A JLP Camp Experience, From the Perspective of an International Staff Member

When I decided to attend summer camp in Canada, I never thought I'd end up at a Jewish Limited Programming (JLP) camp. Being from Ireland, I had never met a Jewish person before.

This changed when I accepted a position at a JLP camp in Quebec during my Camp Canada journey. I didn't think much about attending a Jewish summer camp because of my impulsive nature. As the summer approached, questions started popping up:

• Would my non-Jewish faith matter?
• Would I feel out of place in a camp with a religious aspect, given my limited religious inclinations?
• Would it deviate from the 'traditional' camp experience I had in mind?

Joining the international staff group chat, I found others sharing these concerns. Excitement mixed with apprehension as we approached camp.

Upon arrival, we encountered our first JLP aspect-the prayers. They sang before and after every camp meal. The songs were a mix of Hebrew and English. At first, I couldn't understand them because I wasn't used to it. People assured me I'd know them by heart within a week. My international cohorts and I gathered around a napkin holder. We tried to read the lyrics and sing along.

To be transparent, the prayers were initially overwhelming. Yet, they weren't as intense as we had anticipated. Singing a prayer felt more like singing a camp song, fostering a sense of community. I didn't sing them perfectly, even after six summers. But, within a week, I became comfortable and embraced them. I made some funny mistakes with Kosher dietary requirements. For example, I asked for bacon with pancakes, which earned a few laughs.

The turning point came during the first weekend. On Friday night, everyone dressed in white for a short Shabbat service. It was a cherished moment. Amid the whirlwind of camp life, these Friday nights provided a pause for reflection. It was a time to embrace the moment with friends, acknowledging the beauty of the place and the people.

Saturdays were slower, with light activities, lake swims, and precious sleep-ins. The day concluded with Havdalah, a brief service marking the end of Shabbat. We light a candle and sing a short song. Then, we plunge back into the camp hype, singing under the stars and losing our voices.

JLP camps provide a chance to immerse in a new culture. You embrace it with the energy and innocence of camp. Each camp has its uniqueness. The common thread is the chance to form connections, it's an opportunity to develop understanding in a unique environment. If you're curious about the questions I had, consider talking to camp directors at JLP camps. Ask, be open to the answers.

Before Camp Canada, I had never encountered a Jewish person. If not for the JLP camp, never have had the chance to broaden my horizons in this way. If your experience is like mine, you'll leave camp with a new family. You'll also have a new home and deep gratitude for the chance to learn and grow in a beautiful camp.

If you would like to experience working at a Jewish limited programming summer camp in Canada next summer, apply here to start your Canadian adventure!