Group of cheerful children and teenagers posing outdoors, celebrating together.

Parent Letters

What Parents are Saying: Letters from our Families

  • Unknown Author

    I wanted to let you know that Sophie did not stop talking about camp when she got home. There was no need to ask questions — she just kept talking about all the things she did!

    She had an amazing time. She loved her counselors, loved growing food and learning about farming (she explained a lot of things to me, as I know nothing). After we left camp on Sunday, we went to brunch with her camp friends and their parents. The girls started singing camp songs — it was so sweet.

    I think you guys did a fantastic job of weaving environmental learning with Jewish practice and beliefs. I didn’t really understand how that would happen but somehow, it did. I also really like that there were many different kinds of Jews there, in terms of practice. I know that for Sophie, nothing felt like a drag.

    Finally, I mentioned this to Yoni, but if it’s feasible, you guys should really considering putting together an Eden Village cookbook once camp is over. Sophie spoke so much about the food and I’d really love to replicate some of the recipes. I think she’d enjoy cooking them too.

    One more idea: a CD of some songs, or in mp3 form on the Web site.

    Best wishes for continued success.

    Kol HaKavod.

  • B., Shifra

    [From a camper]

    Hi Viv,

    I just wanted to thank you again for an AMAZING summer. I had such a great time with not only my bunk, but with the entire camp too. I had soooo much fun on the camping trip and at Breakneck Ridge, and I wanted you and Yoni to know that you two did an amazing job with camp this summer and I don’t think it’s even possible to have a bad time there. One of the many important life lessons I learned at camp was that no matter what your religious background is, you can still live in harmony with people who are different from you and embrace your differences.  I love how everyone at Eden Village is so accepting and understanding and they make you feel at home the second you get there–so you never want to leave!

    Lots of love,
    Shifra B., age 14

  • White, Lisa

    Dear [Issac’s counselor] and Staff,

    Thank you for your thoughtful reflections on Isaac and his camp experience. It is amusing and heartwarming to hear about Isaac through another person’s eyes. Isaac has always been a big personality and a powerful force at home, and it is so interesting to see how his spirit unfolds in a new environment.

    Jesse and I can see that he has grown through his experience at Eden Camp. He was most excited about his efforts in Beautification and how he would like to apply it in our home. This is something he struggles with at home– clearly at camp, too– and it is satisfying for us to see him strive to find solutions. Although I would guess that cleaning and neatness will not be a priority for Isaac anytime soon, it was amazing to listen to him articulate his deepened understanding of responsibility and the impact of his actions on the community. Wow! What a change from the power struggles just a few weeks ago! This is a big step for Isaac.

    This camp is such a reflection of our values. These values are rare gems in a materialistic world, and they’re really put into action at Eden Camp. We can see the transformation in Isaac. Thank you so much for allowing Isaac to be a part of your community.

    Sincerely,
    Lisa White