Saturdays are a unique day at CSL. Programmatically, the day exists as three separate days, segregated only by the varying nature of the morning, afternoon and evening.
We begin the day with a relaxing wake up and eat bagels and fruit in the village, while still sporting our favorite patterned pajama pants. After a quick wardrobe change, we find ourselves nestled in the woods of the new Tikkun Olam site, where Saturday morning services are held. The setting is serene, a relaxing start to the day.
After discussion periods, lunch, and a long rest hour, the day switches gears. Campers are allowed to choose which periods they attend, ranging from ceramics to gardening and reading on the docks. No other time at CSL do campers really have such autonomy over their hour to hour schedule. The staff too are asked to play a different role, as they lead these "Shabbat Choices." The change gives campers and staff alike an opportunity to interact with those they might not on a normal day. To me, this is extremely important in building the strong community that is CSL.
As the sun begins to set and we wave goodbye to Shabbat, we are all ready to begin another action packed week. The evening program gets everyone back on their feet, dressed in costume and participating in whatever is thrown their way. Tonight, the program included togas, cardboard armor, immense creativity and a large bank of prizes to choose from. By the end of the night, it was difficult to believe I sat in services, reflecting on the week only 10 hours earlier.
All days at CSL are exciting and full of surprises, but none seem to match the diversity of a Saturday. If anything, it shows how important it is to take advantage of each and every moment, no matter what it is filled with.
Rachel Rosenbaum
