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Finding the Dew
By Amy Shapiro
“It never rains at Herzl Camp, it only heavy dews.” Anyone who has spent time at Herzl knows this phrase well. We owe so much to the person who first uttered these words- now so ingrained into the lore of Herzl. Some of my best, most vivid memories of times spent at Herzl Camp took place during unlikely circumstances. In fact, many of these memories involve inclement weather.
So there we were - June of 1997 on the second day of our Kadimah canoe trip. We canoed all day, returned to the campsite and were all ready to start dinner when the dew began. All 120+ of us in Kadimah headed to the shelter (with no doors of course) as the dew began to fall and the tornado sirens blared.
Little by little, cabins of tired and wet campers were shuttled back to camp.
My cabin was the lucky one to get picked up last. For hours, all we had was a huge bag of trail mix - (the old school good kind with chocolate chips, golden grahams and cheerios, yum) and Aaron Gelperin with his guitar. The moment that stands out most is when we were all singing “It’s the end of the world as we know it” and at that moment - thunder clapped and the lights went out in the shelter. A few girls burst into tears, but I loved it. Stuck inside fighting the elements all together ... we had a guitar and we had each other, and that was all we needed that night.
“It never rains at Herzl Camp, it only heavy dews.” Anyone who has spent time at Herzl knows this phrase well. We owe so much to the person who first uttered these words- now so ingrained into the lore of Herzl. Some of my best, most vivid memories of times spent at Herzl Camp took place during unlikely circumstances. In fact, many of these memories involve inclement weather.
So there we were - June of 1997 on the second day of our Kadimah canoe trip. We canoed all day, returned to the campsite and were all ready to start dinner when the dew began. All 120+ of us in Kadimah headed to the shelter (with no doors of course) as the dew began to fall and the tornado sirens blared.
Little by little, cabins of tired and wet campers were shuttled back to camp.
My cabin was the lucky one to get picked up last. For hours, all we had was a huge bag of trail mix - (the old school good kind with chocolate chips, golden grahams and cheerios, yum) and Aaron Gelperin with his guitar. The moment that stands out most is when we were all singing “It’s the end of the world as we know it” and at that moment - thunder clapped and the lights went out in the shelter. A few girls burst into tears, but I loved it. Stuck inside fighting the elements all together ... we had a guitar and we had each other, and that was all we needed that night.
Cut to a few years later. Summer of 2000, Ozo Shabbat. We really wanted to have our last Ozo Shabbat on the Mercaz and we almost made it… until the end of the service. It was time for Adon Olam and we were doing the version that everyone loves to hate - the long one where everyone stands up for each chorus. We made it through the first two verses, and as we stood up and sang Adon Olam, arm in arm, at the top of our lungs - the clouds burst and the dew poured ... heavily.
The whole camp got wet and ran to the chadar for nuggets [Editor's Note: Could this have been the week of the infamous Puchtel Nugget-off mentioned in Danny Soshnik's last post?], but it was another powerful moment I will never forget. Another day, that same summer, there was a big storm that brought the entire camp to the basement of the new chadar. It was 2000 and the building was still new and the drainage systems weren’t quite figured out yet [Editor's Note: Were you there that summer? Watching the water slowly seep under the doors and inch closer, and closer, and closer to your haven of dry ground?] So there we were, sweeping and mopping the water out of the basement as it was gushing down the amphitheater, while simultaneously singing and entertaining all the campers. Looking back, our ozo group and staff really came together that day.
I can think of many more dew stories - the great Muddle of ’93, board game fun in the old chadar and falling asleep to the melodic sounds of dew on the cabins. Herzl taught me to recognize the good among all the dew. Don’t focus on the rain, focus on ways to choose your attitude, take care of those around you and make a better memory. In life, remember to look beyond the rain to find the dew.
[Editor's Final Note: Indeed we all do have our "dew" stories, and we'd love to hear yours! As for me, I will never forget the Leah Kachelmacher "search and rescue" of 2003. Leah, I make fun of you now only because you have made the rite of passage to being Herzl Staff. And perhaps some nice camper has now brought ice to your blood too as you searched trenches and ditches for a lost girl's body ... only to find them asleep in their bunk ignoring counselor's cry's!]
The whole camp got wet and ran to the chadar for nuggets [Editor's Note: Could this have been the week of the infamous Puchtel Nugget-off mentioned in Danny Soshnik's last post?], but it was another powerful moment I will never forget. Another day, that same summer, there was a big storm that brought the entire camp to the basement of the new chadar. It was 2000 and the building was still new and the drainage systems weren’t quite figured out yet [Editor's Note: Were you there that summer? Watching the water slowly seep under the doors and inch closer, and closer, and closer to your haven of dry ground?] So there we were, sweeping and mopping the water out of the basement as it was gushing down the amphitheater, while simultaneously singing and entertaining all the campers. Looking back, our ozo group and staff really came together that day.
I can think of many more dew stories - the great Muddle of ’93, board game fun in the old chadar and falling asleep to the melodic sounds of dew on the cabins. Herzl taught me to recognize the good among all the dew. Don’t focus on the rain, focus on ways to choose your attitude, take care of those around you and make a better memory. In life, remember to look beyond the rain to find the dew.
[Editor's Final Note: Indeed we all do have our "dew" stories, and we'd love to hear yours! As for me, I will never forget the Leah Kachelmacher "search and rescue" of 2003. Leah, I make fun of you now only because you have made the rite of passage to being Herzl Staff. And perhaps some nice camper has now brought ice to your blood too as you searched trenches and ditches for a lost girl's body ... only to find them asleep in their bunk ignoring counselor's cry's!]
Todah Rabah, Mom and Dad!!
By Lois Amdurski Butwin
Growing up in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in the 50’s and 60’s was my experience. As one of two kids in the only Jewish family in town, my Jewish connections barely existed. My family observed the High Holidays, Pesach, Chanukah, etc. either in our home, with other Jewish families or at the small synagogue we belonged to in Eau Claire, WI. That synagogue had about 25 families who belonged to it and a rabbi from the Twin Cities who did not have a pulpit would come to do High Holiday services and an occasional Shabbat service.
When I was 12, my parents looked for a Jewish camp for my sister and me. Thankfully, they found out about Machaneh Herzl and in 1963, I attended for the first time. I did not know any other campers, I had never danced the hora, and I did not have the “right” clothes for the times, but I had a wonderful 3 weeks and couldn’t wait to return the next summer. For the first time in my life, I had spent time with other Jewish kids my age and loved it! I understood what being Jewish was all about on a day to day basis.
