Last Friday, we dedicated new names for the places our junior camp campers call home during the summer – Hillside and Woodside. These new names recognize the diversity of our Harlam family and our commitment to B’tzelem Elohim – that we are all created in God’s image. In these sacred spaces, our campers and staff can be their most authentic selves and feel at home as they experience the magic of a summer at Harlam.

Below is a reading by Arava campers and staff from Saturday morning services and a video of the Hillside dedication.

By Leo, Eli, Josh, and Sam: Blessed are you Adonai our G-d who welcomes everyone in our community. For me, it’s my third year. For me, it’s my fifth. Even if you haven’t been here in 3 years, or 5 years, this place with always be home. When we were campers, we lived in Boys Camp. Now we are staff members living in Woodside. Now at camp, our nametags have our pronouns. And at camp, it is normal to introduce yourself with your pronouns. Forward-thinking and a positive outlook have fostered an environment of inclusivity, across every generation at camp. It has also given the phrase welcome home a new meaning! We can’t wait to see how camp continues to grow and change to become more inclusive.