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Session 1, Day 8

Seven days ago, the campers of session one gathered at the Denver Jewish Day School to load the buses, or took the long drive up to camp with their parents, maybe nervous but excited as well. Now a week has gone by, and in that time, campers have already participated in activities they never thought possible, done things they never thought they would be able to do, made connections with people from all over the world, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

This morning, however, started with a tinge of sadness, as we said goodbye to our mini campers. Though they only stay for a week, they left their mark on the camp, and will be missed by many. Tears were shed as they finished their last meal, not only by the minis but by their friends in other cabins, and staff members as well. Though they had only known each other for a week, the friendships they made will last years, and the many goodbyes were heartfelt. The camp put their hands together to form a tunnel for the minis to go through as they sang a goodbye song, and then the entire Chalutzim unit gathered in the commons for one last song circle before the vans were loaded and parents arrived.

For the rest of the camp, morning activities continued as usual – but the afternoon held a special program in store. With ten staff members from Israel, signs for an “Israel Trail” in the Outer 400, and the Israeli flag flying right next to the American one, Israel has always been a part of Ranch Camp culture. So today was Israel Day, a celebration of the country that is so important to camp life.

The program started in the morning, when campers climbed the stairs of the Israeli-flag adorned Chad to a breakfast of shakshuka, a traditional Israeli breakfast food consisting of eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce with onion and pepper. The Israeli menu continued into the afternoon, with a lunch of falafel, pita, and tzatziki sauce. The meals were a prime example of the encouragement and support that Ranch Camp brings, as campers tried foods that were new to them and were surprised to find a new favorite dish.

After a restful menucha, cabins met in the commons as is usual – but instead of splitting up for chugs, they combined into their activity groups and traveled around camp to five different stations, where they played games to learn trivia about Israel, learned traditional dances, participated in an all-camp art project, and even made their own pita!

Israel Day came to a close with one last Israel-themed program. After dinner, campers went back to their cabins to prepare for the shuk, or market. Each group created goods to sell, and then gathered in the Chad to exchange what the others had made for monopoly-money style “shekels.” Campers could snack on brownies and lemonade, adopt a paper dog, get their hair or nails done, or play games with others. On the other side of the Chad campers burned off some steam before bed with Israeli dance, including a new dance that was introduced tonight.

Many of the experiences that campers get here are unique to camp, and Israel day is certainly no exception. As campers participated in the many activities, they got to learn about a different culture in an accepting and open environment, without judgement of their own background or the background of others. Ranch Camp is, above all, a safe place for kids to explore and express themselves and learn about their Jewish community all over the world, and today exemplified that perfectly.

Session 1, Day 6

Most days at camp at gorgeously sunny, the skies clear and bright, not a cloud to be seen. But in Colorado, the weather is never guaranteed, and sometimes the wind blows cold, bringing in clouds and opening up to rain.

What started today as a light wind turned into a thunderstorm by the afternoon, delaying the start of chugs. Because of Ranch Camp’s elevation, potential lightning can pose a danger, so for safety’s sake, it was important for campers to stay in their cabins. However, this didn’t dampen the camper’s spirits. Many took advantage of the extended menucha (or rest hour) to write letters, read, and save up energy for the night’s activities. Other cabins made the rainy day as fun as they could, playing card games with their cabin or even having a dance party inside.

Though chugs were delayed, they were not cancelled, and after the worst of the storm abated the camp again gathered in the commons. The weather, now safe, was still a bit gray, and the campers happily joined in some rainy-day activities. Some played board games with friends, while others read or journaled. In another sheltered area, campers played more active games, like ninja or speedy rabbit, a game in which kids have to move fast or risk losing their spot in the circle. Some other campers gathered in the corral. Though the horses had been let out of the stables, as is protocol in the event of a storm, the kids were not upset by losing their opportunity to ride – instead, they were able to groom and paint on (with wet chalk, which washes out easily) the two horses who had not been let loose, and even got a hands-on lesson on how to rope a cow.

