The Power of Summer Camp

Some of my best friends from Mosh
Adina, Hannah, Me, Bria and Goldi. 

The sign for Agahozo Shalom Youth Village.

     As another session of summer camp begins, I start to think about the ways that summer camp has shaped me and helped me to embark on this journey to Rwanda. From 1997 until 2011, I attended the wonderful Habonim Dror Camp Moshava located in Street, Maryland. For 15 years I devoted my summers to camp and school years to being an active member of the youth movement. During my time at camp I learned many things: I learned about who I am, how to be a member of society, the importance of tikkun olam (repairing the world), how to make everlasting friendships just to name a few. But most importantly, I learned how to use my values to affect change in my community, both locally and internationally.

Me serving campers water.

     The work that I engage in in my current service project, volunteering in Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda, is a testament to the values and ideals that Mosh instilled in me. Without the guidance of family, peers and counselors at Mosh, I would not be where I am today. Mosh taught me how to push myself to new limits and challenge myself no matter where I go. It taught me how to open up to the people that I work with and create a safe space in which they feel comfortable trusting and respecting me. I learned how to communicate with others and how to navigate difficult relationships. Camp taught me how to be myself and share my knowledge of the world with others. It taught me how to care for the world and not just sit back while atrocities were happening around me. Mosh taught me many things, but most importantly, Mosh taught me how to love and care for others. 

In a mushanana (traditional dress) at a wedding.

     My time in Rwanda has been a learning experience. It has put my values and skills to a test. But after 6 months of exploring the Village and understanding my role, I can say I've passed the test. All of the skills and values that I acquired over 15 years is coming to fruition through my work at ASYV. I am sharing myself with  staff and students here the way that they are sharing their struggles and outlook on life with me. The work that I am producing is valued. The relationships that i'm building here are invaluable. Overall, I'd say I'm doing quite fine here in rural Rwanda. 

     As my friends and campers depart for another incredible, life transforming summer at the lovely Camp Moshava, I continue to do my work in Rwanda with pride. I am grateful for the people and structures that helped me to be where I am today. And I hope that the lessons that I have taught my campers in the States and my students in Rwanda continue to inspire them to become empowering, active members within their communities. Thank you  Mosh for paving the way for me to be a Mosh success story! Think one person can change the world? One step at a time. I do. 

A tea plantation in the Western Province of Rwanda.  

My brother, sister and I in my tent at camp in 2009.  

P.S. Thanks parents and siblings for relentlessly believing in me.

"If you see far, you will go far" (A mantra at ASYV).