I spent 10 summers at camp- 3 as a camper and 7 as a staff member. Those summers touched me forever. I am who I am Jewishly because of those summers. Most of my closest friends are still those I made at camp. When I have traveled to Israel and wear a Herzl t-shirt, I have always been stopped on the streets of Jerusalem by someone with a connection to Herzl. It’s a wonderful feeling. I have something in common with people whom I have never met before - even 47 years later.
I have my parents to thank for seeking out a Jewish camp experience for me. That experience continues to live on in me and now my own children…Herzl L’Tamid. Todah rabah in their memory.
"Herzl Magic" Bracket: Round 2, Vakedma Region
By Danny Soshnik
As you may know, a couple months ago, we launched the "Herzl Magic" Bracket. In a “March Madness”-like bracket, the goal is to discuss and ultimately vote on what makes Herzl so special. I discussed the Yama region’s first round match-ups here and today will dissect the Vakedma Region. I want your votes, as my commentary is just a starting point and hopefully not the final determinant.
1 Shabbos Caravan
16 "Swimming" Before Shir Hamalot
This is a classic #1 vs #16 match-up. You basketball fans out there know that a #16 has never upset a #1, and it isn’t likely to happen here. I’ve always thought the swimming was slightly entertaining, but the real question is why we are ever swaying in the first place. The preceding song, “Hiney Ni Muchan,” isn’t pretty enough to warrant swaying, is it? I always thought swaying was for the Debbie Freedman Havdallah or something else truly beautiful. Danny's Prediction: The big White Snake
8 Thursday Night Cookouts
9 Fish Stick/Chicken Nugget Eating Contests
This is a classic match-ups. On the one hand you have a great break from the grind of the normal week at camp. Giving the kitchen staff a night off and getting to watch some poor Madrich struggle with charcoal and undercooked hotdogs while trying to keep the Frisbee out of the fire is great But, so are the eating contests. Intermittently banned at camp, the eating contests allowed the boys to separate themselves from, well, the other boys. Didn’t a Puchtel eat almost 100? [Editor's Note: The epic Puchtel vs. Puchtel nugget battle of 2000 may go down in history as the single most amazing chicken consumption experience of all time]. I’d like an update on the current records. My personal record? I almost finished 1 fish stick in 1997. Gross. Danny's Prediction: For me, it's a toss up.
5 Kitchen Raids
12 Hazak V'almatz
Truth be told, I don’t know how either of these have changed in the modern (New Chadar) era. Not sure if the kitchen is “raidable” and I would assume Hazak V’almatz is still done, but the new acoustics may have changed things [Editor's Note: A new Chadar is no match for creative staff and hardware stores that replicate keys]. I remember my first kitchen raid vividly. It was an all-boys Machaneh raid, led by David Schwartz in 1990. We successfully snuck in through the Chiri Bim window and took all kinds of good stuff. Then we heard Mary Lou in the distance and made a beeline for the Sifriyah. Hiding in the dark, we heard Schwartzie get chewed out and fired on the spot. Boys were crying. Ricky Ofstein peed in his pants. But, alas, it was a joke. Amazing fun. It should be noted that there was a way to actually sneak into the kitchen involving climbing over shelves near Chadar Bet. We were taught it my Deaver summer in 1993, and we took literally everything in sight. What we needed a 5 pound tub of mayo in our Cabin for is beyond me. Hazak V’almatz is one of those traditions that you have no idea what it means, where it came from, or why we do it. For all we know, it means “I’m an idiot and here’s why…” Some of them were creative and funny, but more often than not, the cabin leading couldn’t coordinate 12 voices into one and make coherent sense. Danny's Prediction: This one has to go to the raids.
4 Tzrif Introductions in Ulam
13 Rhythmic Clapping between Lists of Peoples' Names
There is never a time in the summer with more energy than the Tzrif introductions. Not even when Bikkurim is announced. Remember your first summer, sitting there, slightly to totally overwhelmed by all this singing and dancing? Wondering which crazy counselor would be yours? Hoping they wouldn’t forget to call your name? The rhythmic clapping is another one that I have no idea where it came from. It has evolved. It used to be a clap in between the names. Then Jesse Simon made an art form of it and read the lists in an almost rap-like manner to fit the words around the clapping. Then the clapping took over and didn’t go between the words but concurrently with them, making the speaker virtually worthless because nobody could hear. [Editor's Note: Or my personal favorite, Ross Tulman version which would simply have him nonchalantly request to "hold all applause until the end"]. Danny's Prediction: I like the clapping but I love the introductions.
6 Knock Knock
11 Shake your Booty
Knock Knock is a newer tradition (I think early 90s) during Saturday lunch. Not sure where it came from but I’m pretty sure it involved Marc Warren. It got the creative juices flowing for the 30 or so kids near the two yellers on either side of the Chadar.
“Hey Marc Warren!”
“Hey What!”
“Knock Knock!”
“Who’s there?”
“Owl”
“Owl who?”
“Owl bet you’re not reading this Blog!”
“OKAY!”
Shake your Booty is noise pollution – ruach for the sake of ruach. Don’t get me wrong. I have asked more people to shake their booty in my lifetime than I have to shake my hand. But it’s not uniquely Herzl at all, and doesn’t compare with Knock Knock. Danny's Prediction: Okaaaaaaaaaaay!
3 Ozo Play
14 Announcements
The Ozo Play is great. An opportunity to make fun of the staff, while making campers believe they know what the skit is about. The best scenes were always the improv ones. As a staff member it was always entertaining to see the Ozrim imitate you. Larry Stein did the best Danny Soshnik impersonation ever in 1996. Announcements would be better if ANYONE knew the words [Editor's Notes: To fix this very real problem, recent years have actually had the Ozrim teach the song to campers every year at least once]. It’s not uniquely Herzl and now it’s just yell “Announcements” and sing a couple words and get the speaker wet. Not uber creative.
