For some us it is hard to come up with just one answer. I know that there are natural born campers amongst us who love almost anything that they try in the outdoors. And then there are others who love certain aspects of the camp experience and could leave some at the door.
Many of us return to camp for the friends that we make and for the community that we form. And others return for the fun activities such as Zimriyah and Maccabiah; indeed, I believe that if camp activities were mediocre many of our campers would not return summer after summer.
We have researched what makes camps meaningful for campers and why families choose a certain camp for their children. This is particularly important since there are more and more choices in the Jewish camping world. We are very interested in learning why campers choose Yavneh year after year. For me, the Jewish gestalt of Yavneh is unparalleled. It is so naturally woven into the fabric of the camp that it is hard not to fall in love with it.
One thing is certain, camp should be a place where campers experience new things and break out of their comfort zone. For many members of our community this is another aspect of what they take away from their Yavneh experience – whether it is learning how to serve a volleyball, leading a Zimriyah song, starring in a play, becoming familiar with a jigsaw in woodworking, or mastering a new swim stroke. Yavneh gives children the opportunity to explore in a way that other institutions just can’t.
This leads me to the latest endeavor Yavneh has embarked on – the strategic plan. Ably led by Evan Wyner and Lisa Hills, co-chairs of strategic planning, with a committee of volunteers and Yavneh staff, we are documenting our future path and we want to hear from you. We want to know why you love Yavneh and what part of Yavneh stands out in your mind. We are several weeks into the strategic planning process and I hope that you will take the time to come to one to have your voice heard. Click here to sign up.
Moadim L’Simcha!
