Rabbi Joseph

BCRC Leadership

Message from the President

Sacred Partnership

From the Rabbi's Study

Keeping the Summer Sun Aglow
(December 2009/January 2010)

As the days shorten and nights become longer, we yearn to feel the warm sun. It is when we feel this way that we are reminded, “It’s time to register my child for camp.” This last summer I spent time at one of the Union for Reform Judaism’s camps. The URJ has 13 movement camps across North America. Camp Harlam, in Pennsylvania, is a Jewish camp filled with outdoor activities, Jewish experiences, and 500 campers. Last summer we had two congregants go, and they had a blast. Going to a Jewish camp gives our children and teens the opportunity to make life-long Jewish friends. They also have the ability to connect with Jewish living and resources that we cannot offer in Loudoun County.

This year, our youths have two great options. URJ is opening a sports camp this summer, 6 Points Sports Academy. In our world of competitive sports, we realized the need of offering a summer camping experience that helps athletes improve their sports skills while connecting with other Jewish teens. This is a great opportunity for those who play basketball, soccer, boys baseball, and girls lacrosse. The camp is taking place at the American Hebrew Academy (a Jewish boarding school) in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In hard financial times there are a few resources for Jewish camping. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington offers “Camper Quest” scholarships for first-time campers. They offer up to $750 for those who are going to camp for 4-weeks. Another great opportunity is from the Foundation of Jewish Camping, and they are offering $1000 scholarships to first time campers. Camp Harlam also has a need-based assistance program “Camp Harlam Fee Assistance Program.”

Please think about sending your child to a Jewish camp. Personally, the friendships and connections I made as a youth within the Jewish world has helped and nourished me well into my adulthood. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children: a summer filled with Jewish life and Jewish friends.

Rabbi Jesse Gallop