By the evening, the weather had improved even more, and after an afternoon inside, the campers were itching for some action. The excitement in the room was palpable as the evening program was announced – Mission Impossible. Cabins worked as teams to run around the camp in search of a staff member, posing as CIA agents. It was the campers’ job, once the staff member was found, to disguise them to be impossible to recognize by enemy agents. As the sun went down, the camp gathered in the Mo and watched the disguised staff, sporting the names and personalities that the campers gave them, compete in a Mr. and Mrs. Ugly contest.

As is true anywhere, things at Ranch Camp do not always go as planned, but this never puts a damper on the fun and excitement that permeates the community. The activities, chugs, and programs are always flexible, ready to adapt to the day and ensure that everyone is able to participate, no matter the circumstance.

Session 1, Day 6 

The days at Ranch Camp are full of action. In cabin groups, activity groups, or during Chugs, campers get to experience the many activities that camp has to offer. But there’s only one time at camp when the entire community gets to do an activity all together – and this is during the evening program.

For many campers, the evening programs are the most memorable moments at camp. After dinner, campers have time to change into warmer clothes and fill up their water bottles before meeting in the camp commons to learn what exactly they’ll get to do that night. From dances on the basketball court to talent shows in the Mo (short for mo’adon, meaning “room”), there’s an evening activity for everyone. Of the multitude of programs that are run throughout the session, two of the most beloved are campfire and Gold Rush.

Campfire is usually held twice a session – once to open the session, and another to bring the session to a close. This session’s opening campfire was held on Monday night, the sky clear and stars visible as the camp gathered around the fire, clad in sweatshirts and brandishing flashlights. Campers sang songs, listened to stories, and roasted marshmallows (kosher ones, of course) as the sun went down. After the past few days of getting to know each other, campers had a blast singing and dancing with friends old and new.

After a more relaxed evening program, the next night held something much more active in store – Gold Rush. A camp favorite, the program consists of cabins running around the camp to collect pieces of gold (or painted rocks), then exchanging them at the bank for fun prizes like root beer floats, face painting, and even a chance to pie a member of the staff in the face!

Though most evening programs begin after dinner, this one began during it, and it began with a bang. While dressed in western garb, staff member Rachel told the camp of her travels through the country, and how she had come here to Ranch Camp to hide her gold. The story had only just drawn to a close when several bandits, all dressed in black, burst into the Chad and stole her gold!

The bandits are a staple of Gold Rush. While cabins travel back and forth between the bank (situated in South Village) and the sports field (in North Village) on their quest for gold, the bandits run amok. By holding hands and capturing a bandit in a circle, cabins can turn in these vigilantes in exchange for even more gold.

Dinner ended and everyone flooded out of the Chad, the entire camp transported back to the old West. As the teams amassed gold, they got their pictures taken, ate snacks at the saloon, and bartered for golden mementos. The festivities ended right before sunset, all of the campers happy with their purchases and all of the gold returned to its rightful owner.

Over the course of the session, there will be many more evening activities, some full of energy and others more relaxed. Though each program is unique, they all have one thing in common – they will be full of new experiences and moments for each camper to grow, and though they may only last one night, they will create happy memories that will stay with each camper for a lifetime.

Session 1, Day 4

With so many activities for each cabin to do, and exciting new “Chugim” (or free choice activities) offered each afternoon, no two days at Ranch Camp are exactly the same. The schedule, however, remains constant, with Chugim after lunch, cabin activities before, and degel, the morning circle, before breakfast to open up the day.

Today’s degel was especially full of energy. After Modeh Ani, the entire camp joined in a call and repeat song, then another round of Shiga’on, learning even more Hebrew words – today, “mazleg” (fork) and “agvaniot” (tomatoes) were added to the words we learned yesterday. Those words also happened to be the names of each unit at camp – “Chalutzim” meaning explorers, for the minis and youngest campers; “Metapsim” meaning climbers, for the 5th and 6th graders, and “Toshavim” meaning dwellers, for the 7th and 8th graders.

