This JCC State of Mind is written by David May-Stein, 
Division Director, Children, Youth & Family and JCC Day Camps / Director, J&R Day Camp

Shalom Chaverim (friends)!

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Jewish Camp Summit in Chicago sponsored by the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) and JCamp 180, an initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF), with our day and overnight year-round camping teams. The summit included an additional mini conference specifically for day and residential camps within the JCC movement. As we all know, sometimes professional conferences are really good, and a lot of times, they are just so-so. With this being my first conference in my new role here at the JCC, I am pleased to report that our time in Chicago spent learning alongside Jewish camp colleagues from around North America was simply OFF THE CHARTS!

As I consider this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Vayeshev, I am immediately reminded of the conference’s “big picture” and my own impressions of the conference itself. In Vayeshev, we begin to learn about the story of Joseph, his rivalries with his brothers, slavery and imprisonment in Egypt. In Joseph’s journey from son to brother, to slave and then prisoner, and then to leader, he kept moving forward, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the ability to find purpose and strength in the face of incredible adversity and ultimately, he found joy.

At this year’s Summit, the impact of October 7th and the rise of Jew hatred loomed large over the entire Jewish camping community. We learned about different approaches that camps used to discuss the situation in Israel, how they supported their shlichim (Israeli emissaries), and how they found ways to respond to the trauma felt by their campers and families personally impacted by the post-October 7th environment. As one presenter pointed out, “We are experiencing firsthand, the reality of the shattering of the glass at a Jewish wedding.”

The key to Joseph’s resilience was his ability to adapt to new circumstances without losing sight of his identity and values. His resourcefulness, faith and leadership enabled him to navigate hardships and in the end, bring about reconciliation and renewal for his family and the broader community. These themes of adaptability, leadership and faith were mirrored in the countless stories I heard from colleagues throughout my time in Chicago and the collective resilience of more than 1,000 Jewish camp professionals was without question a key ingredient for the connections, learning and JOY Jewish camping provided this past summer and will continue to do so for years to come, no matter the challenges we face.

During our day camp team’s debrief following the conference, I was inspired to hear the ways in which each staff member was impacted by our time away. Topics that particularly resonated with the group included creating a more inclusive environment at camp, igniting passion for the camping field and filling the staff pipeline, Jewish pride and excitement and mentoring / coaching staff from different generations. We all left Chicago energized, counting down the days until camp starts (177 days for EKC, 178 days for South Hills Day Camp and 185 days for J&R Day Camp!) and eager to apply the lessons learned from Parshat Vayeshev in continuing our legacy of promoting connections and growth and the importance of resilience both individually and as a community.

In a month or so, we will kick into high gear and ready ourselves for another amazing summer. I cannot wait for our first day of camp when I get to say, “Booooker Tov (Gooood morning), J&R Day Camp!!!!”

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

David