The final stretch of camp is full of excitement! Every day is a new adventure, and the best part is that most of this time is spent together as a full camp community. 

This past week, on Thursday evening, all of camp was a buzz preparing and coordinating outfits for the most lyrically Ludacris night of camp, SING. For days, campers of all ages worked hard to rewrite songs with camp-specific lyrics and practiced their songs to perform in front of camp. Each year, campers and staff reminisce about their favorite SING songs from past years and how they can create a memorable performance. While Session 1 provided great performances and tough competition, the CITs emerged as the victors and they got to add their name to the plaque noting each winner of SING. And if you are wondering how the CITs intend to celebrate their success, I can assure you these 7-week campers have their sights set on hoisting the plaque again for Session 2 SING.

Right at this very second at camp, it’s Avengers-accabiah! The CITs/Summer 2023 Session 1 SING Champions announced to all of camp the start of our Maccabiah/Color War competition today! Throughout today and tomorrow, each camper will compete in a variety of competitions to earn points for their team and after all the competition is completed, the plaques created by campers for this year’s theme will hang in Habima with all the other Maccabiah plaques from prior years, officially becoming part of Capital Camps history.  

Tuesday evening, Maccabiah will come to a conclusion and a winner will be announced. By Wednesday morning, camp will return to normal but with a different energy. We will get to enjoy watching this summer’s Camp Show and the special dinner of Banquet planned by our 9th graders in Kaufmann Village.

Each summer and each session we get to enjoy these special all-camp events. What I enjoy the most is the ruach, or energy, campers bring to these competitions. Whether they are cheering for their village during SING, their team for Maccabiah, or cabin-mates for the Camp Show, when all of camp comes together for these special programs, a special energy comes along.

For the campers and staff that have been coming to camp for many years, these special events always bring back the memories and joy from past summers. And for campers at CCRC for their first summer, they get the best experience of all – the excitement, surprise, and ruach all for the very first time.

Austin Theis

Assistant Camp Director

At camp, we explore creativity through a number of avenues. Sing, programming, Chug, village times. All of the different activities are what makes going back to camp so exciting and fresh every summer! 

Allowing counselors the freedom to create age-appropriate Chugim and evening programs, is what makes camp so unique. The creativity that comes from counselors in this regard is really something special. From crocheting to improv, and even a Mystery Chug where the activity is different each and every day, our counselors come up with it all. I am equally impressed by the work put into seemingly “typical” activities like soccer or basketball. Our Sports Specialists work incredibly hard to make each day of these Chugs unique through a wide variety of sports drills and games. 

Creativity extends beyond the core of our programming initiatives. Our staff members craft a variety of activities ranging from exciting and energetic scavenger hunts to memorable and meaningful activities exploring identity and community. For these to happen, we ask our staff to be creative. How can we extend our activities to the next level? How can we maximize engagement? How can we ensure all campers are included? For these questions to be answered, our staff think outside the box. Benjamin Village hosted its own game show this past week. Rather than just execute a simple program, our staff constructed decorations, created puzzling challenges for the campers, incorporated a theme, and developed a more advanced structure for the activity. Finding ways to heighten camp through creativity allows us a space to not just care for children, but to also engage them throughout their session at camp.

Creativity is one of our most treasured traits at camp as not only does it allow for each summer to be individually special, but it is what creates some of the core memories our campers take with them throughout their lives. Having our counselors express their own identities and personalities through all different activities and programs is what allows our campers to feel safe and secure in the knowledge that camp is one of the places they can be 100% their true selves. It creates a safe space for campers to get silly and have the most fun!

Jen Humphreys

Staff Engagement Coordinator

This week’s Torah portion is a double parasha, Matot-Masei. Matot means “tribes, and Masei means “journeys.” The reading mentions 42 different stages in the journey of the new Jewish nation from Egypt to the land of Israel. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote “They set out from X and camped at Y. They set out from Y and camped at Z” – 42 stages in a journey of forty years.” In any journey, setting out, encamping, walking, and resting are all important. 

