Becoming Your Camp Self Full Time

This summer, Summer 2024, will be the 9th time I’ve spent a summer at overnight Jewish summer camp. In those 9 summers, only one was spent as a camper. Like many campers who attend summer camp, that summer was filled with stepping outside of my comfort zone, trying new activities, building relationships, and deepening my connection to Judaism. However, when I look back at my time spent at camp, I think about how my time on staff shaped me into the person I am today. Those summers on staff are what allowed me to discover the best version of myself.  Those summers provided me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles, to learn how to care for others, discover what taking care of myself in a stressful environment looks like, and to experience immersive Jewish experiences. In those transformative summers, camp provided an environment that allowed me to grow into a version of myself that I was proud of, a version of myself where I felt comfortable in my own skin, and a version of myself that was authentic and passionate about being Jewish. 

After my culminating summer on staff at the camp I attended once as a camper, I moved to Nashville to start my life after college. As I began my first job as a Jewish professional, I found myself starting to feel as though my camp self could exist in real life. It was a magical feeling. To grow into the version of myself that I loved the most, in a space that wasn’t just summer camp. I could build authentic relationships with people that brought me joy, be appreciated for my creativity by friends and co-workers, and exist in a Jewish community that embodied so much of what I loved about Judaism. To feel like my camp self full time was incredible. 

Fast forward four years, and I found myself in a job interview to be an Assistant Camp Director. In the interview, I was asked “What do you hope campers take away from a summer at camp?” My response was for these campers to one day become their camp self full time. A hope that camp becomes a place to become the best versions of themselves, and to feel empowered to bring that version with them wherever they go next, for the rest of their lives. 

This summer, my 9th summer spent at camp, I find myself watching the campers and staff, the young Jewish leaders of tomorrow, grow into the best versions of themselves. All day long they try new activities, building meaningful friendships, navigate challenges, and everything in between. To witness even a small glimpse of this growth, is a gift. 

Whether or not you experienced one summer, many summers at camp, or whatever your version of camp is, we all deserve to feel like our “camp-self” full time. This summer, this year, and especially this Shabbat, may you find the space, the place, and the people who lift you up, and celebrate the version of you that makes you feel your best, every single day.

Wishing your best self a Shabbat Shalom!

Ethically,

Emily