By: Ruben Arquilevich, URJ Camp Newman, year-round camp and retreat center
Children, teens, young adults and even older adults OPEN UP AT CAMP.
“My mommy still sings me a song before I go to bed”.
“Camp saved my life”.
“I almost never see my dad even though we live in the same city. My parents are separated and I live with my mom full time. I miss him a lotL”
“I still wet the bed at night. I fall too fast for girls..The girl I love may never love me back the way I love her”.
“I have a fear of heights and old fashion dolls.”
“I love to sing in the rain.”
“I love nature and sticking my hands in the dirt and soil.”
“I have been afraid of Frisbees since I was 9 and I just got over my fear.”
What is it about the Jewish camp environment that enables our hearts and souls to open up? Caring and nurturing staff? Warm, loving acceptance from peers? Jewish values that permeate camp life, 24/7? Our Nefesh (soul) program, comprised of a team of social workers and therapists? I suggest that it is all these things and more that are intangible. Ultimately, it can best be described by campers frequently sharing that Camp is where they can be their best self, feel the safest and let go of the obstacles that preclude them from OPENING UP. By opening up, they discover and learn the human path we all travel, one filled with insecurities, fear and deep yearning for companionship and acceptance. Opening up not only enriches the person who opens up but validates the rest of the community in their opening up. The sweet sentiments above was part of a program led by one of our rabbinic students, that yielded these testimonials and was accompanied by supportive blessings and commentaries from their camp community. By opening up, facing, validating and addressing our inner lives, we are all enriched and able to bring home the gift of personal growth. This is especially the case for pre teens and teens, who developmentally begin to bottle up their inner worlds, especially when it comes to sharing with their parents, teachers, administrators. Peers, along with the camp oasis, is the magic bottle opener
Thank you, Ruben, for having me to camp as part of Nefesh faculty this past week. As you write above camp can provide the ideal environment to support emotional growth and move through all sorts of stressors. Stressors that kids “pack” with them from home such as divorce, illness, financial difficulties and the stressors that meet them at camp such as sleep deprivation, communal living and being away from familiar place. But, the key to resolving stressors is in the way that camp provides countless resources. Resources that the kids can take back home with them. Resources in the form of friendships, creativity, and a love of Judaism and nature.
As I looked around camp this past week in my role as Nefesh faculty I was thrilled to see that even though over 25 years have passed since my first summer at Swig, and these campers and their devoted staff may only know Newman…the Swig/Newman legacy lives on. I saw adolescent boys freestyle dancing as they pumped up for session songs. I saw girls jump into the pool with glee after a day of adventures and discoveries. And, I saw my 4 year old son enjoy his first its-its. (I definitely ate one too!) Camp is truly a special place. A place to be more free and to get support and look at the parts of yourself that can truly blossom so that you can be the best Jewish person at camp and beyond.
Thank you again, Ruben!