If you are looking to escape the snow and cold in New England, Israel is the perfect escape. With little rain and warmer than usual winter days (much to everyone's distress) I was able to walk everywhere, enjoying the warmth and blooming flowers.
This was a working trip, participating in the ACHVA Seminar for returning Shlichim and interviewing new Shlichim to join our camp staff next summer. There were also opportunities to visit with the 2009 Mishlachat and my family in Jerusalem. Thanks to the JCCA for inviting me to participate in the Summer Shlichim Program in this way.
The ACHVA Seminar proved to be as wonderful as I imagined it was. The community that Shalom and Shaylee (and their many instructors) created with the cohort of returning Shlichim allowed for open and honest discussion. The combination of small and large group discussions, walking tours and individual interactions allowed everyone to participate.
Dinner with some of the 2008 Mishlachat was delicious, thanks Nurit. It was great to catch up with everyone and to talk about the summer of 2009. Everyone is busy working and going to school and I was thrilled that they took the time out of their busy schedules to chill with me!
Casual conversation in Israel is as political as ever. Everyone was ready to share their opinion about the economy, peace, war, corruption and the upcoming elections. It was the first time in the past 5 years that I heard Israelis question the "live for today philosophy" of almost everyone in the country and concern about the future of their country. It is always great to visit Israel, a nice benefit of our collaboration with the Jewish Agency, and it is always great to come home.
Next year in Jerusalem or Shefayim!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
What should teenagers do in the summer?
When I was 9 years old my parents sent me to overnight camp for 8 weeks. I am not sure they asked me if I wanted to go, all of my friends were going so of course I was going! Once there I never wanted to leave. From that first summer I wished (and sometimes still do) that summer would last for 10 months and winter would last for only 2! At camp I spent hours being silly, sailing and singing my heart out. I never wondered what I was missing at home. And, when I was too old to be a camper, I became a counselor, a unit head and a program director. So much of who I am today- my friends, my hobbies, my career- is because of what I learned at camp.
Are children today having a similar or different summer experience? Is an 8 week stay at overnight camp only one of their summer choices or even possible anymore? What about sports that begin on August 1st or week-long specialty camps to build their resume? Then there is the family vacation and some down time. When is a child too old to attend camp and just the right age to start working in the summer? With so many choices and demands on our time how do we decide what is right for our children?
I would never pretend to have the answers for your family. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to once again spend my summers at overnight camp and now I have the opportunity to spend all winter planning for the summer. So, for me, my dreams have come true. My question to you is how can we create a camp program, especially for our older campers who have to decide between camp and ... that will be fun, fresh and something they wish lasted all year?
Tell me your ideas...
Are children today having a similar or different summer experience? Is an 8 week stay at overnight camp only one of their summer choices or even possible anymore? What about sports that begin on August 1st or week-long specialty camps to build their resume? Then there is the family vacation and some down time. When is a child too old to attend camp and just the right age to start working in the summer? With so many choices and demands on our time how do we decide what is right for our children?
I would never pretend to have the answers for your family. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to once again spend my summers at overnight camp and now I have the opportunity to spend all winter planning for the summer. So, for me, my dreams have come true. My question to you is how can we create a camp program, especially for our older campers who have to decide between camp and ... that will be fun, fresh and something they wish lasted all year?
Tell me your ideas...
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Can We Afford Summer Camp this Summer?
As the “new economy” overwhelms us – not only with its uncertainty but also with its suddenness –we all face new challenges about our financial future. The good news is that summer overnight camp will not change but will continue to be a place where children can have amazing summer experiences while parents continue to work.
Children who have attended camp for one or more summers think of camp as their summer home. They have developed special relationships with their peers and with us. We will continue to maintain the high standards that appealed to you originally offering campers the opportunity to be challenged and have fun all in a safe and caring community.
Families who are just beginning to consider summer overnight camp, and are wondering if they can afford it this summer, know that summer overnight camp is a vital part of a child’s growth and development . Summer overnight camp provides children with a delightful respite from the inevitable pressures that surround our homes and communities in these difficult times. Your child has a limited “window of opportunity” in her or his life to benefit from camp, and the decision to begin a new camp experience should not be put off.
