In Parashat Behar, we’re introduced to the mitzvah of Shmita, the sabbatical year. Every seven years, the land of Israel is commanded to rest. Farmers stop working the land, debts are forgiven, and whatever grows is shared by all. It’s a beautiful vision of pause, equality, and renewal.

Shmita isn’t just about giving the land a break. It’s a spiritual reset, an invitation to step back from constant productivity and reconnect with our purpose, our community, and ourselves.

In many ways, camp is our Shmita. After months of school, packed schedules, and digital overload, we arrive at Capital Camps and begin to breathe differently. We unplug. We slow down. We step into a new rhythm.

As we prepare for the summer ahead, let’s carry the spirit of Shmita with us. Let’s embrace this sacred pause as a chance to grow, to reflect, and to strengthen our relationships with one another, with nature, and with ourselves.

Dear Capital Camps Families, 

As we explore this week’s parsha, Shemini, we find some valuable lessons that resonate deeply with the values and experiences we cherish at camp. Shemini, the eighth day, marks a significant moment in the Torah with the dedication of the Tabernacle and the start of Aaron and his sons’ priestly duties. This transition and sanctification are loaded with meaning, especially when we think about our own moments of growth and dedication within our camp community. 

Shemini highlights the importance of consecration and the sanctity of communal spaces. Just as the Tabernacle served as a sacred space for the Israelites, Capital Camps serves as a special place for our campers and staff. It’s where friendships are made, personal growth is encouraged, and Jewish values are lived every day. The dedication of the Tabernacle reminds us how essential it is to create and maintain environments where holiness can thrive. We see this in our Shabbat services, Havdalah, heartfelt cabin time discussions, and the moments of kindness shared throughout camp. 

In Shemini, we see the intricate rituals and offerings that show the Israelites’ devotion to God. These rituals aren’t just acts of tradition but are deep expressions of faith and commitment. At camp, we have our own set of rituals that bring us together and reinforce our collective identity. Whether it’s our morning B’Yachad (coming together) as we raise the flags and singing Mo’deh Ani, Shabbat Chofesh, sharing meals and closing with Birkat Hamazon, or observing Shabbat, these rituals foster a sense of belonging and continuity that mirrors the spiritual practices described in Shemini. They remind us that every act, no matter how small, can be filled with meaning and purpose. 

Shemini also presents challenging moments, including the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons, who offered “strange fire” before God. This episode serves as a reminder of the consequences of actions and the importance of following divine instructions. At camp, while we emphasize fun and freedom, we also stress the importance of responsibility and safety. The story of Nadav and Avihu teaches us that our actions must always be guided by respect, awareness, and care for our community and its rules. 

Yom HaShoah: A Time to Remember 

As we reflect on the themes of Shemini, we also acknowledge that Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, which commemorates the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust passed earlier this week. The day remains a stark reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the Jewish spirit. At Capital Camps, we strive to honor the memories of those lost by fostering an environment where understanding, tolerance, and peace are paramount. In our camp activities, we teach the values of empathy and respect for diversity. We aim to provide a space where Jewish history and tradition are not just remembered but actively lived. By engaging with these narratives, our campers learn to appreciate the richness of their heritage and the importance of their roles in ensuring a just and compassionate world. 

In closing, I encourage you and your families to take the lessons of Shemini to heart. Let’s continue to build and nurture our camp community with the same dedication and sanctity that the Israelites showed towards the Tabernacle. Let’s honor the memories of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust by fostering a camp environment that upholds the highest values of humanity and Jewish tradition. 

Wishing you all a meaningful week and looking forward to the summer ahead at Capital Camps. 

Warm regards, 

Havi Goldscher

In this week’s parasha, Vayakhel, Moses gathers the Israelites to provide the Sabbath commandments: to rest, abstain from work, and to kindle no fire. A surprisingly short list, considering the many modern adaptations of these rules.

What is decidedly not a short list, however, is what comes next from Moses: an impressively large list of dimensions, instructions, and specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle – the holy space which the Israelites built and carried with them on their wanderings.

It strikes me that these two sets of commandments are shared in parallel to one another. It says to me: “to rest is simple. To prepare yourself to rest is hard.” The Israelites were asked to put great effort into every detail of the creation of their holiest site. Without the proper environment, one cannot reasonably expect to rest, to pray, or to look inward.

At camp, we are always aiming to enhance every detail of our space as well. One goal we strive toward each summer is to provide an environment which is conducive to growth, introspection, and rest. The care our community has for the physical space of camp is inspiring – from the generous gifts of a revamped amphitheater or renovated farm, to the simple act of a young camper noticing a piece of trash on the ground and taking a brief detour to the trash bin. We are grateful for and proud of both the space we share, and the community which cares so deeply for it.

