Our Galil campers lead a beautiful service Saturday morning. Below are the words they shared.

By Ashley & Maya
This week’s theme is A-ha-ra-yut – which means “thinking of others.” Thinking of others can take a different form in many ways. Thinking of others doesn’t always have to be giving something to someone. It can also be comforting someone or just giving them some space to work-out their needs. Sometimes whenever I am having a bad day, my friends will know how to think of me. For example, they can sit next to me and talk to me or allow me to talk with them. They can give me space and time to think. All of these are ways of thinking of others. Thinking of others can take place at many different times and places. My friends think of me by making sure I am not alone and I think of others by finding ways to include them. Thinking of others is an important part of life. Always remember that the smallest act could be a way of thinking of others and it could make their day.

By Igal Tal
Before I do anything, I always think about others around me. I believe when you root for someone, you will feel good, or when you do help someone, you actually help yourself even more so. Thus, we are creating a supportive environment. Keep staying strong and supporting one another for when we think of each other, this will unite us all and when we act as one, we will remain strong and never be alone. In addition, when you do give off yourself, you will always strengthen yourself and others around you.

By Dani, Alexa & Remy
Everyone knows that people have challenges at camp. Even though camp is a fun place, it isn’t a place where you can flee from all of your problems. We’ve learned, especially from this year, that you need  to be there for people, even if you don’t know what they’re going through. It is much easier to turn your back on someone who is struggling.But it takes real strength to stay and comfort them. At home we were used to being alone but now we need to stick together as a bunk, as a unit, and as a camp.

By Hannah, Becca & Gabby
When I first decided to come to camp, I was super excited, but at the same time a little scared because I wouldn’t know anyone. In Kineret, we had a lot of new people in the bunk that we were excited to create new friendships with. We all created a bond and now we’re best friends. Whether it’s spotting them at Adventure, giving them your extra coco-puffs or saving a seat for them at S’morning. We will always have each other’s backs, always renewing our friendship with each other. 

By Samara, Lucy, Sasha
The past couple of weeks have been very special to us because we have been reunited with our friends from our home away from home. Camp is about helping others become their best self. Besides the physical challenges at camp, like finishing the Galil Hike, we have to remember the struggle of our own mental health. For me, attending the double session has not been a major struggle. It was hard saying goodbye to my parents on Visiting Day, but I pushed through. For me, saying goodbye was more challenging than I thought it would be. Seeing my two friends struggle  made me realize that thinking of others is more important than just thinking of myself. Thinking of others shows that we all care and it makes others know they are cared for and loved.

By  Izzy & Victoria
This year, not a lot of people had hope. When Harlam closed last year, it was hard for all of us. But when our parents told us that we could come back to Harlam this summer, we felt hope again. This renewed hope reminds us of the hope that Moses and our people felt when they finally got out of Egypt.

Being in Galil this summer, I’ve learned a lot of things. We each need to be role models for the younger campers so that they too can feel hopeful and excited for their future camp summers. I’ve also learned the value of friendship since we are so disconnected from the outside world. Our bonds with one another have been strengthened. After this summer, we feel hopeful for all of our future years at Camp Harlam.

By Sophia & Sadie
We met two years ago in Kineret. We weren’t the best of friends; but over quarantine, we became close. Even though we lived in different places, we were there for each other. Although we were often busy, we always made time to talk. In this week’s parsha, Re’eh, we learned how important it is to be there for one another. It is especially important through the tough times we have all faced this past year. That is why we have been so grateful to be back here, in our special place. We supported each other by reaching out, talking and listening. We learned to think of each other to help strengthen each of us.

By Tali, Hannah & Sofia
This year, during Covid, I lost my grandma. In 2014, I lost my grandpa, and in 2016, I lost my grandma. After losing my grandma, I felt like the end of the world was coming. For me, after months of mourning for my grandpa, it still did not feel right. Although it can feel that nothing will ever be good again, IT WILL GET BETTER. No matter what you are going through, the moment when you drove through the gates of Camp Harlam and heard, “Welcome Home,!” You know that you are truly home with a loving and supportive community. That is why it is ok to remember our loved ones here – because we are together to care for each other!