I’ve watched a sensitive, caring young man grow up at Camp Newman.
He began attending URJ’s California summer camp the first year it opened and returned almost every summer of his life. Some summers were a bit awkward, not quite fitting into his peer group, but after returning throughout high school on every NFTY retreat he could, this young man has grown into a responsible member of the staff.
He’s not alone. I’ve watched countless kids come through our camp, transforming from campers amazed by the magic into counselors, songleaders, specialists of all sorts and even a few faculty rabbis, cantors, educators and artists.
I’m particularly fond of this young man and felt especially proud as my son hooked me up to the zip line, assuring my safety as he does for all the campers that come through camp’s ropes course.
As I hiked down from the zip line, that verse from Isaiah popped into my head and I understood it in a way that I had not before. ‘…a little child shall lead them… (Isaiah 11:6)’ My son is a great example of a gentle leader with child-like innocence and a strong sense of fair play… and, even as he leads me, his father, I see the beautiful youth I helped raise.
If this is what’s meant by ‘a little child shall lead them,’ then I’m happy to follow.
…wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom… a Sabbath filled with peace.
