TIMES OF ISRAEL
by Andrew Silow-Carroll
July 9, 2015

“Jewish summer camp,” like “crisp apple strudel,” is one of those phrases meant to bring back a gush of warm feelings. Friends met their spouses there, others their very best friends to this day. Educators praise its ability to create Jewish habits to last a lifetime (meaning davening and Torah values, I assume, as opposed to complaining about the weather). The Foundation for Jewish Camp describes camp as “transformative” and responsible for no less than “assuring a more vibrant North American Jewish community.” Others remember camp as a place of sexual awakening, group bonding, endless hijinks (some legal), and self-discovery. Not always high-minded, perhaps, but no less transformative. Here’s my confession about camp: It nearly ruined me, and 30-plus years later I’m still recovering. READ MORE