When 13-year-old Jacob began thinking about his bar mitzvah project, he knew one thing for sure: it had to be about camp. As a Cedar Lake Camp kid, camp has become a huge and happy part of his summers. So, when it came time to choose a project rooted in Jewish values, Jacob decided to turn his personal joy into an opportunity for others.
Why Camp Means Everything to Jacob
At camp, Jacob’s days are filled with hanging out with friends and long stretches on the lake. His favorite moments include swimming, tubing, and, of course, the banana boat, a highlight he talks about with a huge grin. But it’s his first summer that stands out the most. That was the year he met the friends who would become “his people,” making it one of the best years of his life. Those friendships, that sense of belonging, that’s what camp gave him. And that’s exactly what he wanted other kids to experience, too.
A Bar Mitzvah Project Rooted in Gratitude
Jacob set out to raise $1,000 toward scholarships and collect camp supplies for campers in need who will be heading to Jewish sleepaway camp this summer. He gathered shower caddies, sunscreen, and bug spray to donate to scholarship recipients, helping ensure they’re set up for a great camp experience. “I chose this project because I love camp,” he said. “I wanted to give other kids the opportunity to experience it.” Through the project, Jacob realized how powerful it can be to help others experience something meaningful. “I learned that giving to others is a really good thing to do,” he reflected.
The Camp Kid Behind the Project
Jacob brings plenty of personality to camp life, too. His must-have bunk item? A deck of poker cards. He’s been playing for a few years and proudly claims to have a “good poker face.” He also never forgets to pack a fan, a very real camp essential.
A Future Full of Mitzvot
“This project definitely makes me want to help more people in the future,” he said. He hopes to continue donating money and supporting causes like this one. His love of mitzvot (good deeds) extends beyond camp, too. One of his favorite acts of giving is providing food and money to people experiencing homelessness. And during a recent trip to Israel, he helped prepare food for IDF soldiers, during their breaks. These experiences helped Jacob see doing a mitzvah not as a single moment, but as a way of living. To learn more about starting a camp-related Bar or Bat Mitzvah project, please contact Gerri Russo, Program Manager, Camp Initiatives at [email protected].