This week, GFC’s Camp Committee met for our annual Winter Meeting. They were asked to give us specific examples of how we typically describe GFC, and I was so inspired that I want to share some of the responses with you. **Read until the end to learn about Year-Round Events at GFC – we’d love for you to join us!**
The Magic of Camp is felt through core memories and timeless friendships. The anticipation and excitement heighten when you turn onto Smith Lane for that final stretch of the drive to GFC. It is felt whenever we are together: singing and swaying at song session, meals, dancing, connecting, and being together at the beit k’nesset (outdoor chapel) surrounded by Jewish community. A sense of l’dor v’dor (generation to generation) is felt as camper and staff of the next generation become friends.
GFC is a place of deep connection to Jewish values. Judaism is infused into all we do. GFC is a safe place to be Jewish, where we don’t think twice about displaying our Judaism. Our campers and staff can just enjoy being Jewish – it’s an immersive experience, not additive. The Shabbat experience is part of our weekly cycle and our whole community looks forward to services, singing, and dancing together on Friday nights. Jewish values are lived, and Jewish identity is strengthened in ways not always possible outside of camp.
Summers at GFC have long been referred to as the Shabbat of the Year. Our time at camp is separate from the rest of the year, like Shabbat is separate from the rest of the week. At camp, we are focused on our camp family, we rest and recharge and connect to each other and our Judaism. Shabbat gives us a time to pause, to reset, and to look forward with peace and optimism. GFC does that every day.
Finally, for so many of us, Camp is our happy place. We make new friends and strengthen those friendships each time we are together. We are free of many everyday stressors. People can be themselves and connect with people with whom they have things in common. We live on Jewish time. Happy and joyful adults are around all the time. People feel more confident, social, and extroverted. Being in nature, especially the lake, the beit k’nesset (outdoor chapel), and watching the sunset make Camp feel like home. We unplug, disconnect from school, and integrate happy memories from camp into life after camp.
Of course, summer isn’t the only time you can feel the power of camp! We have two weekends at camp filled with opportunities for engagement and experience. Please note that different events will run concurrently, each with their own program, meals and opportunities to connect and enjoy camp.
February 7-9, 2025 – Family Camp and Teen Extravaganza
GFC Family Camp is open to families with members of all ages and generations! Sing with our artist-in-residence Alan Goodis, fly through the air on our zip line, laugh with your family around the campfire, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact Valerie Klein, Family Camp Coordinator, with any questions at vklein@urj.org.
Teen Extravaganza is open to all 8th-12th graders. Grab your camp besties and join us for fun-filled weekend of laser tag, silent disco, scavenger hunt, making your own shakshuka, teen-led services, white elephant gift exchange, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, winning prizes throughout the weekend and more. Transportation provided from Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Early bird pricing extended through January 24! Contact Morgan Ducar with any questions at mducar@urj.org.
March 21-23, 2025 – Spring Camp and Mitzvah Weekend
Spring Camp is open to all 1st – 7th graders. Come for a first time taste of camp or reunite with old friends for a fun weekend at camp together! The weekend will be filled with all sorts of camp activities: arts, sports, ropes course, campfire, singing, dancing, and having fun with friends. Contact Rabbi Erin with questions at emason@urj.org.
Mitzvah Weekend is our adults-only work and community building event. We will tackle various projects around camp to make camp more beautiful, accessible and magical! Whatever your abilities and interests, we have a place and project for you. Contact Morgan Ducar with questions at mducar@urj.org.
I hope to see you at camp soon!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Erin