What’s new on the GFC Blog?
The Miracle Of Camp: Do I Have to Pick Just One?
Hanukkah Night 6 | Kate's Miracle of Camp One of my favorite miracles of camp is friends you only get to see at camp. Some of the friends you make may live in another state, or another city or town that is hours away from where you live. I have a friend from...
The Miracle Of Camp: The Magic Lasts All Year
Hanukkah Night 5 | Scott Family's Miracle Of Camp Chanukah is a minor festival on the Jewish calendar. While its theme of survival is far from insignificant, over the centuries we’ve creatively adapted ways to emphasize this festival as a true bright spot in...
The Miracle Of Camp: We Can Be Together, Even When Apart
Hanukkah Night 4 | Scott's Miracle of Camp When I was 12 years old, the Sisterhood of Congregation Emanu El in Houston Sisterhood made the smart decision to give me a scholarship to attend URJ Greene Family Camp. Four years in NFTY, 17 summers on staff and faculty and...
The Miracle Of Camp: When You Fall, Camp Will Catch You
Hanukkah Night 3 | Ariel's Miracle of Camp For me, the miracle of camp is being able to become the person I want, and at the same time to not be afraid to fall. Camp gives the opportunity to explore yourself, to try new things and step out of your comfort zone over...
The Miracle of Camp: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Hanukkah Night 2 | Amber's Miracle of Camp Halfway up the zipline ladder, he got slower and slower. Then, he turned around with tears in his eyes and defeat written all over his face. He told us he was too scared to go. The fear was taking over, and he was...
Alumni Spotlight: Sara “Rosie” Tesson
Sara “Rosie” Tesson Director of Events and Catering | Refined Hospitality Concepts Camper/Summer Staff Member/Leadership – 2001 – 2015 When were you a staff member at camp and what positions did you hold while you were there? Bunk Counselor...
The Miracle of Camp: How I Learned to Light Fireworks
Hanukkah Night 1, by Zoe Makler As a summer staff member at GFC, the days can sometimes blur together, but some unforgettable staff moments have the power to transform your entire outlook on camp and life. Upon receiving an invitation cordially inviting me to light...
Loui’s New Bring Your Lexus Lyrics!
If you have ever been to a campfire at GFC, you have heard Loui Dobin’s original song, “Follow Me To GFC!” Last night, on our last Jewish Geography Zoom Racing fundraiser event, Loui premiered some new verses to this beloved song! We are excited to share them here with you, so you can sing along too!
RBG: May Her Memory Be An Inspiration
The news of Justice Ginsburg’s death stopped me in my tracks Friday evening. Getting the news on Erev Rosh Hashanah felt like a terrible final surprise on behalf of a 5780 that had already brought so many surprises. My thoughts instantly turned to Mindy and the countless young people in our community. Through my work with our Melachim, S’ganim, and Kibbutz units over the summer as well as our teen population at year-round programs and NFTY events, I’ve come to see just how many young people, particularly young women, idolized and looked up to Justice Ginsburg. Sure enough, my Instagram feed was quickly filled with moving images and tributes to “Notorious RBG” from GFC teens and counselors.
God’s Boxes
This week on the blog, Rabbi Erin invites us to reflect on the past year; to hold on to the things that bring us joy and let go of the things that cause us pain. God’s Boxes I have in my hands two boxes Which God gave me to hold. God said, “Put all your sorrows in the...