By Alaina Yoakum, Director of Marketing and Ben Wong, Communications Coordinator
Camp is a place where acceptance is not just a part of our philosophy but a crucial part of our entire operation. This is why so many of us love camp. We all gather at this place from different walks of life, different parents, different schools, and are accepted. Accepted as Jews, yes, but more importantly accepted as people. Camp is a place where we can live freely and express our thoughts and ourselves.
The outside world is often not the same, and that’s why the positive and understanding culture of camp shines so bright sometimes. This morning, that outside world became a little more like camp. Heveinu Shalom Aleichem, America.
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court made clear that the Constitution both allows same sex couples to marry and requires all states to recognize all marriages performed in other states. It is a day many of us long prayed for, and were far from sure we would see.
Here is how our on-camp community reacted to the news:
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"Living in Arizona, I've seen a different side. A lot of people there are strongly opposed to gay marriage. It's great to see that this decision happened when it did; hopefully, more people in Arizona will change their minds now that this decision has been made. I think it will be interesting to come home after marching in the Pride Parade - I will be able to have much better discussions with them after my experience there." - Zach, Avodah
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"I think it's great that they finally got around to making this decision - people have been fighting for this for such a long time. I'm happy to see this day is finally here." - Drew, Avodah
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"I think it's positive for America as a whole - a huge step forward especially considering how so many nations made this decision well before us. I am concerned that there will be a backlash, though." - Adam, Avodah
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"I'm really excited. Right now, my mom is in a relationship with another woman - and it's great to think that in the future, they could get married if they wanted to. Even though we live in California, where it's more liberal, it's so great to see that it's now legal all across the country." - Samantha, Avodah
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"I'm ecstatic about the decision ... it's about time! It's a huge day in history." - Caitlin, Avodah
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"The Supreme Court decision was the first thing we heard this morning when we woke up - our counselors walked into our cabin and announced the news and we all cheered. The Pride Parade is going to be so much fun this year! " - Nathan, Avodah
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"The states that were opposed to it were too stubborn and probably would never have changed anyway - so I think it's a very effective decision. Still, it wasn't 9-0, it was 5-4 - but we can hope." - Eitan, CIT
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"I'm extremely happy about it - it's a long time coming! I think that those that are against it need to open their eyes and realize that they're wrong." - Max, CIT
