The following blog post is the second in a series written by Jewish camp professionals, representing an array of camps and movements, expressing their perspectives regarding the past, present, and future of Jewish summer camp.
It’s July 16th and I’m sitting on my fifth flight in six days as I travel across North America visiting the 13 URJ camps I have the privilege to supervise. While having been in the camping/Israel programs “business” for more than 35 years, I remain in awe of my friends and colleagues who willingly take responsibility for other people’s children summer after summer. Anyone who has been connected to Jewish camping knows that the job of camp director has changed radically in the last 10+ years. There is no “break” at the end of the summer, stakeholder needs and expectations continue to rise, directors must possess expertise in everything from septic to stewardship of donors. And then there are the spouses, partners, and kids. Finding balance during the summer…hah! I was recently remarried…yes semi “old” people can find happiness the second time around. Cathy knew what she was getting into but already refers to herself as a “summer widow”. The reward for all this: creating and shaping a vision and monumental satisfaction amid the hassles and endless days and weeks.
This week has been about the past, present, and future. I began last Shabbat in Bruceville-Eddy Texas at the celebration of the 35 anniversary of the founding of the URJ Greene Family Camp. The celebration acted as an alumni reunion and dedication of a spectacular new sports center. (Full disclosure, the director is my former college roommate, best friend, and Greene director for 33 years). More than 1100 alumni gathered in central Texas to reconnect and revel in the accomplishments of a special place that their parents and grandparents founded to inspire generations to come to take pride in being both Jews and Americans. It has succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.
Late last night I flew back from Toronto after two days with my deeply committed Camp Board Chair, Raymond Capelouto. After a tire blowout on highway 400 near Barrie, we arrived at URJ Camp George on beautiful Maple Lake. George has a skilled staff, passionate lay leadership, and a stunning site. All that is needed…$6 million to fund phase one of an exciting master plan (third camper village, new dining hall, health center). George can become a model for Jewish camping in North America. “IM TIRZU…”
I’m about to land in Raleigh on my way to the URJ Six Points Sports Academy on the campus of the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, NC. This is the future: highly specialized Jewish camping in rented facilities reaching kids/parents who would probably never have considered Jewish camp. Ninety-five 10-15 year olds are engaged in basketball, tennis, baseball, soccer, and swimming under the tutelage of great coaches. All of this taking place in a warm and welcoming Jewish environment, filled with Jewish values and role models. Very cool. This visionary program was made possible by the Jim Joseph Foundation as part of the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Specialty Camps Incubator initiative. The North American Jewish community is truly investing in the growth and expansion of Jewish camping.
To all those toiling in the vineyard of building Jewish identity and our future, I wish for you a healthy and safe summer and above all, Shabbat Shalom.
Paul Reichenbach is the Director of Camping and Israel Programs at Union for Reform Judaism
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by URJ Camp Harlam, Fdn for Jewish Camp. Fdn for Jewish Camp said: Past, Present, and Future – a guest blog post by Paul Reichenbach, Director of Camping & Israel Programs @URJ http://ow.ly/2etl1 #jewishcamp [...]