Oh man, what a summer!

S-S-S-U-S-S-U-M-S-U-M-M-E-R… Oh man what a summer… Remix! Two Chains!

First off, apologies for the delay on this blog post. We were having way too much fun as a family at the end of session three to spend time in front of a computer, so happy belated last Shabbat and awesome pickup day!

What an amazing, awesome, unbelievable wrap to third session. It has truly been a fantastic summer capped off by a phenomenal final week. Big shout out to Red Team for just dominating Session 3 Maccabiah and to our whole community for an absolute adventure of a final Shabbat. With characters from all over the Denver Jewish community, including former staff members Carly Coons and Dan Yolles making song leader returns (and celebrating a mutual Club 13) sending us off with an awesome musical adventure. We had a great night of songs, dancing, an impromptu Cascada dance-off, and a wonderful closing circle that was full of emotion and friendship.

We also saw the return of our campers in Toshavim, TASC, and Teen Village – all of whom had a phenomenal adventure around the state. Teen Village, especially, took an over 1,000-mile journey around the state to challenge themselves and define who they are and who they want to be in the world – all in what one camper described as the ‘best 25 days of my life.’ They learned how to be independent, rely on themselves and others, grew as ‘outdoors-people’, and most importantly, forged friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime.

At camp, I talk a lot about little moments and how the time we have with the people we’re with is irreplaceable. No one else who was not at camp, with you, in your session, can understand the magic, fun, and kinship made here. Furthermore, and very confusingly stated to most campers, is that no one else will ever do the same thing with the same people in the same place at the same time, again, ever.

This summer was a tribute to our camp community preserving through a few challenging years. The challenges we’ve faced in terms of COVID, staffing shortages, de-socialization of youth – all managed, for the most part, to be behind us this summer. It was a very normal-feeling summer, with the magic of camp present for campers and staff alike.

A big thank you to our community for believing in us, trusting us with your campers, and for investing in what I’ve found to be the most magical second home in the world. I didn’t grow up here, but Ranch Camp sure feels like my camp to me after what an amazing summer we’ve had. If your kids had an amazing summer, or if you’d like to offer some feedback, please take the time to fill out the surveys in the links at the bottom of this blog post.

To close, I’d love to thank our staff community for what has been an amazing Main Camp (still Baktanna and Family Camp to go) and know that it is your dedication to success and the fun of camp this summer that has made for such a fun experience for all campers to partake in. This summer would not have been what it was without you. The energy and ruach you brought for 2022 has changed the lives of kids forever.

Shavua tov, camp on, and we’ll see everyone back for next summer in 2023.