By Sam Han, NFTY in Israel Madrich
The day started normally like any other day however, this day was no ordinary day. All staff were ready to meet the teens at the airport to start the summer. This would have to wait. “The teens are going to be getting to the airport at midnight” is what we were told. The day was spent making last minute adjustments as are common with any summer program experience. Finally, we boarded our coach bus to go to the airport and then waited anxiously with handmade signs waiting to greet the participants. Participants my co-counselors hadn’t met yet but, campers whom I have seen grow up over the last 6 years.
The automatic doors opened and closed for what seemed like everyone in the world but my campers. Finally, the doors opened, and our Crane Lake Campers poured out smiling, laughing, tired from all the time in airports and traveling but, still in high spirits. Hugs, handshakes, and tears of joy were all present. We all got on the bus and headed back to the hotel. The summer had finally started to shape up. Everyone went to their rooms and immediately went to bed.
The next day started and understandably, everyone was still tired but excited and enthusiastic nonetheless. We introduced ourselves and finally we went into Republic Square in Prague. The participants walked around in quartets laughing, smiling and rejoicing in their pizur (choose your own meal) a freedom that is earned and unique to NFTY in Israel. After pizur, the group headed to three synagogues in the area with unique stories. We ended our day with a bus trip back to the hotel, dinner and a quick check in where we all shared our thoughts on the day. We said a quick prayer with our arms around each other. The campers who I have seen grow up looked like young adults. Holding themselves in mature ways. Familiar faces in an unfamiliar place. It was there that I realized that camp is special because of the people who occupy it not because of the physical space and any place can be camp if camp friends are there. Summer had finally started.
