Camp Notes from Jacob Hershman
This summer, our Youth Director, Jacob Hershman (aka "Hershey"), spent a month at Camp Newman. Read on for more about his experiences...
It's been a quiet office without you this past month. What have you been up to?
I was a member of the Nefesh Camper Care team at Camp Newman! It was our job to make camp as happy and supportive an environment for everyone at camp.
What was your role on the Nefesh team?
I was a staff member on the team, the first point of connection for campers and staff who need support. I would connect people with the Nefesh Faculty who are made up of social workers and other mental health professionals.
What was the most rewarding part of your time at camp?
Now more than ever, it was amazing to be around so many wonderful, young, Jewish people. I loved seeing staff that had previously been my campers passing down the experiences that were so impactful for me to the next generation. Winning the weekly CIT vs. Staff Shabbat frisbee game was also pretty satisfying :)
What part of your experience are you bringing back to Rodef Sholom?
One of the things that struck me was how people interact with Judaism in so many different ways. For me, that has always been sports, and for so many at camp it is through the music. I am excited that my former Camp Newman counselor Toby Pechner has joined the Rodef Sholom team, and to see him help to create new memories through Jewish music here.
What was your favorite part of camp?
I went on the star hike—an overlook where you can all of camp—on the last night I was at camp. It was sunset, and from that vantage point I could see four different sessions circled together singing and celebrating havdalah.
How are Rodef Sholom youth a part of the Camp Newman team?
Rodef Sholom youth are counselors, unit heads, and campers! Rodef Sholom is represented in almost every session, from the youngest bonim campers (3rd and 4th grade) to the counselors in training (incoming 12th graders).
Are camp Shabbats as magical as they sound?
Camp Shabbats are an experience so magical that I have a hard time fully capturing it in written words. My favorite part is when the entire camper community is blessed by all of the staff, with the counselors holding tallitot over the heads of everyone. My feet are just finally recovering from all of the dancing that happens in celebration after Shabbat dinner.
I hear there's a new chef on staff. What was the best thing you ate in the Chadar (dining room)?
The food at camp with Chef Danny Robinow is so good! Breakfast at camp is my absolute favorite meal, but my favorite dish is definitely the teriyaki chicken.
