Welcome to the first edition of our Summer 2025 weekly newsletter! Each week, usually just in time for Shabbat, we’ll be sending updates to help you feel connected to the joy, energy, and community here at camp. We hope these glimpses into camp life help bring your camper’s letters to life (the first of which were written during yesterday’s Rest Hour!).

Since Opening Day, camp has been buzzing with activity, smiles, and spirit. The last day and a half have been filled with amazing programming, shared laughter, and the start of so many new friendships and camp memories. We finally got a break from the heat and the camp is alive with energy, from soccer fields and art studios to hiking trails and lakefront fun.

For those using the Campanion App, we hope you’re enjoying the convenience and the magic of seeing your camper’s face pop up through facial recognition. If you haven’t set it up yet, it’s quick and easy:

• Download Campanion from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Log in using your MyCampTevya email and password
• Upload a training photo of your camper to activate facial recognition
• Enable push notifications to receive timely camp updates

You can also email your camper directly through the app or your desktop login

Value of the Week: Community

Our value focus this week began last Shabbat during staff orientation, where we emphasized the importance of Kehillah—Community. Whether someone is here for their first or fifth summer, we want every camper and staff member to feel deeply connected and valued.

During Tarboot classes, campers explored this week’s value of Community, and what an appropriate way to begin the summer. Tarboot classes this week focused on the ways in which we feel community at camp, and how we can all contribute to a stronger camp community while we are here.

Sneak peek…next week’s value is Courage.

Camp Life Highlights

Our first night kicked off with high energy and tons of laughter as campers watched the Department Skits, introducing all of our activity areas in true camp fashion. We ended the evening in classic Tevya style singing the Alma Mater and Rad Hayom together as a whole camp.  It’s always exciting to hear the first all camp singing of these traditional camp songs.

Last night, we had our first Thursday Night BBQ, a beloved tradition featuring hotdogs, burgers, chicken, watermelon, and of course, our famous blondies. We all eat outside with our age groups in a less structured meal time than the rest of the week.

After dinner, each age group enjoyed their own special evening activity:

• Yavneh & Dalia: Classic Parachute Games
• Middle & Older Oles: “Minute to Win It” competitions on Tsof Field
• Tsofs: A brand-new hit—Silent Disco!
• Bogs: A cozy bonfire with songs, stories, and s’mores