This week, we marked National Camp Kindness Day, a special moment during the summer when our day camps pause to intentionally celebrate the Sheva Lenses of B’Tzelem Elokin (dignity and potential) Hit’orerut (gratitude and amazement), and Tikkun Olam (responsibility). At the JCC, kindness is more than just a theme of the day—it’s the foundation of everything we strive for during the summer months and throughout the year. It’s a reflection of who we are and the community we are helping to activate.
In fact, at Emma Kaufmann Camp (EKC), kindness is supported across the entire summer through a camp tradition called Random Acts Of Kindness (RAOK). Led by EKC counselors, RAOK is all about empowering campers to spread positivity throughout camp in small but meaningful ways. Campers come up with their own ideas to brighten someone’s day—everything from writing notes to Head Staff or our incredible kitchen team, picking up trash around camp, cheering others on at sports, or bursting into song just to make someone smile. These small but powerful acts shape a summer that harnesses connections, instills values, and promotes growth.
This year, we welcomed new partners to our day camps to help curate and celebrate National Camp Kindness Day—Repair the World, our very own Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement, the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Thanks to each of them who contributed to the overall effort in their own way, from funding to programming and on-site support. And a special shout out to City Controller Rachael Heisler who personally demonstrated for our J&R campers that fun and meaning go hand-in-hand. In speaking about her time at camp, Rachael shared, “The kids were so engaged, and J&R has such an incredible staff to communicate and demonstrate every day what kindness is all about. I am thankful to have been included, and I already have the day marked on my calendar for next year!”
So, as we close out the week, let us all take a moment to consider how each of us can bring a little more kindness into our own lives and appreciate that the impact of our actions—even the smallest of gestures—can have an unimaginable ripple effect at home, at work, and in our community. Let’s be sure to take kindness with us beyond the bunks and the buses of summer to continue building a world rooted in compassion and care.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,
Jason
