…And we are officially open! First session 2015 has begun! At 9:00am, our gates opened, and the fun began. Campers carrying backpacks and pillows followed their counselors to the cabins with their parents a couple of steps behind (hey, these mountains are for real!) The staff and parents helped the campers unpack and set up, tours of camp were given, T-shirts were sold— the whole camp was alive with excitement and energy!
At 11:00, families enjoyed a beautifully presented brunch. There were blintzes, bagels and lox, salads, fruit, and a whole table of pastries. Displayed among the platters were 8×10 prints of campers of previous summers swimming, playing sports, cheering for Bikkurim, and more. Having these photos added a personal “CJ touch” to the buffet line which did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by parents, campers, or visitors.
By 1:00pm, most parents and families had departed and the campers started on an activity rotation. Rishonim took a tour of camp, Offarim visited our farm, Oranim started with volleyball and archery, Sayarim went to Tzofim (scouts) and rikkud (dance), Kesher changed into their suits for swim tests and pool time, and Bogrim hit the basketball courts. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, the groups switched activities and remained busy so as not to waste any precious camp time and to reduce possible first-day-homesickness.
It was wonderful to see all of our parents and alumni visiting camp today! They were curious and enthusiastic about the renovations happening at Camp. Many took advantage of the signs posted around our property which showed our first-phase diagrams of the new buildings coming and had wonderful feedback to give! For those of you who weren’t in Camp today, we are expected to have a new Chadar Ochel (dining hall), new Art Barn, new Instructional/Lap Pool, and new Cabin Village. Many of these expansions are coming as early as May 2017!

We had a special returning alum in CJ today; Lee Greene Kapner was a Camp Judaea camper in 1961! That’s right, our first year of CJ EVER! She was here with her daughter and grandson, Jacob (Offarim), to drop him off for his first year at Camp! Though she only attended CJ for one summer, she sent both of her children to Jewish summer camps, and she holds firm in her belief that Jewish summer camps positively influence a child’s life, making him/her more responsible and self-aware. Not to mention, she always loved having adult time during the summers her own kids were away! Welcome back Lee!

It was a very busy day for parents, campers, and staff, so tonight will be an early one. We can’t wait for our first full day of camp tomorrow! Laila tov, CJ family…