It’s Monsters Inc-cabiah! Our much-anticipated event of the summer, Maccabiah (team color competition), is officially underway, and our strong second session community could not be more excited! For every Maccabiah, we create a fictional plot that serves as the backstory for the multi-day competition. Yesterday, our CITs set the stage through revealing that a group of troublesome monsters is attempting to bring back scream energy as the primary power source. One team needs to put an end to this and ensure laughter as the primary energy source for all time.

Beginning yesterday, and continuing through today, four teams (Red Randall, Yellow Roz, Green Mike Wazowski, and Blue Sulley) have been competing in a series of team-building activities. Our teams compete in all areas of camp activities, including tug-of-war, Monsters Inc-themed competitions, aquatics, sports, arts, and more. And perhaps the biggest event of Maccabiah – the Maccapeel, our relay race that spans quite literally every corner of camp – took place yesterday. Congratulations to the blue team for winning the maccapeel!

Not only is Maccabiah a fun experience, it’s also an incredible time for team building, ruach (spirit), and bringing forth people into new leadership roles. Each team is assigned a Jewish value (adaptability, dedication, intelligence, and empathy), and they are encouraged to incorporate this into their programming, plaques, and team presentations. I love how our team format brings new people together, ignites high levels of ruach, and elevates opportunities for campers to tap into new leadership skills.

May the best team win, but most importantly, may everyone have fun!

Best,

Sam Belkowitz

Staff Engagement + Programming Coordinator

“We have come from near and far, to raise our voice in song, and the more we join in the refrain, the more we feel strong.” 

These words from Dan Nichols’ song, “Chazak,” sum up the power of music at camp perfectly. This summer at Capital Camps, we have campers from as near as Frederick and as far as Israel, who have all come together for the same reason: to be in community with each other and have a joyful, meaningful, Jewish experience. We express that Jewish joy in a multitude of ways, including praying, learning, and dancing. However, you’d be hard pressed to find a more joyful or meaningful experience than when camp is singing together. No matter how many times I sing Hashkiveinu with camp, I will always get chills hearing everyone’s voices blending together to become one.

This summer, singing with camp has uplifted me and has made me feel stronger than any summer before. As I’ve leaned into that strength, I’ve also found myself looking ahead to next month, when myself and Jews across the Gulf Coast region will be observing the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. This summer has brought up a lot for me as I reflect on my experience two decades ago as a refugee from the floodwaters that overwhelmed my hometown. Much like we will be coming together this weekend to uplift each other and commemorate Tisha B’Av, the day in which we mourn the destruction of the Second Temple, camp continues to be a place that helps us carry one another through shared musical experiences. 

With gratitude,

Nick May

Hello from Capital Camps! As we begin our second full week of the session, I wanted to take some time to highlight a few of our amazing counselors. To your campers, the counselors are everything – the role models that help make their summers what they are.

I asked three of our counselors, “What does it mean to you to be a counselor?”

“Working as a counselor means being there for the campers, listening, comforting, and encouraging. I get to watch them grow, try new things, get excited, and feel at home. It’s a deep and meaningful experience that feels like so much more than just a job.” – Orian D., Israel, First-Year Benjamin Village Counselor and Farm Specialist

“Hi! My name is Mark and and I am a counselor for Reich Village this session! Being a counselor means so much to me, because I remember the lasting impact my counselors had on me as camper, especially in Reich. I love seeing the connections each camper builds with each other and the relationships that they will hold onto. Havdalah, the end of Shabbat, is always my favorite part of being a counselor. Seeing all the campers come together as a community singing songs creates memories as a counselor and camper that I never will forget. – Mark C. Potomac, MD., Second-Year Counselor

“Being part of the camp staff for three summers has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Transitioning from a cabin counselor to a lifeguard this year has given me a whole new perspective on camp life. I love being able to support campers in a different way, helping them feel safe and confident in the water. Watching the campers overcome their fears, especially in the pool or lake, reminds me why I come back each summer. Camp has always felt like a second home, and it means so much to be part of a team that creates such a positive, lasting impact on these campers lives.” – Brayden F. United Kingdom, Third-Year Kaufmann Counselor and Lifeguard

Thank you for entrusting us and our staff to provide your children with an incredible camp journey. We look forward to continuing to share these experiences with you.

Best,

Ilana Kornblatt, Assistant Camp Director

This past Wednesday night, I was at the Reich Village campout, where campers had just wrapped up dinner at the Solit farm and the smell of s’mores still hung in the air. Kids were getting ready to walk over to the lake to pitch their tents and sing together under the stars. As I was walking through, a camper came up to me and excitedly shared, “I caught 40 fireflies tonight!” Naturally, I expected him to show me a glowing mason jar. But before I could even respond, he added, almost offhandedly, “Of course I let each one go.” 

That moment stuck with me. He wasn’t trying to keep them. He just wanted to see each one, enjoy the light, and then release it. 

