My Jewish camp story began the summer after I graduated from high school, when I joined Camp Ramah in New England as a staff member. I lived in a bunk with 10-year-old girls and worked as the camp librarian -- yes, the camp had a library! After being deeply involved in Beth Torah USY, it felt like a dream to spend nine weeks surrounded by knowledgeable staff and enthusiastic campers who embraced the rhythms of Jewish life in such a beautiful setting.

From the beginning, camp felt different. It was a place where Jewish life wasn't something you did occasionally; it was woven into every part of the day. I loved being immersed in a community where learning, friendship, prayer, and fun all came together naturally.

Some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones. One summer, I lived on the side of the camp with the older campers. Every Friday afternoon, without fail, the hot water would run out. The girls would take such long showers getting ready for Shabbat that there was never any warm water left for the rest of us. At the time it was frustrating; now it makes me laugh.

What truly shaped me, though, were the moments when camp came together for Shabbat and Havdalah. The singing, the spirit, the joy -- it was unlike anything else. Camp created a deep sense of Jewish pride and belonging that stayed with me long after the summer ended.

As a staff member, camp also gave me the opportunity to ask my biggest questions. I learned from rabbis, rabbinical students, and educators who served as mentors and role models. This deepened my Jewish identity and strengthened my connection to Jewish life and community. In turn, I hoped I was passing that same love of Judaism on to my campers.

The influence of camp has extended across generations in my family. Today, one of my favorite things is receiving camp letters and seeing photos of my grandchildren at camp. Hearing them talk about their chuggim, color wars and friendships always brings a smile to my face. It reminds me that Jewish camp is truly about l'dor v'dor--from generation to generation.

I believe Jewish summer camp matters because it gives young people the opportunity to live with their peers 24/7 in a vibrant Jewish environment. It builds confidence, leadership skills, lifelong friends, and a deep sense of belonging to the Jewish people. Camps also create meaningful connections to Israel through Israeli staff and campers, helping young people form a broader understanding of the Jewish world.

When I met my husband, Howard, at a Federation event after I moved to Washington, DC, I told him I was heading off to camp for the summer. He looked at me and asked, "Aren't you a little too old to go to camp?" As it turned out, Howard had also worked at a different Camp Ramah and we even had campers in common. It was one more reminder of how small and connected the Jewish camp world can be.

My hope for future generations is that they bring home everything camp has to offer: the songs, the joy, the knowledge, the leadership skills, a love of Israel, and a deep appreciation for being part of a larger Jewish community. If I had to describe the impact of Jewish summer camp in just a few words, I would simply say: Jewish camp is Jewish JOY!