The End is Near : Time at Camp is Valuable

When looking into the future, it can be a scary place—but there’s a good side to it: you can’t predict what will actually happen.

At camp, you move up in units from Olim to Chalutzim. I’ll be honest—I don’t even know what I was thinking about back in Olim. Maybe food? I’m not sure. But I do know that in Garin, I couldn’t wait until I was a big kid in Chalutzim. And now, here I am.

It’s been 10 years, and now I have less than a week left of being a camper. I hate to admit it, but I know the end is near. I know there’s nothing in my power to stop time. But what I can do is make this last week the best week of my life.

I may be sad, but I know camp is in good hands—and the camp magic will carry on for many years to come.

For the past 10 years, I’ve viewed Henry S. Jacobs Camp as my second home. Every day I’m not at camp, it somehow ends up on my mind. My sister, Sadie M., will always tell me and my family how many days are left until we drive through the camp gates.

This year marks my 10th summer here in Utica, Mississippi—10 Shabbats, and around 200 days spent at camp.

I’m telling you: you blink, and it goes by fast. I just experienced my last Shabbat as a camper. I’m currently 15 years old, and knowing I was in the same place when I was only 5 is crazy.

Time never stops—it’s only constant. So not only at camp, but everywhere, you should live life to the fullest and be present.

Because for me, this is my last time here as a camper, and I’m doing everything I can to make it worth something.