As we head into our final Shabbat of Session 1, we will reflect on the countless adventures we shared together. The days are full of activities from the farm and the lake to the sports courts and drama, singing, rikkud (Israeli dancing) and so much more. Camp is also filled with quiet moments. As two Reich campers share a story while walking up the hill or Benjamin campers watch the sunset together from the beach at the lake after an evening program, unforgettable memories are made. We need these quiet still moments, these “encampments” to refuel and recharge.

Each village’s “Sing Songs” included moments where campers sang out loud while dancing or clapping and more quiet reflective verses sung while sitting with arms around a peer. The winning song created and performed by our CITs beautifully described both this year’s journey while also reflecting on the group’s multi-year journey from Benjamin to Reich, Kaufmann, Macks, LIT, and now CIT. They sang about their trip to Richmond and a competitive game of Capture the Flag against Macks Village. They sang about growing up at camp “from the Macks tents to the Reich hill” and moving from the Yurts to the Leadership Center. They sang about this being “the summer of our lives”.

Shabbat is a time of pause before heading into a whirlwind of activities for our final week of Session 1. Just as God told Moses to mark down all of the places along the path from Egypt to the land of Israel, so should we contemplate our shared journey and encampments. It has been, and continues to be a terrific summer. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa Handelman

Camp Director

The CCRC Board had the opportunity to hold its annual summer meeting up at camp this past weekend. What a truly wonderful reminder of how special and impactful this Agency is on all of the communities we serve! Our board focuses on long-range strategic planning and high-level initiatives to support our year-round camping and retreating work. Everyone who volunteers their time to the CCRC Board and Committee service does so out of recognition of the meaningful impact that camping and immersive Jewish activities have on individuals – both campers and staff. But being on campus brings it home in ways that a description of what is happening can never do. 

The energy, the palpable joy, the happy noise, the smiling faces – all of your senses are stimulated, and your internal batteries are filled to overflowing. To see and feel the immediate and direct connection between the work of the CCRC Board that day and all of the activities going on around us was incredibly special. 

A personal highlight was the meaningful discussions we held with the CITs. These future leaders of CCRC and all of the communities they come from were truly inspiring. They had just received their cabin and specialty assignments and were excited about the weeks ahead. These 49 young women and men, many of whom have grown up at camp, shared their personal “mission statements”. These statements drove home the fact that they see CCRC as their second home and the place where they can most be their true selves. Walking away from that visit, my Board colleagues and I could not help but feel our work is holy and impactful. The future is incredibly bright.  

Brad Stillman

Capital Camps & Retreat Center, Board Chair

Our radically integrated approach to Jewish life and learning at Capital Camps allows us to weave Judaism into everything we do here. One of our new programmatic initiatives this year is creating moments of intentional Jewish engagement called “Pop-ups.” They exist as a way for us as the J-life team to have quick experiences for campers and staff to engage directly with their identity, Jewish history, and Middot, the values that ground all of our work this summer and beyond. All of this happens on the walk from the plaza to the Chader Ohel (Dining Hall) Over the past two weeks, we have already had 100’s of folks interact with these Pop-Up programs. During these short interactions, we have seen moments of pure happiness and engaged in meaningful conversations about Judaism. Earlier this week, our community was asked, “Which Middah are you working on this summer?” Campers & staff alike took a moment to reflect on their summer so far and chose a specific intention to complete an already incredible session. As the last camper entered lunch, we were left with a beautiful tapestry that took just a moment of people’s time but represented the thoroughness of Jewish Life at Capital Camps and the power of shining a spotlight on the little things in life.  This is just one example of the everyday moments entrenched in Judaism this summer. Earlier in the session, Benjamin Campers worked on a “Chesed (Kindness) Siddur.” Each camper created a prayer, picture, or poem that will help our youngest campers to help strive for kindness and acceptance. The campers learned what it means to have a blessing and what it looks like to create their own. The hope is that beyond this Siddur and our Pop-ups, our community will benefit from an increase in joy and kindness, as we continue these meaningful moments and conversations.  Larry Ginsburg Senior Jewish Educator

As the summer sun illuminates our campus, we find ourselves immersed in the joy and adventure of the camp season. At Capital Camps, we not only focus on creating unforgettable memories but also on fostering the holistic well-being of our campers. Transitions are an inherent part of life, and for our young campers, they can be exciting yet challenging. Whether it’s transitioning from home to camp, moving between activities, or adapting to new friendships, these moments shape their camp experience. At Capital Camps, we strive to provide a nurturing environment that helps our campers navigate these transitions with confidence and resilience. We are especially thinking about these moments of transition as we say lehitraot (see you soon) to our Rookie Bet campers and welcome in our Mini B campers.

