As I walked through camp this week I was immersed in the experiences that contribute to what makes Camp Wise an incredible community for all. I saw campers grow with pride as they chose the horse they would ride, I heard some of our first recorded podcasts (more information coming shortly on how to listen in), and I saw campers reaching out and taking care of each other with kindness.
The first week of the summer just flew by! Already campers have had opportunities to experience all the best of Camp Wise. From cheer-offs and song sessions in the chadar (dining hall) to jet ski rides around the CW lake, tie dye, sports and more; it already feels like our community of 500 is just one big happy family. Solel even left camp for their first out of camp trip!
Each day, I am able to foster a cabin and larger community in which I get to see people fall in love with something I love so much (camp!). While the magic of Camp Wise is hard to make tangible, it surely exists and everyone who drives through the gates will soon feel it too.
The impact that camp has had on Liza is beyond words. She is trying new things without much fear. Her confidence has grown. My quiet, keep-to-herself, beats-to-her-own-drum daughter is now a JV Basketball cheerleader for her high school. I still do not believe my eyes when I watch her cheer.
I cannot help but thank Camp Wise for the transformation that Liza has made. She is ready for her Solel experience and cannot wait to see what the summer will bring.
Only a few months into my son’s first year of preschool, I heard him singing at the table as he ate his snack. It didn’t surprise me, my kid LOVES to sing (thank you, musician husband). It also didn’t surprise me that, at first, I couldn’t quite place (read: understand) what he was singing; he wasn’t even 2 years old at the time. But as I made my way back to the table, what I thought was just gibberish became clearer to me.
This is just about the time of year when we are all missing those warm summer days at camp, but there’s no need to fear! With the cold and snowy weather, it is the perfect opportunity to participate in our Winter Weekend programs at Camp Wise. These programs are for current camp families with campers in grades 5-8, and for any age-eligible children that are interested in coming to Camp Wise for the first time this summer!
When you’re at Camp Wise, you’re ALWAYS happy! I think that’s because you’re always doing something you love at camp. Even though sometimes people get homesick, the AMAZING counselors always help you feel good.
I am pleased to share the news that Abby Kaufman will be joining the year-round Camp Wise team as our Assistant Director of Camper and Staff Life. In this role Abby will manage staff recruitment and hiring, villages and camper care, and our Staff-in-Training (SIT) program.
My children made friends for life at Camp Wise; they developed a new found independence and a sense of pride that they went out of their comfort zone. It mattered that they were surrounded by genuine campers and counselors who cared about them, counselors that they could laugh with and new friends to play games with, people who they learned to trust.
We are excited for Summer 2017 Registration to open on Tuesday, September 13th for all campers! Help us celebrate and join the Camp Wise Team in Columbus (Sept. 11) and Cleveland (Sept. 12) for a sweet treat. This is also a great opportunity to meet our Camp Director, Rachel Felber and get a preview of Summer 2017.