Oct 28, 2024
I love so many things about CYJ, and today, I want to focus on kindness. Camp is an environment where you don’t have to step on others to get ahead; instead, we can all succeed together. Here, we learn how to win and lose gracefully. Respecting and appreciating our differences is a fundamental part of the camp culture. I often wonder if camp makes us kinder or if the culture of kindness at camp brings it out in everyone.
Let me share a few examples. During Shabbat services, even though it can get lively, when someone reads the Torah, you could hear a pin drop. At the Talent Show, even performances that aren’t exactly Emmy-worthy receive applause and sometimes standing ovations. Campers and staff write appreciative notes every Shabbat on their Shabbat-O-Grams. Kindness in the bunk is vital when twelve campers live together. Imagine sharing a large bedroom when most people are used to having their own space. It could lead to conflict and challenges, but kindness is learned through sharing, respecting each other’s belongings, including everyone in conversations and bunk games, and helping to clean during Nikayon (bunk cleanup). The highest honor a camper can receive is the Mensch Award, given to one camper per aidah (age group). Our highest award recognizes not skills but kindness.
Kindness at camp is intentional, and the culture here is built around being kind. Perhaps our reputation for kindness primarily attracts kind kids, and I’m okay with that. We help our chanichim grow into kind individuals who have strong Jewish identities and love for Israel. I proudly embrace that reputation and challenge others to join us.
Just 229 days until Camp. I “KINDa” cannot wait!
Frank “the Tank”