Sruli’s Story as told to Sara Klarberg
Three counselors for one bunk? There were so many reasons it was a bad idea. In the history of Camp Shemesh, has any bunk ever had three counselors? No. Of course not—because it was a really bad idea! How could this be?
I had waited for years to finally become a counselor in Camp Shemesh. I was so excited to lead a bunk and create the fun. As a kid, I had always looked up to my counselors, wishing I could be like them. And now, it was finally my turn. I was 18, had just finished Mesivta, and was ready to be the best counselor Camp Shemesh had ever had.
I had davened all year for a good co-counselor, and I was ecstatic when I found out I’d be working with Moshe Klein. I knew we’d be a great team. He was responsible, knew all the rules, kept track of details, and was an amazing athlete. And I brought the fun. Together, we’d be the best at everything.
Except now, here I was at staff orientation, looking over the handouts and seeing that our bunk staff also included Binny Fine. I had no idea who Binny was, but I already resented him. Two counselors is perfect; three is ridiculous.
I could just imagine us competing for leadership, each trying to be the campers’ favorite, and having to split tips three ways. Nothing about this was good. Binny may have been a great guy, but he didn’t belong in our bunk.
I tried talking to Rabbi A. about the situation. I explained all the reasons it couldn’t work, but he didn’t back down. The bunk was big, he explained, and the campers were young. The camp felt that three counselors was the better option in this case. Nothing I said could convince him otherwise.
Binny showed up with a smile, a great baseball cap, and a huge duffel bag that somehow had to fit into our counselor room—which was now housing three counselors. He was funny, easygoing, and nice. Even though I hated the idea of having three counselors, I really liked Binny.
The next two weeks flew by, and I stopped noticing that we were three counselors. The days were jam-packed with activities and taking care of campers, and the nights were filled with kumzitzes, conversations, and a bit of sleep.
Then, on Friday morning—right before visiting day—Rabbi A. walked into our bunkhouse. An early cleaning inspection, I thought. But he looked serious. “Moshe is heading home this morning,” he told Binny and me. “Something came up in his family. I was going to try to find another counselor to replace him, but I think the bunk is doing well. Do you think you can manage as a team of two for now?”
Binny and I nodded. It was a big bunk, but by then we really knew the boys. “We’ve got this,” we assured him.
Looking back, I realize how Hashem had planned everything perfectly. I was so worried about having three counselors. I was sure I knew best. But having three counselors gave us the strongest start. And when Moshe had to leave, I didn’t have to adjust to a brand-new co-counselor—because Binny and I were already a great team.
What I learned:
Hashem knows what’s best for me way better than I do!
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 78.
