[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][dt_fancy_title title=”Orientation Summer 2017″ title_size=”h3″ title_color=”custom” separator_style=”thick” separator_color=”custom” custom_title_color=”#0066bf” custom_separator_color=”#dd0000″][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][vc_column_text]Training for Summer 2017 was held on 1st May at the most favoured JCUSA venue and brought together more than ever before.
Everyone met their delegation and so many alumni came along to support the new group of Brits ready to follow in their footsteps. The day was packed with lots of fun, learning all about what to expect at camp and we would like to say a huge special thanks to all of the amazing camp directors who flew over to be part of such a wonderful day.[/vc_column_text][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][vc_column_text][URIS id=2813][/vc_column_text][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][dt_fancy_title title=”My JCUSA Journey” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”custom” separator_style=”thick” separator_color=”custom” custom_title_color=”#0066bf” custom_separator_color=”#dd0000″][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][vc_column_text]By Annie Shackelton
Appling for camp through Jewish Camps USA (JCUSA) was one of the best decisions I have made in my life so far, I know that without even having begun my adventure yet. I already feel part of the JCUSA family, despite my feet being placed solely on British ground throughout my involvement thus far.
I believe JCUSA saved me from making a massive mistake and applying for camp through another organisation. I knew from my first conversation with JCUSA that I was in safe hands and I have never looked back since. JCUSA prepped me for two skype interviews and insisted I phoned them after each one for a follow up to make sure I felt happy and confident. I am beyond grateful to the JCUSA team for all of what I have mentioned, but I am most grateful for the time Jason has taken to get to know me in order to ensure he found me a camp that was exactly suited to my personality. In less than one week, I will be flying out to Denver, Colorado and becoming part of another undoubtedly incredible family – the JCC Ranch Camp family! I could not have imagined a better camp for my personality and that is all down to Jason and JCUSA.
As well as the process of getting placed on a camp, there has also been preparation after being placed. Personally, the idea of camp was a dream to me until the training day on May 1st made it a reality. I met up with my two British co-councillors Ricky and Jess as we eagerly began the real adventure. We were fortunate enough to have the assistant director of JCC Ranch Camp, Gina present at the training day. This allowed myself, Jess and Ricky to get to know her as well as each other, this was instrumental in building my excitement for a forthcoming summer of working alongside these three fantastic people, my excitement expanded even more so as I began to imagine how equally brilliant everyone else at Ranch Camp will surely be. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]By the end of the training day I felt a close bond to my co-councillors, as well as Gina, making me feel comfortable and easing my nerves for camp. When I was not bonding with just my Ranch Camp team, I was taking part in a rotation station style training programme, where past councillors spoke about all of the vital information and skills we would need that would combine into a camp survival kit. The best part of this was hearing each staff members’ personal stories and experiences at their camps. As I was listening to them talk about their kids and camp with such passion, I realised that next year it will be me sharing my own personal stories and memories from Ranch Camp. We all have our own stories to tell and no two peoples’ experiences of anything are the same, I am looking forward to making my memories and sharing my own personal cherished moments of my summer at Ranch Camp.
JCUSA has allowed me to broaden my horizons with regards to my friendship circle and meet people who have similar qualities to me which has made me even more excited to begin my JCUSA journey. My co-councillors Ricky and Jess are two of the most genuine and caring people I have met in a long time, I instantly felt something special as the three of us started discussing ideas for British Day on camp and ways we could work together to bring our British culture to camp as the only three British staff members. It is no question in my mind that three of us will support each other and make a great team, as well as immerse ourselves in the Ranch Camp family.
I already feel so passionate about Ranch Camp and I haven’t set foot on its soil yet, I am ready for the best summer of my life.[/vc_column_text][ultimate_spacer height=”95″][dt_fancy_title title=”US Embassy” title_size=”h3″ title_color=”custom” separator_style=”thick” separator_color=”custom” custom_title_color=”#0066bf” custom_separator_color=”#dd0000″][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][vc_column_text]We have had so much fun at Grosvenor Square this year with so many J1 visa days. The American Embassy has been packed with staff from around the country getting all the paperwork they need for the best job they will ever have at an amazing Jewish summer camp. Here are some pictures of the fun and early mornings we have shared. #bagelatembassy #matzaatembassy[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][URIS id=2835][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][dt_fancy_title title=”Round up for Summer 2017″ title_size=”h3″ title_color=”custom” separator_style=”thick” separator_color=”custom” custom_title_color=”#0066bf” custom_separator_color=”#dd0000″][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][vc_column_text]
It is now the month where all of our staff are flying out to take on what will be the hardest, toughest yet most rewarding summer of their life.
This is our third full summer and we have taken huge strides this year with increasing our staff numbers, reaching Jewish staff in Europe, having our best retention rate ever and finally we have also given the opportunity to our youngest ever camper the chance to go to camp.
We can’t put into words how honoured and grateful we all are to be surrounded by such wonderful people; camp really does bring the best people together. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has been involved in being able to make this happen; JCCA, all the amazing camp directors we work with, our JCUSA alumni and all of our staff for this summer.
This year more than ever before with the world changing around us, it is time for us to really make our experiences count, make an impact on your campers lives and build a better and brighter future with love and cohesion.
To all of our wonderful camps and staff, may you all have a safe and successful summer.
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Wishing everyone an amazing Summer 2017!
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