Gaga: The (Un)Official Game of J Camp
Long before gaga referred to a pop singer with outrageous fashion taste, gaga had a different association at Jewish camps. Ga-ga, which means touch-touch in Hebrew, is a kinder, gentler form of dodgeball. Our campers (and staff) can’t get enough of it. Supposedly, gaga originated in Israel and made its first appearance in the United […] Learn More ›
Areivim Hebrew at Camp
Reflections on Starting a New Program: Hebrew Immersion at Day Camp I do, we do, you do, can do… and so goes the “mantra” for developing, planning and presenting a program that teaches, inspires and excites, even the youngest members of our community. These words are the progress indicators for language learners. In theory, it […] Learn More ›
How Wonderful It Is
How good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to sit together. Hinei ma tov uma na-im Shevet achim gam yachad. -Psalm 133:1 When I am at our J Camps or Camp Chi, I love listening to campers sing Hinei Ma Tov. They belt it out with a tremendous ruach (spirit) at music specialties, song […] Learn More ›
Here Comes the Big Yellow Bus!
This year marks the 18th summer that the big yellow “Z” Frank Apachi Day Camp bus has pulled up in front of my house to take my children to camp. When you see a picture of my children today, now 21, 18 and 14, it is hard to imagine that they still wait in the […] Learn More ›
30 Questions to Ask Your Camper to Learn More about J Camp
Has this conversation happened in your house? Parent: How was your day at camp? Camper: Fine. Parent: What did you do today? Camper: <shrug> After spending hours having fun, going swimming and playing with friends, you know that the day was more than “fine” and filled with activities and lessons learned. The tough part is […] Learn More ›
I Lead, I Motivate, I Inspire
As a camp director, I interview dozens and dozens of staff each year prior to the start of camp. It is one of my most favorite parts of my job. I like to hear firsthand about the person who will be working directly with the campers and know they have the same goals as I […] Learn More ›