On my right in the middle of the village a group of campers can be seen huddling around the two staff members who are "on duty." Despite all of the different activities that the kids have to choose from at CSL, there is something that is distinctly special about the time at night before the kids go to bed when they can just hang out with one another around a picnic table or campfire. Some of the fondest memories I have at camp have occurred late at night in the village. I remember Adam Blickstein coming into my cabin like it was yesterday (in actuality it was ten years ago) to yell at our bunk for being too loud, only to break a broom on the floor because he banged it too hard. As a staff member one year I got into a huge pillow fight with then campers (now staff) Andrew Powers and Justin Marcus. Part of what I love about camp is that the most ordinary moments often turn out to be our best memories.
Please excuse my introductory tangent and allow me to begin talking about your children and their tremendous growth this summer. These kids are incredible. Out of my three years working in Mohawk I can honestly say that these campers are the best listeners as a group that I have ever seen. The campers seem to get along so well and the fights are few and far between. Their energy is pervasive and has revived me at times when I have felt tired. The kids often cheer the loudest and the longest following lunch. The other staff members often jokingly get mad at me because they feel as though our campers cut into rest hour because they will not be silenced. In short, I think these kids form a very extraordinary group. The youngest kids have made a seamless transition to Mohawk and have enjoyed the increased responsibility that comes with the new village. The middle campers have started to embrace the size and the diverse personalities that inhabit their bunk. Oldest Mohawk continues to prove that Tuscarora 2012 will be a very special group.
A quick update on Friday, August 12th, 2010. Today was unique because Mohawk was responsible for running Shabbat Services. After a week of writing, editing, and challah braiding, the kids were finally ready for Friday Evening Services. Mohican after Mohican spoke about the theme that had been chosen by their staff which was puzzles. The campers wrote some pretty incredible pieces that all approached the theme of puzzles from different angles. I felt like the kids did wonderfully and I was excited that they would be rewarded with a dance after services (a new tradition). Every camper danced to some great songs like the Cotton-eyed-Joe and my personal favorite "I want it that way" by the Backstreet Boys.
Now it's past most of the campers bedtime and I am beginning to get sleepy as well. I'm looking forward to a Shabbat Sleep in and breakfast in the village tomorrow! Until next time Hawk fans.
Greg Kreitzer, Mohawk UH
