Camp JCC’s summer camp was bigger and better this year with more campers, more activities, and more fun. Thanks to the new addition of the Marty Einhorn Pavilion, camp-wide activities and Shabbats were reenergized as campers gathered in the shade for art, dancing, songs, and games.
“The best part of summer was walking out to the pavilion on Friday afternoons for the camp Shabbat,” says Nofar Trem, youth and family program coordinator and Camp JCC unit head. “Seeing the campers and counselors with their arms over each other’s shoulders as they swayed and sang Hine Mah Tov, a song about how great it is to be together, is what Jewish Day Camp is all about!”
Some of the new activities at camp that became quick favorites include surfing with Sababa Surf Camp, a pirate parade, and a back-to-school BBQ bash. These will likely become Camp JCC staples along with returning favorites such as fishing, lip-sync battle, color war, and, of course, Donkey Thursdays. A silly start to the morning, which includes camp leadership staff and counselors singing and skipping around the Boker Tov (good morning) circle, Donkey Thursdays were wildly popular for the first and second graders. “Good morning, Mr. Donkey!” was happily shouted at Thursday morning carpool as campers greeted Dave Flagler, director of camp and teen engagement.
Leah Flax and her sister Mellie Hagaa send their children to Camp JCC for the meaningful connections they make with the Camp JCC staff. “Our kids love the JCC camp so much. It is their home away from home during the summer. They feel like they are part of a big family! We feel so safe leaving the kids with the awesome counselors and Mr. Dave is the absolute best. He is there for our kids for issues related to camp AND life. This camp is perfect for your ‘go with the flow kid’ and your “spirited kid’ too! During these important years of their lives, we are very grateful for JCC summer camp.”
One of the best parts of summer camp is watching counselors grow into leaders at camp, and later becoming leaders in the community.
“This summer has been so much fun and so rewarding,” says Riley Salway, a Camp JCC counselor. “When staff training began, I did not know anyone and could not picture in my mind how the summer would go. I never expected to be able to face challenges head-on and be so confident in how I could handle them. This was an amazing summer and I miss camp already.”
To learn more about Camp JCC and how to get involved year-round, visit CampJCC.org or contact Dave Flagler at dflagler@ujft.org or 757-452-3182.
–Sierra Lautman