By Linda Wisch-Davidsohn

It seems like just yesterday that I packed camp items for Amy, Reuben, Jordana and Ethan as they left to attend summer camp in the Texas Hill Country. Echo Hill was a “tradition,” and my sisters all attended camp there. Sharon is five years older than Amy, so she was there to guide her down some of the paths of camp lore and pave the way. Sharon later became a CIT and counselor. Judy was a camp counselor and Susan, a camper and CIT. This summer eight Bernstein, Davidsohn and Doty cousins attended Echo Hill Ranch along with their cousins Jimmy Ray (camper) and Benjamin Ray (counselor) who was described by his cousin, Zachary as “I have the most awesome counselor. His name is Ben Ray.” This year, in addition to the grandchildren and nephews who attended, my youngest daughter, Jordana Bernstein, went back to camp for the summer in an administrative position. Although the “cousin group” is a large contingent in itself, they were joined by a host of friends and campers who made the trip to the “Little Green Valley” and created lasting memories. This year Rosie (Bernstein) made new memories while attending Camp Stone in Sugar Grove, Pa.
Packing for camp is part of the process. The letters from the campers make the process worthwhile — and this year I have to say that the “boys” came in first as the best and most frequent letter writers. My nephew, Jimmy, wrote newsy letters about camp life, kept up with the social activities of his cousins and was a stellar reporter. My grandsons, Zachary and Micah, both wrote that they are all getting along and taking care of each other. Tessa and Shea wrote that they were having an “awesome time,” and to please send care packages. Joey wrote that she was having fun as did the others. Shaya Bernstein, the youngest of the group to attend camp and a first-timer, wrote: “I fell in love with cedar trees. It is amazing to crunch the bark within your fingers and look at the beautiful wood underneath.” Rosie wrote from Camp Stone describing her new experience. Could Pennsylvania really be as hot as Texas? A follow-up post camp call affirmed that “yes, it can be.”
I spoke to Jordana once by phone, who reported that everything was wonderful and that all the kids were having a great time.
Now that camp is over all I can think of is the dirtiest word in post camp language — laundry. The only thing I could be certain of when my campers returned home long ago was that I would pull an all-nighter — washing, drying and folding my nemesis. I do know folks who forego this rite of passage by smartly discarding post-camp clothing — or patronizing laundromats outside of camp grounds. However, I am sworn to secrecy and could not possibly reveal my source — as most reporters don’t. The laundry is one scoop I am happy to pass down to the younger generations. Please feel free to forward your camp stories or photos to lindawd@texasjewishpost.com.

Accolades for Harriet Gross

TJP’s “Light Lines” has earned recognition for Harriet Gross from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. This column was awarded an Honorable Mention in the organization’s annual competition. Since NSNC has no categories for special-interest publications, “Light Lines” was cited among “general interest” columns in all publications with circulation of under 50,000. Awards were presented on June 29 during the Society’s conference in Hartford, Conn.

Congregation Beth Torah Annual Open House

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4 at Congregation Beth Torah, 720 W. Lookout Drive in Richardson, prospective members and community members are invited to attend the shul’s annual event. The festivities will feature games, a bounce house for children, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream as well as Israeli dancing.
This event will provide an opportunity to meet with Beth Torah’s Rabbi Rafi Cohen, lay leadership and representatives of the synagogue’s preschool and Learning Center as well as its many groups and clubs.
The event is free and no reservations are necessary. Beth Torah, which serves Dallas and all of its northern suburbs, is located near the crossroads of the Bush Turnpike and Central Expressway. For additional information, call 972-234-1542.

Attention Judaica shoppers

A note from the staff at Temple Shalom’s “Traditions” gift shop reminded us that July is Customer Appreciation Month at the gift shop. Traditions is the Judaica shop at Temple Shalom. Customers are invited to take 25 percent off regular merchandise and 10 percent off books. This does not include previous markdown items or special orders. One hundred percent of all proceeds go directly to the support of Temple Shalom youth and community initiatives.

We like to hear from our readers. Send your news and announcements to lindawd@texasjewishpost.com.