Dear Cayuga families,
Most campers, and to be honest most staff members, have not truly found what they are seeking from Camp Seneca Lake. For those of us that have not found this or are new to camp, Tikkun Olam Day gives campers and staff alike a foreshadowing as to why CSL plays such an important role in our lives. For those of us that have, however, Tikkun Olam Day is one of the most special days of the summer.
Last night, campers and staff huddled in the O-Rec to listen to the speeches prepared by staff and campers, as well as songs from Charlie Landsman. After each speech about Tikkun Olam, meaning “repair the world,” the speakers took a blue and green painted puzzle piece and placed it on a central stage. These puzzle pieces all came together to form a picture of the earth, the land, the sea and everything in between. The last piece of the puzzle, however, stayed in the hands of Jilly Lederman, signifying that the final piece was our piece, as a CSL community. Together, like Gandhi once said, we could be the change that we wanted to see in the world, that world being Camp Seneca Lake.
As Tikkun Olam Day finally rolled around this morning, the energy was already high from last night. Cayuga campers flew out of bed and put on green clothing, signifying that we would be repairing the earth today.
The campers gobbled up a hearty French toast stick breakfast, and then hustled off to their morning stations. Many Cayugans headed off to arts and crafts where they decorated challah covers, while others helped decorate the newly painted homerun fence. A few, as well, helped clear up important trails such as the Mohawk and Seneca trails. Their contributions this morning truly were invaluable!
The afternoon featured similar mitzvoth in which Cayugans were able to participate. The day, as a whole, was a huge success, and camp looks better than ever. We greatly await the arrival of friends and families on Visitors Day so that they can see the contributions the campers and staff made to this beautiful place.
For now,
Alec Jacobson
