One thing that makes Jewish camp, well, Jewish is the happy campers that take home a stronger Jewish identity. Everyone at the FJC offices smiled with pride today when we received this note:
My son, Noah, returned from camp at JCA Shalom. He is a One Happy Camper recipient. He LOVED it! He was nervous about going since he’d never been there and didn’t know anyone but the staff quickly put him at ease and he bonded with his cabin mates. We enjoyed seeing the daily pictures of him on the camp website where we could see for ourselves that he was having a wonderful time. He is now connected to friends all over the west coast and he enjoyed meeting counselors from Israel. He said that he learned more Hebrew, the Birkat HaMazon and enjoyed celebrating Shabbat with everyone. He also said that he looks forward to returning.
The experience did many things for him- improved his confidence in being able to be on his own away from home with all new people; built his self-esteem as he tried and succeeded at so many new things; connecting him with Jewish peers; and strengthening his Jewish identity. All of this in just 12 days!
We cannot thank the Foundation enough for making it possible for Noah to attend a Jewish sleepaway camp. With three older siblings in college we could not have afforded to send him without this support. We look forward to someday being able to return the favor. Please extend our gratitude to all who are involved with this wonderful program.
Regards,
The Fischer Family