Kavanah is the Hebrew word for intention and is often juxtaposed with Keva or the idea of routine. Jewish tradition teaches the value of balancing both in prayer and when performing mitzvot (good deeds). Throughout staff training we are likewise focused on both Keva and Kavnanah.
At the start of staff training, we brought together our home-grown returning staff, CIT graduates, new domestic staff, and a strong team of international staff. This group of diverse individuals learn the necessary skills so that our campers can safely experience all camp has to offer from the pool to the lake, from our sports fields to our outdoor adventure course. Our counselors also spent time learning about group dynamics, behavioral management, and child development. As this group of committed individuals grew and learned, they also created a strong camp community. Like our campers, our staff first met their bunkmates, meeting nightly for cabin time activities. They next formed village-wide communities as they spent time learning with their Village Leader. And this Shabbat they will sing and dance as a full staff community.
Bahya Ibn Pakudah, an 11th-century philosopher, is believed to have said, “Prayer without kavanah is like a body without a soul.” Likewise, the intentionality that is woven into staff week is the necessary ingredient to create a summer full of meaningful camp moments. Our staff read all the About Me (completed by campers) and About My Camper (completed by parents) forms to gain an understanding of each of their campers as individuals. They planned value-based programs that will explore curiosity, kindness, justice, and decency. We spent time talking about challenging subjects like anti-Semitism, mental health, and the huge responsibility of taking care of children. Our staff learned about themselves as leaders and are well-prepared to help our campers grow as individuals and build supportive communities.
In this week’s Torah portion, Korach and his followers accuse Moses and Aaron of taking power and prestige for themselves at the expense of the community. At camp this past week, we did the opposite: we empowered our staff as individuals and they in turn created a strong, positive community. We can’t wait for this special group of knowledgeable and compassionate staff to start working with our campers.
Shabbat Shalom,
Lisa Handelman
Camp Director