By Lisa David

When I was a camper, sitting together with my bunk, dressed in white, at Chapel on the Hill on a Friday night, I used to entertain myself by staring past the service leaders at the horizon beyond them (though I promise I was fully engaged in the service at all times!). Among the rolling hills and expanse of sky was one small, white house. I used to imagine what that family in that house was doing while we were all together on the Hill. I’d make up elaborate stories about the parents and siblings I imagined lived inside, their relationships, their weekly rituals and history, and what they were experiencing at that exact moment and time, and each week I would peek beyond the tree line to find this house and let my mind wander.

Years later, the trees have grown and the landscape has changed, but something about camp still prompts those here to expand their perspective and use their imagination and creativity. There’s just something about camp that encourages us to push boundaries, to be silly, to use the space and time to elevate and celebrate those quirky and freeing experiences that just might not fit into other places.

Consider Castle SuperRad, aka “the bunk formerly know as Sharon Boys 1.” Prior to the summer, one cabin counselor from the bunk started to think about how to create the culture and connections that are so vital to a successful camp experience. He had an idea that he shared and workshopped with his co-counselors and in the environment of camp, the idea blossomed: Castle SuperRad. Their cabin is a castle, a space that is safe and special, complete with their own dragon, goblins, and nightly ritual of knighthood. As the session began, the stories were woven and shared: Gumpy Goo Goblin, who lives under the bunk, and Gregory the Dragon, who protects the bunk and lives in their hearts, filling it with camp spirit. Each night they host a Knighting, a ritual where they use an inflatable sword (ordered online from the Amazon Warriors of Prime) to bestow a special honor upon a worthy camper, naming them “protector in the air” (for a camper who bravely completed the zipline) or “savior of all meals” (for a camper who helped serve others first).

In a world where kids are often trying so hard to be “cool,” they can lose their sense of wonder and imagination. Their concerns about what others will think may diffuse their excitement about something new, different, or “strange.” They may stifle some part of themselves that, if nurtured, might create, discover, or explore our world in new ways. At camp, we embrace imagination. Our activities, our culture, the immersive environment, the exposure to the wonders of nature, and the supportive relationships found at Harlam encourage the use and development of creativity.

May the awe and wonder discovered here this summer positively impact your children far beyond their time at camp. And may their memories of houses on a far-off hill, or castles in boys camp, encourage them to explore, create, and celebrate imagination wherever their heart may take them.

Shavuah Tov!

Lisa David is serving in her second summer as Camp Harlam’s Director after 15 years as a professional in the field of Jewish Camping. She is a former Harlam camper and staff member, and a parent of Harlam campers.