Blog

Hello TI! Or as we sing at Camp Shook, "Boker Tov!" 

For those who don’t see me often or who I haven't met yet, my name is Lindsay Rich and I am the Director of Camp Shook (and co-leader of Temple Israel's Shemesh Religious School class for students with special needs). When I am not at TI, I spend my "downtime" during the school year teaching 4th grade at Old Bonhomme Elementary. 

Heading into my 14th year at Camp Shook, I can truly say it’s one of the best places to spend my summer. When I started as a Counselor in Training (CIT), I knew I wanted to be a counselor. As the years went on, I continued to have amazing summer experiences — working with incredible campers and staff who have brought and continue to bring such positive energy. I would always count down the days until I was back at camp. When I eventually became Director, I knew I wanted to continue creating that positive experience for both campers and counselors. Walking through the halls filled with happy campers making lifelong memories is an indescribable feeling. It would not be possible without our amazing counselors and staff who create fun activities and make up silly songs to keep everyone engaged. 

As I started planning for this summer, I thought about the magic created at camp, and how I wish we could spread this joy with the world around us. From this thought, our theme for Summer 2025 was created. Our theme, "The World Around Us," will be all about acceptance, peace, friendship, imagination, rainbows, nature, love, and fun!

Over winter break, I had the chance to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel. After a glamorous 10-hour flight, we arrived and met 25 strangers at the airport who would soon feel like family.

From hiking Masada to experiencing Shabbat in Jerusalem to immersing ourselves in Israeli culture, we did it all. Over those 10 days, I learned more about Israel than I could have ever imagined. Along the way, we were joined by five incredible Israelis who helped us understand what life is like for them there. The strength and joy is truly inspiring.

Having just returned from my trip, I’m reminded of the incredible joy Israelis bring to everyday life, and how that energy mirrors this year's Camp Shook theme. In Israel, there’s a unique sense of community and vibrancy that reminds me of the halls of Camp Shook — from becoming like a family on day one, to the laughter of campers on the playground and cheers during friendship circle. For our campers, discovering the world is all about curiosity, play, and songs. Camp Shook creates an atmosphere where every day feels like a celebration of the world around them, just like the infectious positivity and warmth I saw in Israel.

If you are in the area this summer, we welcome you in to see the amazing magic of camp! I am only an email away! If you’re interested in sending your child (ages 6-months through age 6), or know someone over the age of 12 interested in working at Camp Shook, please reach out to me. I look forward to another amazing summer at Camp Shook!

Lindsay Rich
lrich@ti-stl.org | 314-432-8076