The names of each unit represent a mountain – while the youngest campers are at the base of the mountain, exploring a new environment for the first time, the oldest campers have settled on the top, and now think of camp as their second home. The ages between, hiking up the mountain, are often somewhere in the middle. The most important part is that we all live on the same mountain together. Metapsim support the Chalutzim in beginning their climb (or first session at camp), and give them the encouragement they need to continue, while Toshavim foster the sense of community that is felt by so many at Ranch Camp, making sure that everyone is included.

This relationship between the separate units was evident with the start of the day, as the different cabins met in the commons to break into separate groups for the morning’s activities. Though in the past cabins have traveled to activities together, Ranch Camp has implemented that campers will get to experience camp this year with the company of those in their same unit. In only a few days of activities, campers have branched out more than they ever have before, bonding with different ages and genders instead of just their own. After having a great day, campers are able to go back to their cabin and share their different experiences with their cabin mates.

After lunch and “menucha” (an hour of rest to get out of the sun), chugim began. Though free activities had been run on Friday, the chugim were a new experience to many, and one that is unique to Ranch Camp – many Jewish summer camps don’t give the option to choose activities. Of the two chugim, one changes every day, giving the campers an opportunity to try everything from identifying flowers in the Outer 400 (the wooded area that borders camp) to mixing cookie dough for that night’s dessert.

The other chug is a week-long activity. Kids spend a week creating their own board games, competing in mini-Olympics, or even acting in a musical. Every day, the campers get to know their community better, as chugim are not split up by cabin or unit, and knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment gives the kids the courage to step out of their comfort zones and choose activities that are new to them.

The rest of the week stands on the horizon, and with it comes possibility. As the activities continue and new Chugim are introduced, each camper will learn, grow, and thrive with the knowledge that their counselors, friends, units, and community all have their back.

 

Session 1, Days 2-3

Time moves differently here at Ranch Camp. While the rest of the world speeds along, each moment just a precursor to the next, we take the time to appreciate each minute we are here. Living in the moment is not just a goal, but a reality – and this is especially true during Shabbat.

Friday morning started bright and early, the campers wide awake and eager to start their first full day at camp. Degel (Hebrew for “flag,” what we call the morning circle before breakfast) foreshadowed the fantastic energy that was to come with the rest of the day. We sang Modeh Ani to welcome our souls back into our bodies, and then the song Shiga’on (or “crazy”) to learn some new Hebrew words.

Like the day before, the morning was filled with activities, but the afternoon brought the start of Shabbat. Services and Friday night dinner are a little less structured than the rest of the week, which can be difficult to navigate without help. But nobody was without help this week, as the returning campers took their new friends under their wing, making sure that they were comfortable and enjoying this special time at camp.

After the morning activities and lunch, Shabbat prep began. As the first half of the day had been spent covered in sweat, sunscreen, and dirt, it was a welcome change to be able to clean up and don nicer clothes than is customary for camp. Some time was spent gathered in South Village, taking pictures and catching up with friends, before moving down into the pavilions for services.

Many times during services, and a few more times during dinner, the voices of the entire camp joined together in song. Here, it doesn’t matter if you sing off key, or if you have the wrong rhythm – the spirit and meaning behind our voices is what makes the sound so beautiful. In those moments, which villages they lived in or which age group they were a part of had no effect on the campers – they were only members of the Ranch Camp family, not divided in any way.

Full from the amazing Shabbat dinner – brisket, noodle soup, and vegetables – the camp flooded out of the Chad and to the basketball court for some rikkud, or Israeli dance. The camp followed along with the dances, some new songs and others that have been part of Ranch Camp tradition for years. The large streetlight kept the court bright after the sun had gone down, providing a circle of light for one last song session before bed.

