Dear Camp Harlam Community,
As we embark on our journey in transition from camper to counselor, and as overall leaders at camp, the roles we play in our community have changed. This summer, we, as counselors in training (CITs), devoted time into learning the ropes of becoming lifeguards. In the span of 3 and a half days we gained a new perspective on what it means to be responsible for the well-being of others in our community.
Through lengthy training sessions with Camp Harlam legend, Josh “Pool,” Laster we were taught the formal techniques of lifeguarding. In these lessons we completed high-risk scenario saves, learned CPR, and basic first aid. After experiencing these intense few days of training, were officially certified. Although we missed nearly all of Maccabiah, it was rewarding to know we can give back to our community by utilizing our newly acquired skills.
Our motivations for joining waterfront range from helping kids learn to love the “refreshing” pool, to becoming respected role models for our campers. The idea of respect goes hand in hand with responsibility because in our time as campers, we looked up to our waterfront counselors and the work they did for our community. Similarly, Jewish values such as Nitzachon (pushing through a challenge) and Acharayut (thinking about others) relate to being on waterfront because completing the training was nothing like anything we’ve ever done before, especially because none of us are competitive swimmers. We took the tasks of waking up early, and swimming what seemed to be endless pool lengths in stride so we could better our community. The most satisfying moment was after testing, when we put all of our skills into use to earn our lifeguarding certification, and to join the waterfront community.
Being a part of the waterfront community is something that makes Camp Harlam so special. We were welcomed with open arms and are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the best department in camp!
Sincerely,
Izzy, Charlie, Sara, and Sofia (the Gesher 4)