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What teens are saying about Bais Chana's Un-Camp ... The unexpected part was the really great people. I gained different views, heard different opinions, and learned to accept all people. And - I can read Hebrew now! Heather, 15, Boylston, MA Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I didn’t even realize how much I gained in such a small amout of time. I learned about love and how to love someone, and that it’s not THE single most important thing in life. I met some amazing people whom I will never forget and will always hold close to my heart. I learned that working as a team in life cam be very painful a lot of the time, but when you figure out a way to do things, they can always be done. I gained a better understanding of what G-d is. Tsippi, 16, Baltimore, MD Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I just wanted to get away from my normal day-to-day activities at home, but I didn’t really know what to expect. I have to say, this definitely was different and exciting, and I know I’ve gained in many ways although I’m sure I’ll feel it more when I get home. Rose, 15, Louisville, KY Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I feel like I’ve re-evaluated my Judaism. I’ve learned with all different kinds of people, and made new, good friends. Now I can look at situations with a different approach. Bais Chana is AMAZING! Tami, 17, Milwaukee, WI Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was mostly looking forward to being away from society, being able to breathe and really focus on important things without distractions. I was nervous about not fitting in and not understanding. What I did not expect is the warmth and how we all cared for each other. It is unbelievable how much you can learn from people. I gained the confidence that I can make it. I learned to be proud and stand up for who I am, and that this isn’t fake – this is for real. I feel special being Jewish - I’m lucky! Bais Chana is a place where everyone should be and belongs regardless of their background. Yamna, 16, Montreal, Quebec Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. The classes have made me realize how much I take things for granted. Seeing how girls are able to overcome challenges in life is a true inspiration to me. Being able to bond with counselors in a real, deep way is very refreshing. Just seeing that everyone has struggles in life helps me feel better – that we’re all going through something together. It was awesome! M, 18, New York City, NY Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. Most girls come knowing no one, and they all leave with true friends. The girls don’t even realize how much they’ve gained. I definitely gained in every possible way Jewishly. I learned how to really live. Chanie, Milwaukee, WI Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I attended Bais Chana last year, and this summer I came up to VT to visit the Un-Camp for three days at the very end of the program. I am so glad I did, and I am so grateful that I was invited. I feel like I always have a home to come back to – a place of spiritual nourishment and unconditional friendship. From just these three days I can see how inspired this group of Jewish girls was. I have made new friends and learned new lessons about Judaism. Last year Bais Chana rescued me in a lot of ways, and I can’t express how thankful I am for their program. Visiting this year reminded me about its power to change lives – an open, warm environment for Jewish young women to grapple with important spiritual questions and at the same time form a loving, supportive network of friends and mentors. It is one of the most special places in the world. Dorit, 19, Teaneck, NJ Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. Unexpected, yet extremely positive was the connection I made with the counselors. I’ve been a counselor for so long that I dreaded the feeling of being a camper – having people take my job. But the minute I met the counselors, it all melted away. It was incredible. I didn’t have the “counselor feeling” – they are just older friends. The girls are all from different backgrounds and pasts, yet we all came with the same questions and have gained so deeply from each other. This was the most memorable summer of my life. The concepts I learned here: life vs. existence, soup vs. stew etc… have changed my life. Michelle, 17, Birmingham, Alabama Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was looking forward to meeting new acquaintances and to feel what it would be like far away from home trying to be independent. I was nervous about my English and making new friends. I will not forget the people who made me happy with their own smiles. I didn’t know there would be lessons here but I learned a lot in classes. I hadn’t felt it before, but now I am proud of being Jewish. My mother will understand everything looking at my eyes in the pictures. I’d like to be in touch with my new friends. Bais Chana is the camp which will stay in my memory with all its beauty. I visited a lot of camps, but this one I’ll never forget. It was amazing. Thank you for everything! Tanya, 15, Ukraine Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was looking forward to meeting new people. And I did, I met people I’ll never forget, who taught me a lot and surprised me in beautiful ways. I was impressed by how open the rabbi was about various topics and how helpful he was. The graphologist really made an impact on me. I definitely grew and learned more about myself. I’m more comfortable with myself and I learned a whole lot about being Jewish. It was really unbelievable. It’s definitely something I would recommend and encourage my friends to go to. Michelle, 15, Brooklyn, NY Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was looking forward to learning about the spirituality of the Jewish religion. I was a little uneasy about being in an all-girls environment for three and half weeks and not being very religious at all. I really didn’t expect to meet people who would truly not judge me and just accept me for who I am. I learned that