Saying Goodbye: Reflections on Session 1

As we prepare to say goodbye to our incredible Session 1 campers, we’re filled with a mix of pride, gratitude, and a touch of sadness. The past two weeks have been filled with song, sunshine, adventure, and deep connection. While we’re not quite ready for it to end, we are so proud of everything your camper has been a part of.

This week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach Lecha, tells the story of twelve scouts sent to explore the Promised Land. Ten return full of fear. Two, Caleb and Joshua, return full of hope. They see the same challenges, but choose a different perspective: one rooted in courage and trust.

At Ranch Camp, your children have learned how to see the world, and themselves, through that same hopeful lens. They’ve made new friends, tried things that felt unfamiliar or even scary, and discovered the joy of showing up fully as themselves in a supportive, unplugged community. These are not small accomplishments. These are life-shaping moments.

The “real world” can feel big after the close-knit world of camp, and we know the transition home can come with lots of emotions. But just like the scouts carried their experiences into the next part of their journey, your camper is bringing the best of camp with them. They’re carrying the friendships they built, the confidence they discovered, the songs they’ll still be humming weeks from now, and the courage to keep growing.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. We’re so grateful to be part of their story and to have them as part of ours. This community doesn’t end with the session; it lives in the way we care for one another, in the stories we tell, and in the light your camper now carries with them.

Shabbat Shalom from your Ranch Camp family.