Our Arava (rising7th graders) led a beautiful service Saturday morning. They shared their thoughts about why camp is special place to them.

By Avery, Liza and Tyler
Camp Harlam brings us joy – SIMCHA – in a way that no other place can. Some of the things that bring us joy and comfort at camp are our counselors, friends, siyyum l’yom, milk squad, song session and color run. For instance, our counselors and friends have a huge impact on making us feel safe and joyful at camp. This is why this week’s Torah portion is V’etchenan is about helping others as well as yourself, which is what camp is all about.

In adventure, our bunk had to be silent while doing the zig-zag. With perseverance, we succeeded by helping each other and being there for one another. Around 9:00-9:30 every night, we do siyyum l’yom as a way to close the night after a long day. Siyyum l’yom is a way to come together after being apart from one another. From Siyyum l’yom to milk squad and so much more . . .We love staying 10 for 2 at this place we adore!

By Abby and Luci
Camp Harlam is the place where everyone wants to be. But why?

God planted love in this camp by making it a family and a community. Camp is such an amazing place because of the people surrounding us. This family is so special because the campers, counselors, and staff create a joyful and comforting environment. This is only possible because not only does God love us, but God allows us to love other people. This causes everlasting friendships and strong bonds.

For the two of us, we have created a friendship that will last a lifetime. We met at the Taste of Camp weekend many years ago. Ever since, we have been inseparable. Right when we met, I knew we would be best friends. Our faces shared the same joy and excitement about camp.

Over this past year, we could not see one another – so we called, texted, and communicated with one another to comfort each other through this hard year. God made all this possible by loving us and creating such a special place where we can make friendships that can last a lifetime. We are truly comforted knowing that we have such a joyful community that is always here for us.

By Devin and Ava
Finding out we were finally returning back home to Camp Harlam was an excitement! Knowing that this year has been difficult for not just us, but for everyone has made us cherish camp and our friends even more!

Camp has made a difference in our lives. This is the place where we feel connected to our Jewish community. At camp we feel welcomed no matter who we choose to be.

With that being said, it was hard to spend a summer away from the place that we call home. Seeing our friends’ smiling faces and hugging them made us feel comforted after our time away. We feel that we have overcome a great challenge of being away from our “forever friends” and our all around home.

Coming home to camp this year felt like stepping into a new light. Just as our ancestors felt joy and comfort after crossing the Sea and entering into their new found home, we felt this way when we returned to Camp Harlam.

By Jess
Joy and comfort have such controversial meanings. Some people define it and use topics such as friendship, love, money and similar things. Most people find it strange and sometimes even distressful. As we learn in our tradition, God has plans. You only know that something is comforting when you’ve felt some discomfort. You only know you’re feeling joy when you’ve felt sad. To be able to fully appreciate something is when you are sure it will go away at some point.

When I was five years old, my Saba told me something I will never forget: “God loves stories.” I did not understand at the time, but as the years went by, I have begun to understand.

Every story needs a conflict. When terrible things happen, good is yet to come. As I learned, when God creates earthquakes that bring mountains to their knees, it is sure to be destructive. Loss will come of both land and people. But, after all of that, things will be better. Land will slowly be rebuilt, and this will bring joy as the beauty is restored. Structures will be sturdier, and comfort will come through that. When you come to a camp without knowing anyone, it can be hard. It will feel discomforting because it is new and different. It can be sad when you are homesick, but I can tell you, over time, it will and does get better!

Again, God created us all with a divine plan – a plan to teach us joy and comfort through feelings of sadness. God teaches us to be grateful for our happiness. God teaches us that we need to trust God and know that good is coming. Finally, God teaches us to believe – believe in God – believe in that one day, even if it doesn’t seem like it, everything will be all right. We need to believe that God will have our back and do what God has planned – which is to bring each of us sadness so we can have the blessings of joy and comfort. Why? Because God loves stories!