Coming 'Home' to Kutz

I first discovered Kutz Camp as an adult! In retrospect, I think I would have been a perfect candidate to become a Kutz camper back in my younger days, but somehow that opportunity didn’t present itself then. So, I’ve had to make up for lost time over the past several years. On my first visit to Kutz in 1988, I was District #5 President for the then National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (NFTS), today WRJ. Most years, the WRJ District Presidents’ Council holds its retreat/annual May meeting at Kutz. The women appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and, particularly, their interaction with its staff. Like my ‘home’ base Camp Harlam, Kutz characterizes a ‘home away from home’. Just driving through the nearby villages and then coming upon Bowen Road gives my heart a tug. Walking into the office or through the front door makes me smile. Memories and longtime friends’ faces flood into my thoughts – the times, the people, the lessons learned. I am always happy to have arrived at Kutz. Over the past few summers, I have enjoyed spending time with our NFTYites who have elected to sharpen their leadership skills over a summer at Kutz.  At first glance, most kids all seem the same to me – they are techies, love music, worry about college, and emulate the latest celebrities, movies and fads. But a closer look at our camps’ young people reveals what they believe and how they act: they are intentional, thoughtful, and compassionate. They are proud Jews who want to make a difference in the world, they value their heritage and its traditions, and they are working hard to discover what is meaningful to them. My role at Kutz, when I am there, is to talk about being an adult lay leader. I tell my story, sharing how much Judaism and accepting the mantle of leadership has enriched not just my life, but also my family’s lives. As a woman, I explain the role that WRJ has played in my life, telling the girls how important it is to have girlfriends in their lives everyday. I am always amazed by their intuitive and caring questions. Celebrations are one mainstay of Jewish life. Having an institution survive and today thrive after fifty years is no small achievement. And now, under Melissa’s tireless efforts and uber swag, Kutz is poised to become a very special center for our whole Movement. It will not just be for teens, but for many diverse groups who want to meet in an informal setting to bond, to learn, to worship, to share and to create memories. Mark your calendars and join the Kutz @ 50 celebration this summer.  If you missed your teen years at Kutz, I’m proof positive you can have those experiences, even if they take place later in your life. Mazel tov Kutz! Originally posted on the Kutz Camp blog.