7 Morning Music and Dancing
10 Mega Lunch
I want to make it clear that I am old school and have always thought breakfast is about the Ozrim rising to the ruach occasion while the rest of camp sleep walks. It always drove me crazy when an Ozo group would play music so loud that campers couldn’t even converse. David Schlosberg and I challenged many a boom box to a ruach contest and I’ll have you know that we never lost. But something good happened over time – like any good Herzl tradition, the boom box evolved. The music drowning out conversation has been replaced by elaborate all-camp dances ... Amazing. Also, I love mega lunch. From the reading of the airport bus list, to the lost and found, to the song session countdown, this lunchathon seemed to last for two hours. I know that on my final day at camp, there’s nothing I’d rather do than sit in an overcrowded, hot, smelly Chadar. Who need Chugim or Minucha when you can have mega lunch?
2 Flag Songs
15 Elbows on the Table
This one is almost as easy as the first match-up. Flag songs are amazing. It used to be that some cabins did flag songs, and others did Israeli dancing at the flag circle after caravan. Then someone wised up and realized how great flag songs are. I remember many of the songs I helped write and sang. Drives my (non-Herzl) wife crazy every time I hear one on the radio and sing my own lyrics. Elbows on the table is like shake your booty. It’s not really Herzl. It’s noise pollution, but it does break up the routine. Anyone else remember when Bobby Shapiro (Fun Bobby) tried to convince camp that we were singing the elbows song incorrectly? His version went something like, “Right elbow up. Down! Left elbow up. Down!” That was in 1995, my Ozo summer. Guess who played Fun Bobby (brilliantly, I might add) in my Ozo play? Danny's Prediction: "Ha'atid, we're Leaving, we'll be back ... next summer" (to the tune of Free Falling)
So there you have it. I don’t see major upset potential in this region, but I’d love your opinions and stories! Please leave comments below with your votes!
As you may know, a couple months ago, we launched the "Herzl Magic" Bracket. In a “March Madness”-like bracket, the goal is to discuss and ultimately vote on what makes Herzl so special. I discussed the Yama region’s first round match-ups here and today will dissect the Vakedma Region. I want your votes, as my commentary is just a starting point and hopefully not the final determinant.
1 Shabbos Caravan
16 "Swimming" Before Shir Hamalot
This is a classic #1 vs #16 match-up. You basketball fans out there know that a #16 has never upset a #1, and it isn’t likely to happen here. I’ve always thought the swimming was slightly entertaining, but the real question is why we are ever swaying in the first place. The preceding song, “Hiney Ni Muchan,” isn’t pretty enough to warrant swaying, is it? I always thought swaying was for the Debbie Freedman Havdallah or something else truly beautiful. Danny's Prediction: The big White Snake
8 Thursday Night Cookouts
9 Fish Stick/Chicken Nugget Eating Contests
This is a classic match-ups. On the one hand you have a great break from the grind of the normal week at camp. Giving the kitchen staff a night off and getting to watch some poor Madrich struggle with charcoal and undercooked hotdogs while trying to keep the Frisbee out of the fire is great But, so are the eating contests. Intermittently banned at camp, the eating contests allowed the boys to separate themselves from, well, the other boys. Didn’t a Puchtel eat almost 100? [Editor's Note: The epic Puchtel vs. Puchtel nugget battle of 2000 may go down in history as the single most amazing chicken consumption experience of all time]. I’d like an update on the current records. My personal record? I almost finished 1 fish stick in 1997. Gross. Danny's Prediction: For me, it's a toss up.
5 Kitchen Raids
12 Hazak V'almatz
Truth be told, I don’t know how either of these have changed in the modern (New Chadar) era. Not sure if the kitchen is “raidable” and I would assume Hazak V’almatz is still done, but the new acoustics may have changed things [Editor's Note: A new Chadar is no match for creative staff and hardware stores that replicate keys]. I remember my first kitchen raid vividly. It was an all-boys Machaneh raid, led by David Schwartz in 1990. We successfully snuck in through the Chiri Bim window and took all kinds of good stuff. Then we heard Mary Lou in the distance and made a beeline for the Sifriyah. Hiding in the dark, we heard Schwartzie get chewed out and fired on the spot. Boys were crying. Ricky Ofstein peed in his pants. But, alas, it was a joke. Amazing fun. It should be noted that there was a way to actually sneak into the kitchen involving climbing over shelves near Chadar Bet. We were taught it my Deaver summer in 1993, and we took literally everything in sight. What we needed a 5 pound tub of mayo in our Cabin for is beyond me. Hazak V’almatz is one of those traditions that you have no idea what it means, where it came from, or why we do it. For all we know, it means “I’m an idiot and here’s why…” Some of them were creative and funny, but more often than not, the cabin leading couldn’t coordinate 12 voices into one and make coherent sense. Danny's Prediction: This one has to go to the raids.
4 Tzrif Introductions in Ulam
13 Rhythmic Clapping between Lists of Peoples' Names
There is never a time in the summer with more energy than the Tzrif introductions. Not even when Bikkurim is announced. Remember your first summer, sitting there, slightly to totally overwhelmed by all this singing and dancing? Wondering which crazy counselor would be yours? Hoping they wouldn’t forget to call your name? The rhythmic clapping is another one that I have no idea where it came from. It has evolved. It used to be a clap in between the names. Then Jesse Simon made an art form of it and read the lists in an almost rap-like manner to fit the words around the clapping. Then the clapping took over and didn’t go between the words but concurrently with them, making the speaker virtually worthless because nobody could hear. [Editor's Note: Or my personal favorite, Ross Tulman version which would simply have him nonchalantly request to "hold all applause until the end"]. Danny's Prediction: I like the clapping but I love the introductions.
6 Knock Knock
11 Shake your Booty
Knock Knock is a newer tradition (I think early 90s) during Saturday lunch. Not sure where it came from but I’m pretty sure it involved Marc Warren. It got the creative juices flowing for the 30 or so kids near the two yellers on either side of the Chadar.
“Hey Marc Warren!”
“Hey What!”
“Knock Knock!”
“Who’s there?”
“Owl”
“Owl who?”
“Owl bet you’re not reading this Blog!”
“OKAY!”
Shake your Booty is noise pollution – ruach for the sake of ruach. Don’t get me wrong. I have asked more people to shake their booty in my lifetime than I have to shake my hand. But it’s not uniquely Herzl at all, and doesn’t compare with Knock Knock. Danny's Prediction: Okaaaaaaaaaaay!
3 Ozo Play
14 Announcements
The Ozo Play is great. An opportunity to make fun of the staff, while making campers believe they know what the skit is about. The best scenes were always the improv ones. As a staff member it was always entertaining to see the Ozrim imitate you. Larry Stein did the best Danny Soshnik impersonation ever in 1996. Announcements would be better if ANYONE knew the words [Editor's Notes: To fix this very real problem, recent years have actually had the Ozrim teach the song to campers every year at least once]. It’s not uniquely Herzl and now it’s just yell “Announcements” and sing a couple words and get the speaker wet. Not uber creative.
