Embracing the Magic: Unit Overnights at Camp Mountain Chai

At Camp Mountain Chai, we aim to foster a love and appreciation for the outdoors by creating unforgettable unit overnight experiences. Last night, all of our campers departed for their unit overnight experience. Our Shorashim (2nd – 4th grade) campers participated in a meaningful at-camp overnight experience where they slept outside on our sports field. Our Netzarim (5th – 6th grade) and Amirim (7th – 8th grade) campers hiked as a unit and spent the night at two nearby campgrounds, Lobo-Oso and Council respectively. Yesterday morning, our Atid (9th -10th grade) campers left for their three-day and two-night stay in Sedona, Arizona. As the Camp Operations Director, I helped coordinate these trips and in this blog post, I hope to convey just how magical our overnight programs at Camp Mountain Chai are.

1. Building Community:

Unit overnights offer a unique opportunity for campers to come together as a community, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Breaking away from daily routines, campers and counselors collaborate to set up camp and engage in team-building evening programs. These overnights allow campers to work together, sing songs around the campfire, stargaze, and create lifelong friendships and cherished memories.

2. Connecting with Nature:

Our Shorashim, Netzarim, and Amirim campers were surrounded by the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest and our Atid campers camped in the Coconino National Forest. Unit overnights provide campers with a chance to reconnect with the natural world. All of our campers sleep on a tarp underneath the starry night sky or in tents and wake up to birdsongs. These experiences often inspire a sense of environmental consciousness and foster respect and a deep appreciation for Mother Earth.

3. Fostering Independence, Confidence, and Resilience:

Sleeping outdoors encourages campers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. From setting up tarps or tents and navigating unfamiliar campgrounds, campers learn valuable life skills that build confidence and resilience. The sense of accomplishment and personal growth achieved during unit overnights serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance and determination.

Unit overnights at Camp Mountain Chai are much more than just a chance for our campers to sleep outdoors. They are transformative experiences that cultivate community, connect campers with nature, and nurture personal growth. Camp Mountain Chai provides a nurturing environment where campers can explore their faith, build lasting connections, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

David Edwards
Camp Operations Director