Empowering Our Youth: Holy Blossom’s Connection to Camp George

At Holy Blossom, we are so proud that we send approximately 40 of our congregants up to Maple Lake each summer as campers, as staffers, and as faculty.

For us as faculty, it’s one of our best weeks of the summer: we get to connect with our members in a much more relaxed, informal manner, be surrounded by the most incredible immersive Reform Jewish environment, and, as a perk, enjoy the natural beauty of Muskoka.

One of the most amazing parts of camp is the empowerment it provides to our children, teens and university-aged students, as it is an atmosphere created by them, for them (with the help of the professional leadership, of course).

It teaches them a myriad of skills they could never have imagined – whether they are practical, such as lifesaving or ropes supervision, or softer focused, like teamwork, communication, organisation, and resilience – which they could only learn at camp, but which will ultimately set them up for life.

This past summer, naturally, was different, in the wake of October 7 and subsequent events. We were so moved to have many opportunities to hear from students of all ages how they had been affected, in the high school hallways and on university campuses. We were also deeply impressed by Camp’s response, which included extensive Israel education during staff orientation, and bringing on their largest mischlachat (contingent) of Israelis. This allowed for camp to be a safe space to explore Zionism and for Israel to be an integrated part of everyday life on Maple Lake, and a safe space for everyone to celebrate being Jewish with joy and pride.

Back home in Toronto, we know this special, sacred time was a much-needed respite for campers of all ages and stages before returning to the “real world” and it’s challenges, which only seem to increase. We are so grateful to Camp George for being the bubble these campers needed and deserved.

Back home in Toronto, we are also thrilled to have Camp George be a big part of congregational life at Holy Blossom, whether it is at Family Shabbat services, chaggim celebrations like Simchat Torah and Channukah, or simply to say hi to our religious school families.

We look forward to our future collaborations, and already anticipate an amazing summer in 2025 together!

Written By Lisa Isen Baumal and Rabbi Eliza McCarroll – Holy Blossom Temple

Learn more: https://holyblossom.org/