This Shabbat marks our last of the session. The middah (value) of the week – LEADERSHIP – has been demonstrated not only over the past seven days, but since the early part of June as Summer 2023 got underway.

Camp people will always say that teamwork is a key. They are right – and … teams (or bunks or units or colleagues) that function well are organized or guided by a leader. Leadership comes in many forms.

There are leaders by example – during break between our song session on Friday night, a camper was picking up and disposing of litter. Just because it needed to be done. On a daily basis, there are campers and staff that remain behind in the dining tent after Shift 1 to help with the changeover – clearing tables, aligning chairs. Leadership also requires having some courage – to put oneself “out there” while pursuing a goal or objective. Dan, our song leader, asks every Shabbat for more voices to lead prayers, responsive readings and songs. And many people take him up on that invitation – leadership and courage. (And some fun as well.)

We emphasize at camp that you should try new things at camp – it’s okay to make a mistake. Coming up short, and then trying again, is another way leaders emerge at camp.

Today’s Mensches were recognized for their leadership in a multitude of ways. Their picture is above – please join us in celebrating them.

There are leaders who see a need and step up to fill it, regardless of their assigned role and title. This summer, pickle ball has emerged as a favorite activity. But it would not be so if not for the efforts of Linda, our PR Department Head, Clay, our Senior Camp Division Head, and Steve, an orientation volunteer.

Our sign at the entrance to the Cohen Theater needed a facelift. It was a STEAM and Creative Arts specialist Levi who came to the rescue.

We have a number of new staff leaders this summer; camp is lucky to have found them, and hopefully like our new campers, they are here for many summers to follow – Rob, Nathan and Mo. And there are even more staff who are Airy returners, but now in a new leadership role for the first time – Justin, Manny, Noah, Jared, Joey, Ben, Matthew, James and Andrew.

And without Joanna and Anna, our kitchen and dining tent would not run as smoothly as they do. They are perhaps our favorite leaders, as they spoil us with chocolate babka for Shabbat dinner dessert, and a sweet oneg treat on Saturday morning.

As Week 4 begins, we turn our focus to some big events – our production of “Madagascar” and our July Olympics. Leaders will emerge from those casts, crews and teams. We are lucky to have a front row seat for it all.

Shabbat Shalom!

Marty