To some, it simply may be where we make Limonana from freshly picked-from-the-garden mint and lemon balm leaves, yet its roots run so much deeper. (Get it, roots?) Campscape is a special place on our campus where we as a community can gather to be inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while learning how tending garden and living sustainability are values in living ‘Jewishly.’
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, Borei, Isvay, B’samim – We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, who creates fragrant flowers and herbs.
Not only are the 6 center triangle flower beds situated to create a Star of David when looking from above, the Campscape garden is planted each year with seeds of fragrant herbs, flowers, and delicious vegetables. Through Coleman’s partnership with The Amir Project, we are so lucky to welcome Sasha this summer who integrates Jewish values into each of her teachings through feeding and caring for chickens, composting waste, and planting new seeds.
Marissa, Ofri, and Sabrina are the ‘crafty’ counterparts to our camp garden, inspiring campers to draw creativity from our surroundings. Together we gather natural elements and recyclable materials to create beautiful artwork. Campers love bringing home protective God’s eyes crafts created with yarn weaved methodically around sticks found at camp. We also pattern leaves to create Hamsa mosaics. Through crafting and organic discussions, campers are inspired to consider new ideas and perspectives.
One of the projects this summer is repurposing plastic water bottles and creating vases with fresh flowers and herbs from the garden as centerpieces for our last Shabbat dinner as a community this summer. Other favorites, of course, are when fresh chicken eggs and freshly picked mint or rosemary are used for making delicious treats!
Limonana is a camper favorite, that can easily be recreated from home. We blend together ice, lemonade (or lemon concentrate + water + sugar), and mint leaves (plus optional lemon balm leaves). We love chatting about other combinations that would be refreshing like adding watermelon or strawberries into the mix. Other recipes explored this summer infused garden-fresh herbs into baking Cinnamon Basil Cookies, and Rosemary Shortbread Biscuits.
An exciting spot in our nature oasis is the wood-burning pizza oven. Built as a camper project by Chalutzim about a decade ago, we love to get rustic and gather in the garden for evening programming and making homemade pizzas.
Campscape is a versatile and zen space at camp. Despite so much activity to offer, our community is always encouraged to visit our inspiring spot to disconnect, process and just “be.”
