Good morning, Capital Camps!

My name is Evie Winston, and I’m so excited to be spending my first summer here as a cabin counselor in Reich Village with our awesome 6th and 7th graders. I’m originally from London, England, and it’s been amazing to join such a fun and welcoming community.

Even though it’s only been a few days, I’ve already seen how camp helps campers grow in so many ways. Whether it’s making new friends, trying something for the first time, or just feeling comfortable being themselves, it’s clear how much support and care this place offers. It’s been really cool to watch the bunk come together and build such a strong bond so quickly.

One part of camp that has really stood out to me is how campers connect with Jewish traditions in a way that feels both fun and meaningful. After meals, we sing Birkat Hamazon, and the energy in the room is incredible. And every night, we end the day with Hashkiveinu. Sometimes it’s just our cabin, other times it’s the whole village or all of camp, and no matter what, it’s a calm, reflective way to close out the day.

I’m so excited to see these connections continue to grow over the next few weeks. Watching campers laugh, learn, and support each other has been the best part of my experience so far. I feel really lucky to be part of this and to get to play a small role in helping make their summer so special.

Warmly,
Evie Winston
Cabin Counselor, Reich Village

The first days of camp are always filled with excitement, energy, and the beginnings of new routines. Cabins settle in, friendships begin to take shape, and our community starts to come alive in both familiar and fresh ways. In these opening moments, we’re reminded how much each person contributes to making camp feel like home. 

This week’s Torah portion, Korach, offers a powerful lens through which to reflect on the kind of community we’re building. Korach challenges Moshe and Aharon’s leadership, asking why they hold special roles when “the entire community is holy.” It’s a bold question and one that raises important ideas about leadership and responsibility. But what Korach misses is that leadership is not about status or spotlight. It is about stepping forward with humility and care for others. 

Already this week, we’ve seen those quieter forms of leadership all around us. Campers welcoming new bunkmates, staff lending a hand without being asked, and moments of kindness that help set the tone for the summer ahead. 

Yesterday’s all-camp evening program brought this idea to life in a joyful and meaningful way. Through a combination of a spirited song session and a pre-Shabbat carnival of stations, we experienced what it means to prepare for Shabbat as a community. Some campers helped create a mural featuring a prayer for the State of Israel, others cooked a traditional Yemeni dish that will be served at lunch tomorrow, and still others assembled spice bags for our first Havdalah. Each person contributed in their own way, and together, we built something greater than any one individual. 

As we welcome our first Shabbat of the summer, may we carry with us the message of Korach: that true leadership is about showing up for others with consistency, humility, and kindness. 

Warmly,
Josh Micley, Camp Director

Dear Capital Camps Community,

Establishing the Jewish connection to Israel and bringing Israel to life beyond just news headlines is a huge priority for Capital Camps. Each morning, we begin the day with Hatikvah and the Hebrew word or phrase of the day. Hebrew language is such a powerful tool to unlock the beauty of Israeli culture and society. Our Israeli sh’lichim (staff and emissaries from Israel) are fully immersed in every aspect of camp life, as madrichim (bunk counselors) to program specialists, and are teaching our hanichim (campers) the coolest Hebrew phrases and slang. For example, just the other night Yalla campers learned games, songs, and skills from the Tzophim, Israeli Scouts. 

This year, we’ve designed an Israel Adventure Week that will give campers an interactive connection to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feels of 3,500 years of history. Beginning with a life-size map program, hanichim will travel through time and changing borders from Abraham to Moses to modern political dynamics. Then, we will have the opportunity to be like Elizer Ben-Yehuda and invent our own modern Hebrew language. Next, building upon our connection to Hebrew language and history we will explore the ancient and modern connection of poetry, prayer, and music, from King David’s Psalms to Eurovision’s champions to Israel’s chart-topping hits. Our next adventure stop is everyone’s favorite: OCHEL! (FOOD!) No Israel experience or Jewish event is complete without food. Our campers will get to make the famous Sabich sandwich from scratch at the farm – chopping their own vegetables to make Israeli salad, frying their own chatzilim (eggplant), and most importantly making pita from scratch in the farm pizza oven! Now that we’ve established a historic connection to the land, language, and legacy, campers will travel with their Early Zionism Passports to meet luminaries of Zionist ideology as it was forming at the end of the 19th century. Finally, to bring it all together hanichim will be able to ask us any questions on their mind – no question is off limits! 

These few weeks at camp provide a beautiful opportunity for our hanichim to celebrate and cheer their Judaism and connection to Israel. From Israeli dancing to Shabbat song sessions, Judaism’s rich tapestry of ideas, practices, and traditions are in full bloom at Capital Camps. 

Thank you,

Adam

Dear CIT Parents,

As we kick off what’s sure to be an incredible summer at Capital Camps, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you: the parents of our CITs. This is a milestone summer for your teens, filled with opportunity, growth, and leadership.

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s where campers begin stepping into leadership roles while still enjoying the fun and spirit of being part of the community. They’re building new skills, supporting younger campers, and learning what it means to be a role model, all while strengthening friendships, discovering more about themselves, and stepping into their next chapter at camp.

