Reflections from Avo Logan:
I first came to Greene Family Camp in 2016, a whole decade ago. At first, it felt like my parents just wanted to get rid of me for a week or two, but I didn’t mind. After all, I was only seven. Over the years, though, I discovered that Jewish summer camp is much more than a place to make friends or get away for a few weeks. Because of GFC, I have strengthened my Judaism, deepened my connection to traditions that have been passed down l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation), and formed lifelong bonds, not just with individuals, but with an entire community. It is because of this that I chose to come back every single year, no matter the circumstances in my life.
I chose to come back this year as an Avodah (staff-in-training) not only because it had been too long since I’d seen this place, but because I felt it was my turn to give back. As part of the Avodah program, I have learned and continue to learn valuable skills that will no doubt be put to the test, whether as a counselor in the future or in everyday life. This month at camp has been filled with laughter, opportunities to learn, and a unit that took everything in front of them and ran as far as they could with it. While being an Avodah certainly comes with challenges, those same challenges shape your character and determine the kind of counselor, and person you will become.
For example, when I arrived this summer and found out that all of the male Avos would be living together in the Avoden, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. Between the fact that Session 1 had more boys than Session 2 and that I barely knew any of them, the idea of a completely full cabin with every bunk occupied seemed overwhelming. Thankfully, those thoughts didn’t last long. Looking back on the past few weeks, I’m incredibly grateful that we were all placed together. Because of that decision, I got to know people I probably never would have talked to otherwise, and many of those conversations turned into genuine friendships.
Although this session may not have unfolded the way any of us imagined, it reminded me of a lesson that I know I’ll carry with me: flexibility. To me, flexibility has been one of the defining themes of the Avodah program. I’ve learned that when things don’t go as planned, you can either dwell on what changed or embrace what comes next. Some of the most meaningful moments come from embracing the unexpected, making the most of our time at camp, and discovering that even a change in plans can lead to unforgettable experiences. Being able to adapt, adjust your mindset, and make the most of every situation is a skill that extends far beyond camp.
As I reflect back on this summer, I realize how unlikely it is that I’ll ever find another experience quite like the Avodah program at Greene. It has been challenging, unforgettable, meaningful, and incredibly fun. If you’re a rising junior, or even just thinking ahead, I encourage you to choose this program. You’ll grow in ways you never expected, build friendships that last far beyond the summer, and become part of something much bigger than yourself. There truly is nothing else like it.
Reflections from Avo Naomi:
The summer of my Kibbutz year, I found myself facing an existential crisis: would I return to camp as an Avodah, or was my time at camp coming to an end? During my last days as a Kibbutznik, I tried to soak in every moment, convinced it might be the last time I would be surrounded by my closest friends in one place. The future felt uncertain, and I had no idea what my life would look like two years later.
As the summers passed and Avodah year grew closer, that uncertainty never fully disappeared. Everyone around me praised Avo year, insisting that our unit would become closer than ever and that it would be an unforgettable experience. I wanted to believe them, but part of me worried that maybe our year would be different. Now, three weeks into camp, I can confidently say they were right. Watching our unit grow closer each day has been incredibly rewarding, and being surrounded by the people I’ve grown up with has made this summer unlike any other.
In addition to growing closer to my unit, I have made new friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Because the Avodah unit brings together campers from both first and second session, I have met people from my city who I never would have met otherwise. Through countless meals spent together and enough Avo meetings to last a decade, we’ve become more than just camp friends – we’ve become a family.
After spending two years away from camp, returning back to camp has felt strangely natural. I slipped right back into the rhythm of camp, only in a different role. Instead of moving through each day as a camper, I now approach every activity with greater responsibility and a new perspective. Experiencing camp from the other side has made me appreciate it even more and has reminded me why this place continues to mean so much to me.
Shabbat Shalom from Avodah 2026!