7 Morning Music and Dancing
10 Mega Lunch
I want to make it clear that I am old school and have always thought breakfast is about the Ozrim rising to the ruach occasion while the rest of camp sleep walks. It always drove me crazy when an Ozo group would play music so loud that campers couldn’t even converse. David Schlosberg and I challenged many a boom box to a ruach contest and I’ll have you know that we never lost. But something good happened over time – like any good Herzl tradition, the boom box evolved. The music drowning out conversation has been replaced by elaborate all-camp dances ... Amazing. Also, I love mega lunch. From the reading of the airport bus list, to the lost and found, to the song session countdown, this lunchathon seemed to last for two hours. I know that on my final day at camp, there’s nothing I’d rather do than sit in an overcrowded, hot, smelly Chadar. Who need Chugim or Minucha when you can have mega lunch?
2 Flag Songs
15 Elbows on the Table
This one is almost as easy as the first match-up. Flag songs are amazing. It used to be that some cabins did flag songs, and others did Israeli dancing at the flag circle after caravan. Then someone wised up and realized how great flag songs are. I remember many of the songs I helped write and sang. Drives my (non-Herzl) wife crazy every time I hear one on the radio and sing my own lyrics. Elbows on the table is like shake your booty. It’s not really Herzl. It’s noise pollution, but it does break up the routine. Anyone else remember when Bobby Shapiro (Fun Bobby) tried to convince camp that we were singing the elbows song incorrectly? His version went something like, “Right elbow up. Down! Left elbow up. Down!” That was in 1995, my Ozo summer. Guess who played Fun Bobby (brilliantly, I might add) in my Ozo play? Danny's Prediction: "Ha'atid, we're Leaving, we'll be back ... next summer" (to the tune of Free Falling)
So there you have it. I don’t see major upset potential in this region, but I’d love your opinions and stories! Please leave comments below with your votes!
Off to Herzl
By Zander Abrams
This Shabbat I will be up at Herzl to staff the 6th grade kallah for Adath. My bags are packed, and I’m ready to go. I just wanted to use this blog to brag to all of you that while you read this, I will be AT HERZL!
As I was packing for the weekend, I was thinking about how far I’ve come in terms of packing ability for Herzl. When I was a young camper, packing for only two weeks away meant at least two weeks of preparation. My mom would put all my socks and underwear in ziplock baggies, counting them out meticulous to make sure that I have enough for everyday and a few more just in case. Bug spray, sunscreen, and toiletries were individually wrapped, “just in case there’s a leak in the bag.”
My mother believed in following directions closely, so when the packing list called for 5 face-towels, 3 body towels, and 2 beach towels, that meant that I would be bringing 5 face-towels, 3 body towels, and 2 beach towels. Realistically I would use 0 face-towels, 1 body towel, and 1 beach towel. This over packing translated to my warm gear. I would bring too many pairs of jeans, too many sweatshirts, and too many heavy jackets.
Whites. Whites were always a challenge to find. We would call around stores trying to find comfortable whites for Shabbat. They would also be put in plastic baggies so my whites would, “stay white.” When I was a younger camper I would simply wear white athletic shorts and a white t-shirt. But as I got older my wardrobe evolved to include white polos and noticeably off-white shorts.
The process of packing for Herzl was just as part of camp as chugim, ruach, and flag. The longer I went to Herzl the less frantic packing became, the process became more independent and the amount of towels I would bring became fewer and fewer. As I go to Herzl this weekend with 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of khakis, some shirts and sweatshirts, and only 1 towel - I am overcome with memories of packing and of my bedroom floor covered with folded clothes.
This Shabbat I will be up at Herzl to staff the 6th grade kallah for Adath. My bags are packed, and I’m ready to go. I just wanted to use this blog to brag to all of you that while you read this, I will be AT HERZL!
As I was packing for the weekend, I was thinking about how far I’ve come in terms of packing ability for Herzl. When I was a young camper, packing for only two weeks away meant at least two weeks of preparation. My mom would put all my socks and underwear in ziplock baggies, counting them out meticulous to make sure that I have enough for everyday and a few more just in case. Bug spray, sunscreen, and toiletries were individually wrapped, “just in case there’s a leak in the bag.”
My mother believed in following directions closely, so when the packing list called for 5 face-towels, 3 body towels, and 2 beach towels, that meant that I would be bringing 5 face-towels, 3 body towels, and 2 beach towels. Realistically I would use 0 face-towels, 1 body towel, and 1 beach towel. This over packing translated to my warm gear. I would bring too many pairs of jeans, too many sweatshirts, and too many heavy jackets.
Whites. Whites were always a challenge to find. We would call around stores trying to find comfortable whites for Shabbat. They would also be put in plastic baggies so my whites would, “stay white.” When I was a younger camper I would simply wear white athletic shorts and a white t-shirt. But as I got older my wardrobe evolved to include white polos and noticeably off-white shorts.
The process of packing for Herzl was just as part of camp as chugim, ruach, and flag. The longer I went to Herzl the less frantic packing became, the process became more independent and the amount of towels I would bring became fewer and fewer. As I go to Herzl this weekend with 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of khakis, some shirts and sweatshirts, and only 1 towel - I am overcome with memories of packing and of my bedroom floor covered with folded clothes.
Everything I’ve learned about life, I learned at Herzl Camp (A Parenthetical List)
By Max and Zach Puchtel
Part 3 - Bikkurim
Part 3 - Bikkurim
So there we were, Max and I, sound asleep in Tzrif 20. (47. Never be toooo asleep at camp) I am awakened by distant noise, I raise my head. BOOM!! (48. YOU THINK YOU’RE BAD) The front door of the cabin is knocked off its hinges by the front end of a freak 2-wheel creature screaming in a Judge Dredd voice, “I am the law!” (49. Dan Shapiro is the law) Actually, he had a megaphone and was chanting B-I-K-K-U-R-I-M BIKKURIM, B-I-K-K-U-R-I-M BIKKURIM!! (50. It can come at any hour of the day, just not this year due to scheduling conflicts).
