Middah of the Week – Kindness/Chesed

Shabbat Shalom, Camp Louise!

I have to say this Middah of the Week is definitely one of my favorites – kindness/chesed.  You may have seen this quote on a bumper sticker: “Kindness costs nothing and means everything.”  Simple, right!?  Not always!  But here at Camp Louise, we strive every day to be kind.

Last night at Shabbat services, we recognized ten campers who displayed kindness this week.  I always love reading out the nominations and seeing the smiles and hearing the cheers from bunkmates and friends – and yet again, what a genuine display of kindness.

The ten campers who were called up to light Shabbat candles with me demonstrated kindness in our community by:

• Helping a friend in need who was having a problem
• Letting others have a turn not once but twice in a game when this camper saw others who were upset
• Always being kind and respectful to others, always participating in activities, always having a smile on her face and is a perfect example of a great friend
• Always willing to lend a hand, always checking in on bunkmates if they are feeling down and can make you smile anytime, anywhere!
• Working together and out of the kindness of their hearts to clean their shared living home
• Always checking in on bunkmates and counselors, always there for friends and always willing to do anything to cheer up others
• Extremely empathetic and caring
• Taking the time to listen to everyone
• Helping a camper in the unit pick up some things that were dropped
• Helping a friend look for a watch even though this camper missed part of free swim to do so – out of commitment to a friend
• Always trying to help when someone is upset, very supportive of others
• Fiercely encouraging friends when they have been nervous or reluctant to do something and is always up for making new friends
• Always helping out others and lending things to others, always positive and kind

And two of my favorite stories from this week – one about two Unit B (our rising 5^th grade) campers and one about a CIT (a rising 12^th grader):

During the CIT’s 36 hours (when they do an overnight experience with their little bunks), these two Unit B campers were the first and only people to jump up and offer to clean.  They took turns using the dustpan and broom to sweep the porch and when the CIT asked why they helped, one camper responded by saying, “Camp is about helping people, isn’t it?!”  And the other agreed!  They didn’t leave each other or stop until the space was spotless.

This CIT is always very kind but this week in particular she took the time to sit down with the first sessioners and explained all of the second session traditions like CIT service and campfire.  She wanted everyone to feel included and in the know.  She answered all of the questions with patience, no matter how silly they may have been.  Thanks to this CIT, none of the first sessioners feel like outsiders and are ready for the traditions!

I truly hope that we all can take this kindness into the world outside of our camp bubble.  And as we often say – Aunt Lil’s famous words…. “Wherever you go, live the good that you have learned here.”

Shabbat Shalom!

Alicia