Week 7
Good Evening –
It’s the final Shabbat of the summer. How could it be the final week already? Have I really worn my Shabbat whites eight times? Do I only have one more week of Olympic Suntanning at the Mercaz? Camp has this magical way of making time fly by too quickly while simultaneously packing in countless memorable moments. This summer has been extraordinary – our campers and staff have accomplished so much. Seeing the vision we dreamt up during the off-season come to life this summer makes me feel very proud.
In just a few days, the last of the buses will depart, leaving our dirt path eerily quiet and empty. I remember standing in the chadar in the final moments before campers boarded the buses last summer. We were snacking on the take ‘n go breakfast, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” was playing on the speakers, and everyone looked exhausted and really sad. If I were writing a movie and needed to describe this scene, the script would say something like this:
Setting: Chadar Ochel
Characters Present: Every single one (400+)
Make-up: A little from Final Banquet the night before
Costume: Sweatpants. Sweatshirts. Regalia. Last minute lost & found everywhere
Mood: Absolute devastation and despair. Some laughter through tears. Plenty of tears. Like buckets of tears. Shirts soaked with tears. Hugs that seem to last forever
For a brief moment, while I was surveying the crowd, I forgot that I, too, once felt the despair of leaving camp on the last day. But I was quickly brought right back to my days as a camper and staff and remembered that empty feeling all too well. My friends and I cried just as hard when we had to leave camp. We didn’t want to let anyone go.
As an adult, or a super-adult as the older crew calls themselves around camp, I know that all good things must end. And that home has wonderful things, too, like my family and friends who miss me while I’m at camp. And I wouldn’t mind sleeping in my bed at home (and having clean feet). But even as a super-adult, I will miss being at camp very much. No matter how long the day gets or how big the challenge is in front of me, I love this place with all my heart.
To our campers – I have so many things I want to thank you for this summer. Thank you for being kind to someone who needed it. Thank you for acknowledging when you made a mistake and trying to be better the next time. Thank you for trying something new when you were scared. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for loving camp the way you do. Remember what you learned at camp this summer; think about the Jewish values we talked about and how they fit into your life away from camp, too.
To our Ozrim – I am so appreciative of each one of you. As individuals and as a group, you have worked tirelessly to give your campers the love, attention, and camp fun they deserve. I am confident in Herzl Camp’s future with this group returning as staff next summer. I am forever grateful for how you positively impacted this summer from the moment you arrived at camp.
To our parents – I know how hard it can be to send your child off to camp and let someone else take care of them. Thank you for trusting us to care for your child and being an excellent partner in your child’s Herzl experience. I hope your summer was peaceful and enjoyable.
To our staff – I want to dedicate this summer with my heartfelt gratitude to you, the staff of Herzl Camp. Throughout the camp season, I’ve witnessed moments of incredible kindness, dedication to camper care, and strong leadership. Yes, that’s your job, but as a former seasonal camp staff, I know firsthand it’s not always easy. The long hours, the unpredictable weather, and the 24-hour-a-day responsibility can be challenging. Yet, you love this place deeply and are committed to ensuring the next generation of campers have a positive experience. I am honored to work alongside an incredibly passionate and devoted team. I’m in awe of your loyalty to camp and your cherished experience as campers, which you hold so close to your hearts. I appreciate your willingness to listen to other perspectives and explore alternative paths to a solution. I hope what you learned about yourself and what we learned this summer is a source of support and guidance for you during the school year. And come back to us next summer so we can continue our important work at camp.
That’s all for now – the Shabbos Queen is knocking on my door. Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat.
Week 6
Dear Families,
Hello from Webster! It’s certainly not Friday night anymore. Time slipped away, and Shabbat had already started before I could hit send. Then the weekend came and went, and now it’s Tuesday. But I couldn’t let a week go by without sharing my thoughts about camp, so I’m considering this a special mid-week update.
I had a conversation with an old camp friend a few days ago where we reminisced and laughed about the old Chadar, where it didn’t matter which cabin you were in because the tables were so close together that you were practically sitting with all your friends. The Chadar wasn’t air-conditioned, the floor always seemed to be sweating, and if you wore shorts, your legs stuck to the benches. But none of that mattered. We would have eaten in a barn if it meant we got to be at camp.