This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Masei, opens with a list of the 42 places the Israelites stopped on their journey through the wilderness. Some were long, others brief. Some were joyful, others challenging. But each stop is named. The Torah doesn’t rush through the journey, but instead it pauses to acknowledge every step along the way. 

That camper reminded me of what the Torah is teaching: that even fleeting moments are sacred. They deserve to be noticed, named, and remembered. 

Each summer at camp is like a firefly. It’s bright and beautiful, but we can’t hold onto it forever. When it’s time, we let it go, trusting that its light helped shape us. 

This weekend is the first Shabbat of our Second Session, filled with new beginnings. And it’s also Third-Year Staff Shabbat, when we celebrate those who have chosen to return again and again, giving back to our community summer after summer. These are staff members who have experienced the glow of many summers, know how precious this time is, and continue to invest in cultivating transformative experiences for our campers. 

To our third-year staff: while we wish we could bottle you up in a mason jar and keep you here forever, we know we can’t. What we can do is say thank you, for illuminating the magic of this community for us all. 

As we welcome Shabbat, may we all take time to notice the glow around us. To name the stops along the way. And to hold this summer gently, appreciating all we have here at camp. 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Josh 

As the LITs (leaders-in-training, 11th grade) near the end of our Central European adventure, we are so grateful for the opportunity. We have not only bonded as a whole kehilah (community), but are now able to look back on this incredible experience and see the whole, balanced picture – from learning together through walking tours and visiting historic synagogues, to adventures and thrills like ziplining and rafting through the Alps.

Over the course of this trip, we have visited many cities, including Munich, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Ljubljana.

We stayed connected to camp by practicing our CCRC traditions whenever possible: b’yachad (our morning camp ritual) on the bus, Hashkiveinu to close out the night, Laila Tovs, and Shabbat services.

And now, we are excited for the next chapter of our summer together – two weeks at our favorite place in the world! We’ve picked the best Leadership Blocks, where LITs learn the “why” and behind the scenes of camp and take the next step in their journeys by creating programs for younger campers. We’re planning the most fun and meaningful evening programs where we can laugh and share even more deeply. And of course, we cannot wait to rejoin our greater CCRC community and all of its traditions!

I asked several LITs: What about this trip are you grateful for?

“I’m grateful for all of the new things we got to see and learn, and all the new friendships we made.” Maddie S.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel with such a good group of friends that I enjoy spending time with. That adds a whole new layer to my experiences. I see things in a new way.” Koby S.

“I’m grateful for the fact that even though we’re in a different place, we still feel the community of camp around us.” Livy G.

“I’m grateful for this extraordinary experience and being able to go to six countries in Europe with kids I have been growing up going to camp with for years.” Jacob M.

Best,

Brenda Serpick, LIT Coordinator

Dear Capital Camps Community,

We are loving our final week in Europe. Let’s take a look at the past few days:

Sunday, July 20th:

The LITs made our way to Balaton in Hungary. Campers went swimming, boating, paddle boarding, and more. Later in the day, we arrived in Ljubljana, Slovenia just in time for dinner where we explored various cuisines.

Monday, July 21st:

On Monday morning, we drove from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, a crystal-blue, gorgeous lake near the Alps. We boated to an island and explored a bit of the local marketplace. After lunch, we sped down the longest zip line in Europe!

Here’s what some of our LITs have to say about our experience so far:

“We’ve all grown socially on this trip, meeting and bonding with people who are from different sessions. I didn’t know people outside of my second session cohort before, and now I feel comfortable talking to everyone. We have really bonded into one.” – Seth G.

“I’ve really enjoyed this trip, being able to go to new places with old friends and new friends, trying different activities I wouldn’t be able to do on a daily basis or even at camp!” – Holly S.

“I love hanging out with my old and new friends. We have all bonded as one, which allows us to have really deep conversations at places such as the Holocaust memorial sites we’ve been to.” -Mikey M.

“It’s been really cool to see our Jewish heritage in all of the different countries we’ve visited and see how the rich history connects to our culture as we experience it.” -Margo E.

Tuesday, July 22nd:

Today we are soaking up our last few days of what has been a life-changing experience in Europe. We drove through the Alps to go rafting on the Soca River in Slovenia.

This trip has been nothing short of incredible, from the amazing views, to the incredible cuisines, to the meaningful insights into Jewish history around the world. We look forward to what the final few days of our trip bring.

Best,

Brenda Serpick, LIT Coordinator

Ariella Ball, Sophia Schwab, Ben Weiner, Omry Zohar, LIT Staff

Second session is off to a great start for the CITs! Over the next few weeks, they will get to really dive in head first to the full counselor and specialist experience.

We welcomed back your CITs on Sunday, the day before camp, to get a preview into what the staff preparations look like. They learned about how to best support each of their campers, helped decorate the cabin, and welcomed our new campers with friendly, smiling, faces.

