THE LEN AND JUDY ELIKAN

“It is important that we raise up the next generation of potential leaders for our future Jewish community and I believe the Jewish summer camp experience is an integral part of that process. A Jewish overnight camp is a place to learn new skills, have fun, and meet new friends with whom you share your ideas about Judaism and life. Jewish summer camp was a place that taught me to become a proud and com-

Essay by Avigail Barak

The Len and Judy Elikan

Young Leadership Scholarship Recipient 2022

There truly aren’t enough words to describe my camp experience, which seems unlikely considering the amount of words that have been created. However, if I had to describe my time at Camp Ramah Darom in as few words as possible, they would consist of: adventurous, life-changing, and full of love.

This year was the year I was able to connect with my friends on another level. I strengthened my relationships with people who are like my extended family, started friendships with those I hadn’t interacted with much in the past, and made memories with new friends. It was really special hanging out with people throughout the day and to just become closer. Yet the best part of this was the fact that next year we will be in Gesher. It will be our last year as campers and every day will be a new adventure with hundreds of moments that will be ingrained in us forever.

Now, this year was not without its challenges. This year, half of my aidah (camp group) tested positive for COVID. I had to watch friends go home for a little while, or be isolated from everyone else. It would just remind me that not everyone who was supposed to be there actually was there to make memories with. However, when they returned, it made our time together as an aidah even more special.

In addition to all the experiences with my friends, I was able to use this time to connect with my Jewish identity. Throughout the month, I read from the Torah seven times and I learned how to lead Mincha and Ma’ariv services. I loved having a more active role in my camp community and it helped me build my confidence as a leader, yet it also allowed me to give back to my kehillah.

As another addition to both of these things, I also reached new heights. During the summer, I hiked up multiple mountains through my Nivo U of Machnaut (camping). I have always loved the outdoors and I have loved to go camping and hiking since I was little. However, this year I was able to do things I had never done before and was also able to improve on the skills I already had. Sometimes our activities were a struggle but it was overcoming these struggles that made this time even better.

Fundamentally, even with all of the ups and downs, I am so incredibly thankful to have been able to go to Camp Ramah Darom this year. It was one of the best summers of my life and it would not have been possible without The Len and Judy Elikan Young Leadership Scholarship. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.