Because of Apachi J Camps

Some of the best moments of my summer actually happen at the end. It’s that time when parents thank the staff and share just how important the camp experience was for their child. They can’t believe how much they have really changed over the eight weeks and they are excited to let us know. We hear things like, “He was so shy before camp and now he talks with confidence!” or “ She could barely put her face in the water and now she can swim the length of the pool!”

We often think about just how much the summer camp experience changes the campers participating in our programs but how many of you think about the impact camp has on our staff? This past summer we reached out to some staff to hear just that, learning what “gifts” the  Apachi J Camp experience has given them. We asked them to finish this sentence Because of Apachi J Camps… We centered our first Shabbat together during staff orientation around these statements. Here are a few of my favorites:

“Apachi has shown me how amazing being part of a community can be. Every summer, I enjoy meeting my fellow counselors, and I love the way each unit and the counselors/staff as a whole become a family. The dynamic between counselors is so warm and friendly, and that takes the excitement of being a counselor to the next level.”
– Eliza Martin

“Apachi has helped me grow as a person and a leader. When you have 15 campers you are in charge of, you learn to become very aware of your group, who is there, and of your surroundings. It has taught me to pay more attention to detail and not always just look at the big picture. I have learned how to discipline campers in a way that does not anger them, but in teaches them what they did wrong and how they can do better next time. Teaching lessons through mistakes is something important to take away. I think the biggest thing I’ve taken away from Apachi is that it has helped me find my voice. I used to be afraid to give my opinion and to be assertive. I would always go with the flow and go along with the way things were always done. Through being a counselor, I have learned to voice my opinions when I think something isn’t right or something can be done better. I have learned to not be afraid of being heard.”
– Hannah Brockstein

“Camp Apachi has changed me by giving me a home away from home. The families, the kids, and the staff have created such a warm and welcoming environment that has not only made me more proud of my heritage, but also has influenced my growth as a leader and as a person. Camp Apachi has taught me what it means to be a team player and has shown me that the most important things in life are about having fun and being with people you love.”
– Phoebe Handler

“Camp has helped mold me into the person I am today. I was able to grow by seeing what makes a better person in a camp setting and applied those characteristics into my everyday life. It even helped me with my job at the JCC during the fall and spring too.”
– Robbie Appelbaum

“The Jewish aspect of Apachi has helped me to better understand my religious culture.”
– Marni Pozin

“Because of Apachi, I can say with confidence, I am the person I am today. For thirteen summers, I’ve been able to grow as a leader and person, meet incredible people, and create bonds with those I will never forget. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you’re inside this tiny little bubble of Apachi Day Camp. It’s a chance to escape from reality and simply be yourself. A famous quote reads, “From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it.” There is absolutely nothing like Apachi, and I think this quote perfectly sums up what camp is all about; the positivity, the spirit, the dedication, the compassion. The magic of this camp has been instilled in my blood practically since the day I was born, and I know it will continue with me forever.”
– Lauryn Smith

As we interview staff and plan for the summer, we can be confident that we are embarking on a another season of impacting all lives touched by our Apachi J Camp experience.

Jamee Smith
Assistant Director at “Z” Frank Apachi Day Camp