The Camp Chi Four Questions
Each year families gather to celebrate Passover and retell the story of our liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover begins tomorrow, and with it comes Seder, which means order in Hebrew. Everyone’s Seders are different, but all have the same basic order and one thing you can count on at your Seder is hearing the four questions. These questions and their subsequent answers teach everyone the basics of the holiday- what makes it unique, explains the symbolism of some of the rituals, and tells some of the story of our journey to freedom from Egyptian persecution.
The questions are not a required part of a Seder, but are used almost universally. But why? Perhaps it’s to encourage people to be curious and to ask questions. In that spirit, we’ve adapted each one of the four questions to camp.
During Passover we ask what makes this night different from all other nights. At Camp Chi we ask what makes this summer different from all other summers?
Here are four questions to answer that one questions.
During the rest of the year, we may eat a s’more every now at then, but at camp we have s’mores at least once a week. Why?
Passover version: On all other nights, we eat chametz (leavened foods) and matzah. Why on this night, only matzah? Sheb’chol haleilot anu ochlin chametz umatzah, halailah hazeh, kuloh matzah.
First of all, do you really need an excuse to eat a s’more? If you do, consider this- making a s’more at camp is so much more than just toasting a marshmallow and sandwiching it with some chocolate and graham crackers. We make s’mores with our cabins in our villages. We sit around the bonfire with our friends and our counselors and we watch the fire dance and share stories of the day, accomplishments, failures, jokes, and so much more. While s’mores are a delicious snack, it is also a time to bond as a community and make friends- much like a Passover Seder. And if this got you craving s’mores, here’s a delicious recipe for s’mores two ways– and they’re kosher for Passover.
During the rest of the year, we have and see our friends, but over the summer we spend every minute with and make lifelong camp friends. Why?
Passover Version: On all other nights, we eat all vegetables. Why, on this night, maror (bitter herbs)? Sheb’chol haleilot anu ochlin sh’ar y’rakot, halailah hazeh, maror.
Undeniably there is a difference between a regular friend and a camp friend. The bonds made at camp are stronger, as we live with one another for weeks, and often year after year. Friends from home are great, but there is something about living, sleeping, eating, and playing together summer after summer that bonds you unlike playing on a sports team together or being in the same class. While friends from home are great, there is a unique friendship formed after you cover one another in paint. In fact maybe paint is the secret to real, long-lasting friendships.What is undeniable is that the friendships that come out of camp are anything but bitter, in fact, they are often the sweetest part of the summer.
During the year, we may swim every so often, but only in a pool. At camp, we can swim more than once and in multiple places. Why?
Passover Version: On all other nights, we don’t dip even once. Why on this night do we dip twice? Sheb’chol haleilot ein anu matbilin afilu pa’am echat; halailah hazeh, sh’tei f’amim.
What sets Camp Chi apart? There’s a lot, but our facilities are certainly at the top of the list. While at home, many of our campers are on swim team and spend time in the water all the time, at camp we don’t just have a pool- we have two! And we have Lake Blass with the Cove and Bay. And we have Lake Delton for water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, and tubing. So whether you want to splash around, work on your stroke, become the next water basketball champion, a canoe wizard, the king kayaker, a slick skier, or just want to jump on the rave or go down the inflatable slide, we have something for you. And that’s because we want everyone to be in activities they want, gaining skills they seek, while having the time of their lives.
During the rest of the year, we are stressed and pressured, but at camp we can relax. Why?
Passover Version: On all other nights, we eat either sitting upright or reclining. Why on this night do we all recline? Sheb’chol haleilot anu ochlin bein yoshvin uvein m’subin; halailah hazeh, kulanu m’subin.
Parents and campers agree- camp is a place to decompress and be yourself. During the year, campers are students and are challenged in school and tested on their knowledge, retention and comprehension. At camp, we don’t have tests, we have fun. We make education informal, so campers are growing in different ways. They leave camp with a different knowledge set than they do at the end of the school year- knowing how to make their own bed, gaining a sense of independence, and the ability to navigate social situations better. There are no tests because camp is a safe place where everyone brings something to the table and leaves with a full plate made up of skills learned from others. Campers come to camp to relax and be themselves, and that’s exactly what we want from each and every one of them.
So, during Passover we ask What makes this night different from all other nights (Mah nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilot?) And at Camp Chi we ask what makes this summer different from all other summers?
Well if those reasons weren’t enough, let us assure you that 2019 is going to be quite a summer at Camp Chi and we can’t wait to share our 98th summer with you soon! In addition to one of the biggest SIT classes and PNW trips ever, we have some big and exciting things coming. We already announced The Merkaz , but fun doesn’t stop there. The commons will have a different look this year with a new slick surface, and some villages will be spending additional special time in nature with a new program to be announced soon. We’re growing our navy as well and can’t wait to share that with you too. The point in all of this? Well each summer at Chi is awesome- we make sure of that- but this summer we’re going above and beyond to deliver an unbelievable experience that you will never forget. Trust us- you won’t want to miss this one?
Did we miss a great question or a Passover connection to camp? Let us know in the comment below.