Ever think you were dropping your kids off at Camp Shai for “some fun in the sun, a bit of crafts and just some good old fashioned summer play”? Okay, well maybe you are. But then again, Camp Shai is so much more! Each week, Camp Shai kids learn about “Middot” or Jewish values and how these can be applied to every day life.

Last week, Camp Shai-ers learned about the Middot of “Achrayut” or responsibility. In exploring this topic, kids, counselors and camp leaders felt the need to take responsibility for what was going on around them in their very own state of Colorado. They set out on a mission to be responsible for helping the victims of the devastating Colorado wildfires. Both North and South locations decided to sell Camp Shai water bottles and bracelets in order to collect money for the fire victims. The children of Camp Shai wrote cards and sent letters home to their parents asking for both monetary and other donations such as gently used books, toys, clothing etc. They also took it upon themselves to go door to door with their parents collecting money for the victims.

In just one week, some one hundred or so campers raised a total of $456.33 which they will donate to the American Red Cross.

This week, as the campers learned about the Middot of “Modah Ani” or gratitude, they pledged to continue their efforts in helping the victims of the fires. At Friday’s Shabbat gathering campers were asked by Dani Salinger, one of the Camp Shai directors what else they planned to do. One child spoke of how he had made a bag filled with different things such as soaps and bandaids that could be given to someone who needed it and another talked about the “Tzedkah” boxes they had made together where they would collect more change in the upcoming weeks to be donated to a charity of their choice.

Friday’s Shabbat gathering brought all cabins together where they commemorated their joint efforts to show the Middot of Achrayut and Modah Ani with a presentation of a big check for the money gathered for the Red Cross. Campers, big and small, joyously sang and celebrated as they joined in what a true community is – one that cares enough to make a difference.

If you would like your children to experience these valuable lessons, life-long memories and yes, some fun in the sun, there are still spaces available in Session III, July 16-August 3. Register by Friday, July 13 and get 10% off !