We drag our half-dressed (51. No one wears clothes at camp, we schlep.) freezing bodies to the fire pit, where a blazing bonfire welcomes us. (52. Blazing bonfires are always appropriate) Max and I amazingly get placed on the same team, while all the Greene’s get placed on the same team, all the Freeman’s get placed on the same team, all the Usem’s get placed on the same team, and Mike Neiman is somehow still in charge. (53. Dare I say, Neiman RULES!!)
The next morning brings fresh eyes, throats and RUACH decked out in unicolor garb. As veterans to the Bikkurim circuit, Max and I know the importance of a fast start. (54. I am much faster than Max in any race, ranging any distance from 1 yard to 1 mile.) Immediately upon formation of the great BLUE TEAM, (55. The curse is not real, but rather more like the sword and the stone legend (Speaking of legends, Chuck Lyons, what a hero) wherein only the chosen one may remove the sword). we separate the weak from the pack. They will be assigned to cheer-generating and picture-drawing. The rest have been chosen as Blue Warriors. They are keepers of the great blue chair, and the song “I’m blue da boo dee da boo dah, dah boo dee daa boo dah.” (56. The one-word-in-the-most-songs game is the greatest rainy day game ever).
As we complete our plans for Bikkurim domination, we think about what the judges will be looking for most closely during the day’s performance. (57. Judges have a strict code they observe, passed down through generations of former Bikkurim contests) We decide sports to be our focal point-with Max and I (58. Grammar lesson, Max and me) at the helm, how can we lose? Turns out we can’t: skying over helpless campers, we take no mercy as frisbee, then basketball, softball, tennis, roofball, raftball, tetherball and then finally Gaga all become notches on our belt as we sweep the athletic contests. (59. This actually happened, no real lesson here other than PUCHTEL RULES!!)
Silent lunch puts a damper on things when we’re told that a member of our squad continues to make noise after repeatedly being told to do otherwise. As we’re led to the perpetrator, a crowd has gathered to witness what at first appears to be a feeding frenzy for one. Growls and snarls surround the creature, but he halts mid-swallow as we approach. Staring at us with huge trembling hungry eyes, (60. Aaron Gelperin has huge trembling hungry eyes) we ask Aaron if he’ll please calm down so we don’t lose points. He obliges. (61. Aaron Gelperin can be reasoned with, but only if promised a shot at the champ in the Kadimah arm wrestling contest (62. Big man, Aaron. I was 14!)
Outside to the fields where the relay has ended, and the teams regroup for what sets men apart from boys: TUG-O-WAR. (63. Although, in all truth, it’s usually the women that determine which team is going to win. (64. Unless, of course, Max and…you get it, we’re big) Max rips some duct tape off his chest, we all wonder why it was there in the first place, then we tug!
It’s all a blur as we come to the final ruach session in the Ulam. There’s a funny smell as you enter (64. Ben Jurisz and Joel Bard were still sleeping in the apartments) but that can’t faze us now. We are set on victory, and after a days worth of athletic triumphs, the blue curse seems really distant. How distant was it you ask? About as distant as Elin Woods the past 2 months I’d say. Really far off anyway…the ruach commences! Songs, cheers, flags, drum banging, and screaming with what little voices we have left!! Finally, the judgment is upon us. Whose effort will pay off in camp pride for the next 2 hours before bedtime??
We await the results, and aren’t surprised when, what?!! The Freemans won??!! Are you kidding me? No, seriously?? But they literally just took Edina cheers and put in the word red!! (65. Not to mention that they brought their own costumes to camp for the sole use in their Bikkurim dance routine) It’s ok Zach, this just wasn’t your year buddy, don’t worry about it, be a good loser, oh wait…don’t…no, stop…really? (66. I cry when I lose Bikkurim) As the judges come to console me because I won’t go back to my cabin, they explain to me that Bikkurim is about team spirit, unity and really good cheer generating and picture drawing.
Well, those are the lessons learned from Bikkurim, kids. We’re up to 66 and …
To be continued…
(67. I learned something from that ... you don’t have to be an ogre in order to succeed in Bikkurim, you just have to be a Freeman)
Helping to Hire the 2010 Ozrim
By Alex Locke
Last month I had the opportunity to be part of the “Ozo process” by conducting Ozo interviews. Wow… how times have changed. For years, there have been rumors of people being chosen because of who their parents are, how much money they donate, and what side of the river they live on. What I can tell you now… that is about as far from the truth as possible. As a former Herzl camper, Ozo, counselor, Papa Ozo, and board member, this was my first opportunity to be part of the process and I am so glad I was. It allowed me to see how hard Herzl works to insure its fairness, and also it gives me the chance to tell you how it works.
When Anne Hope asked me to be part of the interview process, I did not realize how times have changed. I assumed we would hear everyone out in their interview, even though the board and Anne had already decided who we would be hiring. Again… I was wrong. For those of you, like me, who were skeptical all those years… allow me to tell you how it is done.
Each candidate submits an application along with an essay, a project, and contact information for references. All of those are done in a “blind” process. Names are removed, and a number is assigned to each candidate. Then there are three different panels consisting of Herzl’s full time staff as well as current and former people in the Herzl community who evaluate and score the documents. One group scores the application, one scores the project, and yet another scores the essay. Again, there are no names in these documents, giving everyone a fair chance. References are also submitted giving a fourth score to each candidate.
The fifth and final score is the interview. This is the only part of the process that is not blind, as each person comes in to meet with the interview panel, face to face. Those who are out of town have an equally fair interview via speakerphone. There are approximately 6 categories of questions, each which have 8-10 questions related to the topic. In the interview we ask different questions from the categories, although some obviously repeat. Each answer is then scored at the end of the interview. The scoring system makes for a fair and consistent format, so those conducting interviews cannot just score the people they “like” higher than others.
Those five scores are then entered into a master spreadsheet and the top 14 boys and the top 14 girls are selected to be that year’s Ozrim.
As always, there will be people who think that the process is somehow unfair. I am here to tell you that it is EXTREMELY fair, and Herzl has done everything they possibly can to make this process fair and even. In fact, it is so fair, that there is no pre-screening. By that I mean that EVERYONE gets an interview. Each person who applies is given an equally fair chance to prove why they are the best candidate for the job.
Because of the amazing experience Herzl Camp gives its campers year after year, everyone wants to be an Ozo. Like with any job, not everyone will be selected, but I commend Herzl for creating this process, proving all those skeptics wrong. What I also know is that the 2010 Ozrim will be an amazing group and I cannot wait to see them in action!
