Sarah Allen Examines Alumni Camp’s Top Ten
May 13, 2010 by Herzl Camp Admin, under Top 10 Lists.
By Sarah Allen
I have been feeling strangely nostalgic for my Herzl days. Aside from the special place it holds for me as the scene for my parents having met, my 10 years there as staff-brat, camper, and staff continue to influence my life today. Maybe it was all the talk (and emails) about Alumni camp, or all of the counselors and friends I have connected with the last 2 years on Facebook. It’s been 13 summers since I was at camp as staff, and 8 since I visited. I wasn’t at Alumni Camp, but here are my thoughts on the Top 10 list that was in one of the emails we got about Alumni Camp.
10. Your coworkers are getting sick of your team cheers
Well, maybe not exactly, but I could probably come up with some that could get annoying. My friends do sometimes get tired of the camp references.
9. It’s been a while since you’ve worn all white
Funny enough, I try and wear white as often as possible, especially on Shabbat.
8. Your kids don’t want to sing after dinner anymore
No kids, but I do remember many a Shabbat dinner growing up where we would clear the table while singing Ali Baba, Zamru Lashem, and any other Herzl song we could think of. One brother even has a copy of the Hillel shiron from the 80s on the shelf in his room. And he was only ever a Taste camper.
7. You miss Minucha
YES!
6. You never have the occasion to sing O’Canada
Nope, not really ever.
5. You’ve bragged about your world league championship one too many years.
So I never held a world league championship, I was more of a drama games and amanut girl, and I still know how to make friendship bracelets.
4. You’ve chaperoned one too many sleepovers and want one for yourself.
Does bringing student trips to Israel count?
3. You want another chance to meet your spouse at Herzl
This was the fantasy. After all I had good role models, who knows where I would be if my parents hadn’t met at camp.
2. Devil’s Lake is calling your name
Sort of…not the swimmers itch…but I bet I could swim out to the floating docks now.
1. You want to spend another Shabbat complete with Caravan, communal Candle Lighting and Friday night song session
And flag songs, the Merkaz, sweet roles, chiri bim, tether ball, shabbat sichot, salad & kugel, eskimo pies, 12 gates, and havdala. I could go on, but you get the point. Every now and then I pull out my photos and Shabbat O-Grams and get all teary eyed. I still have many a camp t-shirt, and refuse to get rid of them, even though they are stored away in a closet. I guess I am just sentimental.
We can’t really ever go back, but my summers at Herzl are probably some the most significant periods in my life, and I keep them with me every day.