By Nate Strauss, Camp Director
As we prepare to welcome our second Shabbat of the summer at Capital Camps, I write you reflecting on the incredible week we’ve had here. Our Kaufmann, Macks, and LIT campers returned back to camp after unique and exciting trips away from camp, exploring different parts of our region and country and bonding as a village community. Yesterday, we celebrated the Fourth of July together wearing red, white, and blue and enjoying a camp-wide carnival, planned by the campers and staff of Macks village. As we welcome Shabbat after such an exciting week, I join our campers and staff thinking about this week’s parsha, Korach. This Torah portion challenges us to reflect on the importance of unity, harmony, and the sanctity of communal rituals—themes that resonate deeply with our camp’s Shabbat traditions.
Just as Korach and his followers sought recognition and leadership roles, our campers are encouraged to embrace their unique roles within our camp community while appreciating the strength that comes from unity. Welcoming Shabbat together is a powerful way for our campers to connect with each other and with their Jewish heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Through our Shabbat rituals—whether it’s lighting candles, singing songs, or enjoying a special meal—we create a sacred space where campers can pause, reflect, and recharge spiritually. These moments not only deepen their understanding of Jewish traditions but also strengthen their bonds with each other and with the larger Jewish community.
As we gather to usher in Shabbat this week, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to witness our campers embrace these traditions with enthusiasm and joy. I am confident that these experiences will leave a lasting impact, nurturing their personal growth and reinforcing their sense of belonging to our camp family.