My name is Rachael Gates, and for the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of sending my 12-year-old daughter, Avi, to Camp Barney Medintz. From the start, I knew camp would be a way for her to step outside of her comfort zone, but it’s become so much more than I could have ever imagined.
I wanted Avi to become more independent, take on responsibilities, and form deep connections with other Jewish kids and her heritage. What she has gained has exceeded all my hopes.
Every year, she comes home glowing with stories of friendships that began in her very first summer. She talks about her cabin mates as if they’re family – texting and Facetiming throughout the year, counting down the days until they can be together again. It’s not just the friendships, though. The fun, supportive counselors and the new experiences have made camp something she eagerly looks forward to every summer.
Avi is an adventurous soul when it comes to camp. She loves water activities and arts and has even tried horseback riding—something she’d never attempt at home. Sure, she won’t be doing that again, but she’s proud she gave it a shot! Camp has pushed her to try things she would otherwise be too scared to attempt, and I see her confidence growing with each summer.
But for us, camp isn’t just about fun—it’s about connection. Camp is Avi’s lifeline to her Jewish heritage, especially during difficult times.
The past few years have brought financial challenges to our family. Without the camp scholarship, Avi simply wouldn’t be able to go back.
She’d miss out on everything that makes camp so magical—the new adventures, the tight-knit friendships, and the beauty of Shabbat with hundreds of other Jewish kids. It’s hard to explain what that means to a parent—to know your child might miss out on something so formative because of circumstances out of your control.
Every child deserves something to look forward to, something that belongs to them. For Avi, that’s camp. She’s already talking about next summer, and I’m so grateful to Federation for making that possible. It’s an indescribable feeling to know there’s an organization out there that steps in to help families like ours. They make sure kids can have the joy and growth camp offers, without the weight of financial worry. That’s our burden as parents, not hers, and I’m so grateful she gets to just be a kid.
Camp has deepened Avi’s connection to her heritage, the values she’s learned, and the experiences she holds dear. I want her to carry that with her always. She’s grown more confident and resilient. The courage she’s shown by stepping into a new environment, being away from home for weeks without direct contact, is something I hope stays with her for life. I want her to remember that she can tackle hard things, that trying something new can be rewarding, and that the friendships she’s built are a lasting gift.