labels should not exist in Judaism. There is no reform, conservative or orthodox. We are all JEWISH. No matter where we come from, we can all connect and learn so much together and about each other just because we’re all Jewish. I learned that G-d gives us all tests in our lives, and the bigger the test… the more G-d trusts that you will pass it. I have most definitely gained emotionally, spiritually and Jewishly. Not only have I learned millions of things about Judaism which I never knew or understood, I met amazing people and truly connected with quite a few of them on a deep level. It was an amazing experience. Something I will never forget for the rest of my life. Highly recommended if you have bunches of questions. To parents: Absolutely inspiring and I wish they got to experience all this knowledge with me. Mariya, 15, MD Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was surprised how at peace I was with myself, how happy I was in this environment. I didn’t think this program would have the impact that it did. Everyone is damaged. Knowing that I’m not the only one with stuff going on is really comforting, and I‘ve learned how to move on and use my past as a lesson in life – not a burden. I learned to appreciate myself and that it’s ok if I make a mistake. Also, everyone wants to be loved no matter how distant they may seem… The Rabbi was not only a teacher, but he actually cared about everyone’s wellbeing. This was really special because nowadays most adults are immature and self-centered, and they don’t care about anyone but themselves. It was beautiful to see how not only does he care, but he goes out of his way for others. My Jewish pride is soaring through the roof. I wish my parents could go on the couples retreat! Bais Chana is a brick in my yellow brick road! H, Detroit, MI Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I learned about how being vulnerable is good and necessary in order to really love someone. I learned that love is an acquired trait. I also learned to not be so stressed out and just wing it sometimes. Even though I was nervous about being so far out of my element, I think Bais Chana is the scariest, funnest, best place to spend your summer if you are a Jewish girl. B, 15, Milwaukee, WI Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was looking forward to the classes but I was concerned about not knowing anyone. I honestly didn’t expect the love, caring and support! I feel so comfortable here, and I wish I could stay here and learn forever. My favorite parts were Friday night Shabbat dinners and speaking and relating to other campers and counselors. All the classes with the rabbi were amazing. I’ve dealt with many things here that I had been holding in. I’ve become more open and open-minded. What I’ve learned from classes and the other girls has been unbelievable. It is clearer to me how to get to my goals in life... I wish it was better publicized, as I know umpteen girls for whom an experience like this would make a world of a difference. A, 15, East Greenwich Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I think I am more open to learning. I was scared of learning because it meant I didn’t know everything, but the classes were amazing and I am feeling so much less confused about my Jewishness. I look forward to doing more Mitzvos at home. It was a long road, but it was filled with adventure, spirituality, and lots of singing. It was fun…and it changed my outlook on life. Mira, 15, Framingham, MA Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. To be honest, I didn’t have much time to think about what I expected because it was a last minute decision. I was really just relieved that I had somewhere to go for the summer, and anything beyond that – whether good or bad – I didn’t contemplate much. I was nervous that the other girls wouldn’t accept me for who I am. I thought they would all judge me a certain way and I felt that that was not really the way I always wanted to be viewed. I wasn’t able to answer people’s questions about religious things when I have so many questions myself. And I was also nervous about just opening up to people in general. No one judged anyone else. It did not make a difference where you were from, what your background was, what you wore, or anything else. Everyone was so open, friendly and accepting. After only a few days, I felt like I had been with these girls forever. The classes were above and beyond anything I expected. People (including my mother) told me amazing things about Rabbi Friedman, but his classes were beyond amazing. He explained things in such a logical and relevant way that things which had previously seemed impossibly complex suddenly made much more sense. And then that opened up a whole new door of questions, all of which I felt I could ask without being judged or feeling uncomfortable. In short, it was more incredible than anything I could have imagined. Three important things I learned: We are all damaged and bad stuff happens to all of us, but that’s not the important thing in our lives. What we need to focus on is what we make happen and what we can do to fulfill our purpose. There is a deeper side to everything you see. No matter what someone or something looks like at first, there is always more and you should work to see that. There is no such thing as different types of Judaism. We are all Jews trying to do as many Mitzvot as we can. We should focus on that – not on our petty differences. I feel like I’m more comfortable with who I am right now. Even though I still have questions and doubts, I now have an amazing support group to rely on. Everything that has been done for me can’t even be put into words. Coming here is the best thing I could have done for myself. Bais Chana is an incredibly rare place where you can be exactly who you are without being judged or ridiculed. It is a place where it is okay to ask questions because everyone here is trying to figure out their lives, and it is a place where we can all do that together. I’d love my parents to go on the couples program… Leah, 17, Seattle, WA Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. Before