Watching Camp Come to Life

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by Val Fisher, Camper Care Specialist 

As a staff member at Crane Lake, we have the privilege of entering the bubble up to a month before the campers do. It is no less exciting to come to camp as a staff member than it is to come as a camper. During this time before the campers are here, we set up camp, get to know each other as staff members, and most importantly, learn how to be the best counselors we can be. Every day during pre-camp, we beautify another aspect of the bubble. We clean the bunks, set up the outdoor sanctuary, and put the inflatables into the lake. We strengthen our camp family every day as new staff members arrive, but we are always (not so patiently) awaiting the arrival of the campers.

No matter what we do to make camp beautiful during pre-camp, nothing rivals the community that we create once the kids arrive. We see the outdoor sanctuary go from rows of empty benches to a spirited and happy kehillah kedoshah (holy community). We can hear campers laughing and playing and singing when we walk through camp rather than silence. It is so fulfilling to watch the campers kayak, sail, water ski and play on the inflatables in the lake after setting up all the lake toys at the beginning of the summer. This year during pre-camp we got to watch the creation of a brand new aerial adventure course. The course has already allowed our campers to challenge themselves in new ways and bond with their bunkmates and entire unit.

Everything we do at camp, even if there are not yet campers present, is so that we as counselors can give our campers the best summer of their lives. The campers are what makes the Crane Lake bubble so special to all the staff, and there is no better feeling than watching the camp we set up help transform and contribute to a fun and successful summer for all Crane Lake campers.

Val is spending her 12th summer in the bubble as a 3rd year staff member working as a Camper Care Specialist. She has previously been a ropes course instructor for Crane Lake too! Val attends Eckerd College in Florida and is studying Human Development and Religious Studies.