Last month I had the opportunity to be part of the “Ozo process” by conducting Ozo interviews. Wow… how times have changed. For years, there have been rumors of people being chosen because of who their parents are, how much money they donate, and what side of the river they live on. What I can tell you now… that is about as far from the truth as possible. As a former Herzl camper, Ozo, counselor, Papa Ozo, and board member, this was my first opportunity to be part of the process and I am so glad I was. It allowed me to see how hard Herzl works to insure its fairness, and also it gives me the chance to tell you how it works.
When Anne Hope asked me to be part of the interview process, I did not realize how times have changed. I assumed we would hear everyone out in their interview, even though the board and Anne had already decided who we would be hiring. Again… I was wrong. For those of you, like me, who were skeptical all those years… allow me to tell you how it is done.
Each candidate submits an application along with an essay, a project, and contact information for references. All of those are done in a “blind” process. Names are removed, and a number is assigned to each candidate. Then there are three different panels consisting of Herzl’s full time staff as well as current and former people in the Herzl community who evaluate and score the documents. One group scores the application, one scores the project, and yet another scores the essay. Again, there are no names in these documents, giving everyone a fair chance. References are also submitted giving a fourth score to each candidate.
The fifth and final score is the interview. This is the only part of the process that is not blind, as each person comes in to meet with the interview panel, face to face. Those who are out of town have an equally fair interview via speakerphone. There are approximately 6 categories of questions, each which have 8-10 questions related to the topic. In the interview we ask different questions from the categories, although some obviously repeat. Each answer is then scored at the end of the interview. The scoring system makes for a fair and consistent format, so those conducting interviews cannot just score the people they “like” higher than others.
Those five scores are then entered into a master spreadsheet and the top 14 boys and the top 14 girls are selected to be that year’s Ozrim.
As always, there will be people who think that the process is somehow unfair. I am here to tell you that it is EXTREMELY fair, and Herzl has done everything they possibly can to make this process fair and even. In fact, it is so fair, that there is no pre-screening. By that I mean that EVERYONE gets an interview. Each person who applies is given an equally fair chance to prove why they are the best candidate for the job.
Because of the amazing experience Herzl Camp gives its campers year after year, everyone wants to be an Ozo. Like with any job, not everyone will be selected, but I commend Herzl for creating this process, proving all those skeptics wrong. What I also know is that the 2010 Ozrim will be an amazing group and I cannot wait to see them in action!
You Don't Have to Fit in to Find Your Place
By Zoe Stern
Drea Lear poses with Zoe's grandfather's art
My grandfather had an indescribable and eclectic taste in art and decorating. There is no way to portray or express to someone who has never seen his condo rugs, sculptures, portraits, paintings, glass pieces and more covering every inch of floor, wall and counter space.
My grandfather passed away three weeks ago. After the second night of Shiva Anne Hope and I were sitting in his kitchen chatting when she suddenly looked up at a large, wooden three-dimensional piece of artwork covered in brightly painted fruit and said “I have to have that, Herzl has to have that.” (Lesson learned—never say you love a piece of art in a dead man's home, for it will soon become yours).
In that moment I laughed at Anne for wanting what I perceived to be such an odd, ugly and awkward piece. I believe that Anne also thought it was an odd piece, and that was exactly why she wanted it. Anne wanted this art because she knew it would fit in at camp, because she knew camp had nothing like it, and because at camp, it would be loved like it wasn’t going to be loved again.
That’s the thing about camp, you don’t have to fit in to find your place. You can be the first of your kind, nothing like you has to have been there before for you to belong, and because at camp, things are loved that aren’t able to be loved anywhere else. Shabbat Shalom!
Drea Lear poses with Zoe's grandfather's art
My grandfather had an indescribable and eclectic taste in art and decorating. There is no way to portray or express to someone who has never seen his condo rugs, sculptures, portraits, paintings, glass pieces and more covering every inch of floor, wall and counter space.
My grandfather passed away three weeks ago. After the second night of Shiva Anne Hope and I were sitting in his kitchen chatting when she suddenly looked up at a large, wooden three-dimensional piece of artwork covered in brightly painted fruit and said “I have to have that, Herzl has to have that.” (Lesson learned—never say you love a piece of art in a dead man's home, for it will soon become yours).
In that moment I laughed at Anne for wanting what I perceived to be such an odd, ugly and awkward piece. I believe that Anne also thought it was an odd piece, and that was exactly why she wanted it. Anne wanted this art because she knew it would fit in at camp, because she knew camp had nothing like it, and because at camp, it would be loved like it wasn’t going to be loved again.
That’s the thing about camp, you don’t have to fit in to find your place. You can be the first of your kind, nothing like you has to have been there before for you to belong, and because at camp, things are loved that aren’t able to be loved anywhere else. Shabbat Shalom!
What is Your Favorite Place at Camp?
