Camp Is right around the corner and 17-year-old Ally Train can’t wait. She’s off to Wimberley, Texas, next month to become a CIT at a Jewish overnight camp. Ally, who got her first taste of camp at the age of 4 when attending Camp Milldale in Reisterstown, spent a number of years as a camper there.
We spoke with this Franklin High School junior about why she loves camp.
Why Texas?
My family is originally from Texas. We moved to Baltimore when I was little; however my aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins still live there. Going to Jewish camp in Texas meant having a chance to see them and attending camp with my cousins.
Do you have favorite memories?
I still remember when I was little. We learned about Jewish weddings by putting on a wedding ceremony. Everyone had a role. I was the bride’s mother and got to stand to the left of the chuppah.
During my last year, we camped in the Southwest, in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. There were so many great adventures, like whitewater rafting, and we learned how to work together.
Tell me about last summer?
I went to a Jewish camp in upstate New York and I met Jewish kids from all over the world. We focused on social action issues from a Jewish perspective. We researched a topic – I focused on Syrian refugees. Then we traveled to D.C. and lobbied our congressmen and senators. It was an amazing experience, works with our close camp friends and feeling like we were making a difference.
You mentioned camp friends.
I made some of my best friends at camp. Even though I don’t see them often, we’re very close. I think when you spend extended time together in a bunk, and go through similar experiences, some good, some not – like living through bugs, thunderstorms and even homesickness – the bond gets stronger.
A few years ago you went to The Associated’s Center for Jewish Camping Leadership Summit.*
I had a chance to get an inside view on how things are done at camp, like how to make sure every camper feels at home for however long they are away. I’m going to use what I learned when I’m a CIT this summer.
How has Jewish camp influenced you?
I’m very involved with USY (United Synagogue Youth). I don’t think I would have been as interested in getting involved if not for camp. USY is very similar to camp – we sing the same songs; we have an incredible bond and it’s a place you feel accepted. Camp has taught me about being Jewish, and it did so in fun ways.
Interested in finding the right Jewish day or overnight camp for your child? Contact Janna Zuckerman at The Associated’s Center for Jewish Camping for a FREE camp consultation. Email her at jzuckerman@associated.org or visit us at livecamp.org.
* The Jewish Camping Leadership Summit was funded by The Jacob & Hilda Blaustein Fund for the Enrichment of Jewish Education.
Top photo: Ally Train (standing right) having fun with her camp friends.
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