By Isaac Reuben, Co-Rosh Giborim 2026

Running Giborim this summer meant getting to know a huge number of people. During Session Gimmel, for instance, my co-Rosh Ximena and I were looking after 90 campers, 28 staff, 15 CITs and two Rashim (us) – a community of 135 people. It was the largest session at camp this year – and, in fact, the largest since we moved back to Porter Creek in 2019.

The biggest challenge was this: how can we cater to the unique interests, ambitions and needs of over 100 people at a time? One of our central values at Camp Newman is B’tzelem Elohim: the idea that each and every one of us is a unique manifestation of God’s image. Dan Nichols, from our Bet faculty, has a song on this theme, whose lyrics inspired our approach this summer:

‘We’ve all got a gift to give’
At the start of each session, we advised our staff that the way to bond with their each camper is by getting to know their unique interests and hobbies, even if they might not initially match their own. We watched our staff memorize Pokemon characters and chess moves; learn volleyball and French skipping; and even start out on guitar, all in pursuit of connecting with their campers. Some counselors even performed with their campers at Newman Under the Stars talent show.

Some counselors even performed with their campers at our Newman Under the Stars talent show. From a sibling sketch comedy duo, to an impassioned rendition of ‘Love of my Life’ by Queen (in a full tuxedo), to epic magic skills, each camper’s gift enhanced our community. We created a safe space where talents could thrive.

‘We’ve all got a tale to tell’
Our Giborim staff came from five countries, and we had campers from three. In such a large community, whether getting to camp went a short car ride or a long day on a plane, there was a diversity in backgrounds and life experiences throughout. Right from the start, we encouraged our campers and staff to approach differences with curiosity. We learnt games from around the world and songs from different Jewish communities.

At one point, Giborim had the opportunity to learn seven  national anthems from campers and staff, including a rendition of the Danish anthem by a camper who came to the U.S. just for camp! Erev Am Yisrael – our evening of Israeli education and fun – enabled counselors from our Mishlachat – or Delegation – to share their experiences of growing up and living in Israel. Campers were incredibly inquisitive and we all learnt a great deal.

‘We’ve all got a mountain to climb’
We cannot count how many times we watched campers achieve their personal goals. This ranged from climbing to the top of the tower (which many did for the first time!) to sleeping under the stars on our overnight trip, rather than in a tent. We also helped campers through the emotional hurdles that come with being away from home for two weeks, often for the first time. Taking these lyrics in their literal sense, we all did climb a mountain (or a hill, anyway), hiking to the Magen David that looks over camp. The courage (and sunscreen, water and careful footing) that this took epitomized the unbelievable growth that each camper experienced.

‘We’ve all got a song to sing’
Our many musical moments brought us together as one Giborim session, helping us to heel the true strength of our community. During daily T’fillah, campers taught and traded hand motions and other traditions that they learned at their home congregations. During Session Daled, a group of five campers even lead a service for their peers, having learned songleading skills over the course of the session. During Shabbat – where the whole camp comes together in community – many counselors guided their campers through the service.

Later, during Shira and Israeli Dancing, it was wonderful to see staff engaging with their individual cabins, acting as role models and fueling the incredible ruach that Shabbat brings. Our closing circles at the end of each session, where we all sang in powerful unison, united us more than anything else.

‘When I reach out to you and you to me, we become B’tzelem Elohim’
Lastly, over the course of the summer, we witnessed beautiful moments of connection between campers. Many surprised themselves with how many new friends they made, and these friendships often bridged backgrounds and interests. The idea in Dan Nichols’ song that we become B’tzelem Elohim – that our likeness to God increases with the bonds that we form in community – manifested strongly in Giborim this summer. Each camper arrived as a unique individual and left twelve days later – still unique, but now with a vast community around them; a community built on growth, challenges, music, and the celebration of each and every one.