Although many camps require registration and a financial committment now for next summer, many camps enroll right up to the summer. Do your research, narrow your choices and call today for a home visit. When the economy becomes less uncertain, and it will, you will have everything you need to make the right decision about summer overnight camp for your son or daughter.
Children who have attended camp for one or more summers think of camp as their summer home. They have developed special relationships with their peers and with us. We will continue to maintain the high standards that appealed to you originally offering campers the opportunity to be challenged and have fun all in a safe and caring community.
Families who are just beginning to consider summer overnight camp, and are wondering if they can afford it this summer, know that summer overnight camp is a vital part of a child’s growth and development . Summer overnight camp provides children with a delightful respite from the inevitable pressures that surround our homes and communities in these difficult times. Your child has a limited “window of opportunity” in her or his life to benefit from camp, and the decision to begin a new camp experience should not be put off.
Although many camps require registration and a financial committment now for next summer, many camps enroll right up to the summer. Do your research, narrow your choices and call today for a home visit. When the economy becomes less uncertain, and it will, you will have everything you need to make the right decision about summer overnight camp for your son or daughter.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Traditions and Friends!
Why do young people return to co-ed Jewish overnight camps summer after summer...because of traditions and friends!
When parents sign their children up for overnight camp for the first time they hope that they will learn to be independent and try new activities. They want them to make friends and to learn to get along with everyone. Most of all they want them to have fun! When kids tell their parents they want to go to overnight camp the do so because they want to spend some time away from their parents and they want to make new friends.
All of this comes true for children at coed, Jewish overnight camps. Our communities are steeped in traditions which campers help create and maintain. Friendships are quickly sealed free from the pressures of home and school. The grown ups in the community are "cool" college students and children, ages 8 to 16, learn to be independent and take care of themselves and each other.
I would argue that there is no place else on earth like summer camp, a place where we can be someone we are not the rest of the year...special in so many ways and all on our own!
Kathy Jonas
Director, JCC Maccabi Camp Kingswood
When parents sign their children up for overnight camp for the first time they hope that they will learn to be independent and try new activities. They want them to make friends and to learn to get along with everyone. Most of all they want them to have fun! When kids tell their parents they want to go to overnight camp the do so because they want to spend some time away from their parents and they want to make new friends.
All of this comes true for children at coed, Jewish overnight camps. Our communities are steeped in traditions which campers help create and maintain. Friendships are quickly sealed free from the pressures of home and school. The grown ups in the community are "cool" college students and children, ages 8 to 16, learn to be independent and take care of themselves and each other.
I would argue that there is no place else on earth like summer camp, a place where we can be someone we are not the rest of the year...special in so many ways and all on our own!
Kathy Jonas
Director, JCC Maccabi Camp Kingswood
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Register for Overnight Camp Now and Save!
Why should you register you son or daughter for overnight camp now when the leaves are still on the trees, the first quarter grades are not out yet and thoughts of next summer are the furthest from your mind? Because now is the time when you will have the most choice and get the best financial deal, especially if you are interested in a small camp with a loyal following!
Many overnight camps run "early bird specials," not just for their returning families but for everyone interested in attending their camp. For example, we ran a registration special during the month of September for our returning families that allowed them to register for summer 2009 at summer 2008 prices.
At JCC Maccabi Camp Kingswood we are currently running a special for new and returning families $50 or $100 off the cost of tuition for next summer. The only catch is that you need to register your camper by December 1, 2008. These savings may or may not help you decide about which summer camp to send your son or daughter to next summer but they can't hurt.
There is still time to take advantage of these great offers but they will end just about the time you start to think about next summer. My advise, start early and save!
Many overnight camps run "early bird specials," not just for their returning families but for everyone interested in attending their camp. For example, we ran a registration special during the month of September for our returning families that allowed them to register for summer 2009 at summer 2008 prices.
At JCC Maccabi Camp Kingswood we are currently running a special for new and returning families $50 or $100 off the cost of tuition for next summer. The only catch is that you need to register your camper by December 1, 2008. These savings may or may not help you decide about which summer camp to send your son or daughter to next summer but they can't hurt.
There is still time to take advantage of these great offers but they will end just about the time you start to think about next summer. My advise, start early and save!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
