- Home
- About
- Datebook: Events Calendar
- Women's Philanthropy
- Subscribe to e-newsletter
- Young Adults
- Contribute
- Where Your Money Goes
- Professional Groups
- Community Resources
- Volunteer
- Local Jewish News
- Search
Jewish Community News
News: April 2004
Doing things I never thought I could
By
Becky Pressman
There I was, standing on a massive, damp rock, with my siddur in my hands,
hearing only the sound of waves crashing, completely organic. No traffic,
no cell phones, no loud conversations, only peaceful silence. The way
I got there was pretty cool, too, a 16-mile bike trip. It is considered
the rite of passage for the Sollelimers (campers going into 8th grade).
The trail we took was called rails to trails, the route of an old railway
system. The whole trip took about an hour and a half; it was all downhill.
Some things that I do at Camp Ramah are things that I never could even
imagine doing at home. I was skeptical about the bike trip, but it was
one of the most enjoyable trips I’ve taken.
At camp we also get to choose chugim (electives), and I chose Krav Maga. Krav Maga is sometimes defined as Israeli self-defense, but its more than that. Krav Maga retrains your body according to your natural reactions. If someone is coming at you, you’re not going to automatically stay calm. The ways that you react are the basis for all of the “moves” and for the technique. I chose to challenge myself and try Krav Maga.
Other activities I really enjoyed at camp were sports and
swimming. This year instead of having lessons, we had centers where you
learn about different aspects of swimming. Those included water polo,
CPR, swim team, and lifeguarding. It was fun because we didn’t have
to learn the same few strokes over and over, or have the same teachers
either.
My favorite part of the day is the tent/bunk activity. That’s when
you get to bond with the people you live with, whether you’re making
beaded bracelets, looking at the stars, or walking to town for ice cream.
It’s so great to have a chance to get to know the other 14 people
you spend the whole summer with.
Still, the best part about being at camp is that I can always express myself. There are art classes, sports, swimming, and discussion groups. Whatever you feel is your strong point, there’s something for you to excel in. You also have a chance to meet other Jewish teenagers and really connect with a lot of different people. I have made some of my best friends at Camp Ramah and done things I never even thought I could. All in all, the years I’ve spent at camp have been the greatest, and I’m grateful for every single day there.
News
Features
JCN Issues
Information
The JCN is Hiring!