A Taste of Magic: Reflecting on an Unforgettable Week at Jacobs Camp

It’s been a few days since we said goodbye to our Taste of Jacobs campers, and wow — we already miss them more than we can say. But deep down, I know this goodbye is really just a “see you later.” I’m confident we’ll be welcoming many of them home next summer.

This summer, I had the privilege of being a counselor for the brand-new Taste of Jacobs unit — a one-week experience designed especially for our youngest campers to get their first taste of the magic that makes Jacobs Camp so special. It was a whirlwind of laughter, learning, and joy, and I truly had the best time introducing my campers to what life at camp is all about.

From the very start, it was clear: these kids were ready. Ready to try new things, gain independence, and build the kind of friendships that only summer camp can create. Watching them step into this new adventure — and seeing how quickly they grew and connected — was nothing short of incredible.

Each night during our cabin prayers, we reflected on the day’s highlights. Time and again, the girls named swimming in the pool or lake as their favorite activity. And how could I forget Messy Day, when aliens (aka the Solelim unit) “invaded” camp, and our Taste of Jacobs campers were tasked with saving the day? The energy was off the charts!

But if you ask my girls what their ultimate “rose” of the week was, there’s no contest: our spa-themed bunk night. Think glittery nail polish, face masks, candy galore, and a whole lot of giggles. Meanwhile, the boys cabin went wild for their candy heist bunk night, pulling off the sweetest “mission” imaginable — and loving every second.

Taste of Jacobs was more than just a week at camp. It was a chance for these young campers to grow, to bond, and to experience that Jacobs Camp magic for the very first time. Their days were filled with M.O.M.E. (Making Ordinary Moments Extraordinary), and they embraced every bit of it.

I’m already counting down the days until I get to welcome these campers back next summer — back to the place that already feels like home.