I was filled with a number of different emotions as I entered the Tel Aviv airport with 35 of the most independent and selfless teens I have ever had the privilege of knowing. The first emotion that comes to mind is sorrow. Sorrow because the 5-week expedition that allowed me to grow spiritually as a Jew, and ultimately mature as an individual, had sadly come to an end. At the same time I felt a strong presence of excitement and pride. Pride because the progression these teens encountered in Israel was truly unparalleled, and excitement because I would be given the opportunity to return, with the teens, to Camp Seneca Lake.
A day after landing in Rochester, I found myself at CSL, programming one of the most logistically difficult and equally rewarding Color Wars I could ever imagine being a part of. While it was certainly more work than I expected, it was exhilarating in all of the ways participating in Color War isn’t. That’s not to say participating in Color War isn’t exciting, because that couldn’t be further from the truth; but mentally, planning the program was a rush like I had never previously experienced. Witnessing the entire camp compete in hundreds of activities over two days without even a hint of exhaustion is an accomplishment in itself, and for that reason, programming this Color War was truly worthwhile.
Now, Color War is over and I’m sitting in the programming office with the same emotions I had come across boarding the plane in Israel. Sorrow, because the teens I have cared for and loved over the past 6 weeks are gone for what will seem like way too long. However, I also feel proud and excited because not only have these teens, along with the programming staff, developed and executed one of the most successful color wars this camp has ever seen, but every single one of them is on a path towards great success thanks to CSL and CSL in Israel.
I love them, and everything they have done for me.
Justin Cuddeback
CSL in Israel
A day after landing in Rochester, I found myself at CSL, programming one of the most logistically difficult and equally rewarding Color Wars I could ever imagine being a part of. While it was certainly more work than I expected, it was exhilarating in all of the ways participating in Color War isn’t. That’s not to say participating in Color War isn’t exciting, because that couldn’t be further from the truth; but mentally, planning the program was a rush like I had never previously experienced. Witnessing the entire camp compete in hundreds of activities over two days without even a hint of exhaustion is an accomplishment in itself, and for that reason, programming this Color War was truly worthwhile.
Now, Color War is over and I’m sitting in the programming office with the same emotions I had come across boarding the plane in Israel. Sorrow, because the teens I have cared for and loved over the past 6 weeks are gone for what will seem like way too long. However, I also feel proud and excited because not only have these teens, along with the programming staff, developed and executed one of the most successful color wars this camp has ever seen, but every single one of them is on a path towards great success thanks to CSL and CSL in Israel.
I love them, and everything they have done for me.
Justin Cuddeback
CSL in Israel
