July 10, 2026
Camp Kesher: Shabbat Shalom!
The sun was shining and definitely turned up the heat on this beautiful Friday at Camp Kesher! Even with the warm temperatures, our campers were full of energy, laughter, and excitement from start to finish.
We kicked off the day in Mishkan with a hilarious game of Emoji Pictionary. Campers enthusiastically shouted out classic Camp Kesher phrases like, “Goose Poop Field!” “Sheket Bevakasha…HEY!” “Elbows Off the Table!” and the safety check, “Where’s Your Buddy?” Mishkan was filled with smiles, laughter, and lots of camp spirit!
Rotations brought plenty of adventure throughout the day. Our older campers soared through the treetops on the zipline while others sharpened their riflery skills or battled it out in Gaga Ball. In preparation for our Shabbat celebration, every camper also had the opportunity to braid and decorate their own challah bread. With toppings like chocolate chips, M&Ms, and raisins, each loaf was as unique as its baker—and the campers were incredibly proud of their delicious creations!
The afternoon Camp-Wide Game featured an action-packed round of Capture the Flag. Both teams gave it everything they had, making for an exciting, neck-and-neck competition. After an intense battle, the Orange Team claimed the victory!
Because of Shabbat, everyone enjoyed an extended Free Time—and what a blessing that was! The pool quickly became the place to be, while others finished arts and crafts projects for their upcoming team skits or stopped by the beloved Snack Shack. Every camper gets to choose two treats each day from a tempting assortment of chips, ice cream, cookies, candy, and drinks. Let’s just say…there may be a few campers heading home in need of a little sugar detox!
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As evening approached, campers got dressed up for our special Shabbat celebration. Freshly washed hair, perfectly styled curls, and smiling faces filled the camp. Everyone looked wonderful as we gathered together for one of the most meaningful evenings of the week.
Our oldest campers had the privilege of leading the blessings over the wine and challah before we shared a wonderful Shabbat meal together. The dining hall echoed with joyful voices singing “Shabbat Shalom!” as we celebrated G-d’s faithfulness and enjoyed sweet fellowship as one camp family.
The excitement continued as our cabin inspections wrapped up. For the first time ever, the judges declared a two-way tie for the cleanest cabins in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions! The winning cabins celebrated with a well-earned pizza party after Mishkan—and victory has never tasted so good!
Our Mishkan speaker for the evening was Aaron, who has been part of the Camp Kesher family for 12 years. Aaron shared honestly that when Bobby first asked him to speak, he didn’t feel qualified or worthy. Yet he agreed because of his love for G-d and for each camper.
Aaron told the story of a night when both he and his roommate felt G-d prompting them to go share the Gospel. They felt ordinary, unprepared, and unsure of themselves, so they spent time praying and worshiping, asking the L-rd to go before them. During that time, Aaron sensed God saying, “Watch what I do.”
What followed was an evening filled with meaningful conversations, seeds of faith being planted, and ultimately one man giving his life to Yeshua. Their message was simple but powerful: “Yeshua loves you and wants a relationship with you.”
Aaron then shared from Acts 4, where Peter and John—ordinary, uneducated men—were used by G-d in extraordinary ways. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, thousands came to faith. Aaron also reminded us that Peter, despite his incredible calling, denied Yeshua three times. Peter experienced deep and devastating failure, yet G-d redeemed him and continued to use him mightily.
Aaron encouraged every camper not to believe the lies that say they are too young, too broken, too sinful, too unqualified, or too ordinary for G-d to use. Yeshua already knows our weaknesses, paid the price for every one of our sins, and delights in using imperfect people for His perfect purposes. We are Built Different and we are His chosen instruments. When we surrender our lives to Him, He transforms us from the inside out.
The evening concluded with one of the most meaningful moments of the week. We gathered at the pool for a special night swim, where three campers publicly declared their faith through baptism in front of their families, counselors, and friends. It was a beautiful reminder that Yeshua is still transforming lives today.
What an incredible way to close out another amazing day at Camp Kesher. Shabbat Shalom!