My friend told me how he tried to describe the essence of Herzl Camp to his wife, who had never attended overnight camp, and he hasn’t been very successful. As I listened to him, I found myself nodding vigorously. I, too, have struggled to articulate the magic of Herzl Camp. But perhaps that’s where this blog comes in – sharing the special moments I see each day. Like when I saw a group of B’yachad campers working together to build picnic tables for Tevaland (the overnight site at camp). The B’yachad group has spent many hours cleaning, weeding, hauling trash, building picnic tables, and designing a firepit so future generations of campers can utilize the space and have a “camping” experience in the comfort of our own backyard.
Or tonight when I saw three Ozrim entertain campers by drawing their “portraits” on a portable whiteboard and chanting “ART, ART, ART” as they showed off their masterpiece while everyone clapped and cheered. It was hysterical to watch in person.
Or, one of my personal favorites –
Last week, I celebrated my birthday, the 16th time I’ve celebrated at Herzl Camp. This birthday was my favorite of all my camp birthdays. It’s not just because I had the most delicious birthday cake ever (shout out to Mitbach Malka Romy), and not because I had more genuine happy birthday wishes than I could count. It’s because of the most wonderful surprise I received at morning Degel (flag).
When I was growing up, my sisters and I would pretend we were sleeping when someone entered any room we were in. This continued as adults and eventually included our parents, friends, children, other family members, and colleagues, who were mostly agreeable to participating in our weird game. It got to the point where my family and friends never questioned us when someone would whisper, “Quick! Everyone pretend you’re sleeping.”
Fast forward to July 23, 2024. As I walked towards the flag circle for morning Degel, it seemed much too quiet at the flag circle. When I got closer, I realized what I was looking at – campers, ozrim, and staff were all lying down, pretending to be asleep. They were silent, eyes closed, as if they were in their beds. 500+ people! It was hilarious! That kind of spontaneous, ridiculously amazing fun does not exist anywhere else. Campers and staff who willingly lay on the dewy grass and silently pretend to be asleep are my kind of people.
And I think we are a shoo-in for The Guinness Book of World Records—
Category: Number of People Pretending to be Asleep at One Time.
Today marks one week until the end of summer 2024. Just one week is left before we pack our bags and return home. I know I speak for the entire staff when I say this summer has been unforgettable, and we plan to make the most of our remaining time together this summer.
I hope you’re having a wonderful week. It’s Wednesday day tomorrow – you’re halfway through!
Week 5
Dear Herzl Camp Families –
As the sun sets on this beautiful Shabbat, I feel a little sentimental.
We said goodbye to our second session campers earlier this week, and as they were loading the buses, a familiar smell hit me with a wave of nostalgia. The exhaust from the buses is synonymous with the last day of camp for me. In an instant, I was transported to the ’90s and numerous last days of camp, where I attempted to do anything I could to extend goodbyes a little longer. I mentioned to a group of staff how that smell brought me back, and they knew exactly what I meant. As we exchanged various stories from the last day of camp with each other, I looked over to the Haatid campers loading their bus and wondered if they were getting their first smell of exhaust – and if they would one day connect it to camp goodbyes, too.
I remember when my son was finally old enough to go to Herzl. He loved attending day camp since he was five years old (shout out to my Camp Olami homies). It took zero convincing for him to agree to go to Herzl; he was ready. He was only eight years old, and I vividly remember the reaction of a co-worker when she asked about his summer plans. She couldn’t understand how I could send him away to sleepaway camp. “He’s so young,” she said. “How do you know he’ll be taken care of? What if he needs you?” Her questions were endless. But I wasn’t worried. My response was simple: I explained to her that Herzl Camp was not just a camp; it’s a community that nurtures, supports, and cares for each child as if they were their own. And even though I would miss him like crazy, this was the best gift I could ever give him. He would have a week away from his parents, screens, and everyday routine. I knew he was in good hands and that he would love every minute.
