Shalom from Camp

The campers aren't even here yet, but Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Summer 2008 is already in full swing.  The division heads arrived the first week of June and the majority of the staff arrived June 12.  We had a wet start, but the weather soon took a turn for the better and we have spent the last week planning and preparing under beautiful sunny skies.  Camp has changed a lot since last summer and the staff is full of new and familiar faces. 

It has been a busy week and we are all looking forward to seeing the campers on Wednesday! Here some of the new and veteran staff members share their first impressions of their arrival at camp.

Mollie Flink (Rosh Chalutzim and Garinim):  It's very exciting to see the staff come in to camp.  We've had a long week of planning and programming and it's really exciting to get the summer started.

Molly Hoffman (Service Projects and Cabin-Based Programming):  It's really weird to be here because I was on [Ramah] Seminar [in Israel] last year and this is my first time back in two years and it's really exciting.   And even though it's raining it's still just as beautiful as I remember it.  The new buildings are gorgeous!   I'm living in one of the new staff houses and it's just incredible. 

Sophie Krupp (JC, Omanut, living with Garinim and Chalutzim):  My first impression...well I was a camper in Chalutzim and all the memories of that came back.  I remember we used to take pictures of chipmunks on the walkway and when I got here there was actually a chipmunk on the walkway.  When you come back it feels different.  This is my first year on staff and I actually felt like a staff member this year.  So it was the same experience but in a different way.

Shmuel Bergman (Rosh Teva):  My first impression here is that it is very peaceful and quiet and green.  I like all the trees that are around and I also enjoy everyone that I've met.  Everyone is very nice.

Vered Kan (Machnaut):  My first impression is...wow!  It's a really new thing for me.

Ari Lucas (Beit Midrash):  It's my first time at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and so far it's beautiful.  The grass is green.  The lake seems beautiful.  People seem really excited to be here and as am I!