Shabbat Shalom, Camp Louise!

Hospitality/Hachnasat Orchim is so important that we are recognizing it again – as we begin our second session of summer 2024! We always want to make sure we are focusing on community – welcoming and including new friends, old friends, campers, staff, everyone!

Read about some of our campers who were especially hospitable this week and were nominated to light candles with me:

· This Unit A 7 weeker played a big role in helping her counselors welcome in her new bunkmates this session. Immediately after being smiley and bubbly, she asked many of her bunkmates if they wanted her help to unpack. She helped unpack and settle her new bunkmates – she helped by sharing her knowledge from first session and also activities that they could do together in bunk time. This camper immediately showed hospitality to new and returning campers and her helpfulness and kindness is cherished in the bunk!

· Another Unit A camper helped a friend who had to take meds – and she saved her friend’s spot in line when the friend had to go to the bathroom. This was all done during a storm and the camper who was helped truly appreciated it, especially knowing how much her friend doesn’t like storms! What a good friend!

· This Unit C camper split her big bucket of slime so every single camper (and her counselors and CIT!) in her bunk could have a piece and they could all play together. This camper is always so gracious, respectful, kind and the first to share and offer help. Thanks to her the whole bunk is able to hang out together and bond over a shared interest.

· This Unit C 7 weeker arrived before the other campers in the bunk and helped with bringing bags into the bunk, unpacking bunkmates and welcoming the first year campers – even though she is a first year camper herself! She is very friendly, outgoing, and inclusive of everyone – and of course hospitable!

· Another Unit C camper has shown hospitality over the whole week. She traded to top bunk so a friend could have the bottom bunk. She has been so kind and considerate to everyone in our cabin.

· This Unit D camper offered the CIT a blanket to try to make the floor more comfortable during the CIT’s 24 hours.

· Another Unit D camper made sure a brand new camper felt comfortable and happy in the bunk and at camp!

· This Unit F camper was sitting at a floater table during lunch on the first day of camp. She spent all of lunch asking questions to the international out of bunk staff members at the table about their time during first session, how they feel being in America and how they are finding camp. She was such an overall welcoming camper. One of the internationals commented that – this was my first time sitting with Unit F and this camper really shone through a huge heart and showed how great, caring and hospitable she is!

· The same Unit F camper helped staff and campers feel comfortable and welcome by starting conversations and keeping the mood positive during bingo night. She was the epitome of hospitality!

· This CA hosted two fellow CAs at her house for a week before camp as they flew from Israel to come to camp. Throughout the week, the three of them went shopping, visited the Aquarium, spent time with this CA’s family and visited another CA before coming to camp together. The CA counselors are so proud of her for showing incredible hospitality in ensuring the two Israelis have an amazing summer in and outside of camp. This CA also makes an effort to talk to everyone at camp and always has the brightest smile!

· This CIT helped out a camper and made them feel welcome and at home when struggling a little with fitting in at the start of 2nd session. The CIT also provides support and enthusiasm to all campers, making them feel at home and creating a fun environment for all campers. From the very first day, she has gone above and beyond for her campers, setting positive examples and being a person they go to for support and positivity.

We hope everyone is having a wonderful week and whether you are at camp or not – we challenge everyone to show some hospitality!

Shabbat Shalom!

Alicia