Staff
week is nearly over and it felt like a blur. Israel taught me my lesson, and I
didn’t even start with the pictures. Incidentally, you can find some
professionally done photos of the entire camp on the Ramah Outdoor Adventure Facebook page.
First
of all, it was a week of reunions and introductions. I got to finally see my
Mia, who’s been missing from my life ever since I went “abroad” for the past
semester in DC. One of my friends from WFR last year, Daniel Lerner, is my
co-counselor for the summer and I could not be more excited. Both of us brought
flags and tapestries, leaving the entirety of our bunk covered before the
chalutzim (literally: pioneers, practically: campers) have even arrived. I’ve
been continuing my Talmud study with Alex Hamilton an old friend from USY.
Those are just a few of the familiar faces, and the week has provided me with
many new ones. I’d list them, but I’d end up writing the names of all 60-80ish
staff members.
It’s
been interesting being both a climbing instructor and a counselor. Each staff
that I’m a part of has provided me with new, exciting experiences and have much
to teach me. Bogrim (the age group that I’m had a Masa (Literally: journey, practically:
overnight camping trip) which involved some very spiritual circling, some sage
burning, and some tasty cinnamon rolls. As I’m typing this, my hands are aching
because I just completed my first crack climb on some wonderfully sharp
Colorado pink granite.
Shabbat
was an incredible experience. My throat was raw, and my stomach was bursting.
It’s really hard to explain except to say that I haven’t had a Shabbat with
quite as much Ruach (spirit) and Kavanah (purposefulness) since I was a camper
at Berkshires four years ago. I still miss Berkshires, but it’s safe to say I’m
having the time of my life here. I’ve gotten chances to learn about edible
plants, go running at an elevation of 8000 feet, and garden for the first time
in my life.
One
last thing I want to mention is the kitchen. Here, everyone is a part of the
community, including kitchen staff. Every day, every meal, everyone learns
about what it is that they are eating. While it’s not always organic,
free-range, local, sustainable, etc., much of the time it is. But more than striving
for those attributes, the kitchen strives to make the community aware of what
they are eating. Food, like the rest of the community, is done with incredible
intention.
When I’ve
been asked to explain why I’m enjoying myself here, pretty much all I can say
is that I’m spending two months living in a playground for hippies. And I can’t
wait for my Chalutzim to get here. Until the next, Tizromu eem chaim (flow with
life).
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