We do a lot of things well at Camp Airy. You probably expect a director to say that about his camp, but it’s also true.

We do Outdoors Day well. Many thanks to ODA Department Head Derek, his staff, volunteers from ODL at Camp Louise, and Airy CITs for hosting all of camp for a “Looney Tunes Day.” The delicious food – and activities involving mud – that we’ve come to expect greeted campers downhill. I was challenged to a joust, soaked by a water cannon, and even invited to do a belly flop when I made a visit to the pool after my Looney Tunes tour. I declined. Shout out to Swim Department Head Q and his staff for the pool portions of the day.

We do celebrations well. And in the summer when our big sister Camp Louise is turning 100, celebrations are a focal point. At Shabbat services in the morning, Songleader Dan joined me to recognize the first group of this session’s “Mensch on a Bench” recipients. These campers and staff were nominated for various instances of “kindness.”  This week’s middah/value is gratitude, which leads me to a third thing we do well at Camp Airy. On Saturday night, we invited counselor staff to a special trivia night and snacks. Thanks to Scott, Darren, Julie, Bob and Joanna for leading the charge to make it happen.

We represent well. Our campers, staff and alumni – from Thurmont to Cascade and everywhere in between – love camp. They will show up for an event, rise to the occasion in a time of need (big or small), and they will wear their camp swag with immense pride. That’s what 100 years brings. Following the days of the fire in our White House, so many camp families reached out to offer some support. What you see pictured is the whole of Camp Airy wearing “LegendAIRY” t-shirts that two families produced. The shirts were donated by those families, enough so that we could give shirts to all of this session’s campers, staff, AND the fire companies that helped at camp on June 29.

We are immensely grateful for our camp people … the campers who attend, the families who send their children to spend summers with us, the staff who sign on to work at camp … the alums who call and write and visit … our community friends and business partners.

As we head into Week 4, we already know the big moments that are in store – “Shrek” the musical, Olympics, and a big closing show on Thursday. There will be many moments – both big and small – to feel gratitude.

Have a good week / Shavua Tov!

~ Marty