And he did. I didn’t mind that he came home with almost every piece of clothing folded the way I had put it in his duffel bag or that his shampoo bottle seemed like it hadn’t been touched. What mattered was what he gained. One of the first things I noticed when he came home from camp was that he cleared his dinner dishes without being asked. As a parent, I was delighted. Just a week at camp, where he was responsible for clearing his items off the table, had made a difference. Whether it was out of habit or he realized he was responsible for being his “own toran” even at home, I can’t say. But it didn’t matter – he was more responsible in other ways, showing signs of maturity and self-reliance that camp had nurtured.
And for that, I was incredibly grateful.
As the sun begins to set on the first Shabbat of the third session, it’s starting to sink in that there are just three more weeks left this summer. It feels like just yesterday, the staff was gathering at the Ulam eagerly awaiting the buses with the first session campers, and now, camp is once again exploding with ruach (spirit) with our third session campers’ arrival. As we waited for the buses to arrive yesterday afternoon, I turned to the person next to me and remarked that this was the last time we get to welcome campers on the first day of the session this summer. We looked at each other in disbelief – how did we get here so quickly?
But we didn’t have much time to wallow in sadness because multiple buses carrying hundreds of campers were pulling up to the Ulam. It’s been a whirlwind since they arrived—I’m happy they’re here to embark on their summer, where they will no doubt learn so much about themselves, develop and strengthen friendships, and perhaps learn how to clear their dishes without being asked.
May we all have a peaceful weekend – Shabbat Shalom!
-danya
Week 4
Shabbat Shalom from (very) sunny Herzl Camp. The weather has finally shifted to summer, and the sun is out more often than not. I’m looking forward to fulfilling my duties at Olympic suntanning at the Mercaz during Shabbat rotations tomorrow, where we’ll be able to hang out without blankets and sweatshirts! I’m delighted to bring you another glimpse into this summer with this week’s Shabbat blog.
Ultimate Frisbee might seem like an unusual topic for a Shabbat blog, but bear with me. I have a deep love and respect for the sport, and it has a special place in my heart because of Herzl Camp.
My son learned how to play Ultimate Frisbee at Herzl Camp when he was just ten years old. I knew he would love it and that it was the perfect sport for his competitive nature. However, convincing him to try it was a different story. When I would bring it up, he would roll his eyes and remind me that he was a basketball player. I knew I needed to be creative with my approach and identify an influential person to help convince him. And then it came to me – Herzl Camp people. At that point, he had been a camper for two years and was obsessed with anything related to Herzl. So I enlisted a few counselors I knew would be working that summer and told them their mission was to ensure my son came home an Ultimate Frisbee player, and they delivered. He’s been playing ever since ( shout-out to SLP CRUSH).
Last night, we witnessed the highly anticipated Kadimah vs. B’yachad Ultimate Frisbee game, and it certainly lived up to the hype! This is no casual game in Ozo Park, with a handful of spectators and a few signs. Let me set the scene:
- Every camper, Ozo, and staff member present and ready to cheer
- Face paint on players
- Glitter, everywhere
- Hoarse voices
- B’yachad Jerseys
- A sea of Kadimah campers dressed in blue
- Serious competition
From what I’m told, typically, B’yachad wins over Kadimah—they are older, generally bigger, and often have more experience playing. But last night, Kadimah gave B’yachad a run for their money. The game was neck and neck, point for point. I’ll admit, I was expecting the game to be a blowout. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. And even though there is just one official winner, the game’s outcome was a win-win.
B’yachad was victorious and will go on to play the Ozrim next. They should be very proud of the commitment and effort they put into their practices and the intensity of their playing.
Kadimah may have lost the game, but they gained so much in their pursuit of winning. For the first time this summer, I saw Kadimah as a unified group. They were loud, full of ruach, and aligned as one team. After the game, I spoke to a few of the Kadimah staff to congratulate them on their unofficial victory. Their smiles were huge, and their hearts were full of pride for their campers. Last night was a turning point for Kadimah—they are now a community, a cherished kehillah. All this from a simple game of Ultimate Frisbee.
I hope your weekend and Shabbat is filled with peace and good weather. It’s time to get ready for the caravan—Shabbat Shalom!
-danya
Week 3
Good evening, and Shabbat Shalom! I am thrilled to bring a slice of Herzl Camp into your inbox. The past week has been filled with unforgettable moments and experiences, making it once again quite a challenge to choose what to highlight.
