My two boys couldn’t be more different. Levi, my 15-year-old, is serious, thoughtful, spiritual and a true “old soul.” He loves Judaism, cooking, and the arts and has declared that he plans to become a rabbi, which fits his compassionate nature and intellectual approach to everything. Levi loves being the center of attention and expresses great dismay if ever I write an article or blog post about anyone, or anything, other than him. Eli, my 12-year-old, on the other hand, is a shy, emotionally volatile prankster who insists on having fun at all times and finds the thought of me writing about him to be completely repugnant. It’s a dilemma, because I enjoy writing about my family and it’s hard to be censored by 25%. But that being the case, I thought it might be fun to talk to a couple of campers to get their perspective on the Jewish overnight camp experience.
This is my interview with Levi, who attends a camp associated with the Union of Reform Judaism in California, and an anonymous person, we’ll call him Joe, who attends a Jewish sports camp in North Carolina.
What is the best part of camp?
Joe: Having fun and getting to be part of a great community. The community at camp is always so magical and welcomes you with open arms. It is bleepin’ summer camp! (He said “bleepin,’” by the way.)
Levi: I would have to say it’s a tie between three things; the fantastic experiences like Shabbat and going trailblazing, the exquisite settings, the trees, the sunsets and, of course, the marvelous people.
Do you have a favorite activity?
Joe: Gaga – easiest question so far. Gaga is a super fun game. You go into a gaga pit which is like a circular area that’s not too big. They throw the ball in. You let it bounce three times and then you run up and hit it with your hands. Your goal is to hit someone with the ball, either below the hips or knees. If you are the last man standing, you win. If you are out, you lose. If you lose, you do not win. If you win, you do not lose.
Levi: When I was younger, I enjoyed the pool and sports. As I get older, I enjoy the specific session themed programming, like Judaism through nature and trailblazing. I’m also looking forward to our Judaism through art themed program this coming summer. I especially love the Jewish experiences like having an intimate Shabbat morning service by the creek or at sunrise, or just being able to join with all my friends as an entire camp for a meaningful Shabbat shira (song session).
What is your favorite meal at summer camp?
Joe: At my first camp, I made my custom spaghetti taco, which was spaghetti put into a quesadilla along with chips and cheese. If the pasta is hot enough, the cheese should melt, making a delicious meal. At my current camp, I think my favorite meal might be the fried chicken. But I never actually tasted it because I keep kosher and wanted to have s’mores for dessert, which are dairy.
Levi: Pass. No, I’m kidding, I’ll answer. Off the record, the food isn’t great. But there are a few meals that everyone looks forward to. Shabbat breakfast is composed of coffee cake and cinnamon rolls. Those are pretty good. Burrito bar for lunch is always yummy.
Why is it important to go to a Jewish camp?
Joe: It’s important to go to a Jewish camp because you get to learn more about your religion and practice it while, like most camps, you get to meet new people and have fun, which helps your social skills.
Levi: At a Jewish camp, not only do you have great opportunities to meet new, cool, Jewish people and new rabbis, and learn from them, you have programming where you get to build and strengthen your Jewish identity. You have opportunities to study with different rabbis and to work on developing opinions about Judaism and G-d.
What is your favorite camp tradition?
Joe: Every year I play basketball. ’Nuff said.
Levi: Of all of the many camp traditions, making me pick one seems like a crime. But I’d have to say, it would either be one of three things: Rishonim vs. Hagigah Frisbee game, the Shabbat shira and Israeli dancing, or the Rishonim new trail ceremony and Hagigah festival, where the Hagigah campers showcase the art they’ve been working on all summer.
There you have it. What is great and memorable about Jewish overnight camp. Please be clear that any resemblance between these characters and persons living in my home is entirely coincidental.
Debra Rich Gettleman is a mother and blogger based in the Phoenix area. For more of her work, visit unmotherlyinsights.com.
