Hardest Part Was the Best Part

Final Debrief

The last night of every summer is dedicated to the Final Debrief. Each division finds a place for themselves, usually in their “living room” when weather allows for it. The goal is to think back through the summer and pull out specific highlights and takeaways.

Each Division Head has his own style, but the general thrust is the same: As a group, we’ll run through the daily and monthly schedule, reminding ourselves of how much we accomplished. Just that alone is incredibly inspiring, to remember so many accomplishments in such a short span of time. We then ask a couple of questions, giving everyone time to answer: 1) What was hard for you, 2) what was your highlight, 3) what’s one lesson you’ll take with you into the year?

A Surprising Pattern

After a few years running these Final Debreifs, I noticed a consistent trend. For many people, their most challenging moments led directly into their highlights. For a camper who struggled on the 3-Day Hike, his highlight was very likely reaching High Point, where we end the hike. For a camper who had trouble working with other members of the group, his highlight was likely a big group project such as building groups or the Forest Feast. I wondered, why would this be? It was presumably deeper than a struggling hiker being really happy he was finally done with the hike, or a lone wolf expressing relief that his group responsibilities were finally finished.

Life Lesson

L’Fum Tzaara, Agra. The more effort you put into something, the more reward you have waiting for you. This is more than just an insight into God’s calculus. By grappling with a challenge, by pushing yourself and overcoming something difficult, you appreciate the outcome so much more. Things that come easily are so much more likely to be dismissed and forgotten; what could they have been worth if we came by them so easily? Our campers learn this life lesson without having to see it inside a Sefer or hear it in a Mussar Shmooze; they live it every day of camp. And it’s lessons like that, things that they learn and notice on their own, that have the power to transform their perspectives outside of camp. Sibling struggles, a test or homework in school, a project that’s just not getting done – now they know, the more effort I put in, the better it’ll feel to accomplish it. L’fum Tzaara, Agra.