by Laura Siegel Perpinyal, Tzofim Segel (Faculty)

There is something really special about coming back to camp after several years away, some things change so much and, at the same time, nothing changes at all.

I’ve had the unique privilege of being a chanicha (camper), madricha (counselor), rosh eidah (unit head) and now segel (faculty) here at OSRUI. It’s inspiring to see so many former chanichim (campers) now as madrichim (counselors), and to see traditions passed on year after year. For example, downstairs in Tzofim, the unit looks mostly the same as it did years ago when I was a camper, with a few additions here and there. But we sing the same cheers we did 10, even 15 and 20 years ago, and with the same special ruach (spirit) that is only found in Oconomowoc.

Coming back as segel (faculty) has given me a new perspective on the incredible learning that takes place on camp. Where else in our lives can we pray twice a day as a community, use Hebrew interchangeably with English when chatting with our friends, and help to make our community strong by using Jewish values to guide our decisions and eidah (unit) rules. Our madrichim make all of this magic happen because they love it too, it’s meaningful to them to have a community and Jewish experiences that enrich their lives. That’s why they keep coming back summer after summer.

The tradition that stands out the most for me is Friday night Shabbat Shira. Everyone on camp waits for the moment when the entire camp gathers together to sing Shabbat songs and hear a story. I cannot count how many times I’ve been to Shabbat Shira, but no matter what, when the music starts I get goosebumps and feel like my little 7-year-old self at my first Shira ever, totally in awe.

Laura Siegel Perpinyal is the Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Chai in Long Grove, IL and is serving as one of the faculty members in Tzofim Gimmel.