Dear Cohen Camps families,
When I was a kid, my mom would prompt me to tell her about my school day by asking me to share three highlights, “not including lunch and recess.” As a parent of a toddler, I’m now on the other side of that question. I want to know everything he did at school or day camp, only to hear, “I don’t know…” and see a big, sly smile. He may not give me the play-by-play, but it’s just enough. What I know from his smile and attitude is what matters: he had fun, he was safe, cared for, and valued for the silly and sweet kid he is, he tried new things, and he kept growing.
Now wrapping up my first summer in my new role as Executive Director of the Cohen Camps, I’m thinking about all of the parents in our community who trust the Cohen Camps with what they care about most in the world – their children. Whether your children share everything they experienced at camp this summer, or share very little, here are a few things that I can tell you from my time at Camps Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya this season.
They had fun. Laughter echoed from every corner – the splashes from the pools and lakes, the cheers from a game of One Bounce or 4 Square, and Dining Hall waiters that sang in unison when asking if we were done with the mac n’ cheese. Whether it was the joy of catching a fish, the thrill of a trip day, dressing up in costumes, or simply sharing the quiet, silly moments with bunkmates, our campers engaged deeply in the pure, unfiltered joy of camp. It’s these moments of fun that create the memories they’ll carry with them long after the summer ends.
They were safe, cared for, and valued for who they are. One of the most rewarding aspects of camp is watching kids be celebrated for being their authentic selves. I saw our staff taking the time to really get to know and support each child. From the lifeguards who kept a close watch during swim time to the counselors running alongside campers during Color War events, our staff was present, attentive, and engaged, caring for each child as if they were their own. I saw counselors offering a reassuring hug after a tough moment, mediating a bunk disagreement with patience and understanding, and celebrating each child’s achievements, big or small. Safety isn’t just about protocols, it’s about knowing that someone is always looking out for you and truly knows who you are. I saw that commitment by staff and trust from campers in so many interactions all summer.
They tried new things. Camp is about expanding your comfort zone, and I saw so many campers embracing that challenge. From first-time campers approaching camp activities and traditions with enthusiasm and curiosity, to the older campers stepping into leadership roles as Big Brothers or Sisters – they exuded bravery and growth. Trying new things can be scary, but with the encouragement of friends and staff, I saw campers building the confidence to take those leaps. And whether they succeeded on the first try or kept pushing until they did, what’s important is they trusted themselves and each other to try.
They kept growing. Growth at camp goes beyond learning new skills. It’s also about the subtle changes – like the camper who found their voice in group discussions, the one who became a little more patient and understanding of others, or the one who learned to trust themselves and make decisions independently. Camp is a place where kids can grow and be their best selves. This summer, I saw so many campers – whether it was their 1st or 7th summer – take important steps on that journey. They may come home a little taller or with new skills, yet it’s the personal growth that truly stands out.
Lastly, I want to appreciate and thank the Directors and Leadership Teams of each camp and the Dor L’Dor and Kadima programs, alongside the staff. At a time where being Jewish and feeling a sense of pride and belonging to a Jewish summer camp community is as important as it’s ever been, the work and commitment that the Directors put into their jobs is inspirational. Their dedication to the Cohen Camps’ Mission makes each summer possible. The Directors work all offseason to refine the goals of the upcoming summer, always with the greater mission and vision in mind, and build a team of staff that will help create the best version of camp possible – from the Counselors to the Operations Staff to the Senior Staff. Throughout the summer, I saw each Director role model the exact behavior you as parents would want to see from your child’s counselors – fully embracing campers in moments of joy and sadness, having fun while facilitating mundane and monumental camp moments, and leading with empathy and strength. At camp, they are truly in their happy places, just like your children.
As the Cohen Camps team heads into our post-camp break to decompress and recharge, thank you to our parents for trusting us to take of your children this summer. Each summer has its successes and challenges, things that went well and things we learn from. We’ll be back in September to get going on making Summer 2025 the best summer ever.
With gratitude,
Ben Portnoy
