By Jen Shevitz, Camper Mom – originally posted on her blog
Hannah had the most incredible time at Camp Kalsman this year. She was gone from Tuesday July 19th – Tuesday August 2nd. Two whole weeks. First off Hannah says thank you to everyone who sent her letters and packages. She loved getting so much mail. Drop off at camp went very smoothly this year. While in line for check-in we met another little girl who was going to be in Hannah’s cabin. By the time we got through the lice check the girls were already friends. We got down to the girls cabin and started to unpack. Hannah was in a different cabin but in the same bed set-up as ast year. There were 8 girls, 5 counselors, and a counselor in training. Sounds like fun to me. We got Hannah unpacked and then we said our goodbyes. Hannah was already goofing off with her cabin mates and counselors. Two of the girls were returnees from her cabin last year. when you leave camp that is the last face to face or even voice contact you have with your camper. for the next two weeks I found out about Hannah’s life through letters from her which mostly just asked for more stamps, pictures they post and from our Rabbi and his wife who were in-residence at the camp the second week. We sent Hannah a couple of packages and an email every night. I even sent her a couple of emails pretending to be the boys or the dogs. She thought that was funny. It was a long two weeks and we missed her so much. Finally I went to pick her up. As I walked through the camp to the basketball court where they all gather I was told by other friends on their way out that Hannah was beside herself waiting for me. When I got there and she saw me she tackled me and then burst into tears. It was so cute. She was so excited to see me, so sad to leave camp, exhausted… so many emotions and they all got the best of her. A bunch of older kids and counselors came over and just gushed at what a sweetie she was and how much they loved her. One of the male counselors came over and said “so you are responsible for this one” with a huge grin on his face. After many hugs and good byes we finally made our way to the car. Hannah didn’t stop talking for hours. Here are some highlights of camp.
1. Mealtime chants and songs.
2. Sleeping in a cabin with 7 other girls. A slumber, dance party every night.
3. The climbing tower not once but twice.
4. Art-splatter paint, button making, clay, friendship bracelets, lanyards.
5. T’fillah everyday(prayer service)
6. Shabbat with the entire camp dressed in white.
7. Swimming- and passing the swim test
8. Canoeing
9. hiking and cooking out
10. Baby naming ceremony for the camp directors baby girl.
11. Maccabiah- Color wars, Hannah was on the red team and they won.
12. Singing “You are my Sunshine” in the talent show all by herself
13. Being in the camp play Seussical the Musical.
14. Ga Ga, Archery and the tree house.
15. Friends, fun, and laughter 24/7 for two whole weeks.
Hannah came home and is immediately counting the months till next years camp. She says she can’t wait until 5th grade when she can go for 3 weeks. I am not sure I am ready for that.
A note from camp: We know three weeks seems like a long time… but you can do it!!
To all of our readers: We are always accepting stories, blog posts, reflections on camp – feel free to be in touch if you have something that belongs on our blog!
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