Dear CIT Parents,

As we kick off what’s sure to be an incredible summer at Capital Camps, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you: the parents of our CITs. This is a milestone summer for your teens, filled with opportunity, growth, and leadership.

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s where campers begin stepping into leadership roles while still enjoying the fun and spirit of being part of the community. They’re building new skills, supporting younger campers, and learning what it means to be a role model, all while strengthening friendships, discovering more about themselves, and stepping into their next chapter at camp.

As the Yoetzet (village social worker), I work closely with our staff team to support the social-emotional wellbeing of both campers and staff. CITs hold a special place in that work.

In the first days of the summer, we guide CITs as they:

• Build new group connections and expand their social circles with kindness and curiosity
• Step into leadership with courage while still practicing self-awareness and empathy
• Learn to balance responsibility with self-care, while recognizing that caring for others starts with caring for themselves

We’ve intentionally spent time preparing our team to support each CIT’s journey, and we’re already seeing meaningful signs of growth. Our goal is for them to leave this summer more confident, more connected, and more capable. This is all in service of each CIT’s development not just as future staff, but as thoughtful, caring young adults.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child during this special and transformative summer. We’re excited to partner with you in supporting their development and leadership, and we’re here to connect anytime along the way.

With warmth and care,

Sara Birnbaum, MSW

Dear Capital Camps Community,

As we dive into another meaningful and vibrant summer at Capital Camps, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something deeply important to all of us: mental health and emotional well-being.

At Capital Camps, we see your children not just as campers, but as growing individuals who thrive best in a nurturing, connected community. While we celebrate their physical achievements, spiritual exploration and intellectual growth, we place equal value on supporting their social emotional wellbeing.

Our camp community is built on authentic relationships. Our dedicated counselors play a vital role in cultivating a caring, inclusive environment. Through genuine conversations, intentional and active listening, and heartfelt encouragement. We at Capital Camps are here to help campers feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s during a quiet one-on-one moment or a group session focused on reflective thinking, our staff works to equip campers with lifelong skills for emotional strength and connection.

We also recognize that caring for mental health is not a one-person task, but instead a collective responsibility. That’s why we’ve built a strong and experienced mental health support team, including our exceptional yoetzot, who provide continuous guidance and resources to both campers and staff. Their presence reinforces our belief that a strong, healthy community is essential to each camper’s ability to flourish.

As we grow together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture of empathy, openness, and mutual support. When campers know they belong, when they feel supported by their peers and trusted adults, they thrive emotionally, socially, intellectually, and spiritually.

Thank you for being a vital part of this journey and trusting us with your child/children. Together, we’re building a resilient community where every child can feel confident, connected, and cared for.

Warmly,

Jesse Braitman

As your children begin their exciting journey at sleepaway camp, I want to share how we support camper wellness and emotional growth. Our goal is to create a warm, nurturing environment where every camper feels empowered, supported, and part of something special.

Camp is a unique opportunity for kids to explore, grow, and build meaningful friendships. Whether they’re learning a new routine, navigating new social connections, or discovering more about themselves, we view each experience as a chance to build confidence, independence, and joy.

Our team has spent the past week preparing with intention and care, ensuring we’re ready to meet your campers with energy, compassion, and a strong sense of community. We promote healthy sleep, nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and open, caring communication. As a yoetzet, I’ll be working closely with both staff and campers to offer individualized support and help make every day meaningful and fun.

At Capital Camps, we believe in the power of community, routine, and inclusion. Every camper is seen, celebrated, and valued. We’re so excited to partner with your children as they discover their best selves and create a summer full of joy, connection, and growth!

-Gabrielle Glenn, Reich Yoetzet

Good morning, Capital Camps!

Benjamin Village-aged campers attending Capital Camps this summer will make lots of growth across cognitive, physical, and social-emotional domains. For children attending sleepaway camp, these milestones are put into practice as they navigate a new environment, build relationships with diverse peers without direct parental guidance, practice self-care and responsibility, and learn conflict resolution and compromise within a group setting. Camp provides a unique opportunity to build confidence, emotional regulation, and adaptability, all while engaging in physical activity and unplugging from technology.

When your Benjamin camper comes home in a month, you will see first-hand all these areas of growth; as parents, you can help with your children’s continued growth by allowing them a little increased independence as appropriate and with a little luck, you may even get to enjoy some of the helpfulness and sense of responsibility gained by working as a team with their peers!

For now, though, rest assured that your children are in good hands and are just embarking on the beginning of a summer of incredible memories to go along with this personal growth! 

– Lauren Ebenstein

Good morning, Capital Camps!

Yalla Village-aged campers attending Capital Camps this summer will make lots of growth across cognitive, physical, and social-emotional domains. For children attending sleepaway camp, these milestones are put into practice as they navigate a new environment, build relationships with diverse peers without direct parental guidance, practice self-care and responsibility, and learn conflict resolution and compromise within a group setting. Camp provides a unique opportunity to build confidence, emotional regulation, and adaptability, all while engaging in physical activity and unplugging from technology.

When your Yalla camper comes home in a week, you will see first-hand all these areas of growth; as parents, you can help with your children’s continued growth by allowing them a little increased independence as appropriate and with a little luck, you may even get to enjoy some of the helpfulness and sense of responsibility gained by working as a team with their peers!

For now, though, rest assured that your children are in good hands and are just embarking on the beginning of a summer of incredible memories to go along with this personal growth! 

– Lauren Ebenstein

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.