Getting Older, Getting Younger

This is now my fifth summer working for a full session at Camp Ramah in New England.  I have watched as my daughter Elianna has moved from Kochavim and Gan (the youngest group and staff kids) to Shoafim (the oldest group on A-Side), as Micah has moved from Gan to full camper and Oren has gone from a toddler to one of the Gan veterans.  But more than watching my own kids get older (I don't need camp for that!), I have had the opportunity to watch the kids who were in Shoafim (oldest of the youngest kids) my first year now taking leadership roles as Nivonim (oldest group) campers. This year, for the first time, most of the bunk counselors are people who I knew when they were campers. Watching this process has made me think a lot about aging.

It is not uncommon to hear adults in camp look at the counselors and quip "Is it just me or are the counselors getting younger?"  What they are really noticing, of course, is that the age gap between us and the counselors is getting more significant each year. When working with my staff on ropes, I have to remember that I am now old enough to be their father. In terms of feeling one's age, I find that working here is a double-edged sword - on the one hand, it keeps me more physically active, more vigorous, and more in touch with youth culture.  On the other hand, I notice that I get tired more easily (making it difficult for me to blog late at night - sorry!) and have started using terms like "youth culture."  I am reminded that indeed, I am aging.

But the more remarkable thing that I have realized is that since I knew the counselors as campers, I no longer see them as "getting younger," but really see how they are getting older too. Not literally - they are still mostly 18 and 19 year olds.  But I have been amazed to watch how the boy who was always causing trouble for his counselors is now patiently working with a new camper to help him find his way in his bunk. The girl who was always whispering to her friends and giggling during t'fillah is now leading t'fillah with extra ruach and giving a d'var Torah. While I have often said that the most difficult students often grow up to be the best leaders, it has been truly remarkable to watch this group of counselors who once were notorious pranksters take their roles as leaders in camp.

Indeed, they are getting older, have matured and are becoming real leaders. I hope that through my work with them, I may be able to stay a bit younger for a little while more.

Below you will find pictures from the opening of Yom Sport (aka Color War) on A Side, opening day, visiting day and a few other random photos from around camp.  Enjoy!