A Camp JORI reunion

Posted

(left to right) Minna H., Zoe N., Jean G. and Leah C. /IRINA MISSIUROOn Sunday, January 12, Camp JORI alumni gathered in the Alliance JCC Social Hall to play some bingo, reminisce about past summers and catch up with their friends. The camp might as well use the Kix cereal slogan, “Kids like JORI for what JORI has got. Moms like JORI for what JORI is not.” While the children raved about fun activities, such as Olympics, moms emphasized the camp’s focus on safety and communication (parents can send daily emails to their kids who, in turn, write letters) and the counselors spoke about instilling leadership values.

The Voice also heard from Lawrence Katz, Director of Jewish Learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. He emphasized the transformative nature of camp, saying that campers retain the knowledge and experience they obtain during the summer for the rest of their lives, “Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes and take on leadership roles in their communities.”

Jake Levin, JORI staff member, and Matan Graff, Israeli Shaliach (Emissary), spoke about the Israel-immersion program, which was implemented for the first time last summer. Calling the outcome highly successful, Graff explained that the teens spend four weeks in Israel to deepen their identity as Jews. Upon their return, they spend two weeks at the counselor-in-training program that teaches them to become responsible staff members. To enrich the teens’ worldview, eight to ten Israeli emissaries train them every summer. The Israelis collaborate with American counselors to offer an integrated and cohesive program.

The older kids are not the only ones to benefit from learning about their heritage. Besides various activity periods, including sports, swimming, theater and arts, campers enjoy Headline Israel – cultural programming that teaches the youngsters all about Israel – its music, food, people, geography and schooling. In addition, during Shabbat, children explore Jewish themes, such as Tikkun olam, a concept that means “repairing the world.” Campers recite Jewish poems and sing Jewish songs to celebrate the day of rest with a meaningful service and a delicious meal. While JORI keeps Kosher in the dining hall, Levin emphasizes that the camp is incredibly accepting of children from all levels of faith.

To complement cultural, religious, artistic and athletic programming, the camp instills philanthropc habits in its campers. Graff and Levin stress that JORI teaches the children that community service doesn’t stop after camp. During the summer, kids take on humanitarian projects that include beach cleanup and bench building. While engaging in those activities, they not only perform mitzvahs, but also create bonds that hold firm long after the weather cools.

Ronni Guttin, the executive director, must know what she is doing – last summer, the camp was completely full despite the addition of two newly built cabins. Levin estimates that JORI housed about 225 kids, most of whom keep coming back year after year. Graff thinks that the close-knit community is the camp’s greatest asset. Minna Hammarstrom, a camper, concurs. When asked what she enjoys most about JORI, she replied, “I like how everybody is friends with each other.” Zoe Nierman agreed, saying, “JORI is basically my second home.”

Katz elaborates on the transformative power of camps, such as JORI, “Jewish camp weaves Jewish values, culture and traditions into the fabric of camp, helping campers to connect to their own identity and the larger Jewish community.” Currently, through a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds, the Alliance is supporting children who would like to attend Jewish camp. FJC’s One Happy Camper program offers need-blind $1,000 grants to first-time campers. Those interested can either contact Elanah Chassen, Education and Planning Associate, at EChassen@jewishallianceri.org or visit OneHappyCamper.org. Katz encourages parents to consider sending their kids to a Jewish camp because the impact is immediate. He says, “Campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime.”

Andrew Waldorf, Mia Lustig and Lauren Asner are proof of Katz’s assertion. They love their camp so much that the next summer will be their fifth at JORI. While the girls cite their friends as the number-one reason for coming back, Waldorf brings up an Israeli game called Gaga as the draw. He liked playing Gaga so much that he taught it to all the neighborhood kids. Recalling some fond memories, Lustig and Asner reminisce about raiding the kitchen in the middle of the night and roasting marshmallows during overnights. While on the topic of sweets, Waldorf brings up Candy Call, a daily treat the campers look forward to with impatience.

Other highlights the children mentioned include sock wrestling – a sport that involves wearing really high socks, sitting back-to-back, locking arms and trying to get each other’s socks off. What about Revival, another unforgettable and fun event that’s highly anticipated? Campers write anonymous poems about one another; Guttin reads them in front of everyone. The stars of the poems get thrown into a pool, along with anyone related to them.

Besides the two pools, a gorgeous lake, where campers can go canoeing and tubing, brings much joy. Jean Ganek chose those activities as her favorite, saying, “I like everything at the waterfront.” Kids who prefer drier pastimes take part in Rope Burn, an activity during which campers compete by building huge towers out of sticks and setting them on fire to see whose rope will burn through first. Whether it’s water or fire that attracts, those who are interested in exploring Camp JORI further should schedule a tour – Levin maintains that it’s the best way to get a sense of the camp. Visit CampJORI.com for all the details.