I started going to Camp Shomria at the tender age of eight and now, 12 years later it is clear to me how much this summer camp has shaped my personality and the decisions I have made in the past couple of years. Shomria is a magical place, and an environment that I believe is impossible to recreate, despite my best efforts. It is a place where each chanich is valued for who they are, and for having their own opinions, which in turn teaches our chanichim to respect others and their opinions, even if it is different from their own, which is an important lesson to learn at a young age. Moreover, there is nothing more empowering than being ten years old and having people listen to you. Camp I Shomria truly does shape its chanichim into leaders; strong, autonomous and aware individuals.

Mira Zeldin

My summers at Camp Shomria were some of the best memories of my life. I remember the excitement of preparing for camp, knowing that I would be spending a whole summer surrounded by friends. My summers as a chanicha were completely care-free and innocent. As I grew and became a madricha, my role at Camp Shomria changed entirely. My summers became filled with responsibility and dugma (leading by example). It was in these years that my experiences at camp helped me grow into the person that I am today. I learned the skills of being a team member. I learned the value of my peers’ opinions, no matter how dissimilar they may be from my own. I learned to accept people for who they are, regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnicity. I also embraced myself as an individual, which has been an unbelievable asset to me. My summers at Camp Shomria were invaluable, and I will always look back at them and smile.

Dr. Jacquie Schwartz

Hashomer Hatzair has influenced every aspect of my life. It has made me an educator, an activist, an engaged citizen, a Jew with understanding, a supporter of peace.

David Berkal