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With our youngsters and our elders shall we go. With our sons and with our daughters. Exodus 10:9
For 75 years BHEC, a not-for-profit camp, has provided unique summer experiences for Jewish adolescents and Jewish seniors. Together they have shared culture and traditions and have created a lifetime of memories in a safe and beautiful environment in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. We at BHEC are committed to the continuity of Jewish traditions and values. And, we know we have the ability during the summer to leave a lasting impact on our children that will serve them well year after year, long after their camp experience has ended. This past summer, we hired experienced lecturers and an Artist in Residence to lead joint discussion groups for the children and seniors, as well as to work on murals that adorn our Dining Halls. These discussion groups and joint projects were aimed at promoting inter-generational dialogue and raising awareness of our camper's Jewish identity, especially among our teens. The groups worked on projects and shared ideas in an informal, non-threatening atmosphere. The seniors recounted their experiences growing up in Europe and listened to the challenges faced by the youth today. Through our MASORET program and other programs developed by our Jewish Cultural Committee, we educate our younger generations to facilitate the building of a Jewish identity. Camping is one experience that children and teens rarely forget, even after their journey into the adult world. It is an experience that lasts a lifetime. What better opportunity to instill values and traditions in these young minds than at camp. We are certain that in the long run, this would foster greater identity development and assure continued involvement of these members in the larger Jewish community. Until now, UJA funding and private givers have been supporting our program. It is imperative that we reach out now for charitable giving to sustain and further develop this program for the future. We ask you to consider helping us with a charitable gift. Karen Gibofsky, Parent Advisory Committee |