The High Holidays are a time for reflection — looking back on the past year and considering how we can grow in the year ahead.
From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, we ask ourselves: Am I being the best person I can be? Did I hurt someone, even unintentionally? How can I improve moving forward? These moments invite us to pause, reflect and reset.
At Tamarack, these same skills are embedded in the camp experience. Learning how to navigate friendships, manage group dynamics and respond with kindness are essential parts of growing up at camp. Our campers face new challenges, try things outside their comfort zones and push through fears — all within a supportive and inclusive community. When they return home, they carry with them greater independence, confidence and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Recently, I had the joy of celebrating Sukkot at our Farber Farm, where we partnered with The Well and Adamah Detroit to host a special farm-to-table dinner. We shared a delicious meal made from produce grown on the farm, dining under the stars in the farm’s calendar garden. It was an evening filled with gratitude — a true reflection of Sukkot, often explained as “the Jewish Thanksgiving.” The farm is a beloved part of the Tamarack experience, and we are grateful to incorporate its bounty into our meals, bringing fresh, meaningful food to our campers.
During Shemini Atzeret, we pray for rain in Israel, recognizing how rain nurtures growth. Just as nature flourishes with water, our campers thrive in the beautiful, serene surroundings of camp. Time outdoors offers them the chance to disconnect from electronics and reconnect with the world around them, finding peace in nature.
Simchat Torah marks the day we complete and restart of the Torah, reminding us that each year brings new opportunities for learning and growth. With each reread, we gain new insights and glean new knowledge — just as each camp session builds on the last. Whether in waterskiing, social interactions or personal challenges, our campers discover new insights and gain new skills every year.
Being part of the Tamarack community is a blessing, and I often reflect on how much this place means to me. As I always say, “I am who I am because of camp.” Each season brings new opportunities to grow, and I am grateful to learn alongside our campers every step of the way.
Wishing you a year of growth, joy and connection.
