Camp matters to me because it is where I found my place and my people. My Jewish identity was strengthened. Most importantly, I was aware that I had become part of a legacy of belonging, connection, and purpose.
My camp journey started when I won a scholarship to spend 4 weeks at GFC as a 10-year-old. (Yes, our sessions were a full 28 days!) Summer after summer I returned as a camper, counselor, and unit educator. Being on the professional team as an assistant camp director inspired me to become a rabbi. Rabbinical school solidified that camp is where I belong and where my rabbinate should be centered.
I am so fortunate that I get to share the magic of camp with hundreds of campers and staff each summer and connect with our families, alumni, and supporters all year long. Part of this connection includes working with our amazing Camp Committee and Leaders Council (past GFC Camp Committee chairs), a group of staunch GFC supporters who give of their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that every generation feels part of this kehillah kedosha (holy community).
Two weeks ago, our Camp Committee and Leaders Council spent the weekend in Bruceville, together with our professional team, learning and dreaming. We spent part of the weekend sharing our camp stories. Marisa Reby, GFC’s Development Manager, challenged us to succinctly share why camp is important to us. Each person’s “passion pitch” highlights what is so special about GFC that encourages them to stay connected and involved.
There were a few themes that arose from these stories: connectedness to the Jewish community, being your authentic self, and the incredible impact of lifelong friendships.
Greene Family Camp exists because of the people who love it. This year, we’re inviting our entire camp community to share your “why.” When you share why GFC is important to you, you help keep our community strong and connected for generations to come. Every time you share a memory, a moment of growth, or a reason you believe in camp, you strengthen the invisible thread that connects past, present, and future GFC families.
Maybe your child found their confidence on the ropes course.
Maybe your first summer as a camper turned into a role as a counselor, and then into a lifelong commitment to Jewish camp.
Maybe you’re a donor because someone once invested in your summer and it changed your life.
These stories are sacred. They remind us that GFC is more than a place. It’s a community built on shared purpose and shared heart. This year, we invite you, our families, alumni, supporters, and friends, to tell us why camp is important to you.
Tell us the moment camp changed you.
Tell us what brings you back summer after summer.
Tell us the friendships you treasure, the traditions you carry, and the memories that still make you smile.
When we share our stories, we deepen our community.
When we share our “why,” we inspire others to discover their own.
And when we speak about the importance of camp, we keep camp magic alive for generations to come.
So go ahead and tell us. What’s your why? We can’t wait to hear your story. Please take a moment to record your 30-45 second portrait video and upload it to this link. As we get closer to Camp Day of Giving, we would love to share these with the community.