HOW WOULD MIDDAH GIRL SHOW CHESED/KINDNESS?

As we finish week 2 of camp (it is so hard to believe), we have been talking about the middah/value of chesed/kindness. This is one of my favorites to discuss.

During Staff Orientation, I led a session with staff on kindness. It is something that is so, so important to me. Some quotes we refer to that really embody who we are at Camp Louise:

Kindness changes everything!

It costs $0.00 to be a decent person.

One kind word can change someone’s entire day.

If speaking kindly to plants helps them grow, imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do.

You never know when one kind act or one word of encouragement will change a life forever.

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.  Be kind.  Always.

I am especially proud of the campers who were nominated to light candles tonight on Shabbat for demonstrating kindness:

• Showing kindness by using her ticket at the carnival to buy a snowball for a friend who was in the Health Center
• Comforting a camper who lost a sentimental object
• Checking in on a camper who wasn’t feeling well
• Helping so many of her 2-weeker friends pack all of their things
• Volunteering to do the banner for Color Games so other girls in the bunk who have never experienced Color Games before could participate in all of the other activities
• Recognizing when others need help, even before they ask for it
• Keeping an eye out for all of her bunkmates and taking them under her wing when they need extra care
• Always cheering people up if they are having a bad day
• Offering to do the jobs and clean areas of campers who aren’t there
• Being kind and friendly to everyone and showing that everyone should be included in everything
• Explaining things to new campers/bunkmates
• Encouraging other campers to participate in an activity and giving them little pep talks
• Being so respectful of what other campers want and making sure that all campers thanked the counselors leading the activity
• Always smiling and friendly and kind
• So friendly, warm, kind and welcoming, which is so clear because she was nominated by her entire bunk
• Taking a camper for a walk when she was feeling down and comforting her throughout the week to make sure she was doing well
• Helping another camper get her food when she had an injury
• Always striving to show kindness to everyone and serving as an example for every other future leader
• Always checking on several campers throughout the day
• Trying her absolute best to make people feel better with a hug and words of kindness
• Going out of her way to include everyone no matter the situation
• Always being helpful and compassionate to her little bunk and always there whenever they need her
• Always encouraging and positive around camp whether it be at CIT campfire or in activities
• Caring about everyone and always ready to help

We can all take a lesson from these nominees.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Shabbat filled with kindness.

Shabbat Shalom,

Alicia
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Today’s Birthdays

Erin – Outdoors Counselor
Christina – Counselor Bunk 19
Hanna – Dining Hall Staff

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Today’s Menu

Today’s Weather

High: 85°F | Low: 61°F
A little drizzle in the morning followed by some cooler temps and a beautiful night for Shabbat!