As we sit in the quiet of our offices this week, the birds chirping in the trees and the sun peeking through the branches, it’s hard to believe that in just a few days this stillness will transform into the hum of golf carts, the rustle of unpacking duffels, and the sound of laughter echoing across the lake.
This week is what we like to call the “calm before the joy.” It’s our final moment to breathe before camp truly begins. And it’s also a time to reflect.
The planning for this summer has been months in the making. We’ve poured ourselves into every bunk placement, every program theme, every activity, and so on. We’ve debated and discussed, dreamed and designed. From curriculum to kitchen menus, from supply orders to song sessions – every detail has been a labor of love, guided by one goal: to create a summer filled with meaning, magic, and connection for our campers and staff.
And now, it’s almost time.
Over the coming week, our staff will arrive bringing with them incredible energy, talent, and heart. We cannot wait to welcome them home. We know the power they hold; to shape a child’s summer, to build a sacred community, to lead with love and laughter. Staff Week is when we get to build our team, set our intentions, and lay the spiritual and emotional foundation for the camp season ahead. It’s a special time where friendships are formed, values are shared, and a deep sense of purpose begins to take root.
There’s something truly holy about Jewish summer camp. It’s not just the ruach, the hikes, or Havdalah under the stars – it’s the people. And across the next week, the people begin to arrive! We can’t contain our excitement!
So from all of us on the full-time team: thank you. Thank you to our year-round partners who help make camp happen. Thank you to our families who entrust us with their children. Thank you to our donors and volunteers far and wide who make camp possible for everyone. Thank you to the Houston community in advance for hosting our incredible international staff as they begin to arrive. And thank you to our staff – who are about to step into one of the most impactful, challenging, and rewarding roles of their lives.
We are ready. We are grateful. And we are so, so excited.
Let the summer begin!
With anticipation and joy,
The Greene Team
