by Rabbi Debbie Helbraun, Gesher Segel (Faculty)

Having my own children at camp this summer, I like many of you, check Bunk1 every day in search of pictures that will show me what they have been up to and if they look like they are having a good time. However, I came across a cartoon on facebook linked with a caption that said, “For parents who survive on pictures from summer camp.” I, of course, was curious about its contents, so I opened the link. The cartoon captions went something like this: “Can I take your picture for the camp website?” “Not now,” answers the camper, “I am busy playing soccer.” A few hours later….”Can I take your picture now?” “Not now, can’t you see, I’m about to go sailing.” A while later…”How about now?” “Can’t you see, I’m having fun with my friends.” The photographer finally catches the camper that night and asks one more time to take his picture. Annoyed, the camper agrees to the picture, but does not look happy at being interrupted from his many camp activities.

We have all heard the saying that a picture can tell a thousand words, but in the busy atmosphere that is OSRUI each and every day, a picture cannot nearly explain what goes on here. Campers experience prayer and Jewish study, sailing, archery, singing, sports, swimming and so much more. Camp is a time to learn how to interact with a community of one’s peers, to learn some independence, and to partake in daily activities that will stretch them mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our campers generally go home with a renewed sense of themselves, their communities, and their Jewish identity.

The pictures are a great way to begin to understand all that is OSRUI and a great conversation starter for when your children return and you want to try to know and understand all that they have been through. Let’s remember, however, that they are only a snapshot, a moment in time. It is the whole of OSRUI that keeps our campers (and even me) coming back year after year. Read the blogs, look at the pictures, ask your children about the big events and the down time in their cabins or tents with new friends. If your children are anything like mine, you will find that it will take until next summer for you to know and understand what they experienced at OSRUI this summer.

Rabbi Debbie Helbraun is the Hebrew School Principal at Temple Jeremiah in Northfield, Illinois and is serving as one of the faculty members in Gesher.