Jacobs Camp creates everlasting memories. Though camp takes place in only four short weeks, the effects of camp on our community are ever-present. The inside jokes and the stories (embarrassing, funny, and sad) help shape kids into compassionate young adults who build a strong southern community that anyone should be proud to be a part of.

We are all the main characters of our own stories, but stories rarely have only one character or even one type of character. So it is with camp; the younger campers, older campers, counselors, unit heads, department heads, kitchen staff, and management team all have helped to make eight years worth of memories for me.

As I’ve grown older some of the magic of how camp works has been revealed to me, and I have begun to see the work staff puts into activities; however, they are no less impressive and are arguably more fun than ever.

When I was in my second year of Garin, I had a Chalutzim buddy named Eli Foree. I have many memories of playing gaga, tossing a frisbee, and singing during song session with him. These fond memories have stayed with me, and I now see Eli as a mentor and friend that I can rely on for practical advice. Now I’m in Chalutzim and soon I’ll have a Garin buddy. I hope I can help him make the same memories, and become a mentor for him somewhere down the line. Eli is a counselor now and he not only continues to help me make great memories for myself, but for other younger campers as well. As my time as a camper comes to an end, I see the fun in hanging out with other people in my unit, but I also get to pass on memories L’Dor Vador (from generation to generation). L’dor Vador didn’t used to mean much to me, but now it means that my Gariner will one day have his own. The memories that I have are only part of a chain that holds this community together. For me, there is no greater honor than helping to continue that chain.

Ethan Busch

Chalutzim Camper