How Camp George Shaped My Journey to Canada

I have been in Toronto for 3 months now, with the prospect of remaining here as a permanent resident in the future. But my journey started nearly 10 years ago.  

I was invited to apply for Camp George through my UK organization, RSY Netzer. I remember having the option to lead in Israel, the USA, or Canada. I couldn’t help but follow my intuition and make the trip to Camp George, Ontario (of course, with the advice and blessing of my mother).  

I was asked to provide a short entry to explore why I moved to Canada and what prompted this visceral reaction to follow my dream all those years ago. I’ve spent some time pondering the question: How did Camp George impact me, and what prompted the move here? Having considerable time thinking of this question and defining it for me, I am always drawn back to one word: Kehillah – Community.  

Regressing to my past and those first few weeks prior to flying to Canada, if I knew Camp George wasn’t for me, I go back to the age old saying: nothing ventured; nothing gained.  
I decided to return the following year.  

Ever since I stepped into Camp George, the warmth and compassion were apparent in everyone. Families car-pooling to the buses and waving their children off. To the worked at Camp George who were the cogs in the machine, making sure everything ran smoothly and everyone, young and old, enjoyed their time at Camp George.  

This community aspect, Kehillah was the reason I kept in contact with all my friend’s these years.  I know without the support network and my friend’s I made along the way, I would be back in the UK. Instead, I am able to fulfill my dream of living in Toronto and being surrounded by the people I love and paving the way for the life I want to lead.  

Without kehillah, Camp George wouldn’t forever be in my heart and mind

I will leave this final sentiment. Camp George and Toronto have the aesthetic of N. America: the amazing summer camps, packed with activities for everyone. Yet the people of Europe: compassionate, caring, considerate, selfless. The list goes on.  
Without Camp George, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. For that I will forever be grateful

Written by: Josh D’Arcy