The day had been long, and campers fell asleep quickly, worn out but satisfied and looking forward to a relaxed Saturday – especially a late wake up and walk in breakfast of lox and bagels, another camp tradition.

Saturdays at camp are notably different from the rest of the week. Instead of jumping from one activity to the next, we take time to reflect on ourselves and the week ahead, and to appreciate the beauty of the nature that surrounds us. Services in the morning, and free activities in the afternoon (and, of course, chocolate canteen), allow the campers to get used to the rhythm of camp and spend more time getting to know each other without the usual hustle and bustle of the rest of the week.

As the Sabbath came to a close, the camp gathered one last time at the basketball court for Havdalah, holding hands and spiraling in to sit in a circle with the people who are quickly becoming a family. The blessings over the wine (or, in our case, grape juice) and spices employ all five of the senses, and everyone became quiet as they tuned in to the world around them, the smell of pine trees and dirt carried by the soft breeze whistling through the branches.

The final portion of Havdalah summed up the entire day perfectly, as some returning campers stood up to tell the camp why they chose to return again. Second year camper Grayson, from Cabin 4, voiced what everyone was feeling: “I came back to Ranch Camp because the community is very strong, and it doesn’t take long to make a lot of really good friends.”

It couldn’t have been said better. Tomorrow brings the first regular weekday at camp, a day that will be packed full of action and experiences – experiences that will give each and every camper an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun, supported as they are by the Ranch Camp community.

Session 1, Day 1

Today was a day of transition. As the school year comes to a close, the summer begins, long awaited by many. Returning campers have grown a year since we last saw them, physically taller but wiser as well. New campers ease into the unfamiliar environment, supported by their Madrichim and cabin mates, the atmosphere of inclusion and camaraderie evident before the campers even loaded the buses.

Whether a camper is returning for their eighth year or just discovering their new home away from home, each and every one is excited. Though the morning at camp began silently, the air nearly buzzed with energy as, after a ride that seemed to take years, the gate swung open, the crunch of gravel was heard under the tires of the cars and buses, and this session’s campers arrived at JCC Ranch Camp.

After a lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup (the customary first meal of the session, a Ranch Camp tradition), the newly formed cabins traveled together around the camp, getting their bearings and learning the ropes while getting to know each other as well. Though the sun started to hide behind the clouds in the afternoon, the kids’ contagious energy was not abated by the hint of stormy weather. Shouts of cheer and excited greetings could be heard all across the property as the cabins played icebreaker games, joined in a rousing session of gaga, visited the health center, got their cabin pictures taken, and tried on boots at the corral.

Dinner was loud, as it should be at camp, a hundred different voices echoing off the walls and high ceilings of the Chad (the camp’s dining hall, short for chadar o’chel). Meals are so different here than they are at school cafeterias, an environment where creativity is encouraged and kids can try new foods without having to worry about whether or not they will leave feeling full – after tonight’s meal of spaghetti and garlic bread, everyone was satisfied.

Once dinner was cleaned up and everyone had a chance to change into warmer clothes, the evening program began. Tonight’s program was Bombardier, a mix between a trivia challenge and a race. Cabins competed to answer the most questions, while running between question stations and trying to avoid getting “bopped” by a Bombardier. Every cabin that got tagged – which was most – had to shout for a medic, and then solve a team building puzzle to continue the game. Kids got to learn about camp and get to know each other while burning off some energy before bedtime.

Camp quieted with the sunset. As exhausted but content campers said goodnight to their cabins and climbed into their beds, another silence settled over the camp – but this silence was different than the one in the morning. This silence is full, the presence of the campers tangible in the air. The people who make camp the special place it has been for so many years are back. Ranch Camp’s source of positive energy, that unique energy that many miss during the school year, is here again and raring to go. Already, it’s obvious that Ranch Camp 2018 will be one of the best years yet.

The summer has finally begun.