Dear Family and Friends,

       This year I will become a Bar Mitzvah and complete a Mitzvah Project as part of this milestone.  If you know me, you know that I can't imagine a life without camp.  For the past four years sleepaway camp at camp Greylock has been the highlight of my life. Every day I think about camp and the fun I have had and the new memories I will make in the future.  It has taught me so much; from how to make my bed and take care of myself to how to make friends that will last a lifetime. Sports are also a huge part of my life and camp has taught me many skills but also how to be a good teammate and have good sportsmanship in a win or a loss. Sports all day for seven weeks is amazing but it's not the only reason I love summer camp.

       My camp friends are like family to me and I cherish every moment I spend with them. Even though we are apart for most of the year we always pick back up right where we left off, like no time has passed. I have special bonds with everyone in my bunk that I could not have had if I did not live with them.  Camp has also given me the opportunity to meet people from all around the world and from all different backgrounds. This has exposed me to other cultures and broadened my horizons. In the age of technology, unplugging from devices for an extended period of time also feels cleansing. Every minute at camp is full of love and laughter. Overall, I would do anything to keep going back to camp for as long as I can.

       It is for all of the reasons above that I am donating to SCOPE for my Mitzvah Project. SCOPE is a non-profit organization that sends under-resourced kids to camp and eventually college. The gift of summer camp provides a safe space to learn, grow, and discover new possibilities, sharing an experience that goes beyond just fun activities. Camp teaches independence, stepping out of your comfort zone and most of all friendship in ways that are hard to learn anywhere else.

         Like me, my parents are lifelong campers and my mom is a proud SCOPE board member so I have been connected to this amazing organization for my entire life, and it means a great deal to me.  I have seen the effect camp has had on SCOPE kids and it is nothing less than extraordinary. I feel honored to be able to share something I love and appreciate so much with other children just like me.  Because basketball is my favorite activity at camp, I will shoot a free throw for every $10 donated and each donation of $50 or more will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a signed Jalen Brunson basketball.