On November 5, Americans across the country will head to the polls to ensure their voices are heard and their votes are counted. The 2024 election will be historic for many reasons, but there is one group for whom this election will be particularly special: first-time voters.

In North America, our community has been dealing with rising levels of antisemitism and fears about being attacked for the crime of being Jewish. It was against this backdrop that I arrived in the safe haven that is URJ's Crane Lake Camp.

Jewish summer camps provide children the opportunity to immerse themselves in Jewish culture, engage in ritual and education, challenge themselves physically and spiritually, and prepare to be leaders in and out of the Jewish community.

At the Jewish summer camp I attended in my youth, we created a sacred moment for our closing-night ritual. After we finished our campfire singing, we'd look up at the stars. Campers today live very different lives. In a post-pandemic world, they have endured screen overload.

As we gear up for another unforgettable summer at URJ Camps - and with some camps already in full swing - we are reminded that today, more than ever, providing safe, nurturing spaces for our campers, counselors, and staff is of utmost importance.

While camp is an oasis away from everyday life, it still exists in a world that has much work to do around harm prevention, particularly for Campers of Color, gender-diverse campers, campers with a variety of body sizes, and campers with disabilities.

The recent rise in antisemitism on college campuses has sparked concerns among students, parents, and communities. As the challenges faced by Jewish students navigating higher education persist, there is a growing need for safe spaces that celebrate Jewish identity and foster a sense of belonging.

This reflection on the theme of bravery explores the ways that the author's mixedness, Jewishness, and range of emotions are tied to what it means to her to be brave.

The 2023 Helen Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards were awarded to two NFTY teens. We talked with them about their projects, inspiration, and plans for the future.