The View From My Window
My summer office at Camp YJ looks out over our beautiful pool. During the summer, I can hear counselors teaching swim classes. I can see the Nurses’ golf cart go by, notice counselors coming up to enjoy a free period, see campers and staff working out in the Old Dining Hall (ODH) and watch as future campers and their families start their journey into camp on a tour. I love seeing campers heading to and from “North Camp” towards Tennis and Archery. Lots of time I am tempted to sneak out and join in the fun (and I do)!
During the “off season”, my camp office window looks out onto a parking lot in Framingham, Massachusetts. Definitely not as much fun as my summer view! I watch people come and go from a nearby yoga studio, hear sirens and watch fire trucks go by every day on nearby Route 9 and at night when I work late, I see hungry diners heading in and out of the 24-hour IHop (International House of Pancakes) next door. (Sorry, but my vote is for Bagel Sunday at camp!)
Nowadays, my view is very different. I’ve set up my office in my home living room, overlooking my quiet residential street. Sometimes a family will walk by with a dog or a stroller. I spend a lot of time on the phone and on Zoom calls. I talk with our business manager, Melissa. I connect with campers, reassuring them that we are planning to have camp (shout out to Daled and Gadna). I’m having meetings with our Head Counselors Tyler, Rachel, Stacey and Ori. I virtually meet with our programmers Jason (Jambi) and Kayla, along with Itzy and Marni, our community outreach director, working with our counselors and adult staff in planning fun camp programs and events while most people are stuck at home (stay tuned for even more fun and interactive ideas).
While my view out the window is very different these days, my view of this summer remains unchanged. Here’s what I see: We are moving forward with our plans for the summer. We’ve hired staff, are completing construction of two Boys Area cabins and our brand-new Climbing Tower, and will soon be sending out forms and documents for the summer. We’ve met with our new food service company, are completing renovations and projects at camp (wait until you see the bathrooms in the ODH (Old Dining Hall)!
We have lots of fun programs planned for this month, for campers, families, alums and staff. We hope you’ll join us when you can. Talking, praying, singing, dancing and laughing together is incredible medicine for the soul!