The biggest step for first timers is letting go. It’s that moment at drop off when the camper is settled and it’s time to say goodbye to start a different kind of summer.

No, I’m not talking about the campers; I’m talking about the parents.

Up until that moment you’ve probably done a great job getting your child ready for summer camp. You’ve signed them up, gotten them all the camp gear, spent hours poring over lists, you’ve put their name in all of their underwear, packed up all the shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes and sporting gear that they will ever need (and some that they won’t). Then that moment comes and it’s hard to let go.

You want to stay. Yes, you know that their stuff is good to go; you know they’re in good hands. You’ve met the counselor and a few of the bunkmates. But you just can’t bring yourself to go. I mean, this is your baby, I understand, it’s hard.

But here’s the problem: it’s harder if you stay. You need to go, not only for yourself, but for your camper.  They’ll have a great time.

The flowers are now all planted in their summer homes all over camp – and this is a sure sign that the campers will soon be here!  Much of the less-visible work has been completed. As I walked around camp this morning, the entire camp is abuzz with anticipation of another exciting summer here at Camp Pembroke.  There is much that happens behind the scenes (and has since the end of last summer) as we get ready to populate the empty cabins, and as each task is completed, we get closer and closer to our season opening.

We have a very dedicated support staff who are hard at work in the kitchen, on housekeeping, and on maintenance.  They come to us from all over the world as part of a variety of cultural exchange programs.  It is always gratifying to watch them as they get to know one another and acclimate to working on a team together.  They are students from Czech Republic, Ukraine, UK, Poland, France and Mexico, studying to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals who have all decided to spend the summer with us, learning from one another and getting to know our Camp Pembroke family.

Last Friday, our first Shabbat together here at camp, I explained the meaning of Shabbat to them.  Most of them had no idea of the significance of Shabbat, nor were they in any way familiar with the rituals and traditions associated with it.  As I explained the reasons behind the kippot they were asked to wear, and lit the Shabbat candles, the support staff all sat in respectful silence.  One of our chefs said the Kiddush, followed by the hamotzi – and we explained all of this to our incredulous audience made up of students who had never experienced any of this previously.  Of course I never miss an opportunity to explain how special Shabbat is here at Camp Pembroke, and how the ruach just fills the air each week – and last night was no exception!  I guess my enthusiasm was contagious, or maybe they all just “felt” it on their own, but all I can tell you is that our support staff can hardly wait to participate in Shabbat, especially the singing and dancing that follows our Shabbat meals……. they made me promise that they could be included in this wonderful celebration!

This is just one of the things that unites us as a Camp Pembroke family, and I feel strongly that this bond be established in the early days of the season.  Camp functions because of the efforts of many, and I often feel that we do not fully appreciate or understand the role that our support staff plays in this.  They work diligently behind the scenes.  I am grateful to have such a wonderful group on our support staff this summer, and I am looking forward to getting to know them, and having them get to know us, as we form our Camp Pembroke community for the summer of 2010.

Ellen

Of course I went to camp as a camper and counselor when I was younger.  Never did I imagine that I would return to camp as an adult – and it certainly surprised most of the people I know and love!  Although people who have gone to camp seem to “get” what camp is about, I never truly understood it until I came to Camp Pembroke.

We are very excited to be launching this blog, a place you all can go to find out what is going on at camp, going on throughout the year as we prepare, or discuss ideas related to camp.

For those of you who still live for your camp friends and the relationships made here, you can visit the blog just to bring back those memories made “On Oldham Pond!” For those of you who are parents of current campers, you may get information here before your daughters even sit down to write you about it!  And for those of you who are considering camp for your daughters and granddaughters in the future, this is a vehicle for you to keep up with all that we do here at camp that makes our campers count the days until camp begins each summer.

I have been here at camp for now almost two weeks, working with our wonderful support staff as we ready camp for our campers.  While camp is relatively empty as we anticipate the arrival of our 2010 campers, the air is filled with excitement at what is about to begin here on the shores of Lake Oldham.

Sue Barash, one of our head counselors, has just arrived to work with me for a couple of days.  As she got out of her car and took a deep breath of camp, her comment sums up what we all feel as we arrive here in our very special place on earth:  “Aaaahhhh, the smells of camp!  We are finally home again!”

Please join us through this blog so that you can experience the smells, sounds, tastes, and plain old fun of Camp Pembroke.  But, don’t just read it.  We want to hear from you too.

– Ellen