As the clock struck nine, the gates of URJ Eisner Camp opened to bring in a new session. Cars were lined up one after another and eagerly began to drive to return to their second home. As they entered the Eisner bubble, cheering Olimers greeted families with smiles. Becca Leviss, an Olim camper cheering at center camp said, “It’s an amazing feeling to know that I have the ability to make campers happy and smile, like how I used to be when I was the one sitting in the backseat of my car. Plus, it’s so fun getting pumped with your friends!” The cars made it up to the bunks and families started unpacking with the help of new counselors and bunkmates. After all of the campers arrived, parents received big hugs and kisses goodbye from their children and session two officially began!
At noon, the bunks had the opportunity to get to know each other through games and mixers, while enjoying a great picnic lunch! The day continued with tours of camp as well as meeting our Directors who will act as role models and guides for the rest of the session. The campers were able to sign up for their favorite activities (some old Eisner classics as well as new unique opportunites!) and really got to meet the other campers in their unit who they will be spending a lot of time with for the rest of the session.
As the evening arrived, all of camp gathered together into the Chadar Ochel to have our first meal together. Our outstanding chefs prepared spaghetti with homemade meatballs that camp really enjoyed. After the meal came to a close, everyone was brought down to the Beit T’fillah for our Opening Ceremony!
Each unit sat together as the Torah was passed L’dor V’dor, from generation to generation. Our Olim campers made a fence around the community and all of camp rejoiced to their favorite songs like “Sweet as Honey” and “Hineini” as each camper got to hold the Torah and pass it to their friends. As Louis Bordman, Executive Director of Eisner, closed the ceremony explaining how unique and special Eisner Camp is, he said, “This camp is different. Every camp has sports, art, and counselors. But not every camp is under the Eisner bubble. It takes us from the real world, it protects us and keeps us safe…We must all have integrity and character. Be memorable, be exceptional, it is up to you to make this world a better place. Weclome to Eisner summer session II 2012!” Both the campers and staff listened to the moving and inspirational words of Louis, as he further explained the importance of community and about acceptance. To make sure that these important lessons are fulfilled in the Eisner bubble, everyone went back to their cabins to create a Brit Kehila, a written set of guidelines created by the campers to make sure that they have the best summer possible filled with respect and care to the entire community.
Opening day of session two comes to close. Even though the flashlights went out and the campers went to bed, we know that when we wake up in the morning, Eisner will be in full swing ready for activities and excitement!
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