Crane Lake Camp Changed My Life

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I feel that my story is a little different from the usual Crane Lake story. I did not hear about camp through my temple nor did I go on a tour of camp or officially visit before I came. Crane Lake wasn’t even my first camp. At my previous camp, the brightest part of my summer was the last day. After three years I built up the courage to tell my parents how unhappy I was and they said I could change camps if I wanted. At 13 years old I took the biggest leap of my life and came to Crane Lake Camp. I couldn’t have made a better decision.

60184_143820398992654_5352418_nThe people make the place. At Crane Lake we are lucky to have our Kehillah Kedosha, an experience I never knew before coming to CLC. The first friend I met at camp introduced himself as someone who “knew what’s good”. He was a camper in his third year and even though he had no reason to talk to a “newbie”. He wanted to get to know me. He viewed new people as an
opportunity to make new friends, something I soon discovered was common at CLC. That kid who just walked up and said hello all those years ago is still my best friend today.

Crane Lake isn’t just where I spend my summers, it’s where my family is. After all, what home is complete without a family? I truly believe the people I’ve met at camp have changed my life for the better.

So, I guess my story isn’t that different from all the others. However, it’s conformity to the others is another testament to the power of the CLC difference. The ability of CLC to take in those who might be now, different just looking for a fresh start, and show them the light within themselves. I’m extremely grateful for the time I’ve spent at Crane Lake and I always will be.

By Jake Haber, General Counselor