This Shabbat, we read Parashat Nasso, the longest parsha in the Torah. At first glance, it can feel like a portion filled with details, logistics, assignments, and repetition — each family group given its role, each leader bringing their offering, each contribution carefully counted and acknowledged.   

And honestly, this time of year feels a little like that too. 

As your family closes out another school year filled with concerts, graduations, projects, exams, and celebrations, here at camp we are deep in our own season of preparation. Final schedules are being confirmed. Supplies are arriving. Staff are beginning to move onto campus next week. Retreat season is winding down, and very soon our camp community will reopen in its fullest form — filled with the energy, noise, laughter, and connection of summer. 

One of the most meaningful themes in Nasso is that every person holds a role in building the community. Even when the offerings described in the Torah were identical, each one was named separately and recognized individually. The Torah reminds us that community is not built only through grand moments, but through countless acts of preparation, presence, and participation. 

That feels especially true in Jewish camping. 

For Capital Camps, summer does not begin on opening day. It begins now — in the care and intention behind every final detail, every staff training, every packing list, every nervous or excited conversation around the dinner table. It begins in the collective effort of parents, staff, leadership, and campers all preparing to create something sacred together. 

As we transition from the rhythm of the school year into the spirit of summer, I feel tremendous gratitude for the partnership of our camp families and staff. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back onto campus very soon. 

May this season of preparation lead us toward a summer filled with blessing, growth, friendship, joy, and belonging for every member of our community. 

Shabbat Shalom. 

Havi Goldscher