This week’s parsha, Chayei Sarah, tells the story of Abraham’s mission to find a wife for his son, Isaac. After Abraham entrusts his servant, Eliezer, with this important task, Eliezer embarks on a journey to find the right match for Isaac. He has a very specific criteria in mind for how he will know who the right woman is: she is someone who will not only offer him, a weary traveler, some water, but also, offer it to his camels. A few days later, when he arrives by a well, Rebecca does exactly this; instantly, Eliezer knows she is the one. 

At first glance, Rebecca’s actions may seem like simple kindness or basic decency. But if we look deeper, we can see something much more profound in the way Rebecca’s actions are described. It is clear that Eliezer was not seeking just a basic gesture; he was looking for someone who would go the extra mile. Our foremother Rebecca reminds us that true care is not about the bare minimum – it involves doing more, extending ourselves, and showing generosity without being asked. 

As I join the Capital Camps community, I find deep inspiration in this message. One of the things that drew me to this camp is the way it embodies Rebecca’s mindset. Capital Camps consistently goes above and beyond to create transformative experiences for our campers. Whether it’s through a commitment to personalized camper care, fostering leadership opportunities, or creating a safe space where every child can explore their Jewish identity, Capital Camps exceeds expectations. 

As we look ahead to the upcoming summer, this is the spirit that the entire Capital Camps team will carry with us. And as you anticipate the summer ahead, I encourage you to reflect on what you will bring with you—whether it’s a talent, a passion, or a unique quality—that can help elevate the experience for those around you. Just as Rebecca’s generosity left a lasting impact, it’s our collective strengths that make Capital Camps a place that truly goes “above and beyond.” 

Best,
Josh Micley
Camp Director

Dear Capital Camps Community,  We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Josh Micley to the role of Camp Director for Capital Camps. Josh brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership, as well as a lifelong passion for Jewish camping. He will be joining the team beginning on November 12, 2024.

Josh’s journey to this role began at Camp Yavneh in New Hampshire, where he attended as a camper before serving as a counselor, unit head, and member of the education staff for many summers. Each experience deepening his commitment to the transformative power of camp to help all children develop and grow, both as individuals and in their Jewish identities.  Josh comes to us from Kennedy High School in Chicago, where he served as Assistant Principal for the past five years. Before that, Josh worked as a Social Studies teacher in New York City public schools. He brings expertise in differentiated education (DE), operations management, as well as immense experience with student, parent, school, and community partnerships. He’s excited to leverage this diverse skillset in the Jewish camp space, which has always been close to his heart.   Josh is especially excited to be part of a pluralistic Jewish community at Capital Camps that is inclusive, engaging, and full of meaningful experiences for every camper and staff member. He’s also looking forward to experiencing the magic of Capital Camps alongside his wife, Alexa, and their three young children, Aaron, Elan, and Meirav. In his spare time, Josh enjoys playing tennis, biking, and exploring new places by foot.  Josh is committed to building partnerships with parents and guiding the growth of our campers and staff. He is excited to partner with the year-round team of camp professionals including Ilana Kornblatt (Assistant Camp Director), Adina Golob (Community Care Manager), Penny Hartzman (Camp Registrar and Office Administrator), Max Nozick (Program Associate), Maddie Siegel (Communications + Marketing Associate) and Ezra Suldan (Family + Community Engagement Manager). Adina will continue to be the main point of contact for individual camper needs. Ilana will continue to be the main point of contact for individual staff needs/questions.   Please join us in welcoming Josh to the Capital Camps family. We are excited for the future and are confident that under his leadership, camp will continue to be a place where children, teens and staff can grow in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment anchored in Jewish values.   Warmly,  Havi Goldscher, CEO Sarah Barnett, Board Chair Allen Mattison, Camp Committee Chair