  • During the last few days of Session 1, CITs will take a 4-day trip (TBD) to culminate a summer of hard work and fun together! 
  • When we return to camp, we have our CIT graduation – a ceremony to recognize each Gesher’s growth over the years and throughout the summer at camp
• Session 2 (Optional)
  • Once they graduate from the CIT program, Gesherim will have the option to work as an in-cabin junior counselor throughout the second session. Depending on camp’s needs, Gesherim may be able to work a combo or rookie session if the Gesher is not available to work the entire session. 
  • Gesherim may only work second session if they have completed and graduated the CIT portion of the summer

Highlights

• The Masa overnight camping trip – our epic summer begins with an amazing outdoor growth experience!
• Gesherim will participate in a session-wide Survivor-like competition to earn certain privileges and programming at camp! 
• Running stacking games, choreographing lip-sync, leading nikayon and motivating campers to clean their cabins, and forging life-changing relationships with your campers! 
• Gesher Sleepover! Toward the end of Session 1, Gesherim will run post evening programs for their cabins and have a fun sleepover with their campers! 
• Four-day group trip to (TBD) soaking in nature and our last days of time with the whole cohort together!
• As the oldest campers at camp, Gesherim will get the creme of the Schechter experience – highest high ropes, deepest dives into the lake, and Jewmba galore!

We can’t wait to welcome you!

L’Shalom,

Camp Solomon Schechter

Contact Assistant Camp Director Ruthie Chaban to learn more about Gesher.