Gesher

The Camp Solomon Schechter Gesher Program is designed for rising high school seniors and serves as the bridge between the camper experience and becoming a counselor. Through hands on learning, leadership development, and meaningful reflection, Gesherim will build the skills and confidence needed to become the next generation of camp leaders.

Participation in the Gesher Program is by application and interview only. Because enrollment is limited by available cabin placements, acceptance is competitive and space is not guaranteed.

The program begins on Monday, June 14, with Staff Week and leadership training, and concludes with Gesher Graduation on July 15, at the end of Session 1. Throughout the program, Gesherim will learn how to support campers’ emotional, physical, and social well-being while helping create safe, joyful, and meaningful camp experiences.

During Session 1, each Gesher will be paired with a cabin and counselor team, taking on increasing responsibility throughout the session while participating in cohort based programming, leadership seminars, and elective learning tracks.

Following successful completion of the program and graduation, participants will have the opportunity to apply to serve as Junior Counselors during Session 2, based on camp staffing needs. The Gesher summer provides meaningful closure to each participant’s camper journey while preparing them for their future as counselors and Jewish leaders at Camp Solomon Schechter.

Program Objectives

By the end of the summer, Gesherim will:

• Reflect on their camp journey and recognize how Camp Solomon Schechter has shaped their personal growth and Jewish identity.
• Strengthen the bonds within their Gesher cohort and deepen their sense of community.
• Develop the skills to respond to campers with empathy, patience, sound judgment, and sensitivity.
• Discover the fulfillment that comes from serving and supporting others.
• Serve as positive role models who embody the ruach and values of Camp Solomon Schechter.
• Effectively support counselors in creating a safe, engaging, and fun experience for campers.
• Build leadership, communication, time management, teamwork, childcare, and professional skills.
• Participate in elective leadership tracks focused on:
  • Nonprofit leadership and fundraising
  • Program planning and communication
  • Camper care, inclusion, and mental, emotional, and physical well-being
  • Judaics and Jewish leadership
• Receive volunteer service hours and meaningful workforce development experience that can be used on future resumes, college applications, and employment opportunities.

Summer Timeline

Staff Week – June 14–18

Gesherim begin their summer with five days of immersive leadership development before campers arrive.

During Staff Week, Gesherim will:

• Participate in orientation, leadership training, and team building.
• Build relationships with their Gesher cohort.
• Complete professional development workshops and leadership track placement.
• Be assigned to an aidah (village), cabin, counselor team, and age group.
• Prepare for the transition from camper to counselor.

Session 1: Progressive Leadership Experience – June 21–July 15

Throughout Session 1, Gesherim will gradually assume greater responsibility within their assigned cabin.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting daily cabin routines, including nikayon (clean up), meals, and evening programs.
• Assisting with activity periods and camp wide programming.
• Building meaningful relationships with campers while practicing leadership skills under the guidance of experienced counselors.
• Participating in cohort programming, reflection sessions, and leadership workshops designed specifically for the Gesher class.

As the session progresses, Gesherim will transition from observing to actively leading, gaining the confidence and experience needed to become successful counselors.

Gesher Trip & Graduation – July 15

The program concludes with the traditional Gesher Trip and Graduation, celebrating each participant’s transition from camper to counselor and recognizing the successful completion of the program.

Session 2: Junior Counselor Opportunity (Optional)

Following graduation, Gesherim may apply to serve as Junior Counselors during Session 2.

• Successful completion of the Gesher Program is required.
• Employment is based on camp staffing needs and completion of the interview and hiring process.
• Depending on camp needs, Gesherim may be offered a full Session 2 position or another available counseling opportunity.
• Junior Counselors receive a stipend for their work during Session 2.

Application & Program Cost

The Gesher Program is a volunteer-based leadership experience, and there is no tuition to participate.

All applicants must complete an application and interview as part of the selection process. Acceptance is based on a variety of factors, including readiness for the program, leadership potential, and available cabin placements. Because Gesherim are assigned to cabins throughout Session 1, enrollment is limited by camp capacity. Unfortunately, not every qualified applicant can be offered a spot each summer.

To be eligible for a Junior Counselor position during Session 2, Gesherim must successfully complete the entire program, including participation from June 14 through July 15. Completion of the program does not guarantee employment, and all Session 2 positions are based on camp staffing needs and successful completion of the hiring process.

We can’t wait to welcome you as you begin the exciting transition from camper to counselor and join the next generation of leaders at Camp Solomon Schechter.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

L’Shalom,

Camp Solomon Schechter