Our philosophy
as a youth-led community
is built on the value of collective responsibility.
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We see each person’s unique spark and understand that we all play a part in making the community what it is. We believe that when we create a community based on the values we want to see in society - equality, democracy and interdependence - we gain the ability to bring light into the world.
How We Do It...
Avodah
Working Together
We all work together to take care of camp. Avodah cultivates a sense of personal responsibility and pride in the place we call home for the summer - we see camp as a place that really does belong to every single one of us.
“Avodah teaches us how to take care of each other, and not just ourselves.”
- Noah
“When I first came to camp, I looked up to the older kids. It’s so cool that now I can be a role model and help younger kids make Gesher their home too!”
- Jakob
Building a Loving, Supportive Community
Kehilah
Many activities are camp-wide or in mixed age groups and everyone gets to know every single person at camp. This creates a real sense of community and allows older campers to be role models, support and guide younger campers.
Shabbat
Making Judaism Personal & Relevant
Shabbat at Gesher is an experience we all create together. Every week, each age group takes turns preparing different aspects of Shabbat (creating the Oneg, singing a Kabbalat Shabbat song, presenting a blessing, and setting up the dining hall.) When the whole camp comes together on Friday evening, we celebrate each other's contributions.
"Shabbat at camp is the best. There’s something magical about the lake on Friday night, and celebrating Shabbat with your friends."
- Micah
“At camp you're learning all the time, but you don't even know it, because it's so fun!”
- Jesse
Values-Based Experiential Education
Chinuch
Camp is a space to explore who we are and the world around us. All of our learning is rooted in values exploration and understanding how we can each do our part in creating the world we want to see.
Shared Resources
Kupa
Camp is a place where each person is valued equally. Kupa is our “give what you can, take what you need” system that allows everyone to contribute to their kvutzah’s (age group) communal resources, according to what they are able. Kupa allows us to take care of each other and ensure everyone’s needs are met.
“Kupa is a great way for people to learn how to share, be equal no matter what, and to overall become a better person.”
- Amit