I am incredibly fortunate to have a job where each day is different and consistently filled with unique experiences and amazing people. One moment, I’m laughing at the sight of 50+ campers and staff covered head to toe in shaving cream; the next, I’m in awe of a camper singing a song about her love for Israel in front of the entire camp with thunderous applause at the end. These moments, both hilarious and heartwarming, epitomize the diversity of experiences that camp brings to life.
Last week, I was honored to participate in the legacy program during Tochnit Erev (evening program) with B’yachad. The purpose of this program is to provide campers with the history and origins of the B’yachad program. I explained how, before the late 1980s, Kadimah was the final camper program. That was until a group of Kadimah campers approached the leadership of Herzl Camp with a proposal for one more year of camp. These campers knew that Herzl Camp had given them so much in their years as campers. They wanted the opportunity to give something back to camp.
Thus, N’divim was born—a six-week program with limited spots, where campers (known as Deavers) undertook avodah (work) projects to enhance camp and leave their mark. In addition, Deavers participated in leadership activities and trained to be lifeguards. While the N’divim program was a success, it was short-lived – just six years. It quickly became evident that the number of enrollment spots in N’divim was not enough to make a significant impact. So, in 1995, B’yachad was created. It embraced and honored the principles of N’divim—avodah, community service, and leadership—and expanded them to accommodate more campers.
As I surveyed the room while sharing my knowledge of these programs (including a few remarks about the Deaver bridge – shoutout to my 1992 Deaver homies), I realized I had the attention of every single camper. And then a wonderful feeling washed over me – I was delighted by how engaged they each were in learning about the history of camp and about the people who came before them. Overcome by this warm fuzzy feeling, I had no choice but to give in to their pleas to sing the Deaver song – all by myself on the stage in the Ulam. My only saving grace is that there are no phones at camp and zero chance of my solo being recorded for future views.
This morning, we awoke to massive puddles from overnight heavy dew, with a cloudy and chilly start to the day. We anticipated an indoor Shabbat, assuming there was no possible way we would have Shabbat services at the Mercaz. But then, the sun emerged—first dimly, then brightly and beautifully. For the second week in a row, an outdoor Shabbat seemed impossible, yet here we are, grateful to be together.
Our Israeli campers and staff will lead us this Shabbat. They have worked diligently with our Chinuch (Jewish education) team to create a meaningful weekend dedicated to the people of Israel. There will be moments of education, reflection, sadness, and hope. We are fortunate to have these Israeli ambassadors with us, sharing their lives, experiences, perspectives, and hopes for the future. I anticipate a deeply moving weekend for all of us.
Shabbat Shalom to you, our extended Herzl family. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
Week 2
Dear Herzl Families –
Once again, it is my great honor to share a glimpse into this summer at Herzl Camp. How is it already Shabbat again? Just last week, I stood at the flag circle, remarking to the person next to me how quickly the week had come and gone. The summer has just begun, yet it’s slipping away too fast.
The sun finally appeared during the final few days of the last session. Despite the heavy dew, the campers took advantage of every activity, making the most of every moment. Many of these campers were experiencing Herzl for the first time, and it was a delight to watch our exceptional staff introduce them to the Herzl magic. Where else can you learn the choreography of the Ozo dance and perform it with 200+ of your closest friends? Where else can you dress up for Bikkurim (color wars) and see some of the most creative costumes imaginable? Where else can you watch your counselor get pitcher after pitcher of water poured on them for saying the forbidden word (announcements) on the microphone?
We said goodbye to First Session and Taste of Herzl campers on Wednesday. As the buses pulled away, the smell of exhaust and the familiar scene of staff jumping up and down, waving for a final goodbye, gave me a brief moment of déjà vu. I remembered this feeling from when I was a counselor many years ago—it’s a mix of sadness and excitement – saying goodbye and preparing for what was yet to come.
When the last bus turned the corner, the staff met to make final preparations for the arrival of Second Session, Kadimah and B’yachad. Over 300 campers jumped off their buses the next day and ran through a tunnel of staff and Ozrim, high-fiving, hugging, jumping, and singing “Im Tirzu.” Once through the tunnel, the campers walked into the Ulam, where more staff and Ozrim stood on benches – the same benches many of their parents stood on to welcome their campers – singing, clapping, and exuding the kind of Ruach that is only found at Herzl Camp.
