By , Special to JTNews
When the 7th grade boys’ cabin lost the volleyball game to the 7th grade girls’ cabin, they also lost a bet. As a consequence, that night at the bonfire they performed not one but two completely choreographed Brittney Spears numbers to the riotous laughter of the entire Camp B’nai Torah.
This hilarity helped usher in the very first s’mores campfire of the brand-new summer camp, which was only an idea just one year ago. The idea was fueled by a committee of dedicated individuals who laid the plans, hired the staff and last month realized the successful completion of the first summer session of Camp B’nai Torah, an overnight camp run by Temple B’nai Torah of Bellevue.
Under the direction of Bob London, Camp B’nai Torah was 11 days of fun for one hundred campers at the North Bend site of Camp Waskowitz. Campers filled each day with activities — arts and crafts, fierce games in the ga-ga pit (ask a kid to explain the game) and trekking along the beautiful trails that surrounded the grounds. Highlights included two days of Maccabiah Games, side-splitting skits around the campfire, and the daily Shira (song session) that more than once had the Waskowitz kitchen staff out on the floor dancing with the campers. Shabbat services were held outside with Rabbi Michael Latz or Rabbi James Mirel leading prayers with the sound of a river in the background.
Campers hailed from the Seattle area, Eastern Washington, Tacoma and as far away as California. The last day found the campers exchanging addresses in an emotional goodbye to their new friends as many made plans to meet again during the rest of the summer.
Many parts came together to make the camp a success: Temple B’nai Torah member Terry Brashem’s hard work organizing and leading the camp committee, the staff who worked so hard both planning and running the programs, terrific campers, a great campsite, and (luckily) good weather.
Plans for next year are already under way. Camp B’nai Torah 2002 will run from June 27 to July 7. For information about the camp for next year, call Temple B’nai Torah at 425-603-9677 or e-mail at [email protected].