March 2017

Pat yourselves on the back! We’ve made it through another winter, with the promise of warmth, sunnier
days and lots of play in the days ahead. To get you pumped, we’ve packed this issue full of goodies about
summer camps: camps for all kids, regardless of ability level, a handy list of discounts to some of our favorite camps out there and a sweet, poignant piece from one of our student writers at Portland Jewish Academy about the wondrous, magical experience that is summer camp. (It really is lovely. If you ever went to camp or sat around a campfire with your besties, it’ll probably bring a tear or two to your eye.)
Even as we’re busy getting on with our day-to-day and making plans for spring and summer, we can’t ignore that things are changing on a national and global scale and creating waves that are hitting us where it hurts – our families and our hearts. No matter where you stand on the complicated issues at hand, the collective rise of stress, fear and uncertainty is palpable. As the adage goes, knowledge is power, and we could all stand to feel a little more powerful right now. On p. 13, find books and community events designed for openness, learning and understanding, so that we might find some peace in knowing that we’re all in this together. So march forth, play, learn and grow together! See you next month!

-Karel