Warmly,
Max Nozick, Program Associate

Parshat Mishpatim presents a series of civil and ethical laws that emphasize justice, fairness, and how we should treat one another. Just as the Israelites were called to uphold these laws as a community, we are called to embrace similar values within our Capital Camps community. 

There are many aspects of this D’var that resonate with the values we foster at Capital Camps. One in particular resonates with me: when G-d instructs Moses, “You shall not oppress nor do any wrong to strangers, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” This verse deeply reflects my own experience at Capital Camps. 

I first joined the Capital Camps community in the summer of 2018, coming in as a stranger from Georgia, to serve as a songleader and Benjamin Village counselor. I had no idea what to expect, stepping into a well-established community with existing friend groups and circles. Yet, from the moment I arrived, I was met with such warmth and hospitality. People took the time to teach me camp traditions and fill me in on all the little “things to know.” That summer was unforgettable, and it left me eager to return in 2019. Re-joining the community as a full-time team member in 2024 was my greatest pleasure, and I only hope that I can make “strangers” to the community feel as welcome as they did to me, just as G-d expressed to Moses. 

I imagine campers and counselors have the same experience as me when they first set foot in their cabin/tent/village — given that people come back summer after summer after summer. However, there are a few other pieces of G-d’s law that can be seen in the larger camp community. 

• Camp for All: One of the core values we hold at Capital Camps is the idea of “Camp for All,” embodied in our Atzma’im Inclusion program. This program ensures that we welcome campers from all walks of life—regardless of background, denominational affiliation, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, including those with diverse intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities. We are committed to providing the support needed for anyone with unique needs, ensuring they have a successful summer. We emphasize the value of inclusion and encourage our community members to welcome everyone into their cabins, tents, or villages, no matter how different they may be. After all, our differences make us stronger. We continue to promote this value, especially during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). 

• Am Echad (One People): Our theme for the summer 2024 was Am Echad, or “One People.” We take great pride in welcoming Israeli campers and staff into our community, particularly during times of unrest in Israel. Growing up in a camp environment, it’s natural to form tight-knit friend groups that return each year, which can sometimes make it difficult to include newcomers. However, we are incredibly grateful to our community members who have warmly embraced our Israeli campers and counselors, making them feel like they’ve been part of the community all along. 

• Camper Care: Another important teaching from Mishpatim is the law of kindness and consideration for others. Whether it’s helping someone in need or showing empathy to those in difficult circumstances, the Torah calls us to adopt a compassionate approach. Camp is an ideal setting for practicing these values. Whether it’s offering support to a camper feeling homesick, encouraging a teammate who’s struggling, or showing understanding to someone who made a mistake, the teachings of kindness and empathy from Mishpatim play a vital role in creating a positive, nurturing environment at camp. 

Through these examples, we see how the timeless values of Mishpatim continue to guide our community, shaping our relationships and fostering an environment of inclusion, care, and respect for all. 

Warmly,
Maddie Siegel, Communications & Marketing Associate

By Hannah Stoller, Atzma’im Coordinator

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Atzma’im program changes the course of people’s lives. I can’t begin to image how different of a person I would be if I hadn’t accepted a job as an Atzm’aim counselor 10 years ago. Throughout my career as a teacher and now as a school psychologist, I have always grounded myself in the principles of inclusion that I learned and have lived by at camp, and I’m a better practitioner for that. I take immense comfort in knowing how many other members of our community will be better friends, better professionals, better neighbors, better advocates, better allies, from having experienced the magic of a fully inclusive environment. 

A huge part of our mission is to provide a supportive Jewish space for those who may need more support. But our mission goes far beyond that. By creating a community where all are welcome, all are accepted, and all are valued, we establish a standard that our campers and staff will champion outside of camp for years to come. Even when they stop spending their summers at camp, they will remember how much more beautiful life is when we appreciate each other’s differences.

The Atzma’im Program is Tikkun Olam, the Jewish value of repairing the world, in practice. We first create the world we want to see in our Waynesboro summer home, and then we go take those principles out into our communities. I challenge everyone to find a small way that you can do that this month – be the force for inclusion in your own circles. We all have the power to help build the world we want to live in.

