Chavurah Says Farwell to Their Campers Years

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Our Chavurah campers shared their favorite memories and lessons learned as their time as campers is coming to an end. But they know this is really just they beginning of their transition from campers to CITs to members. 

By Sheldon & Michael
In the summer of 2015, we both drove through the gates of camp as Carmel Campers, and we were greeted with “Welcome Home!” To our nine-year-old selves, this saying did not mean much to us. However, that summer we met and started our journey through camp.

Over the course of seven years, the two of us became best friends. While we used to think that it was the activities that made camp home, we now realize it is the people you spend your time with that makes camp our home. As we explore our theme, BINAH – gaining an understanding, we have learned that our friendship is what makes Camp Harlam so special.

By Yatir and  Jack
Since we have been at camp, we have taken things for granted. We have realized how precious time is here, and how we should appreciate each and every second we have. Even though we were not always the biggest fans of J-Life, University, Instructional Swim, and more, this summer has taught us to enjoy the little things. It is truly about spending time with the people you love, and taking everything in together.

After living in the RAH village this summer, the true meaning of camp has become clearer to us. Camp is and will always be about those around you who will have your back no matter what. After becoming so close as a unit, we know the memories we have made, both in the village and on the Main Camp will stick with us forever. Even though our time as campers is coming to an end, we know this isn’t a goodbye just yet, just a “See you later!”

By Abi and Addie
Coming into this session, I didn’t know what to expect as a first time double sessioner. Knowing my best friends would not be my side, I was a little frightened. Coming into this session, I was comfortable after always being a second sessioner with the people I am closest with. At first, it was hard to accept that my friends were not here with me, but after pushing through this personal challenge, I began to put myself out there and meet new people. As the session progressed, I quickly learned to not only make my past friendships stronger, but to also create new friendships knowing that is is my last year as a camper. Being able to create meaningful bonds with new people is all what Chavurah is about. Being able to find the meaning in the little things such as going hard at Rak Dan, singing your heart out during Friday night song session, and getting hype during color war are the memories we will never forget. Cherish the moments you have with your friends as it will not last forever. But also do not be afraid to make new memories and push yourself outside of your comfort zone because you never know what might happen.

By Sophie, Sara and Elle
As we walked into Chavurah Bunk 1 on Opening Day, the writing and signatures covering the bunk immediately caught our eyes. While these words all had meaning behind them, we did not realize  how they would soon carry a much deeper meaning to us. As our days at camp have flown by, these words have made us realize how special this summer has been and how the simple words on our bunk walls now carry a much deeper meaning to us. The middah, BINAH, has played a greater role in our lives now more than ever before because we have learned to find meaning through the writings on the wall. “Don’t blink – you’ll miss it.” While this may seem like a generic phrase used, as I reflect on my last eight weeks here at camp, I have come to realize how truthful this saying is because of how fast the time has gone by. “RAH will be the best summer of your life.” Through all of my years at camp, I have heard people say this, but this summer  it has become my reality. “RAH isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning.” Although it is hard for us to say goodbye, we know that this summer is only the start of the bond our unit has created and the legacy we will leave on camp.  As closing day approaches and we start to think about the mark we want to leave, not only on the walls of our bunk, but also on camp; we think about how these words have helped us to seek meaning throughout our summer and how we hope to leave that same impact on future RAH campers. We all hope that when you are given the opportunity to live in the RAH village, you look beyond the broken toilets and appreciate the words on the walls, just as we have.

By Chloe, Shayna, Ava and Jillian
Although our time as campers is coming to an end, all the memories and moments we’ve experienced will circle back to us. This summer in Chavurah we’ve created some of our best memories from the physical circles we made. Whether it be stargazing alongside each other on the basketball court during green time or swaying with our best friends around the fire pit in the village, We’ve realized that these are the times we felt most connected to each other in this special place we call home.

The best part about circles is that they are continuous. Just like circles, our friendships will last forever. Even though these are some of our final hours as campers, our circle will continue to grow as we take on bigger roles in this community. Through the memories we’ve experienced, the advice we’ve learned, and the laughs we’ve shared. We know we can always circle back and remember the legacy we’ve left behind and will continue to share in the days ahead.

By Wang, Ethan and Ben
It is hard to find meaning in specific things because everything we do here at camp has meaning. Through our eight years together here at camp, we’ve learned that the meaning of camp is not about camp – the place; but rather, the people you meet and the memories you make here. Throughout these years as we’ve matured, we’ve been able to look deeper into each other and find meaning within each other. Now in Chavurah with these strong bonds, we have been blessed to have deeper and more mature conversations with each other. This has given us access to the true content of each of our characters and strengthens our bond with each other. We not only have found meaning in each other, we have also learned to appreciate the little things we each share. We enjoy sharing time together, stargazing on the basketball courts and staying up late with one another. All of these things, no matter how large or small the impact, still have lots of meaning for each of us. Now we ask each of you to find meaning in both little  and big things in your lives as we continue by praying silently.

By Brendan, Josh and Jacob
Back in junior camp, I would use every opportunityI had to try and get out of doing programs that I did not necessarily enjoy. With the mindset that we still had multiple years remaining, it was harder for us to find meaning in programs other than the ones we enjoyed. As our final year as campers comes to an end, one major takeaway is to remain present throughout the duration of all camp activities in order to truly cherish our time here as campers. While time here at camp is only a small fraction of the year, the memories, friendships, and experiences made here at Harlam last forever. So make the most of that challenging J-Life period when you would rather be out and about. Because before you know it, you will be up here giving your final speech as a camper, perhaps regretting not giving as much to camp as camp strives to give you.

By Charlotte and  Alana
I first came to camp in Carmel when I was 9 years old. I came in Sharon when I was 10, but we have known each other since we were 6 years old. Even though Alana and I knew each other before coming to camp, we have created and shared some of our favorite memories together here at Harlam. We have also met so many new people and we’ve become so close. We’ve had the best summer of our lives in Chavurah. Over the years, we have both met so many different people, whether it would be our counselors, our Carmel buddies, or people in other units. We both have realized that the meaning of camp isn’t who wins color war, or who goes the hardest at Rak Dan, but the people we meet during our time here at camp. So many people have made camp the way it is. In the Chavurah village, every surface is covered with signatures and messages from past campers. These represent the real meaning of camp: The people we have grown up with and the people who were here before us as campers and staff, made many memories just as we have. Now, we join together as a community to remember all of our loved ones who we’ve made so many memories with over the years.