By Lisa David, Director of Camp Harlam

Shabbat shalom. We made it! Since the close of summer last year, I know that many of us have been counting the months, weeks, and days until we could be together again, dressed in white, on the hill. And for those of you celebrating your very first Shabbat at camp, perhaps you, too, were looking forward to this moment, having seen images of this rocket-ship looking thing and wondering just what happens up on this hill each Shabbat in the summer. It’s here in this special place that we welcome Shabbat at the end of each week, set against the backdrop of the stunning view just over my shoulder.

I’m thrilled to say to all of you once again: Welcome Home. 

Tomorrow, as we welcome home our new Torah, we will read the story of Balak, King of Moab, and Balaam, a prophet Balak sent to Israel.  Balak wanted to wage war against the Israelites, to defeat them, and he sent Balaam to curse them. As Balaam traveled by donkey and prepared to curse the people of Israel, the portion says that he opened his mouth and instead of a curse, out came a blessing. His words, “how lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel” are part of our service each week as we sing Mah Tovu. 

Balak was meant to curse the Israelites, but instead, his words formed a blessing. He knew his words mattered, and he chose blessing. He chose kind. 

Here, too, words matter. How many of you read the book or saw the movie “Wonder”, and recall the saying, “If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind”.  As we begin this summer, so much opportunity lies ahead. Opportunity to make new friends, to experience new adventures, and to learn new things. But there are also opportunities that may challenge us, moments that will be more difficult. When a friend does something that hurts us. When we just don’t feel like listening to our counselors, or participating in an activity. Or when we are just so tired, or so frustrated, or even overwhelmed. In those moments, those opportunities, I am asking you – encouraging you – as Balaam did, to choose kind. 

Already, I have seen Harlamites choosing compassion and kindness. Yesterday, I saw campers and staff encouraging a reluctant camper to enter, step by step, into the refreshingly cold L pool. The camper was hesitant, concerned, and reluctant. Watching his friends offer encouraging words, literally offering a hand, and seeing his counselors guiding him forward with patient words  – they chose kindness. And in the end, they were all celebrating his success, together. 

There are times when it may seem obvious that kindness is the answer, but together we can consider those less obvious times and places: at the salad bar, during a walk back from lunch, or on the way to instructional swim. When someone moves too slowly to your next activity and holds up the group, when you get out in Gaga, when your bunkmate just won’t turn off their flashlight and get quiet, when your counselor just seems to be having a rough day.  These too are places for kindness.  Camp gives us no shortage of opportunities to offer words that change and help and support.  

Each of us deserve this kindness. In my years as a camper, others kind words helped me discover that I was a good friend and good listener. In my years as a staff member, others kind words helped me to gain confidence in working with kids. And as the Director, others kind words help me to feel brave, even when this job can be scary, and to find my own way of leading that honors the legacy of those who came before me, and ensures a long future for this incredible place. 

Harlam is special because what happens here builds people up. I know I’m not alone in feeling like this place is special, different, because here we offer support when in this world outside we may too often feel stress or pressure. But we have to choose this – choose kind – every day, to be the best version of ourselves, and to make the most of our time in this magical place. Shabbat Shalom.