For the entirety of my sophomore year, I debated whether or not to be a CIT. It was a scary commitment to make, being completely off the grid for the summer, possibly risking some school advancements, and remaining far from my family.
However, I have never been more grateful for anyone than I am for my friends and family for making me sign up. I now refer to myself as pre-CIT summer and post-CIT summer. That is how fundamental those 8 weeks were to my life. That summer taught me more about myself than anything I had experienced prior or have since. I have never laughed as much or smiled as often as I did in the tents.
I now refer to myself as pre-CIT summer and post-CIT summer. That is how fundamental those 8 weeks were to my life.
The Alonim leadership programs have provided me with experiences and friendships that I will hold with me forever. When the “real world” gets hard, I can always look through pictures or look forward to the next time I will be back at camp. Last summer, I brought my Canon EOS m50. It hung around my neck 24/7, as I attempted to document as much of the summer as I possibly could. On every shabbat hike, cell tower trip, Malavs, lounge hangout, and hammock hour I would walk around appreciating the beauty that surrounded me. Not just camp’s beautiful horizon, but the 68 other people that I spent precious time with, who made my life and myself better with every minute together.
Since last summer, my CIT community has been there for me through it all. Anytime I need advice, a shoulder to cry on, or simply a space to be safe, any and all CITs of 24 open their hearts to me, and to each other.
Though it is devastating to think about that community never being all together again in the same way as we were all summer, I know that the lessons we learned and experiences we shared will have us all bonded for years to come. We don’t have to talk every single day to remain the foundation for each other. And that is the most beautiful part.
– Zoe D. (CIT 2024)
