On Aug. 1, Sephardic Adventure Camp, an Orthodox Jewish camp from Washington state, was evacuated from its campsite in eastern Washington due to a nearby forest fire. Consistent with the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), Camp Solomon Schechter in Tumwater, WA, extended an invitation and hosted SAC this year Aug. 5-17.
Between the two camps there were more than 325 campers and staff at the facility (over 215 campers, ranging from third to 10th grades, and 110 staff), putting the site at capacity for these two weeks. Because of the difference in ages and religious practices, the two camps ran their programs concurrently but separately, sharing the 180-acre grounds and private lake. CSS Executive Director Sam Perlin was excited by the addition of diverse Jewish kids and teens at the facility. “The logistics are complicated, but this is exciting for Camp Solomon Schechter. Our campers and staff are living up to our Jewish value of gimilut chasadim: love thy neighbor as thyself.”
SAC Director Chana Adatto-Shefa said, “We are so fortunate to have an incredible Jewish community of people willing to help us out during our time of need, enabling Sephardic Adventure Camp to continue on this summer. Sam Perlin and his crew at Camp Solomon Schechter have been extremely welcoming and supportive.”
Camp Solomon Schechter has a 62-year tradition of fun, friendship and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. They create a unique, welcoming and spiritual Jewish environment based on the ideals of the Conservative movement, offering an innovative experience for youth of all denominations entering second-12th grades. At Camp Solomon Schechter, Judaism and joy are truly one!
Sephardic Adventure Camp is a warm, welcoming Jewish community, big enough to offer a wide variety of activities but small enough to know every camper by name. A summer spent at Sephardic Adventure Camp builds independence and self-reliance as well as Jewish friendships and identity that last a lifetime.
