At Friday’s Shabbat several campers shared reading about the middot (character traits) that we encourage our staff and campers to embarrass over the summer to create a path to becoming our best selves.
Maya (Carmel):
I am in CG3, I find joy in camp through my friends. I love playing, laughing and having fun. Another way I find joy is seeing how much everyone loves each other. A reason I know this is because when my friend lost her shoe, we all helped to find it. There are many ways to find seemcha at camp. This is how I find joy at camp…WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Molly M. (Sharon)
Thinking about others means if someone got hurt you should help them. If someone wants space, you should give them space. Thinking about others is really important because it shows them that you care about their feelings. You can find acharayut at camp.
David & Jonas (Kineret)
My first day at camp, 4 summers ago, I came in not having many friends. One of our midah is acting with your heart. Acting with my heart means comforting my homesick friends when they are down. Acting with my heart is teaching my friends a cool game they have never played. My friends acted with their heart when they supported me when I broke my foot. Acting with my heart means not doing something for praise, but because it is the right thing to do. This week try to act with your heart and make a positive change in Camp Harlam.
Hailey B. & Allie P. (Arava)
In these past 5 years that we have been at camp, we have learned so many new things. Having the confidence to perform a really embarrassing dance at S’morning. Having the independence to come to camp without knowing anyone. This is what our middot is all about. Bitachon atzmi, confidence and independence around camp. I had the perseverance to keep climbing the wall even after getting stung by a bee halfway up. Coming to camp at such a young age has taught us to take care of ourselves instead of our parents helping us every step of the way like most third graders. We are positive that all of you have shown confidence and independence in your first days of camp. And we hope you experience more moments like these!
Elle G. (Galil)
In life, we face many challenges. As much as we wish, those challenges do not go away at camp. Pushing through a challenge or nitzachon, is something we have to do a lot at camp. For example, drama is something that occurs a lot in a bunk with 14 teenage girls. Everytime a new challenge faces us, we must find a way to solve it in order to have an amazing summer. Even if it takes time, the most important thing is that we make up and let the past be in the past. Once we push through any challenge we may face, we all grow as a person and have an amazing summer.
Izzy L. (K’Far Noar)
Over the past couple of years I have learned a few things about myself. I’ve learned how to become more motivated, more confident, and more positive. In doing so, without even realizing it, I learned the most about self love. Love is the greatest gift you can ever give to yourself and I know that now, however, none of that would’ve been possible if I hadn’t explored my inner beauty. What I’m trying to say is, everyday try your very best to look for at least two things that you like about yourself. Try letting yourself rely on others sometimes, as well as letting others rely on you. Everyone is different and your differences are also a gift so please don’t be discouraged if what works for others doesn’t necessarily work for you or if you take more time than others. Put your faith in yourself, your loved ones or even me if you’d like and find your inner beauty. I can’t wait to see all of you love yourselves!
Becky W. (Chavurah)
For the past 6 summers at camp Harlam, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the year where I get to live in the Chavurah Village. And the time has finally come. During our first evening program this summer, We got to take a trip to the barn to see the hundreds of signatures painted on the walls. Seeing some of my counselors names written in pink paint was extremely meaningful to me because I was reminded of the love and support they gave me and it reminded me that they were once in Chavurah too! Reading all the little tid bits and inside jokes from years as early as 1986 made me look around and remember that the Chavurah bunks have housed years of countless memories and inside jokes. While some random words were scribbled in sharpie over my bed may seem confusing to me, they hold meaning to previous Chavurah campers and the Harlam community. So whether it’s something you can trade or something you can read, we encourage you to find meaning in the little things at camp, because when it’s your 7th to 8th summer, every detail holds a whole lot of meaning.