Is there anything from the summer of 2020 that camp directors would love to keep alive in 2021?

As summer camps look forward to a full reopening, directors of leading camps look back at last year’s restrictions and limitations. Difficult? For sure. But is there anything from the summer of 2020 they’d love to keep alive in 2021?

Last summer everyone was scrambling to keep their children busy. We were only able to open as a day camp, which meant that only campers who had a bungalow or house in the Catskills would benefit from camp. It was amazing to see how many families opened their summer homes for three or four friends for the full eight weeks. I saw how children learned how to feel for others in need and went out of their way to help, something we hope to keep alive.

If we think back to our old camp days a few decades back, remember how excited we were about trip day, which meant taking a hike to a creek in the forest or walking to Skaters World down the road? As time passed, the trips became more sophisticated, with destinations like amusement parks and baseball games. Last summer our traveling out of camp was limited, yet we found the campers just as happy — or happier — to stay put or go on small excursions.

—Rabbi Pinchos Munk, Camp Munk

Last summer, we were far out in New England where there are noise ordinances. It had to be quiet at night, so we adapted to regular city time rather than camp time, which meant ending the day earlier. The campgrounds had no outdoor lights at night, so the kids went to sleep on time. We found that less campers got sick, it was healthier, and the day was more structured. We’re planning to run on city time this coming summer as well.

—Rabbi Shimon Newmark,

Camp Agudah

First of all, we learned just how vital what we do is. Last year, when we almost didn’t have camp, we heard from so many rebbeim and parents how crucial what we do is for the kids’ spiritual and emotional well-being. We need to remember that this year too. Last year, we felt open siyata d’Shmaya guiding and accompanying us, so this year we will be more aware of that too.

And finally, because we were limited in where we could go, we found that the campers didn’t need crazy trips to be happy, and they were thrilled to have a “regular” day in camp.

—Rabbi Dovid Becker, Camp Yachad, Camp Neranina, Lakewood

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 865)