Shabbat-O-Gram: Spring Break!

Dear Kingswood Families,

This morning, on day one of Spring Break, my 9-year-old Elijah declared ten minutes after waking up that he was bored. He followed with my favorite, ‘Mommy, what can I do?’ waiting for me to give in and say he could watch his iPad.

I had two thoughts at that moment. First, my classic parent instinct to rattle off all the options he and I both knew he could do. My second reaction was to smile, knowing I better let this roll off my back if this is Day 1, and because as much as boredom makes us all a little uneasy, I know how good it is for him.

As a camp director, I see it every summer. Boredom is the wide-open space that makes creativity possible. It’s the moment before the moment. The spark that leads to spontaneous Gaga tournaments, the funniest evening programs, and the most creative skits.

We see it in kids lying in the hammocks, making up rules for new sports at Upper Fields, or creating worlds for frogs in the streams behind B10 during Rest Hour. Boredom gives kids the rare opportunity to stop consuming and start creating. It’s where play, curiosity, and collaboration intersect.

But one thing we see at camp is that sometimes ‘I’m bored’ doesn’t always mean what we think. At camp, especially in the first few days, I’m bored can mean:

– “I’m not sure who to talk to yet.”
– “I miss home and everything feels weird.”
– “Other kids seem to have best friends already and I feel a little left out.”

Sometimes ‘I’m bored’ is a less embarrassing way to say some of these other feelings, without being as vulnerable. As parents, if you find yourself at the receiving end of an “I’m bored at camp” letter, it can feel like a punch to the gut. You imagined them swimming, laughing, and having the best time ever with their new best friends for life!

So, what should you do when you get that letter?

Here’s what we suggest:
1. Take a breath.
2. Wait before reacting. Even if they wrote the email that morning, a day at camp is like a week, and it’s likely the feeling has passed.
3. Write back with love, not rescue. Validate their feelings but avoid any offer to pick them up early. Instead try, “New things can feel hard, and I’m proud of you for being brave. I can’t wait to hear what adventures come next!”
4. Trust the process—and us. Camp is designed to help kids through these transitions. Our staff are trained to notice when someone’s on the sidelines, unsure, or struggling. We step in early, gently, and intentionally.

In fact, some of the strongest bonds form because of those awkward, quiet, or ‘bored’ moments. That’s when a counselor suggests a card game, another camper invites them to play 9-Square, and just like that, the magic begins.

So as we head into Shabbat, I’m grateful for the boredom, the awkwardness, and the weirdness of a good Day 1. Whether it’s Elijah lamenting his morning or a camper unsure of how to jump into camp life—it’s all part of growing, connecting, and becoming who they’re meant to be.

Wishing you a restful Shabbat filled with peace, patience, and just the right amount of boredom.

Shabbat Shalom,
Jodi

P.S. In case you think being a camp director makes me any more tolerant of the moment, we agreed on 30 minutes on the iPad. : )