I witnessed countless heartwarming moments between campers, between staff, and between campers and staff. The last bus to unload was the airport bus for campers who don’t live in the Twin Cities. These campers don’t see their camp friends often, making their reunions all the more special.
Our Israeli campers also traveled to camp on the airport bus. Due to a missed connecting flight, their one-day journey turned into two, resulting in exhaustion and even greater anticipation to get to camp finally. As they entered the Ulam, the campers in the crowd quickly scanned the group, eagerly searching for their Israeli friends from the previous summer. I witnessed a particularly touching moment between an Israeli camper and an American camper. I have no idea if these boys stayed in touch over the school year, but when they saw each other they embraced like brothers who had been separated from each other for far too long. The Israeli camper, in particular, experienced a rush of emotion as he walked in. His friend spotted him and, without hesitation, pulled him in for the tightest hug I’ve ever seen. It was a beautiful reminder of the deep connections formed at camp, transcending time and distance.
And now, we celebrate Shabbat. Campers and staff will once again dress in white, creating a beautiful, unified sea of white as we caravan around camp. Despite the mostly gloomy day, the sun peeked out at just the right moment, drying the Mercaz benches in time for services. As we prepare for the unique traditions of Shabbat, we are all grateful to experience these moments together.
I’m looking forward to slowing down, sharing meaningful conversations, and creating memories with the campers and staff as we enjoy Shabbat together. The sense of community and connection during these moments is truly unparalleled, reminding us of the beauty and peace that Shabbat brings.
Wishing you a peaceful weekend ahead. Shabbat Shalom,
Week 1
Dear Herzl Camp Families,
As we come to the end of another fantastic week at Herzl Camp, I am delighted to bring you the first Shabbat Shalom update from the shores of Devils Lake. The first week of camp was full of boundless Ruach (spirit) — the energy in the Ulam while welcoming our Ha’atid & Amudim campers on Sunday and then again as we welcomed our mighty Tasters on Thursday was electrifying. These campers, with their infectious enthusiasm, positive attitudes, and budding friendships, truly embody the spirit of Herzl Camp. It’s been wonderful to return for my second summer back at camp.
Thirty years ago, in the summer of 1994, I remember my anticipation and excitement for my Ozo summer. I vividly recall my first cabin of campers that summer — ten girls, all ten years old, in Tzrif (cabin) 10. My co-Ozo and I created a cheer for our campers in the Chadar. We would clap hands with the person across the table while shouting, “ten, ten, ten.” After three days of non-stop cheering, everyone else in the Chadar would shout back, “annoying, annoying, annoying.” My campers loved it and walked around the Chadar like Herzl celebrities.
Some might find it surprising that meals in the Chadar are some of my favorite moments of the day. It’s a time when the entire camp comes together, eating, praying, singing, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company. This morning at breakfast, I witnessed one of our Tasters (2nd & 3rd grade) independently spreading cream cheese on his bagel. Judging by the look of his bagel and the cream cheese remnants on his hands, shirt, and face, I’m quite certain it was his first-ever attempt. He was very proud of himself – and we should all be proud of him! On his first morning (ever) at Herzl Camp, he became more independent, resilient, and confident while quietly enjoying breakfast. Observing this simple moment of success is one of the reasons I love my work.
One last story before I close my computer for Shabbat: Yesterday, I experienced a surreal moment while visiting with a group of campers. I recognized a familiar face who turned out to be the son of one of my campers from Tzrif 10 back in 1994. When I introduced myself and explained that I was his mom’s Ozo 30 years before, his smile grew, and I could see he was very proud. Sharing memories with him about his mom was an incredible experience that truly highlights how Herzl Camp binds generations together through shared experiences. It’s a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Herzl Camp. And if I can convince him and his cabinmates to reignite the infamous cheer his mom and her cabinmates annoyed the rest of the camp with each day in the Chadar, it would be the icing on the cake for me. Stay tuned for that one!
It’s getting late and it’s time to slow down and celebrate Shabbat with the rest of camp. Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat and weekend ahead.
Thank you for trusting us with the care of your children – we are having an incredible time with them!
-danya