Good afternoon, Capital Camps! My name is Lauren Ebenstein, and I am a Yoetzet for my fourth summer at Capital Camps. Outside of camp, I co-own a parent consulting company and administer psychological evaluations through private practice.
As we prepare to send campers home after an incredible session, it is important to remember that the transition from camp back to home is often accompanied by many emotions. At camp, we frequently remind campers that they can feel more than one thing at once, and that is especially true on departure day. Your camper may be excited to see family, sad to leave friends and counselors, proud of what they accomplished, and exhausted all at the same time.
The camp experience is unique because it allows young people to practice independence, build meaningful relationships, navigate challenges, and discover new strengths in a supportive community. Returning home after weeks of living, learning, and growing alongside their peers can take some adjustment. Just as campers need time to settle into camp at the beginning of the summer, they may need time to settle back into life at home.
One of the best ways to support your camper is to give them space to share their experience at their own pace. While you may be eager to hear every detail, many campers need time to process the countless memories they have made. Rather than asking questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” try inviting reflection with open-ended prompts such as: What was your favorite part of Shabbat? What did you enjoy most about your elective? Tell me about your village’s SING performance. What was a memorable Maccabiah moment? These types of questions often lead to richer conversations and help campers revisit meaningful experiences.
As your camper settles back in, you may also notice some of the growth that took place during their time at camp. They may demonstrate increased confidence, responsibility, problem-solving skills, or independence. Celebrate these accomplishments, whether they learned a new skill, strengthened a friendship, stepped outside their comfort zone, or simply became more comfortable taking care of themselves. Allowing campers opportunities to continue practicing their independence at home reinforces the growth they experienced this summer.
Finally, remember that camp is both physically and emotionally demanding in the best possible way. Campers often return home tired and in need of extra rest, familiar routines, and favorite foods. You can also help keep camp memories alive by looking through photos together, watching camp videos, singing camp songs, or encouraging your camper to teach you something they learned during the summer.
Thank you for trusting us with your children this session. We hope that the friendships, memories, and growth they experienced at Capital Camps continue to have a lasting impact long after they leave camp. We wish your family a smooth transition home and look forward to welcoming your camper back again soon.
Warmly,
Lauren Ebenstein, Benjamin & Macks Village Yoetzet