I came here I had no clue about where I was going to be for next year, so I was really looking forward to guidance in that area. I was completely blown away when I had my first talk with the Rabbi. He completely changed my way of thinking and allowed me to see my purpose in a clear light. I was also amazed at how girls from all different backgrounds were able to come together and relate and connect to one another. It truly inspired me. Also, I realized how everyone has her own story and struggles that she has been through, and I didn’t expect to find that so many of their stories and struggles in life were very similar, if not the same as my own! Everyone has the power and potential to make a difference and be good. I learned in class that there is not one person who doesn’t have a purpose and that we just have to figure out what our purpose is and embrace it. There is no end to self-growth. In life you have to do what’s right for you, and even though you might not have the support from those you care about, you have to be strong and follow your heart. I have gained in so many areas that I don’t know where to start! Emotionally, I have learned to open up more and not hold everything inside, which is something I have been doing my entire life. Spiritually, being in such an open-minded, non-judgmental environment has made me want to change and just grow in Judaism. I feel so proud to be Jewish, and I can’t wait to grow in knowledge in Judaism and just be an inspiration all those around me. I just can’t thank Bais Chana enough. Rachel, 18, Los Angeles, CA Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I learned – really learned – three things: Everyone should be and is loved and accepted for who she is. I am here for a reason; I have a purpose, and I can and will make my mark. Life is precious and short – make the most of it and go on the right path. I’ve found answers to questions in Judaism, questions no one else would deign to answer. But most of all and most importantly, I’ve found satisfying-enough answers to my questions on life, so I thank you for this opportunity. Bais Chana is just the beginning… M, Long Island, NY Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was looking forward to learning about myself, learning NEW things about life(!), making new friends and having a good time! The whole camp thing was kind of scary, though. I never went to sleep-away camp before. I met a lot of great people and connected with a lot of different kinds of girls, all from different places and backgrounds. The whole experience was just great – very inspiring. Everyone is there for you to help you out. If you REALLY want to be better and you put your mind to it, you can do it. On thing that really impacted me - never live a life of guilt. Always think positively - life can be hard, but you can do it. Don’t blame yourself for other people’s problems – IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S THEM. Jessica, 17, Albany, NY Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I learned not to judge others – if I were in their shoes, how would I handle it? If these were my own struggles, how would I deal with them? It makes me realize that other people are much stronger than I am, because they passed tests that I’ve never had. Miriam, Montreal, Quebec Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. I was looking forward to meeting new people and I had my sisters there for support, so I wasn’t alone. People here were so accepting. Although it wasn’t what I expected, I’m really glad I came. I learned humility – that we can all learn from each, from hearing each other’s perspectives. Stephanie, 15, Boylston, MA Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. My mother came here when she was my age. She said it was unforgettable so I was looking forward to the classes and making new friends, and I love to try new things and “face my fears.” I really didn’t expect the feeling l’m leaving with: I’ve never felt more in touch with myself. I feel like a whole person – like there is nothing I can’t do. I am who I am, and I’m more proud of it than ever. Coming to Bais Chana was the best choice I’ve made in a long time. Golda, 17, Brooklyn, NY Summer 2008, Vermont .............................................................................. Dena, 15, New York City Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey It’s amazing how just a few words can change your whole perspective. I got some of my major questions in life answered - and they weren’t the usual explanations that people give. They actually made sense. In the process, I met other girls who were struggling with exactly the same questions I had and we really connected. .............................................................................. Elizabeth, 17, Brooklyn, NY Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey I didn’t expect the house to be so beautiful or in such a lovely setting. I didn’t expect to talk to the Rabbi one-on-one. I thought he would talk to us once and leave. I learned a lot about Judaism and how Shabbat works - I learned so much that there isn’t enough room for me to describe it all. I feel like I gained more spirituality, and like there’s a lot more to discover. I feel like I’m getting closer to my Jewish background. I definitely want to go back. One suggestion: please make the program during a longer school break. It’s so hard to go back home - it’s a huge transition back into everyday life, school, etc. .............................................................................. Sara, 17, New York City Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey I didn’t think it would be so organized and fun - but it was really fun. You have to be very open-minded, ready to learn and willing to listen. I used to be afraid of the word marriage. What if he cheats? What if it doesn’t work out? There’s still a lot to learn and I want to hear it, but the idea of marriage doesn’t scare me anymore. I think I have the tools now to be a much happier person. .............................................................................. Helen, 18, Brooklyn, NY