During this session, the CITs will spend the majority of the afternoon with their cabin and specialty placement, learning what it means to be a great counselor and a specialist. They attend one meal per day with their cabins, and the other two with their CIT cohort. CITs attend evening programming and cabin times with their cabins to see what it takes to lead a great program and help the campers through their nighttime routines. Finally after dinner, the CITs re-convene in one group to close out their night with reflections, story times, and a meaningful village-specific program.

We can’t wait to watch as your CITs learn, grow, and form special bonds with their cabins, co-counselors, and each other.

Dear Capital Camps Community,

As we embark on second session, I want to take a moment to reflect on the special place that Capital Camps provides all of its campers. At Capital Camps, we view your children not just as campers, but as individuals on a journey of growth, thriving best in a supportive, connected community. While we celebrate their physical accomplishments, spiritual exploration, and intellectual development, we equally prioritize nurturing their social and emotional well-being.

Our camp community is built on authentic connections. Our dedicated Macks counselors are here to help campers develop lifelong emotional resilience and meaningful connections, something that is key for this age group. Throughout this session, Macks campers will engage in reflective, meaningful village activities to help further grow these skills. And of course, spending time in nature has well-known mental health benefits!

We also understand that supporting mental health is a shared responsibility. That’s why we’ve built a strong, experienced Camper Care team, including our exceptional yoetzot, who provide ongoing guidance and resources for both campers and staff. Their presence reinforces our belief that a healthy, strong community is the foundation for each camper’s growth and well-being.

As we continue this journey together, we remain committed to cultivating a culture of empathy, openness, and mutual support. When campers know they belong, feel supported by both peers and trusted adults, they flourish emotionally, socially, intellectually, and spiritually.

Thank you for being such an important part of this experience and for entrusting us with your child. Together, we’re building a resilient, thriving community where every child feels valued, confident, and cared for.

Warmly,

Rachel Ratafia-Levine

Hello from Capital Camps!

Sleepaway camp offers something truly special: a rare chance to step away from the constant noise of everyday life and reconnect – with oursevles, others, and with what truly matters. In a world that often moves too fast and runs on screens, camp is a sanctuary for mental health and emotional growth. Camp nurtures wellness in intentional, meaningful ways. At camp, kids experience the freedom of being unplugged from technology. Without the pressure of social media or digital distractions, they can fully immerse themselves in the present moment, whether it’s singing around the campfire, tackling a ropes course, or simply laughing with new friends during rest hour. This disconnection is a powerful tool for mental clarity and emotional balance.

During our first day in Kaufmann village, I witnessed your children settling into their new home with laughter, confidence and excitement. I heard screams as friends re-united after being apart all year, saw hugs and high fives and most importantly, kids being kids; playing outside, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company.

Under the leadership of our amazing camp team, Village Leader and Assistant Village Leader and incredibly talented and dedicated staff, camp is so much more than just swimming in the lake, roasting marshmallows, and staying up late with friends. It’s also an amazing place to grow emotionally, build confidence, and take care of our mental health. For your children, sleepaway camp can be a powerful reset from the stress of school, social media, and packed schedules.

Nature plays a huge role, too. Studies show that spending time outdoors lowers stress and boosts mood, and at camp, the natural world becomes both playground and sanctuary. From sunrise hikes to stargazing, campers are invited to slow down and take in the beauty around them.

Just as important is the community. Camp fosters deep, face-to-face connections that are hard to replicate in the digital world. Campers practice empathy, communication, and collaboration in a supportive environment where they can be their authentic selves. Campers learn to try new things, go outside their comfort zones, be uncomfortable and then learn to tolerate that discomfort which is the focal point of growth.

CCRC provides your children the opportunity to reconnect with Jewish values, traditions, and spirituality. Whether it’s a peaceful Shabbat service under the trees or learning a new Hebrew song, campers find grounding and inspiration in rituals that feed the soul.

As we continue our summer journey, let’s celebrate the mental health benefits of being together in this unique space. By disconnecting from screens, we’re reconnecting with what matters most: ourselves, our friends, our faith, and the natural world.

Best,

Emily Greenberger

Good evening, Capital Camps!

We are so excited to officially kick off Second Session together! 

Whether this is your child’s first summer, or perhaps your child already considers Capital Camps their second home, we are thrilled to experience the magic of camp together! As the Reich Yoetzet, I am here to foster, encourage and support your child’s growth and wellness. We have a very strong Camper Care Team that collaborates and works hard to make sure that each camper receives differentiated support. 

Among all of the exciting and meaningful activities at camp, our campers in Reich Village begin to really learn independence, resilience and how to navigate social interactions with their peers. In addition, the campers also build meaningful friendships and become a part of our strong Jewish community that they will hopefully keep coming back to year after year. 

I will be beside them for this wonderful journey, ready to watch the many ways they grow and support them as needed.

Tracy Tabachow