This past week, we held orientation for approximately 350 counselors. Most had been with us for years, some had just begun their journey with us, but all had chosen - for myriad reasons - to spend their summer working with our children. Some will teach sports and lanyard, offering everyday kids a chance for everyday summer fun; others will work with children with special needs, be it cancer or autism, and still others will teach specialized arts like theatre to budding thespians. Each of these counselors will leave a mark on the life of a child this summer and, if they are smart, they will allow a child to leave a mark on their lives as well.
But it's the way in which we as an agency teach these counselors to interact with our children that defines who we are, and so - in a break from the usual first aid and safety training - we taught them all about the basic Jewish tenets that are the underpinnings of our summer camps. We spoke about the JCC, and what it means to be a Jewish Community Center, and about the mission we have to enhance life for both Jews and non-Jews alike. We spoke about the central core values we hold and want them to teach their children: Tzedakah - to live justly, righteously, and charitably; Tikun Olam - to repair the world, whether it be the world entire or the world of an individual child. We spoke of our traditions - of our bond and commitment to Israel, its culture, people and our shared history, and of Shabbat - not necessarily the physical day, but the power of stopping... of "taking Shabbat" so that we can rest our bodies, think about what we have accomplished in the week that just passed, and commit ourselves to doing better. And we likened all of these Jewish precepts to our new STARFISH program in camp - standing for Sportsmanship, Tolerance, Appreciation, Respect, Friendship, Integrity, Sensitivity and Helpfulness. All of these character traits, each of which we stress in our camp programs, derive from our values and traditions as Jews.
Starting today, nearly 1400 children will descend on our campgrounds, and we will be ready. We will be ready because of our rich traditions, our values, and the strength of a calling and a history that binds us l'dor v'dor - from generation to generation.
Best always,
Arnie Preminger
President & CEO of the Friedberg JCC and Sunrise Day Camp
