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

Good evening, Capital Camps!

We are so excited to support your Benjamin Village campers at Capital Camps this summer! Whether they are first-time campers or on their 3rd or even 4th summer at camp, we know that there will be lots of opportunities for learning, growth, and development. 

Capital Camps staff are specially trained to support your camper wherever they may be developmentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. We help cabin and specialist staff understand the importance of supporting each camper with developmentally appropriate and individualized expectations while helping them to learn and grow as individuals and part of a community. 

In Benjamin Village, the cabin is the heart of the community and it becomes the home base from which campers explore and engage with the rest of the village and camp. Each activity, from the pool to omanut (arts), from sports, from Maccabiah (color war) to Shabbat, and everything in between, is designed to give your camper opportunities to grow and challenge themselves. We can’t wait to see their eyes light up when they learn something new, share an accomplishment, or realize how they have helped a friend. 

This is the true gift of camp, and we thank you for entrusting us with your children. We are so excited to play, learn, and grow together!

Deborah Harburger, MSW

Dear Yalla Parents,

Welcome to the joyful, jam-packed world of Yalla Village – where your 6-9-year-olds are growing in every way imaginable! What a whirlwind of excitement it’s been as our amazing 2nd-4th grade campers have officially kicked off their Capital Camps journey! From the moment they stepped off the bus or car, wide-eyed and a little nervous, they started stretching their wings mentally, physically, and socially. They will learn to use their words to express big feelings, solve little problems, and build friendships that matter. With the support of their counselors, leaders, and our Camper Care Team, they’re developing independence, emotional awareness, and a strong sense of self. This is the age where their brains are shifting into high gear – thinking more logically, asking deeper questions, and discovering just how capable they really are.

Socially, Yalla is a launchpad for lifelong friendships. Campers are learning how to be kind, how to listen, how to share, and how to be part of a community. They’re practicing empathy and respect in every cabin conversation and group game. And thanks to our diverse staff from the U.S., Israel, Mexico, and the U.K., they’re experiencing a beautiful blend of cultures and perspectives that broaden their world in the most joyful, interactive way. Every day is a new opportunity to connect, grow, and shine. Yalla is more than a village, it’s a place where your child discovers just how strong, loved, and limitless they truly are.

And of course, Jewish life is the heartbeat of it all. This session your children will be dancing through tradition – literally! From the ruach (spirit) that fills our meals, to the beauty of Shabbat, they’ll be connecting to their heritage in ways that are meaningful and unforgettable.

In just one short week, we will watch your children transform. What might have begun with a few tears and nerves will blossom into a world of possibilities, pride, and lifelong connections.

With ruach and gratitude,

Kara M. Damsky, LMSW

“It’s hard to believe that camp is almost over.” The chatter among our campers is starting to pick up, and they’re right. The time has really flown by.

At summer camp, we offer so many outlets for creativity, enjoyment, community building, and friendship—opportunities presented in ways that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

Last week, our campers and staff competed in a highly-anticipated camp favorite: Maccabiah, our team color competition. During this event, we broke down our typical groups to bring the whole camp together in new ways. Campers with siblings were placed on the same team, creating unique family bonding opportunities. Campers also mixed with campers from other cabins and villages, widening their range of connections in our Capital Camps community. This new perspective encouraged a deeper understanding of team building and collaboration. Several activities occurred over the two-day period. In their themed teams, campers and staff created team cheers, participated in our iconic Maccapeel (relay race around camp), and competed in classic camp activities like sports, aquatics, and arts and crafts. All of these in our team format gave campers different opportunities to take on new leadership roles and create lasting experiences. 

Beyond grand events like Maccabiah, so much of the magic at camp happens in the everyday moments of our activities. We get creative with our art projects. We laugh and play in the pool. We work as teams in sports. We adapt our minds to overcome obstacles at the ropes course. We also offer camper-selected programming through a daily chug (elective) block. These chugim activities range from extensions of daily camp activities—rikkud, tennis and pickleball, archery, arts and crafts—to more unique programs catered specifically to our campers’ interests and each chug, like Israel Adventure Week led by our Head of Israel Education, Experience Mexico led by our Mexican counselors, gymnastics, Zumba, diving, tea time at the farm, the camp show, creek walking, and so much more. Needless to say, we are filling our campers’ time at Capital Camps with a diverse range of activities, from typical days with their cabins to programs that allow them to branch out into unique personal interests and creative abilities.

It’s inspiring to see campers dive into new experiences, whether it’s mastering skills on the sports field, unleashing creativity in arts and crafts, or discovering a hidden talent during a specialty block. These aren’t just fun ways to pass the time at camp; they are opportunities for campers to learn new skills, build confidence, and experience things they might never encounter at school or at home. What makes these moments even more profound is the way campers engage with one another—sharing laughs, collaborating on projects, cheering each other on, and navigating challenges side by side. This naturally fosters incredible bonds and friendships that we know will last long after the summer ends. Witnessing these connections form is a powerful reminder of the deep, meaningful impact camp has on each child.