Camp is an ideal setting for fostering emotional resilience in our campers. Through a variety of activities and experiences, they learn to embrace change, manage their emotions, and develop the skills necessary to adapt to new situations. Our caring staff members are trained to support campers in their transition process, offering guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to express their feelings.

Transitions can sometimes bring about feelings of uncertainty and isolation. To counteract this, we prioritize building a strong sense of community at camp. We encourage campers to forge connections with their peers, participate in team-building exercises, and engage in group activities that promote inclusivity and cooperation. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we ensure that no camper feels alone during their transition to or from camp.

At CCRC, we believe that transitions are transformative moments that shape the lives of our campers. By nurturing their emotional resilience, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting mental wellness, we guide them through the transitions they face at camp and beyond. Together, let us empower our campers to embrace change, grow in confidence, and create lasting memories.

Adina Golob, LMSW

Community Care Coordinator

One of the most magical aspects of Jewish summer camp is its ability to bring together a diverse group of campers and staff and foster an environment of growth, learning, and fun. In this dynamic setting, communication plays a pivotal role in creating meaningful connections, building trust, and ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.

Effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of a successful summer. It allows campers to express their needs, concerns, and ideas freely, and it empowers them to actively participate in camp activities. When campers feel heard and understood, they develop a sense of belonging and become more engaged in the camp kehillah, or community. As camp leaders and staff, it is our responsibility to create a safe space for all campers through meaningful and inclusive programming. 

Through the collaborative efforts of sports, arts, Outdoor Adventure, and more, campers learn the value of teamwork, respect for others’ ideas, and the joy of achieving shared goals. By engaging in group activities, problem-solving challenges, and team-building exercises, campers develop essential social skills and a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the campfire. They learn to appreciate the strengths and abilities of their peers, fostering an environment of mutual support and encouragement. 

Between village times, evening programs, and Shabboptions (Shabbat electives), our logistics and programming team works together to create powerful moments throughout our campers’ summer. Through strong communication, our collective goal is to ensure a summer of fun, friendship, Jewish education, and unforgettable memories.

Deanna Hartzman

Logistics Coordinator

Each of us is created in the image of God, yet none of us is perfect. This week’s Torah portion includes the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua. It would be Joshua, not Moses, who would lead the people across the Jordan into the land of Israel. Looking back on Moses’s leadership we see that Moses had imperfections. We learn early on that Moses is described as slow of speech and slow of tongue. The children of Israel built the golden calf under his leadership and twice Moses had trouble controlling his anger. He broke the ten commandment tablets and struck a rock in anger to bring forth water. Like Moses, we are not expected to be perfect.  

Camp provides a safe place to make mistakes, learn from these mistakes and do better the next time. Creating a community takes work. We need to be flexible; we need to compromise, and we need to learn how to communicate and really listen to one another. It can be hard to step out of the gaga game when you are not sure if you were really “out” or to apologize to your cabinmate if you said something that may have hurt their feelings.  

One of my favorite parts of camp is the nightly cabin time activities planned by counselors for their campers. These are often reflective activities that are done at night sitting in a circle all together in the cabin. Some nights campers share their “rose, bud, or thorn”. A rose is something that went well that day, the bud is something they are looking forward to and a thorn is something that didn’t go that well. By including the thorn, our campers learn that sometimes things don’t go as planned or as well as they may like, but that this is OK.  

