So there are campers down at the pool and the life guard is not there yet. What do you expect the counselor to do? At one level we would just be thrilled if the campers do not drown. On another level we do not want to waste a moment. So your stellar counselor starts them off on a group activity or improv game. This shtick is the bread and butter of camp. But would we give our counselors an A+ for this?
- In these interstitial moments we build group dynamics, the bunk forms, and most importantly we have fun. While there is no doubt we should not overthink having fun, what would it look like to use these moments to have meaningful Jewish moments of reflection? This seemed like a fitting question for the Backpocket Education’s blog.
To this end I wanted to share ImProverbs . It is a low cost guide to Jewish wisdom that every counselor can have in their back pocket. ImProverbs is a playful mashup of form (see folding instructions below) and content (lessons on being a Mensch). The idea of a mashup of Proverbs and improv comes from Danny Messenger, a friend from Camp. I imagine you might have comments or suggestions regarding the content or other uses for the form. Please send either or both to Rabbi Avi Katz Orlow at avi@jewishcamp.org
Form- Back Pocket Booklet
Template- Adaptable Work Document ( Please send me what you make to me at avi@jewishcamp.org)
Versions:
- Original – ImProverbs: Backpocket Jewish Wisdom 1.1
- Sacks ‘n Slacks: Back Pocket Wisdom of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z’l
- Backpocket Feedback – Backpocket Feedback 2019
- Backpocket Buddy- Backpocket Buddy 2019
- Backpocket Guide For Inclusion for FJC – INCLUSION TIPS + TRICKS
- Backpocket Guide For Notice, Wonder, & Spark: Jewish Wisdom on Amazement 1.0 *New for summer 2023
- The Stages of Team: Moments in Between- Games to strengthen group dynamics with Jewish content and context. with Dr. Daniel Shore *New for summer 2023
Camp Adaptation:
- Camp Judaea – Random Acts of Community
- URJ Greene Family Camp – Bonim BackPocket Games GRADES 1 & 2
- URJ Greene Family Camp – Niviim BackPocket Games GRADES 3 & 4
- URJ Greene Family Camp– Kohanim BackPocket Games GRADE 5
- URJ Greene Family Camp – Shoftim BackPocket Games GRADE 6
- URJ Greene Family Camp– Melachim BackPocket Games GRADE 7
- URJ Greene Family Camp– Sganim BackPocket Games GRADE 8
- URJ Greene Family Camp– Programs for JFAM March Family Retreat 2023 Families with Young Children
Said to Myself 