Hi Capital Camps families!
This past Shabbat, we welcomed families and other guests from near and far to celebrate our third-year staff, who have dedicated their time and effort to work at Capital Camps for three total summers. Each of these staff members has made a significant impact on the camp community.
Last week, we learned about the Torah portion Lech Lecha. One interpretation of this translates to “go to yourself”. At its core, the portion invites us to reflect on who we are, who we want to become, and the journey of discovering both. Camp is an opportunity where we can take time and space to do exactly this. Camp isn’t just a place people come to each summer. It’s a place that helps staff and counselors become the people they are capable of being. Every Shabbat, every friendship, every challenge, every act of kindness helps us better understand ourselves, our purpose, and the best and truest versions of who we are.
Our third-year staff have been exemplifying this practice of becoming better and truer versions of themselves for years, and it is amplified this summer. Each of these staff have spent three summers on staff learning, growing, and making a difference for every single person at camp, and becoming better and truer versions of themselves.
On Shabbat, I asked our campers and staff to reflect on the question, “How have I become a truer or better version of myself here at camp? What have I learned about myself so far this summer that I hope to take with me outside of camp?” Here is what some of our third-year staff shared:
“I am definitely my best self at camp because I am truly at my happiest. I get to spend two whole months with my closest friends and watch campers grow into their best selves as well. I get to do a job that I love and that I have learned so many valuable life skills from, such as effective communication, and instilling confidence not only in myself but in the people I work with. Who wouldn’t want that!?” – Brielle Rudolph, Co-Arts Coordinator, Rockville, MD
“I love who I have become because of Capital Camps. Overall, camp has made me a more confident person with the skills I’ve built, such as my communication skills. Needing to know how to properly communicate with your co-counselors, campers, and other staff is crucial to being able to succeed at the job.” – Harvey Boyd, Macks Counselor, Glasgow, Scotland
“Capital Camps brings out the best in me because it is where I am most connected to my Jewish community. I get to create these meaningful experiences with people who I have grown up with, in the place I love more than anything.” – Maddie King, Reich Assistant Village Leader, Gaithersburg, MD
A large component of my role – and one that brings me great joy – is seeing our staff grow year after year and positively impact our entire Capital Camps community. It is a personal honor to get to work with each of these individuals, and our entire exceptional staff team. We are deeply grateful for the dedication, heart, and care that our staff bring to camp each day. We hope our campers and first and second-year staff will one day be celebrating their Third-Year Staff Shabbat too as they continue on their own self-journey.
Best,
Ilana Kornblatt, Associate Camp Director