I ultimately landed in my career as a therapist - also known as a counselor - & I often notice that some of the most basic skills in my field I learned at camp, where the seeds of my career were planted

For years, my mom has been on a mission to teach mah jongg at the Reform Jewish summer camp my brother and I attended. This year it finally happened.

When tragedy struck Camp Coleman, we asked how we could respond. The answer was to cry together, support one another and establish a lasting legacy at camp for our friend.

Fires cannot destroy our fond, sacred memories of camp – and Camp Newman’s traditions and practices will continue. 

Each time I go to camp, I learn lessons that you don’t have to be a “camp kid” to understand.

As Reform Jews, it can be difficult to create immersive Jewish moments – and camp spoiled many of us into thinking that the best of what that experience could look like is behind us.

We weren’t surprised when a small flock of wild turkeys showed up at camp. After all, Wisconsin is one of the top five states for wild turkeys! Though he is sorely missed, here are some lessons we learned from Felix’s time with us, and the legacy he has left behind.

Having been a sleepaway camper myself for every summer of my childhood, I know camp will change you. I can't wait for you to come home and teach us what you have learned.

URJ Crane Lake Camp, a Reform Jewish summer camp in Stockbridge, MA, recently released this beautiful video about what it means to be a Reform Jew, both at summer camp and beyond. In sharing the video, Crane Lake posted, “We are all different and unique and yet so similar. Being Jewish isn’t about what you look like or where you come from. It’s about how it makes you feel.”