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

This week’s parsha, Chayei Sarah, tells the story of Abraham’s mission to find a wife for his son, Isaac. After Abraham entrusts his servant, Eliezer, with this important task, Eliezer embarks on a journey to find the right match for Isaac. He has a very specific criteria in mind for how he will know who the right woman is: she is someone who will not only offer him, a weary traveler, some water, but also, offer it to his camels. A few days later, when he arrives by a well, Rebecca does exactly this; instantly, Eliezer knows she is the one. 

At first glance, Rebecca’s actions may seem like simple kindness or basic decency. But if we look deeper, we can see something much more profound in the way Rebecca’s actions are described. It is clear that Eliezer was not seeking just a basic gesture; he was looking for someone who would go the extra mile. Our foremother Rebecca reminds us that true care is not about the bare minimum – it involves doing more, extending ourselves, and showing generosity without being asked. 

As I join the Capital Camps community, I find deep inspiration in this message. One of the things that drew me to this camp is the way it embodies Rebecca’s mindset. Capital Camps consistently goes above and beyond to create transformative experiences for our campers. Whether it’s through a commitment to personalized camper care, fostering leadership opportunities, or creating a safe space where every child can explore their Jewish identity, Capital Camps exceeds expectations. 

As we look ahead to the upcoming summer, this is the spirit that the entire Capital Camps team will carry with us. And as you anticipate the summer ahead, I encourage you to reflect on what you will bring with you—whether it’s a talent, a passion, or a unique quality—that can help elevate the experience for those around you. Just as Rebecca’s generosity left a lasting impact, it’s our collective strengths that make Capital Camps a place that truly goes “above and beyond.” 

Best,
Josh Micley
Camp Director

Dear Capital Camps Community,  We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Josh Micley to the role of Camp Director for Capital Camps. Josh brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership, as well as a lifelong passion for Jewish camping. He will be joining the team beginning on November 12, 2024.

Josh’s journey to this role began at Camp Yavneh in New Hampshire, where he attended as a camper before serving as a counselor, unit head, and member of the education staff for many summers. Each experience deepening his commitment to the transformative power of camp to help all children develop and grow, both as individuals and in their Jewish identities.  Josh comes to us from Kennedy High School in Chicago, where he served as Assistant Principal for the past five years. Before that, Josh worked as a Social Studies teacher in New York City public schools. He brings expertise in differentiated education (DE), operations management, as well as immense experience with student, parent, school, and community partnerships. He’s excited to leverage this diverse skillset in the Jewish camp space, which has always been close to his heart.   Josh is especially excited to be part of a pluralistic Jewish community at Capital Camps that is inclusive, engaging, and full of meaningful experiences for every camper and staff member. He’s also looking forward to experiencing the magic of Capital Camps alongside his wife, Alexa, and their three young children, Aaron, Elan, and Meirav. In his spare time, Josh enjoys playing tennis, biking, and exploring new places by foot.  Josh is committed to building partnerships with parents and guiding the growth of our campers and staff. He is excited to partner with the year-round team of camp professionals including Ilana Kornblatt (Assistant Camp Director), Adina Golob (Community Care Manager), Penny Hartzman (Camp Registrar and Office Administrator), Max Nozick (Program Associate), Maddie Siegel (Communications + Marketing Associate) and Ezra Suldan (Family + Community Engagement Manager). Adina will continue to be the main point of contact for individual camper needs. Ilana will continue to be the main point of contact for individual staff needs/questions.   Please join us in welcoming Josh to the Capital Camps family. We are excited for the future and are confident that under his leadership, camp will continue to be a place where children, teens and staff can grow in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment anchored in Jewish values.   Warmly,  Havi Goldscher, CEO Sarah Barnett, Board Chair Allen Mattison, Camp Committee Chair

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Noach, we read about Noah and the flood, a story that offers many profound lessons. One key theme is Noah’s commitment to following God’s command to build the ark, even when it must have seemed illogical to those around him. His steadfastness in the face of doubt teaches us about the importance of dedication, vision, and trust in a higher plan. The waters of the flood symbolized chaos and destruction, but they also provided an opportunity for rebirth and renewal. 

This idea of preparation and renewal can be applied to many areas of life, including enrolling children in summer camp. Just as Noah was preparing the ark for future challenges, Capital Camps parents enrolling their children in summer camp are preparing them for their future by providing experiences that build independence, resilience, and community. Capital Camps, like Noah’s ark, can be seen as a protected space where young people are nurtured, guided, and allowed to grow in a safe environment. 

Just as Noah built the ark with great care, selecting the right animals and materials, parents also carefully select the right camp that aligns with their values, interests, and hopes for their children’s growth. Capital Camps provides opportunities for kids to make lifelong friendships, deepen their Jewish identity, strengthen their understanding and relationship with Israel and Israelis, and learn valuable skills. The community and experiences they build can serve as a foundation for their character, just as Noah’s ark became the foundation for a new world. 

Ultimately, the story of Noah reminds us that preparation and trust are key components in creating positive change and nurturing the next generation. By investing in their children’s future, parents act as builders of their own “arks,” creating environments where children can thrive and be ready to meet the world with strength and faith. 

Our participation for summer 2025 is strong as we head into November.  Over 75% of our 2024 campers have made plans to return next summer with an additional 63 campers that will join for their first summer experience.   

If your family is interested in helping to promote Capital Camps to your friends, congregation, school, family or neighborhood, please let us know and we can provide you with materials.  Thank you for building your ark for the future and helping others to do the same, just as Noah did for the Jewish people.  

Havi Goldscher
CEO, Capital Camps & Retreat Center