I can’t wait to watch as these moments wind down what has been an inspiring, meaningful session.

Best,

Sam Belkowitz, Program and Staff Engagement Coordinator

Hello from Europe, Capital Camps!

Our Leaders-in-Training (LITs, rising 11th grade) have been in Europe for a week, and this trip has been truly remarkable. So far, we have seen some of the oldest synagogues in Europe, walked through the Jewish quarter of Prague, and listened to some beautiful music in a gorgeous Spanish synagogue.

As Jewish people, we know that our history is so important to our present lives and future generations. Our LITs are expanding their perspectives and really navigating complex experiences, asking interesting and tough questions. Their curiosity is immense and gives me hope for the future of the Jewish people, especially as we are in the places where that future was almost entirely destroyed. We began our journey in Munich and below are some recaps from our second stop of the trip in Prague:

7/10 Recap:

The LITs had an incredible first full day in Prague. We began the morning by visiting the Prague Castle and the Parliament. We made our way to the Pinkas Synagogue, the Maisel Synagogue, and the Old-New Synagogue, where we learned the rich history of the Jewish people in Prague. We ate lunch in the Jewish quarter and many campers made sure to try the famous Chimney Cake! We had an awesome afternoon doing summer bobsledding, followed by our dinner in Prague’s Old Town. We ended the night at a classical music concert at the Spanish Synagogue.

7/11 Recap:

Today the LITs experienced a mixture of meaningful, fun, reflective, and celebratory moments. The day began by heading to the Terezin Concentration Camp. We explored the caves, walked the train tracks, and observed the crematorium. One of our campers is a fourth-generation survivor of Terezin and shared his story, helping establish an even stronger connection to the tour. Seeing the barracks and crematorium of Terezin, to walk under the Arbeit Macht Frei (work makes you free) sign was beyond words. Following the tour, we had a lighter change of pace at the Fun Arena, where campers partook in archery tag, human foosball, 8-ball pool, and more arcade games. Finally, we got ready for Shabbat, which kicked off with a dinner at Chabad of Prague. After the meal, we broke out into an impromptu Shabbat session, reciting classic camp songs and bringing the campy feeling all the way to Prague.

7/12 Recap:

The LITs had a reflective and relaxing Shabbat. We headed to Chabad of Prague for camper-led Shabbat morning services, followed by group reflection time. Following lunch, we enjoyed a walking tour of Prague’s astronomical clock area and the Charles Bridge. We spent the afternoon enjoying some free time in Prague’s Palladium, and concluded the night with a Havdalah service back at the hotel.

7/13 Recap:

Today we departed Prague and headed to Vienna. We stopped along the way at Aqualand Moravia for a fun waterpark adventure. Once we arrived in Vienna, campers enjoyed free time, some of whom enjoyed a game at Top Golf.

We look forward to continuing to share this journey with everyone.

Best,

Brenda Serpick, LIT Coordinator
Ariella Ball, Ben Weiner, Sophia Schwab, LIT Counselors

There’s something special about the final week of a session. By now, the routines have become second nature, friendships are deeper, and everywhere you turn, it just feels like home. We’ve learned each other’s rhythms, shared countless smiles, and created memories that are hard to put into words. Our cabins become more than just buildings. They become communities. 

At camp, our shared spaces are not just places to sleep; they are reflections of how we live together. This is an idea reflected in our weekly Torah portion, Parshat Balak.  In it, we hear the words: 

“Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov, mishkenotecha Yisrael.” 
“How good are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.” 

This line offers a powerful reminder that how we live together matters. The way we treat each other, the way we show up for one another, and the community we create all matters. 

This week, we’ve seen the truly expansive nature of our tents here at Capital Camps. Our LITs began their journey through Central Europe, carrying the spirit of camp with them as they travel. We welcomed a new Yalla group of first-time campers who jumped right into the energy of camp life. And we opened our tents even wider as we embraced a cohort of Israeli Legacy Camp participants who are joining us for the final ten days of first session. Our camp community is both rooted and mobile, growing in size and stretching across the world. 

And while after next week most of our campers will no longer be living in a tent or cabin, my hope is that they will all ask themselves the following question: what from this space can I carry into the year ahead? 

Will it be the way friends cheered for one another during Maccabiah?  

Will it be the conversations that fill the moments between programs with meaning and depth? 

Will it be the ruach (spirit) filled energy of Shabbat at camp? 

Mah tovu asks us to make our dwelling places special, wherever we go next. To take the best of what we have built here at camp and find ways to bring it into our schools, homes, and friendships in the months ahead, with the goal of creating a better tent for all.  

Shabbat Shalom,
Josh Micley