Photo by Adam Nieścioruk on Unsplash
“Every hand that we don’t shake must become a phone call that we place.
Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern.
Every inch and every foot that we physically place between ourselves and another must become a thought as to how we might be of help to that other, should the need arise.”
- Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky of B’nai David-Judea in Los Angeles
With all the dizzying challenges happening to you, the people you love, and your camp because of the coronavirus, please know that we are thinking of you. We know how hard this is for Jewish Camps. Here is a suggestion of something small you can do that might have a large positive impact on you and others.
Today, tomorrow or the next day pick up the phone and reach out to the oldest members of your camp community. See if they are ok. Many are lonely and wish they could be doing something useful. People of all ages are missing their close connection to camp friends. Many people who love camp are worried about you, too, and want to know how you are doing.
Ask your camp’s elders if they have ideas. And listen. Not sure who to call?
You might start with your older Legacy members.
A phone call made of love and concern
will be treasured and long remembered.
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Written by Julia Riseman. Julia is a Mentor with JCamp 180 and the JCamp 180 Legacy Program Director. She also leads JCamp 180's Data2Donors program to advance Alumni outreach, improve camp databases, and raise more major gifts. Julia has also sparked the creation of many JCamp 180 programs and offerings, including this blog.
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Who we are: JCamp 180 is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF). Our goal is to significantly enhance the long-term effectiveness of nonprofit Jewish camps in North America. To meet this goal, we provide affiliated Jewish camps with consulting services, annual conferences, shared resources, professional development, and matching grant opportunities. Find more at www.jcamp180.org.