Carpe diem. What an incredible 1st Session we have had here on Mount Pinnacle! Lauren and I wanted to pause, and take a moment, to offer our reflections on 1st Session. We have been reflecting a lot lately about the power of individual moments. Further, we have been inviting and encouraging our staff to think about the positive impact they can have on each one of our campers in the context of singular meaningful moments. An unofficial mantra among our staff has been “making memorable moments.” What follows are just a few such moments…
During our final Friday night Shabbat services in the Chapel, we were reminded of how important it is to create the space for our campers to share their original thoughts in front of all of their peers. Each week many campers from Juniors through Teen Village volunteer to compose privately and share publicly what our summer theme means to them AND how they have lived the theme here at Blue Star. When our Juniors shared their original thoughts about “Shining On,” we were so impressed by the depth, creativity, and authenticity of their ideas. And then more Juniors kept being called up to speak by our Living Judaism directors. For the first time in recent memory four separate groups of multiple Junior campers felt compelled to speak their hearts and minds at our services. Shine On!
Our amazing activity specialists often go above and beyond to reach and teach our campers, not just technical skills but also life skills. A duo comprised of one returning and one new specialist in our mountain biking program took the initiative in their limited free time to teach one of our younger campers how to ride a bike. This camper had expressed informally wanting to take the bikes options but not knowing how to ride, and these two staff members made it a priority to light the way for him. The staff members did not receive any special accolades nor did they tell everyone about it; they just did it. Now we have one more camper who learned a new technical skill and, more importantly, has had compassion role modeled for him. Shine On!
As we conclude this reflection and wind down our 1st session, we will end where we began atop Mount Pinnacle. A long-time camper who had not previously hiked up the mountain really set an intention to reach the top this year, her final year as a camper. With the unconditional support of her camp leader, counselors, and friends, she did it! Stretching beyond her comfort zone not only made her feel really good, but also gives her the self-knowledge that she can accomplish what she sets out to with confidence and resilience. Lauren and I are proud of all of our campers for being their best selves and doing good. Keep shining on…