By Drea Lear
In a recent newsletter to our staff, we asked “What is your favorite place at camp? And what makes it so special? As to be expected their answers varied tremendously, but each with their own passion and sincere dedication to our Dear Old Herzl! So for all you Alumni, grab a cup of tea (tea is for staff only), send a kid to get the mail and Chanut, and settle down to read these letters from recent staff during your own personal Minucha:
“I really don’t have a favorite place at camp, but I have a cabin that has a lot of memories for me. Double cabin #5. That was my first cabin as a camper, that was my first cabin as an Ozo and my sister’s last cabin as a camper before she died. So basically that physical cabin has a lot of monumental memories for me. Except that cabin doesn’t exist as of right now. But camp for me is not about the places. It’s about the people and where memories with those people take place.” – Paulette Crohn
In a recent newsletter to our staff, we asked “What is your favorite place at camp? And what makes it so special? As to be expected their answers varied tremendously, but each with their own passion and sincere dedication to our Dear Old Herzl! So for all you Alumni, grab a cup of tea (tea is for staff only), send a kid to get the mail and Chanut, and settle down to read these letters from recent staff during your own personal Minucha:
“I really don’t have a favorite place at camp, but I have a cabin that has a lot of memories for me. Double cabin #5. That was my first cabin as a camper, that was my first cabin as an Ozo and my sister’s last cabin as a camper before she died. So basically that physical cabin has a lot of monumental memories for me. Except that cabin doesn’t exist as of right now. But camp for me is not about the places. It’s about the people and where memories with those people take place.” – Paulette Crohn
“My favorite part of camp is the Ozo Mo. For so long I anticipated what it would look like and I couldn’t wait until I could finally see it. It may not have been what I was expecting, but it turned out to be just what we needed. We had so many amazing memories in there as not only Ozrim, but also as friends. It will always be a place special in our hearts!” – Molly Yarosh, Ozo 2009
“I knew the answer right when I read the question. TevaLand. I can’t even find the right words to describe this place. Most people just think it is a piece of land that is infested with very large spiders, baby mice, and millions of ticks. Although this may be true, there is so much more to it. It is the place to look at stars, find yourself and really appreciate Herzl Camp nature for what it is. This piece of land has given me so much and made me a better person today.” – Sara Waller
“One word: waterfront. My response may be somewhat cliché, but the waterfront is a place where I developed throughout my years at camp. Back as a Ha’atid camper, I was subjected to swimming lessons because of my “blue swimmer” status. Flash forward a few years and I worked my way through the water to become LGT certified during my B’yachad year. As an Ozo and Madrich, I loved to teach waterfront chugim and always found a way to relax on the water. Plus, I developed some serious skills when I had to drag the lake (not fun, but a moment to learn). To sum it all up, I would have to say the waterfront is the Herzl location where I grew as a person.” – Zack Zaban
“While I am a big fan of the Mercaz, my favorite place is at the picnic tables. Right after you hear you are in your tzrif you head out to grab a cookie at the picnic tables and that is only the beginning. Whether its for a Thursday cookout with your Tzrif or for B’yachad avodah to learn how to use an electric drill (or which Tzrif you’ll end up painting) or the location where you lead your first chug, or, of course, Friday lunches and singing your program’s song…it’s a place where we’re always doing something exciting (and together). It’s special because they’ve always been right in front of the Ulam, every one of my summers at Herzl and I know there will always be a spot for Shabbos introductions for many Fridays to come!” – Marissa Arnold
“My favorite place at Herzl Camp is the Ozo Mo. Yes, it is gross and it smells but the Ozrim are such a vital piece of Herzl Camp and so many of the memories and great things that we created came out of the Mo. There is also a deep history of the Mo because many ozrim just like us spent their summers in it and it is truly a special place.” – Adam Stillman
“My favorite place at Herzl Camp is the dirt road. I know that sounds stupid and my answer might sound cliché but it’s true. I can’t think of a place that I like more than another, so the dirt road connects me to all of camp. It takes me to my favorite place to eat, the Chadar, my favorite cabin, Bet, etc. The dirt road also leads me off the beaten path, providing me with dirty feet, forcing me to stop at the water pump which I swear is piped directly from the Arctic Ocean. Most importantly the road gives me memories. I don’t know what camp would be like without all of the camp dressing in white on Friday evenings walking around the dirt track in a caravan.” – Noah Eisemann
“My favorite spot at Herzl would probably be the brand new Ozo ’09 Shabbat Shed. Over this past summer I spent a lot of time coming up with the idea, building it, designing it, and painting it. I made many memories with Ozos Emily Silber, Matty Kaplan, Hannah Berc, and Andrew Lifson. My old skills were put to the test and I gained new skills as well. The Shabbat shed is now a part of the new Herzl and will be there for many years to come and I was part of that which a fabulous felling. I now feel like a part of camp.” – Marissa Gedis
“My favorite place at Herzl Camp is the Ulam. It’s where I’ve participated the most, some of my most vivid memories take place. I was in Pinocchio in Ha’atid Bet 2003, I was in West Side Story in Kadima 2006, and then of course the Ozo play. It’s the place where I spent much of my time both as a camper and on the “other side”. It makes me happy to recollect.” - Ilan Gordon
“This took some thought as I am a big time Herzl lover…but…I would have to say the small spot in the Chadar where hundreds of Herzl girls have stood, arms intertwined, lighting the Shabbat candles every Friday night. Those few square feet of linoleum are walked on and overlooked all week long, and then seemingly transformed for a sacred and peaceful few short moments.” – Zoe Stern
“My favorite part is Strawberry fields. It is an often unknown part of camp where the woods open up to a huge field with beautiful flowers all around with a random, big tree smack dab in the middle. We spent a lot of time where when we were in Teva Trek and it’s awesome.” – Josh Klane
“My favorite place in camp is “One tree” or “the septic field”. One tree is one of the more exclusive parts of camp where a large number of people have not gone, or spent time. The huge open field only contains one tree in the middle. This mysterious tree is a great way to start or continue Herzl traditions (ex. You can call it the Herzl tree, attach a deep meaning to it for the campers, or simply just star gaze in the field). As, said before it is exclusive since not a lot of people go there, this makes it that much more precious and important. Overall, One tree is an amazing part of camp which might be overlooked. It is a great place to take campers to for L.O. or a chug.” – Josh Savitt
“My favorite spot at camp would have to be the weight lifting area. I spent many chugim there and had so many great memories, it always seems to brings back a good time. But really any place at camp is my favorite because you are at camp so what could be better!” – Hannah Berc
“My favorite spot at Herzl Camp is Tzrif Alef and Bet and the shmir site outside of it. When I reflect back to Ozo Summer, which was my favorite summer at Herzl Camp, the main thing I remember is first session when we were living in our Ozo cabins. At night during first session is when I feel our ozo group first bonded. We had many funny experiences together that united us. In the girls cabin, we talked, laughed, and joked around and it made us come together. It strengthened our bonds and our trust with one another. Once we moved out of the Ozo cabins, we didn’t see eachother as much, but our memories were still there. Those nights were some of the best times I have ever had, especially because it was with the 2009 Ozrim.” – Jamie Bonk
“My favorite place at camp is Teva Land. The reason I love Teva Land is because Teva summer gave me a new insight to life and to camp. As an Ozo this summer it was comforting for me to be able to go back into the woods and re-live my previous year. I learned many things my Teva summer and I will never ever forget it!” – Elisa Edelstein
“I love the Mercaz! It gives me a sense of peace and you can go there when you need a few minutes away at camp. There’s beauty, incredible stars at night and always fresh air (which there is not in my other favorite/safe place in camp). Also, I feel so connected to Judaism when I’m at the Mercaz because that’s where a lot of my Jewish learning began.” – Tracy Altman
What about you? What’s your favorite place at camp??
