Fifteen years ago, I attended camp for the first time with my fifth-grade class during the school year. I remember feeling scared to leave my parents for a week at Camp Loma Mar, but I was also excited for an adventure.
When I think about camp, I envision an overnight camp in the redwoods, sharing a bunk bed with my “bunk buddy” and singing songs about banana slugs.
The five-day camp I attended with my fellow fifth-grade classmates provided those opportunities and more.
We learned how to work together in groups while playing morning games.
I remember playing Red Rover, joining hands with my teammates next to me. As a team, we communicated to each other effectively about game strategy, such as who to send over from the opposing team.
After we called someone from the other team, they attempted to break our long chain of hand-holding kids in which we all squeezed our hands tighter and developed strength so the opponent wouldn’t break our chain and we could win. The game also showed strong teamwork.
During the morning and night hikes, I learned how to appreciate nature and the outdoors, and I bonded with my classmates in a more fun and meaningful level — more so than sitting in a classroom.
I would encourage all students to attend a camp of some kind if they have the chance because:
* It gives you a chance to connect with your peers and the world around you.
* Camp embraces self-expression in each participant.
* It is an effective visual type of educational experience that takes information from books and puts it into reality.
A great thing about camp is that there are all sorts to choose from, with themes such as nature, sports, music, theater and religion.
Josh Cohen, an Amador Valley High alumnus, said attending a Jewish summer camp as a kid impacted him for the better.
“Camp changed my life and made me who I am today and what I want to do in life,” he said.
Cohen attended an overnight Jewish camp every summer for seven years during elementary and middle school.
“The song leaders, who lead everyone in music and prayer with singing and guitar, were so inspiring to me that I wanted to learn how to play guitar — and now I do that for a living,” Cohen added. “Camp teaches you life and social skills and is a place to have fun and be yourself.”
Rita Zwiefel, also an Amador Valley graduate, attended theater camps growing up, which also led her to a job opportunity.
“By attending camp, it started my love of theater and the arts, and I gained a lot of interpersonal skills and experiences that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise,” Zwiefel said. “It also got me my first job with the city of Pleasanton, working with summer drama camps. So it came full circle for me.”
