Shabbat Shalom, Camp Louise!

If you have been following along with this summer’s blog, you may be wondering why we are repeating hospitality/hachnasat orchim as our Middah (trait/value) of the Week.  We focused on it week #1, and now again week #5.  It’s simple –  because it is just that important to us!

We strive to create a community where our campers, families, and staff all feel welcomed, safe, included, and valued.  It starts even before Opening Day – the feeling families get who come for a tour or who attend Camper-In-Training Day, the communication we provide to our families and staff, the rainbow Sharpied welcome cards sent to first time campers, our international staff arriving at camp to a room with their bed made.  These little things help set the tone and shape the overall experience, and we take this very seriously!

This week, bunkmates and counselors nominated campers who demonstrated our Middah of the Week – hospitality/hachnasat orchim, and I was so honored to have them light candles with me on Shabbat.

As we stood in Solarium with the candles shining bright, I looked out at the community that I am so proud to be part of.  A community that welcomes in others with open arms, a community that takes care of and supports each other, a community that becomes wider and stronger each year as we welcome in new members.

There is nothing quite like camp, and it starts with hospitality.  We hope that everyone who is touched by this here in Cascade or Thurmont is inspired to carry this same feeling into their lives outside of camp.

How incredible would that be?!

Even though camp lasts such a short time (cue the tears), the kindness and hospitality learned here have the power to make a huge impact!

That is my challenge to you!  Let’s work together to welcome others and build stronger, more caring communities wherever our lives take us.

Shabbat Shalom,
Alicia