Ross Tulman's recipe for the 'Shabbas Sandwich'
By Mike Neiman
Throughout my tenure on staff, there has been one standard: Shabbas is best celebrated with Ross Tulman. Of the 60 Shabbatot I've experienced at Herzl, at least 27 of those were spent sitting across from my aforementioned partner in crime. Sometimes tradition is important, and we had our Shabbas traditions indeed. Sure we would wear our Bon Jovi outfits, or send a camper on a "mission" to steal an extra challah bag, or even demonstrate to the entire chadar the right way to eat a Matza Ball (they're bite size!) ... but the best tradition? The Shabbas Sandwich. I reached out to my good friend Mr. Tulman, and he agreed to make public his genius creation to the world. Warning: Consumption of Shabbas Sandwiches may be hazardous to your Minucha.
The Shabbas Sandwich by Ross Tulman
Ingredients:
3 slices of challah
6 chicken nuggets
Carrots (cooked)
2 potato wedge hashbrowns
BBQ Sauce, Mustard, Ketchup, Honey, etc
Direction:
- When choosing your 3 slices of challah be sure to choose pieces from the middle of the challah, or else you will wind up with an uneven sandwich
- Spread BBQ sauce, Honey, ketchup and/or mustard evenly on the top piece of challah and on the bottom piece of the challah (leave the middle piece plain)
- Place the potato wedges on the bottom piece of challah to make a rectangle
- Place middle piece of bread on top of potato triangles (this part of the sandwich acts as the base)
- Place chicken nuggets in a single file line on top of the middle challah. Do not stack...do not act treif at Herzl
- Slice carrots in half vertically; place the flat side down on top of the nuggets
- Place last piece of challah on top of the carrots to complete the sandwich.
- Enjoy
Update: In recent years, current Herzl'ers Ezra and Adeev Potash have helped keep the Shabbas Sandwich tradition alive. If you find yourself at Camp this summer look to them and their recruited members of the "Super
Secret Shabbas Sandwhich Society (a.k.a SSSSS) for a chance to indulge.
"Dear Mom and Dad, Camp is great..."
By Pam Wilson
"Hello Muther, Hello Father,” was what I was expecting in those first letters home from camp. What I received was the form letter that I had made for my son with a number of boxes checked. There was one personal note: “Love, Joe”. That was the first year when Joe was just 10 and spent two weeks at a camp in Webster, Wisconsin.
"Hello Muther, Hello Father,” was what I was expecting in those first letters home from camp. What I received was the form letter that I had made for my son with a number of boxes checked. There was one personal note: “Love, Joe”. That was the first year when Joe was just 10 and spent two weeks at a camp in Webster, Wisconsin.
Going to sleep-away camp had been his idea when he was in fourth grade. Though I had my doubts that he would remember to brush his teeth or locate all of his socks, he did extremely well that first summer coming home exclaiming, “That was the best summer of my life. I can’t wait to go back!”
Whew! He had no idea what I had been through. Before I even agreed, I spoke to the director a few times who assured me that kids younger than 10 love camp and I had nothing to worry about.
I worried about everything. I worried that he didn’t actually make it to camp (I finally called and camp called back saying yes, he arrived, he was having fun and he was a great kid.), I worried that he wouldn’t take showers (required every other day), wouldn’t make friends (have you met my son?) or have a good time.
I worried for nothing.
The next year he returned for two weeks starting to acquire friends from different states. That was the summer we received this letter: “Dear Mom and Dad, having fun. My activities include sailing (I was raising a Kennedy and didn’t know it) and water sports. Love, Joe. P.S. Dad, I won the cinnamon-bun eating contest. Don’t tell mom.”
When Joe was going into seventh grade, he planned to go to camp for three weeks. I wasn’t sure how this was going to play out, but since he was positive this was the thing to do, I agreed. It was the LONGEST three weeks of my life. My daughter Jessie who was 9 at the time was incredibly lonely. Since my husband traveled with work, it was just the girls here at home and I have to wonder how bored she was with just me! After all, how much can you really talk about at breakfast?!!
This was the summer it all clicked for Joe at camp. His bunk-mates were from Minneapolis and he told me later that he just bided his time so that they would get to know him. (he is pretty smart sometimes) Gradually the other boys realized that Joe is a lot of fun to be with and easily included him. The letter I received that year: “Mom and Dad, I was in the infirmary, but I feel much better now. Mom, I want to buy a pair of sweatpants, what size should I get?”
I didn’t even know how to respond to that one. We can e-mail one way (the campers read the e-mails but have to actually write letters home) and so I e-mailed: “Hope you feel better! Try the sweatpants on.” In the meantime, we received another letter: “Mom and Dad, I don’t have enough money in my account, send more. Love, Joe.” We loved that one!
When Joe came home from camp that summer, he began talking about the kids from Minneapolis more often. He was even asked to visit for a weekend that year which we allowed him to do. He was making those friendships that you often hear about. Kids who bond when they are teens and somehow manage to stay friends, even in different states. Surprisingly, these boys were the kind of friends that hug each goodbye when the weekend is over.
Going into 8th grade, Joe and his friends all requested one another as cabin mates and I had a feeling the camp didn’t know what they were in for. They were all very nice boys who knew how to have fun. They were mischievous, but in a good way. That summer we received the following letter: “Mom and Dad, I am very sick. Tell me what to do. I feel terrible. Love, Joe.”
This was the summer of swine flu and strep throat. We received that letter mid-way through camp and my first response was to call camp. Then, I thought about it. The camp’s policy is to call parents if a camper is in the infirmary over-night. We had not been contacted.
I ended up e-mailing the camp: “Hi, this is Joe’s mom. I received a letter that he wasn’t feeling well. Do you know anything about this?” The assistant director of camp replied, saying, “I’ve been out on the grounds today and I’ve seen Joe participating in his activities.”
Seriously, I was going to clobber that kid! What kind of letter is that to send home to his muther and father?!!!! When Joe did come home, he assured us it was just his allergies and at the time, he really did feel bad. But…that he had had the BEST summer of his life! The count-down to camp began the day he came home!
Summer camp has been an amazing experience for our family. Most parents will tell you they are happy that their child is going to camp where they have such a great time. When I look at it like that, I have to agree. Joe IS having the time of his life while he is making friends, acquiring new skills and becoming more independent.
While at camp, Joe has made extraordinary friends that we have now had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with (we traveled to Minneapolis for a weekend to meet everyone). He now looks forward to becoming a camp counselor one day. I could even see him running camp in the future. Maybe then I will get a letter home, “Mom and Dad, camp is great. Wish you were here!”