We have had an incredible first full week of Machzor Bet (Second Session) at Camp Ramah Darom, filled with moments of joy, growth, celebration, and connection. I can’t wait for you to read the aidah highlights below and watch this week’s video to catch a glimpse of all the ruach (spirit) and fun from these past few days. After an action-filled week, I am also looking forward to a magical Shabbat together.
As you scroll through the photos and videos, you might find yourself thinking, “The grass is greener at Camp Ramah Darom.” After a week of rain, that’s certainly true in the literal sense! But I think the saying is true in another way as well.
The grass is greener because so much care goes into helping it grow. Our incredible tzevet (staff) cultivate an experience that is both fun and intentional to maximize the impact. They pour their hearts into creating opportunities for friendship, independence, Jewish growth, and joyful memories that will last long after the summer ends.
These opportunities enable our chanichim to constantly try new things, build confidence, and strengthen their Jewish identities – all in an environment that is by design very much unlike school and our commitments during the year at home! It is no wonder so many of them describe Camp as their happy place.
This week’s parashah, Matot-Masei, tells the story of the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who ask to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River because they see lush pastureland for their cattle. They literally see greener grass and want to make it their home. At first, Moshe is concerned that they are putting their own interests ahead of the needs of the community. But after they promise to first help the rest of the Israelites enter and settle the land, he agrees. Reuven and Gad can allow their tribes to live where they want because they first fulfill their responsibility to the greater community.
In order to get to the place we yearn to be, the place where many of us feel we are our best selves, Camp Ramah Darom, we must first fulfill our responsibilities at home. And while we’re here, even if we find ourselves wishing for something different, whether it’s a different Yom Sport role, time at the lake instead of the pool, wings instead of salmon, or a different tzrif (cabin) location, we should focus on all that we have and appreciate this moment. Before we know it, we’ll be yearning to return and counting down the days until we can be here again.