Oded

Camp Solomon Schechter’s Oded Program for rising juniors in high school cultivates opportunities for campers to invigorate camp through their ru-ah, role modeling, and leadership avenues. The Oded Program is founded in the belief that each child is a leader and throughout the summer we embrace one another to form a strong village identity. Odedim will learn throughout their summer that leadership begins with the self – knowing, appreciating, and caring for oneself. Odedim will explore leadership concepts through multi-modal, experiential programming that maximizes the beautiful camp setting at our fingertips! Finally, Odedim will forge their cohort village as they move into the Yurts and enjoy their first ever communal living space for their four-week program. For their penultimate summer as a Schechter camp, Odedim will enjoy more freedom and responsibility than ever before as they endure the height of the Schechter experience. 

Objectives

• Odedim will achieve higher levels of self awareness and reflection as a result of their participation in the program.
• Odedim will develop a village identity with their cohort and express the highest levels of community, respect, and empathy for one another.
• Odedim will shine in their designated leadership roles at camp; through Yom Odeds Run Camp, Maccabiah, arrival day, and so on.
• Odedim will make their positive mark on camp through a meaningful Oded project.
• Odedim will see their profound impact on campers and staff as they model love and respect for Schechter throughout the summer.

Broad Timeline

• Staff Week (4 days)
  • Odedim will have a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes at camp as they experience parts of staff week
  • The first few days of programming aim to orient, bond, and prepare Odedim for their role at camp throughout the summer
• Session 1: LIT Programming (3 weeks)
  • Odedim will undergo the multi-modal three week leadership curriculum that flows through self-based skills, community-based skills, and society-based skills
  • Odedim will enjoy exciting and innovative programming that elevates their camper experience
  • Odedim will enjoy added privileges and navigate the responsibility that comes with
• Rainier Trip (4 days)
  • The Oded program culminates in a four-day camping trip at Mount Rainier National Park, in which they will participate in some of the most impactful Oded traditions
  • Odedim will push themselves and one another physically and mentally as they trek up the infamous Eagle Peak trail and join the long lineage of Oded classes who have made it to the top! 

Highlights

• Va-adot: Odedim participate in ‘committees’ throughout the session, each with a different objective that they will accomplish with the help of their Todedim! 
• Maccabiah: Odedim will have the opportunity to be Maccabiah captains and lead their teams in spirited, sportsmanlike competition!
• Yom Odeds Run Camp: Odedim will assume leadership responsibility over one day of camp programming. 
• Yurt Village Life: There is nothing quite like living in the Yurt village, enjoying the Starbucks and hot tub at your disposal, and chilling with friends on the Yurt Deck. 
• Build a Boat: A unique Oded program involving planks of wood, 600 feet of rope, and barrel drums… 
• Of course… Rainier Trip: Odedim will push themselves physically and mentally on the Eagle Peak trail, learn ancient traditions passed down from Oded classes, and camp under the stars as their summer comes to an end.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

L’Shalom,

Camp Solomon Schechter

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