Where Our Roots Grow 2026
This summer we want to return back to the roots. For a generation of Blue Star campers Lauren’s parents, Rodger and Candy, framed camp’s mission in a metaphor of “roots and wings.” Camp is a space where children and teens feel supported to strengthen their roots, both in discovering their most authentic self and in how they are so interconnected with others in community. Layered with our own roots are those who came before us and passed down our Jewish history, traditions, and larger purpose. At camp Lauren & I envision all campers and staff exploring who we are and how we can most meaningfully connect with each other and our natural surroundings.
Lauren was recently featured on the podcast The Social Dialogue, hosted by a former camper, staff member, and parent. They discussed the power of finding our roots at camp, especially as we put down our phones and Ipads to really connect with the world around us. One of the co-host’s core memories from when Rodger and Candy were the directors at camp was their use of the “roots and wings” symbolism. To this day, she attributes growing into her best self, becoming deeply connected to her Judaism, and gaining the confidence and courage to move beyond her comfort zone to her time at Blue Star. As an added bonus, her lifelong closest friends, her “people,” remain from their summers together at camp. Camp is the connective tissue deepening her spiritual and communal roots.
How do we create the conditions at camp for campers to uncover their roots? Blue Star is a uniquely child-centered universe where campers are allowed to choose their own adventures. From selecting their own activities (i.e. Blue Star camper-choice Options) to taking the time to sit in silence with their thoughts at the Chapel on Shabbat, we encourage campers to learn more about their true selves. Through our Living Judaism framework, campers get to sign up to help lead services; leading camp in prayers from the bima, playing guitar with our song leaders, and sharing their Original Thoughts tied to the summer theme. Our Juniors, Pioneers, Seniors, and Teen Villagers look forward to and love the collective joy they experience every Friday night at the Chapel. In cabin and unit groups, our counselors and unit leaders also guide campers in reflective practices designed to build community. In weekly “circle ups,” Friday night bonfires and “warm fuzzies,” cabin meetings, and at key log ceremonies, our staff model how to deepen connection with others.
Let’s double down on goodness this summer, be kind to each other and kind to the planet, and experience the joy of being at our forever summer home…where our roots grow!
Blue Star was an important part of my summers and my life in general. Keep it up!
Seth
Very well written. I remember my camp years so fondly and see how much the camp has grown since I was in there in 50’s & 60’s. Rodger, Michael and I were of the same age. I was closer to Rodger than Michael but considered both of them good friends. I saw how much the camp grew under Rodger’s tutelage and am pleased to see that you and Lauren continue to practice his ideals.
I wish you a very happy and successful summer.
David “Juicy” Gelfman ( my camp nickname)😂😂
This is a wonderful thread for campers and staff to follow through out the summer at Blue Star. I was lucky to grow up during the time with Harry and Herman as well as Roger and Michael. I participated in the Bar Mitzvah’s of both Roger and Michael. It is a time in my life that I will never forget and my hope is that each camper also feels that this time at camp is a special time that they can pass down to there children. Have a wonderful summer.
Camp Blue Star has been a beacon in my life sense my first summer in 1951. My very fondest memories are always intertwined with Blue Star. My jewish identity is filled with memories of Blue Star. I love this format of being able to try to put into words the Meaning and Love Blue Star has left on so many of us. from 1951 till i was a counselor i spent every summer, i only wish i could have gone to Blue Star for the other 10 months of the year instead of only two. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else has to share.
My dad, brother and I all attended Camp Blue Star many, many years ago. It was a beautiful place during the summer to get away from the busy pace of the Metro DC area. We have been back for a few family camps and was great to hike Mt. Pisgah again, go off the Blob, and stay in the same cabins that we stayed in as children. It was a wonderful experience and it is special that generations of families can attend this camp.
I take every opportunity available to try to describe that place in my heart that CBS holds; I can never seem to do it justice. As I’ve often said and written, Camp Blue Star has always been and is—friends, atmosphere, experiences, lessons, Judaism, morality, and many other pertinent memories—the Happy, Calming, Beautiful part of my day to which I always find time to return and which pulls me in.
Blue Star is a major influence on the lives of the campers and staff who spent summers in that magical world. The eight years that I spent in those mountains. have led me to today. Next month at the age of 86 I will become a bat mitzvah.
The living Judaism from my time at camp taught me what was important in life,
Thank you, Ben, Harry and Mona and Herman and Rosalie.Thank you to Seth, Lauren, Rodger, Candy.and the many staff who have continue to bring blue star magic into the world.