As we prepare for Shabbat, we gather in village circles. Similar to our nightly cabin-time activities, cabin circles provide an opportunity to reflect on the past week. We pause and acknowledge what went well this past week, what might have not been done as well as planned, and what we can look forward to in the upcoming week. The communities we are building are works in process and they change and grow throughout our time at camp.   

Campers and staff often share that camp is a place where they can be their most genuine self. Camp friendships can be strong and long-lasting. Having a place that recognizes and embraces the imperfections in each of us is part of the reason this is possible. We look forward to another week full of roses, buds, and thorns. 

Shabbat Shalom. 

Lisa Handelman

Camp Director

During our Atzma’im (Inclusion) staff’s training week, we screened the Netflix documentary Crip Camp. The film highlights Camp Janed, a New York overnight camp for children with disabilities that was open from the 1950s to the 1970s. It tells the story of the camp’s alumni who banded together and led the Disability Rights movement, eventually leading to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

The disabled folks highlighted in this documentary speak about how their activism directly correlates to their time at Camp Janed. Before going to camp, they did not know that equitable treatment for the disabled community was something that was even possible. At Camp Janed, a utopia in which they served as valued members and leaders, they discovered that they could and should demand justice everywhere.

I showed this movie to our counselors in order to ground our work in a greater purpose – one that transcends our immediate camp bubble. Here, we show our campers that accessibility and inclusion are possible, and they can and should be demanded everywhere. In fact, not only is accessibility and inclusion possible, but I also find that it’s remarkably simple.

The basic idea of our inclusion model is that if a camper needs more support at camp than what is typically provided by our counselors, we designate a counselor in the cabin to be their “go-to” person. That counselor is trained on how to meet their needs and provide both proactive and responsive support. This model ensures that campers receive the advocacy and support that they need while also allowing for their full integration into a cabin with their peers. To us here at camp, it’s such an obvious way to create an inclusive community; we cannot imagine a world in which this Atzma’im support model would not exist. 

Unfortunately, the rest of the world has not caught up to the Jewish sleepaway camp way. This is where that larger mission comes in. When you send your children to camp, you are allowing them to be part of a community where there’s never any question that all are welcome, all are supported, and all are accepted. As they go out into the world, they are going to experience spaces where this is not a simple fact. But having seen how true inclusion is possible at camp, hopefully, they will begin to raise questions. Why are we excluding people who have a right to be an equal part of society? Why are we pushing away people who would enhance our community? Why can’t we do what we do at camp everywhere? 

Our campers will now understand that the way we do inclusion here at camp should be the standard, and they will serve as allies and advocates within their communities outside of camp. We often say at camp that we are “in the business of making mensches”. I also believe that we are in the business of making advocates. I couldn’t ask to be a part of a better business.

Hannah Stoller

Atzma’im Coordinator

At the beginning of each day when a cabin or village comes to the Ropes Course, we go over the full-value contract:

1. Safety 
2. Respect
3. Commitment
4. Listen
5. Have fun. 

These are the foundational rules for the Outdoor Adventure program at camp. Most kids have heard the ever-so-important rules of “Be safe, be respectful, and listen” in most of their life outside of camp, but what sets the Outdoor Adventure Program apart is the addition of commitment as a rule. 

A common phrase heard on the ropes course is, “Challenge by choice, but participation is mandatory.” When campers step onto the ropes course they are making a commitment to themselves and their cabinmates to try their best and participate to the best of their ability.

We respect campers’ boundaries of what makes them feel safe while empowering them to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Each camper has their own line of where their comfort zone is. For some, it’s at the top of the climbing wall, and for others just putting on a harness can be frightening. We meet campers where they are, allowing campers to choose their own challenges while still making sure they are participating with the group and feel comfortable. On the zipline, some campers will go down as many times as they can, and for some campers just standing on the top platform watching their fellow cabinmates zip down makes for an incredible afternoon.

We celebrate all victories and cater our challenges to each group. Our campers try new things and are proud of themselves when they push beyond their own expectations. Seeing our campers grow in a safe and supported environment

is the most rewarding part of being a challenge course facilitator. 

Sydnie Swain

Outdoor Adventure Coordinator