As the Yoetzet (village social worker), I work closely with our staff team to support the social-emotional wellbeing of both campers and staff. CITs hold a special place in that work.

In the first days of the summer, we guide CITs as they:

• Build new group connections and expand their social circles with kindness and curiosity
• Step into leadership with courage while still practicing self-awareness and empathy
• Learn to balance responsibility with self-care, while recognizing that caring for others starts with caring for themselves

We’ve intentionally spent time preparing our team to support each CIT’s journey, and we’re already seeing meaningful signs of growth. Our goal is for them to leave this summer more confident, more connected, and more capable. This is all in service of each CIT’s development not just as future staff, but as thoughtful, caring young adults.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child during this special and transformative summer. We’re excited to partner with you in supporting their development and leadership, and we’re here to connect anytime along the way.

With warmth and care,

Sara Birnbaum, MSW

Dear Capital Camps Community,

As we dive into another meaningful and vibrant summer at Capital Camps, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something deeply important to all of us: mental health and emotional well-being.

At Capital Camps, we see your children not just as campers, but as growing individuals who thrive best in a nurturing, connected community. While we celebrate their physical achievements, spiritual exploration and intellectual growth, we place equal value on supporting their social emotional wellbeing.

Our camp community is built on authentic relationships. Our dedicated counselors play a vital role in cultivating a caring, inclusive environment. Through genuine conversations, intentional and active listening, and heartfelt encouragement. We at Capital Camps are here to help campers feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s during a quiet one-on-one moment or a group session focused on reflective thinking, our staff works to equip campers with lifelong skills for emotional strength and connection.

We also recognize that caring for mental health is not a one-person task, but instead a collective responsibility. That’s why we’ve built a strong and experienced mental health support team, including our exceptional yoetzot, who provide continuous guidance and resources to both campers and staff. Their presence reinforces our belief that a strong, healthy community is essential to each camper’s ability to flourish.

As we grow together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture of empathy, openness, and mutual support. When campers know they belong, when they feel supported by their peers and trusted adults, they thrive emotionally, socially, intellectually, and spiritually.

Thank you for being a vital part of this journey and trusting us with your child/children. Together, we’re building a resilient community where every child can feel confident, connected, and cared for.

Warmly,

Jesse Braitman

As your children begin their exciting journey at sleepaway camp, I want to share how we support camper wellness and emotional growth. Our goal is to create a warm, nurturing environment where every camper feels empowered, supported, and part of something special.

Camp is a unique opportunity for kids to explore, grow, and build meaningful friendships. Whether they’re learning a new routine, navigating new social connections, or discovering more about themselves, we view each experience as a chance to build confidence, independence, and joy.

Our team has spent the past week preparing with intention and care, ensuring we’re ready to meet your campers with energy, compassion, and a strong sense of community. We promote healthy sleep, nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and open, caring communication. As a yoetzet, I’ll be working closely with both staff and campers to offer individualized support and help make every day meaningful and fun.

At Capital Camps, we believe in the power of community, routine, and inclusion. Every camper is seen, celebrated, and valued. We’re so excited to partner with your children as they discover their best selves and create a summer full of joy, connection, and growth!

-Gabrielle Glenn, Reich Yoetzet

Good morning, Capital Camps!

Benjamin Village-aged campers attending Capital Camps this summer will make lots of growth across cognitive, physical, and social-emotional domains. For children attending sleepaway camp, these milestones are put into practice as they navigate a new environment, build relationships with diverse peers without direct parental guidance, practice self-care and responsibility, and learn conflict resolution and compromise within a group setting. Camp provides a unique opportunity to build confidence, emotional regulation, and adaptability, all while engaging in physical activity and unplugging from technology.

When your Benjamin camper comes home in a month, you will see first-hand all these areas of growth; as parents, you can help with your children’s continued growth by allowing them a little increased independence as appropriate and with a little luck, you may even get to enjoy some of the helpfulness and sense of responsibility gained by working as a team with their peers!

For now, though, rest assured that your children are in good hands and are just embarking on the beginning of a summer of incredible memories to go along with this personal growth! 

– Lauren Ebenstein

Good morning, Capital Camps!

Yalla Village-aged campers attending Capital Camps this summer will make lots of growth across cognitive, physical, and social-emotional domains. For children attending sleepaway camp, these milestones are put into practice as they navigate a new environment, build relationships with diverse peers without direct parental guidance, practice self-care and responsibility, and learn conflict resolution and compromise within a group setting. Camp provides a unique opportunity to build confidence, emotional regulation, and adaptability, all while engaging in physical activity and unplugging from technology.

When your Yalla camper comes home in a week, you will see first-hand all these areas of growth; as parents, you can help with your children’s continued growth by allowing them a little increased independence as appropriate and with a little luck, you may even get to enjoy some of the helpfulness and sense of responsibility gained by working as a team with their peers!

For now, though, rest assured that your children are in good hands and are just embarking on the beginning of a summer of incredible memories to go along with this personal growth! 

– Lauren Ebenstein