Thanksgiving 2007 - New Jersey I came in order to learn new things about the Torah, praying and Judaism as a whole. I was nervous about meeting new people and not being able to keep Shabbat all the way. But I did it!!! I learned. Philosophy? Yes. Answers? Yes. Wisdom? Yes. Everyone was so nice… the Rabbi, the hosts, the counselors, and the other girls. The most important thing I learned is that first comes marriage, then comes love. An interesting thing to ponder. Another thing is that to be happy is to feel. To not feel is to be numb - depressed. Yes, I knew before, but I understand it now. It was fun. It was educational. It was spiritual. And it was mentally challenging. The complexity of Judaism has been untangled a wee bit more. .............................................................................. Chana, 16, New Jersey Thanksgiving 2007 – New Jersey One of the most important things I learned is to be respectful of other people’s opinions even if I don’t agree. I think I’ve gained a much better understanding of what it means to be a good person - not necessarily more religious or anything specific… just a good person… someone people will like - and how to get there. I also really enjoyed the graphology and painting workshops, which I didn’t think I would. .............................................................................. M, 18, Long Island Thanksgiving 2007 – New Jersey I was looking forward to being inspired, learning and gaining a new outlook in some areas… meeting new people and seeing their outlook on life, but I was nervous it might be too intense. I loved it so much! I had an amazing time! I really have a new outlook in many areas and ideas. The Rabbi taught me a lot, and the girls who I met here are all really amazing. They inspired me by their struggles and how they got through them. I wasn’t really expecting to meet such amazing people who would inspire me for good…and although I didn’t plan on it, I made new friends whom I really admire. The classes totally changed my outlook on the idea of marriage. Now I understand that marriage is a re-uniting of two parts of the same soul. Love in a marriage builds up over time. I learned about sadness, grief and how everything has a purpose, but I still don’t understand how everything, like people suffering, could be good. I also discovered that I love to paint. From the handwriting analysis I found out some things about myself that I’d like to work on, and that I should appreciate everyone for their unique personalities. I can’t wait to go home and teach all I learned to my friends who weren’t able to come. Thank you so much for this amazing weekend! .............................................................................. Leora, 15, Toronto I was nervous about the normal things, I guess you could say. Will I fit in? Will I be interested in the classes? Would I like the activities? The program exceeded my expectations in so many ways. The classes were amazing, and the girls were so sweet. Everything was perfect. I learned that it’s important to surround yourself with holy things in order to live holy lifestyle by serving G-d, and how important it is to encourage Jewish pride. I will never forget our last farbrengen on Shabbat. I feel that now I have the tools to keep myself inspired in to grow in my Judaism. This experience was a turning point in my life. It changed my perspective of Judaism for the better. Kali, Surfside, FL The location was perfect. The counselors were amazing. The classes were fascinating. This program literally changed my life>. Shevy, 17, CT I was excited to be able to learn in an environment where nothing was forced upon me, and I could ask most any question I wanted to. Everyone loved the counselors, even though people might call them “ultra-religious” because they wore stockings and covered their collar bone, etc. The classes are great. You really grow by the end of the summer, even if you don’t realize it. Nothing is forced, so you feel free to choose. You make lots of good friends from tons of different backgrounds. There are great trips, and even when you’re staying in, you’re never bored. I just feel that my faith is stronger. I feel like I’ve gained confidence as well, for some reason, and I know that it’s not just enough that I’m a good Jewish girl, but I need to work on myself constantly. Naomi, 18, New Haven I’ve met so many special and talented people over the past few weeks who shared one common goal: to learn. I’ve bonded with the group and opened up to them in ways I never thought I was capable of. Bais Chana is the perfect example of a true “melting pot.” Everyone comes from such different backgrounds that it would seem impossible to connect with each other. On the contrary, everyone opens up to each other and learns from each other’s differences. Bais Chana’s most impressive “trait” is that it provides you with a level of indescribable freedom, but balances it with the perfect amount of trust. The overall environment is so welcoming and warm. Everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and the atmosphere is extremely non-judgmental, regardless of your background or past experiences. As much as I’d like to avoid the though of it, I’m on the brink of adulthood. And not just any adulthood, but a Jewish one, which comes with an overwhelming responsibility. I have learned to embrace adulthood and acknowledge my important responsibilities. It’s the ideal way to spend a summer – extending your social circles, going on exciting trips and learning at the same time. It’s a positive experience from all angles. It broadened my understanding of having a higher purpose in my life. This contributed to my having a much less selfish outlook in life. It was fun, and at the same time, I learned so much – mostly about things I wouldn’t have had a chance to learn about elsewhere. Rabbi Friedman was very honest when it came to answering our questions. He was very informative on delicate subjects. Chassidus is beautiful. It’s a totally different way of looking at everything and I love it! Chelsea, 16, Los Angeles |
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