We picked Riley up today from his second year at Camp JCA Shalom and, as predicted, it's been a rough re-entry. There have been lots of tears this afternoon, as Riley can't stop missing his counselors (especially Riona, up there on the left, who has ushered in two very successful summer camp experiences for The Ra).
As he cried on my shoulder tonight, I found myself getting teary, too. I couldn't stop thinking about all these amazing people who gave my son such a memorable and magical opportunity to grow, learn and connect. There is no way to describe what being at camp is like, and the impact it has on you. My childhood years through my early 20s were spent remembering how much I missed the two weeks I was at Camp Akiba every year and looking forward to summer when I could go again. From camper to CIT to years as a counselor ... camp played a large part in making me who I am today - from the music I listen to to my approach to Judaism to relating to my own kids.
Riley went for five nights again this summer, but is ready for the full two-week session next year (as Holden is doing now). All afternoon, Riley's talked about all the new food he likes (falaffels) and his desire to eat more kosher, story times in the cabin, climbing the hardest route on the rock wall, visiting the garden and the baby animals, energetic song sessions with Robbo and so much more. But, mostly, he's talked about the people with whom he's shared in these experiences and grown to love. He made friends with the boys in his his cabin, but he left his heart with his counselors who treated him so well and with so much love and kindness. They had such wonderful things to say about him - how he was so helpful, always had a smile on his face and gives the best hugs.
So as he cried tonight, I let him know it's ok to feel this way. In fact, it's good he does. These are connections that will last a lifetime and I am so proud of him for letting his heart guide him on this journey.
(Photos via Camp JCA Shalom, which posts pictures every day of camp life for us to watch and share in.)
