Leah’s Mitzvah Project: Bringing the Joy of Camp George to Everyone
Camp George is an enormous part of our family’s life. For many years our three children, Alex, Leah, and Aerin have enjoyed spending their summers on beautiful Maple Lake. They love the activities (swimming, crafts, and especially water-skiing), and have developed friendships that will last their entire lives. Every June, as soon as they finish school, we say goodbye, and….several weeks later…they return as happier, more mature, and well rounded people. Most importantly to us, as parents, Camp George helps solidify their Jewish identities. Living in Burlington, the public schools are predominantly non-Jewish. Our kids are frequently the only Jewish people in their class. Luckily we have the privilege of being part of an incredible congregation at Shaarei Beth El. With this, as well as with the summers at Camp George, we know that our children have a solid base that will allow them to become successful Jewish adults.
As it has played such a pivotal role in our children’s lives, it came as no surprise that our daughter Leah was keen on giving back to her Camp George community.
In her recent Bat Mitzvah Dvar Torah she wrote “…for my mitzvah project I have decided to spend time making decorative bracelets as a thank you gift for those who will help me raise money to donate to an important charity – the Camp George Scholarship Campaign. I have been lucky enough to spend the last 5 summers at Camp George. Camp George is an amazing place with so much to do and learn. I have met so many wonderful people at camp. Some of my best friends are from camp. I have learned so much from Camp George including how fantastic it is to be a part of a Jewish Community. Unfortunately not everyone is able to afford to come to this amazing place. I hope that my mitzvah project will help so that everyone is able to share my amazing experiences.”
Leah put in the time and effort and was able to raise significantly more than she ever expected. It is heartwarming for us to know that she will be making a difference, so that everyone has the opportunity to experience the fun, the education and the spiritual growth that Camp George fosters.
Morry Black and Alisa Belshaw