By Adina Ginsburg, Community Care Manager 

One sign that we are moving past the years marred by the COVID pandemic is the number of current 2^nd through 5^thgraders clamoring to spending their summers at overnight camp. At Capital Camps, we have record numbers of campers this age applying for spots, with growing waitlists for some programs. At the same time, we are hearing from our current 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade campers that some of their peers have never gone to camp, are reluctant to leave home, and perhaps feel like starting camp “at the right time” is another item on the long list of things that the pandemic deprived them of experiencing. 

Not only is it not too late for middle school students to start attending an overnight camp, but it is also especially this group of young adolescents who can benefit the most from the overnight camp experience. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a family physician and resilience expert, talks frequently about the power of a Jewish overnight camp experience to help children grow and develop.  She shares how camp makes it fun to gain independence and how living with cool counselors or “near-peer mentors” provides the ideal environment to develop resilience. 

Later middle school and early high school students were in the upper elementary grades when the pandemic closed most camps.  This experience interfered with the opportunity to develop academic and social-emotional skills.  Camps are ideal places to help this age group learn valuable life skills.  For example, Capital Camps is organized around a village structure that is designed to meet the developmental needs of each age group. As the campers get older, they pick more of their activities. Middle schoolers have a choice of an elective, as well as sports and arts blocks. Counselors receive training related to child development, and each village has a mental health professional or experienced educator who works alongside village leadership to address the social-emotional needs of the group.   

Middle schoolers need to put down their phones and spend time outdoors.  They need to swim in the pool, jump in the lake, engage in sports for fun, dance, sing, create art, and eat pizza cooked at the farm.  Middle school age campers are ready for more complex experiences that include problem-solving field games and activities to build trust, communication and teamwork as part of a low and high ropes course program. 

In addition, a Jewish overnight camp like Capital Camps provides the foundation for each camper to take ownership of their own Jewish journey.  This is especially critical during the years right before, during and following campers’ Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. As campers prepare to take the next step in their Jewish adulthood, the best way to spend the summer is in an immersive Jewish experience. From celebrating Shabbat, having Israeli counselors and singing Birkat Hamazon, every part of the Capital Camps experience is steeped in culture + tradition.

Capital Camps’ commitment to supporting campers has a long history and stays at the forefront of who we are. We have a community care team to help support our campers through any hard times. We find that the best “cure” to homesickness is distraction. Our counselors support the campers through a nonjudgmental lens. We truly strive to meet people where they are. 

Some say that Judaism is an open tent, welcome to all. We take that very seriously at Capital Camps. No matter the age, grade or school, Capital Camps is the right place to spend your summer. Speaking of tents, all of our campers eagerly anticipate their 10^th grade year when they get to sleep in them!  

Parshat Bo, this week’s Torah portion, is filled with large-scale drama: plagues #8, #9, and #10, Pharoah’s command to the Israelites to leave Egypt, and the beginning of the Exodus. Earlier in the parsha, though, there’s a more under-the-radar scene where Moses and Aaron nearly secure the Israelites’ exit ticket three plagues early. After the plague of hail has ended, Moses and Aaron go to Pharoah and demand once again that he let the Israelites leave Egypt to worship God. Pharoah, feeling exhausted and defeated, gives in – but he wants to know who exactly would be going. Moses explains that the whole nation must go, including the children; Pharoah draws a line there, only allowing the adult men to go. That the children would come is a non-negotiable condition for the Israelites, and when Pharoah refuses, God immediately sends the eighth plague, locusts.  

Pharoah fails to understand something that the Israelite people know to be true: our people’s identity is incomplete without children. So of course, our prayer, our collective conversation with God, is incomplete without children.  

For six shabbatot at camp each summer, we get to see this idea put into action. Our campers aren’t just present for our Shabbat services, they’re at the forefront of them; campers lead prayers that resonate with them, share their answers to meaningful questions, and act out skits to teach lessons from that week’s parsha. They read from the Torah, they’re called up for aliyot, and they bring their instruments to lead the whole camp in favorite songs. We could get through the services having all these pieces done by staff, but it would leave out the voices that make our experience so beautiful, special, and whole – our Jewish identity would be incomplete.  

This Shabbat, I hope we all take the opportunities to learn from our communities’ children, celebrate them, and welcome them into the things we do to make the time holy.  

Ezra Suldan, Family and Community Engagement Manager

By Adina Ginsburg, Community Care Manager

Sleepaway camps offer children the chance to step outside their comfort zones and experience a new world of independence and adventure. While even short stays can provide valuable growth opportunities, longer sessions can be particularly impactful when it comes to social, emotional, and mental health development.

