A Walk Around Camp
“So, how long has this camp been here?” asked the insurance appraiser as I guided him through the muddy paths of Camp YJ this week. Since we’re building two brand-new Boys Area bunks at Camp YJ in New Hampshire that will be ready THIS SUMMER, I was asked to show him around camp so he could take some photos. At first, I’ll admit I was kind of annoyed: I’ve been “sheltering in place” for a couple of weeks at my home in Massachusetts, I had to leave my house VERY early in the morning and the idea of driving up to camp on a cold, dark and dreary March day wasn’t all that appealing.
But as I walked my guest around camp (staying more than six feet apart, of course!), he began to ask me questions and I found myself launching into full tour mode, getting super excited about being at camp (even though I was sinking into the mud at times). I explained how many campers we have each summer, what each building is for, even provided a history of our camp and our goals, mission and dreams. I showed him this awesome plaque (above), showing all the names of the female campers and staff from 2019, many of them sharing their favorite things about camp. I walked through the Chadar Ohel (Dining Hall) and described everyone singing at the top of their lungs and cheering for the chef on Friday night and surprise morning banquets and grilled cheese and Chipwiches. I showed him our cabins, our playing fields, the A&C studio. I insisted he walk down to the waterfront and see Baboosic Lake and tried to get him to picture the docks, kids waterskiing, sailing, fishing, canoeing, SUP boarding and swimming. I couldn’t stop talking about our staff, our campers, our alums and the incredible community we have created.
When he walked into Ulam Levine, he stopped short and looked around at all the plaques displayed. “Wow,” he said quietly. “You weren’t kidding. This place is just like a dream. It’s like what you see in the movies. I can’t believe there’s really a place like this.”
There IS a place like this. It’s Camp YJ: our amazing, incredible home away from home. It’s friendship and memories and learning new things and discovering more about ourselves. Every summer for the past 80 summers, hundreds of campers and staff have been part of this Jewish overnight camping story. These days, many people are wondering whether we’ll be able to return to our summer home. I remain hopeful and positive that we will be able to spend this summer together again in 03031.
Being at camp is magical, whether the sun is shining brightly, you’re knee-deep in mud, or anything in between. As my visitor drove away, I realized I felt EXACTLY how I feel on the last day of camp as the last camper drives away. I didn’t want to leave.