Hi, I’m Molly Baer (Okun), and my eight transformative summers (2000–2007) as a camper at URJ Camp George didn’t just give me great memories, these summers set the entire trajectory of my life. Camp George laid the foundation for my love of Jewish camp, informal Jewish education, and the development of my Jewish identity. It was where I first climbed a ropes course and learned that I could do anything I set my mind to; where creative bunk and unit programs sparked my passion for programming; and where epic Maccabiah competitions built friendships across ages and showed me what true teamwork could look like.

From Camp George, I went on to become a camper and staff member at URJ Kutz Camp (z”l), and eventually to five additional Jewish camps across North America, each one reinforcing the spark that began on Maple Lake. The values and confidence I gained during my summers at George guided me into my professional life. In my career as a Jewish camp and communal professional, I constantly draw on the skills and memories nurtured during my camper years. Many of the creative, relationship-centered programs I have designed as an educator were inspired by the ones my own counselors and unit heads crafted for me.

Beyond programming and leadership, Camp George taught me Jewish values that continue to shape who I am today: chesed (kindness), tikkun olam (the responsibility to repair and improve the world), community responsibility, and joy in Jewish living. These values didn’t stay at camp, for they are now integral to how I show up in my work and in life.

Today, I’m proud to work at the Foundation for Jewish Camp, supporting year-round camp professionals across the field, including Lauren, Associate Director of URJ Camp George and a member of Cohort V of FJC’s Yitro Leadership Program. This past summer, through my role at FJC, I had the opportunity to return to Maple Lake and bring with me five camp professionals from across North America to see Camp George in action. The moment I stepped back onto camp, it felt like coming home. Even though everything looked a little smaller than I remembered, the feeling, the energy, the memories, and the ruach were exactly the same. Visiting during the CG Games was especially powerful. Hearing the cheers and seeing captains lead their teams with confidence and heart filled me with hope and excitement about the future of camp. I left knowing that the future Camp George and Jewish camp is in very good hands.

I am a proud alumna of URJ Camp George, and I’m grateful every day that I get to continue working in the field of Jewish camping, still learning from, partnering with, and cheering on the incredible Camp George community that helped shape me into who I am today.