Building Stronger Social Skills

At sleepaway camp, children are immersed in a social environment where they interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. A longer stay allows for deeper relationships to form, fostering empathy, communication skills, and the ability to navigate social challenges. These interactions help children improve their conflict resolution abilities and practice teamwork, skills that are transferable to school and beyond. Over time, the gradual nature of these social dynamics also provides children with a sense of belonging which is crucial for developing self-confidence.

Emotional Resilience and Self-Regulation

Extended time away from home challenges children to manage their emotions in a supportive, yet independent setting. While initial homesickness and anxiety may arise, by the end of a longer session, children typically develop better emotional regulation skills. They learn to cope with stressors, adapt to new routines, and navigate feelings of frustration or disappointment. This emotional resilience strengthens their ability to handle life’s challenges with greater maturity and confidence, improving overall mental well-being.

Increased Self-Esteem and Independence

Sleepaway camp offers children the opportunity to make their own decisions, learn new skills, and take on responsibilities. Longer stays build a child’s sense of self-efficacy—belief in their ability to accomplish tasks and overcome obstacles. This autonomy can be incredibly empowering, helping children develop a stronger sense of self-worth and independence, both of which are essential for mental health and personal growth.

Stronger Connections to Nature and Reduced Screen Time

Spending more time outdoors and away from screens provides children with a healthy break from the overstimulation often present in daily life. Longer stays encourage deeper engagement with nature, which research shows can have significant benefits for mental health. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying the quiet of the outdoors, these experiences can help children feel more grounded, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.

Longer stays at sleepaway camps offer children more than just fun—they provide invaluable opportunities for emotional growth, social learning, and mental health improvement. With the chance to build lasting friendships, develop emotional resilience, and gain greater independence, children return home from camp not only with fond memories but also with enhanced emotional and mental well-being.

At Capital Camps, we are committed to the social, emotional wellbeing of all our campers and staff. We have a community care team consisting of social workers, psychologists and inclusion experts. The team supports all campers and staff before, during, and after their time at camp. Capital Camps is so lucky to be a part of the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s (FJC) Yedid Nefesh Mental Health Initiative, which enables our camp to have a clinical social worker on the year-round staff team. FJC also provides a monthly community of practice (CoP) to learn from and share with other camps. Capital Camps’ commitment to the wellbeing of our community is a top priority. 

Questions about our camp program? Contact Adina, adinag@capitalcamps.org

In today’s fast-paced world, it often feels as if we’re living in two distinct spheres: the physical and the virtual. Everywhere we turn smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices surround us. While technology serves critical roles in our lives, the allure of the screen can also lead to feelings of distraction and disconnect from our surroundings and loved ones.  

Recently, Dr. Jonathan Haidt of NYU published The Anxious Generation, which explores how around 2012, when smartphones became ubiquitous, significant increases in loneliness and depression arose among youth. In his book, Haidt underscores the importance of screen-free play and real-world, independence-building experiences. And where better to find them than at camp?  

At Capital Camps, we witness the transformative power of the “great unplug” each and every summer. Without their devices, our campers develop deep relationships, engage in powerful conversations, and find joy in nature. Take a look in our dining hall or catch a glimpse at our pool on Shabbat, and you’ll see that, in the absence of mindless scrolling, kids are laughing, singing, dancing, inventing games, and simply enjoying life. Every moment is filled with genuine presence. 

What greater gift can we offer the next generation than this? 

Josh Micley, Camp Director

In this week’s parsha, Parashat Vayeshev, we begin the story of Joseph and his brothers, and some of the challenges that each of them faced as they navigated their complicated relationships. Throughout the parsha, there is a strong recurring theme of resilience and determination. Joseph, and many people who he encounters on his journey, face significant obstacles in their paths – yet, instead of giving up, they continue forward, working with what they have to better their situations and themselves. 

The idea of maintaining optimism and confidence in the face of a roadblock is one that fits beautifully into the experiences a summer camp provides. Capital Camps provides a space for children to test new skills, face new challenges, and make new mistakes. Through it all, campers are learning to be resilient, to continue to push themselves to grow despite the obstacles. Capital Camps turns road bumps that may have once hindered a child’s growth into learning opportunities and launchpads.

As Joseph found himself sold into servitude by his brothers, he took stock of his situation. Instead of giving up on himself, he worked hard to earn himself a position of power and respect as the Pharaoh’s dream interpreter. Likewise, campers facing challenges – losing a game of cards, not getting the lead role in the camp show, navigating unfamiliar social situations – practice resilience and take advantage of these opportunities for growth. 

Joseph’s story impresses upon us that we have a great strength within us – an ability to stay confident through setbacks. Capital Camps is proud to provide an environment that actively fosters that strength. 

Max Nozick, Program Associate