DSN Hesed Camp: Adding True Meaning To Summer Camp

DSN Hesed Camp is a unique Summer program for high school girls that has grown substantially since its start three years ago. The program is distinct because the majority of the activities that the camp goers partake in are crafted with others in mind. A day at Hesed Camp typically consists of sports, baking, art, and most importantly, Hesed.

One example of an activity that the camp puts together for their campers is a scavenger hunt, but the lists the girls must hunt for aren't so typical. The girls must gather things like school supplies for needy children or groceries to fill the SBH food pantry. A perfect blend of kindness and fun.

Most recently, on Monday Aug 10, the girls held a bake sale and car wash at the DSN facilities in Oakhurst NJ with all of their proceeds donated to charity. The food for the bake sale was made by campers in previous days of camp during baking classes and stored in preparation for today. They made things like string cheese, banana bread, and pickled peppers to sell to the DSN members throughout the day.

They also designed flower arrangements and sold them for Shabbat. In art class, the campers made pots out of clay and painted them. For the bake sale the campers filled the painted pots with fresh herbs and sold them to the community members who attended.

The car wash was another clever and fun way that the girls raised money that day. The price for a car wash was set at $10. A few of the girls stood on the street flagging customers down with signs while others waited in the back parking lot with hoses, sponges, and tire cleaner. The girls were ready and eager to clean cars for a good cause.

Hesed camp raised approximately $1,500 at the bake sale & car wash that day alone. All proceeds from the event went directly to The DSN Children's Scholarship Fund. The fund was created because DSN is devoted to never turning a child away. That means that even if someone cannot afford to be a member of the community center or cannot afford to participate in programs with their friends, DSN is there to help. The fund helps pay for those children to be a part of a great community center.

“We were happy to raise money for such a great cause!” exclaimed Lauren Tobias, the director of the DSN Hesed camp.

Currently the camp has twenty one campers.

“The campers are so happy,” explained Tobias, “It's a very meaningful way to spend your Summer while still having fun and making friends with people of the same interests!”

The camp also go on fun non-Hesed related trips such as Hershey Park, Six Flags Great Adventures, Kayaking, a ropes course at Point Pleasant, and many more fun destinations.

“DSN Hesed Camp’s missions and goals are to educate, encourage and empower young ladies in our community,” explained Tobias about the overall goals of the camp, “To educate the campers about the various community and local organizations that help those who are less fortunate is extremely important.”

Continued Tobias, “But also to encourage each individual to get involved and make a difference by contributing to Tikun Olam, making the world a better place. We empower the girls with the skills and confidence they need to initiate and lead Hesed or charitable activities whether on an individual or a group basis.”

For more information about the DSN Hesed Camp, please visit the DSN website.

Author Image

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.