Yom Kippur Reflections from Camp
Dear Camp Kingswood Families,
Earlier this week, I had the joy of hearing Gabby and Maya (CITs ’26!) open the Annual Meeting of the Lappin Foundation in Boston. Before taking the bimah, they admitted with some trepidation that their only real experience speaking to a crowd had been at Camp Kingswood—on Shabbat, or as the camper chosen to share “What Camp Means to Me” at Campfire. And yet, in front of a packed sanctuary, they spoke with confidence and poise about how leadership and volunteerism have shaped them. Afterward, people lined up— including keynote speaker Ido Aharoni Aronoff from Israel—eager to thank them. In between admirers, Gabby leaned over and whispered, “Did you hear me say Tikkun Olam? I learned that at camp!”
I walked out beaming with pride. The girls had spoken about camp in their Jewish journeys, but it struck me in that moment: Kingswood is where they learned that tikkun olam—repairing the world—isn’t optional, but our shared responsibility.
Tonight, as we enter Yom Kippur, this message resonates deeply. Repairing the world begins with repairing ourselves. On this holiest night of the year, we’re asked to look inward, notice where we’ve fallen short, and commit to doing better. Both Yom Kippur and camp remind us that striving matters more than perfection. Becoming our best selves is a lifelong journey, one of trial and error, of growing, stumbling, and trying again. Just as Yom Kippur teaches us to love ourselves and others in our imperfection, camp teaches us to do the same, with ourselves and with our friends.
There’s a reason campers talk about their camp friends on a different level of friendship than school friends. When you’re living in a bunk, everyone sees your best habits and your worst, like it or not. Love and friendship are easy when everyone is at their best, but the real test comes when we’re struggling. In a world that too often models shutting down or shutting people out, camp reminds us to lean in. To stand by each other, to keep showing up, and to avoid rolling your eyes even if a bunk mate is telling the same joke they’ve told at bedtime the last two nights. Because imperfection isn’t weakness, it’s human.
Tomorrow night, as the shofar sounds to close these Ten Days of Awe, we’ll all return to the busyness of daily life. In that rush, the constancy of camp becomes even more essential. A space where kids can pause, breathe, and practice becoming their best selves long after the gates of Yom Kippur close.
Gabby and Maya reminded me this week that what happens at Kingswood doesn’t stay at Kingswood, it shapes who our campers are out in the world – their courage, their friendships, and even their understanding of what it means to repair the world. That’s the gift of camp, and the reason our community matters so deeply.
As we enter 5786, I hope Kingswood will continue to be that steady place for your family. A reminder that our Early Bird Discount ends tonight! While most of last year’s campers are already in for next summer, we have a few stragglers, and we don’t want your camper left out. Register now to secure your spot for Summer 2026 if you haven’t already.
Wishing you and your family a meaningful fast and a year of health, growth, and joy.
G’mar Chatima Tova,
Jodi
