Blue Star Blog

Author: Lauren Popkin

Blue Star's living wall and new landscape design!

Posted on by Lauren Popkin


Guest Blogger: Kristen Haaf
Kristen Ford Haaf is a designer and owner of Roots First Design (www.rootsfirst.com). She is passionate about uncovering ecological potential in unlikely places. As a designer, she has worked on projects at a range of scales, from regional open space and mobility plans, to citywide placemaking plans, to several-acre edible forests, to small children’s gardens and playscapes.
As an undergrad at Duke University studying Environmental Policy, Kristen was especially concerned about the connection between public health and the choices we make as a society. After spending several years working with community environmental non-profits in Durham and Ecuador, she went on to receive her Master of City and Regional Planning from UNC and her Master of Landscape Architecture from NC State. Kristen also received a Permaculture Design Certificate from Earthaven EcoVillage in Black Mountain, NC.
Kristen designed a comprehensive landscape plan for Blue Star this summer with an entirely native plant palette as well as designed our new living wall, a statement of Blue Star’s commitment to sustainability. Kristen was on site at camp this past Saturday leading educational sessions with our campers about living walls and vertical gardens.
Kristen is especially excited about projects where she can engage young people in thinking about how to add green to their world.  Kristen cherishes time outside, enjoying hiking and gardening with her husband and three kids.

BLUE STAR’S LIVING WALL AND NEW LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Entering Blue Star for the first time this year you may have noticed many changes throughout the camp.  Buildings have been painted and renovated and new gardens are growing with plants that are native to the Appalachians of North Carolina.   Most unique among these gardens is the wall of green that is growing at the heart of camp across from the Health Center.

This new installation is a garden, but it’s not the kind you may be used to.  Designed to grow vertically on a wall, rather than horizontally on the ground, we call this garden a green wall, living wall or vertical garden.  Close your eyes and imagine what you think of when you hear the term ‘living wall’.  If you imagined a wall that is breathing with life and teeming with green, then you’ve pictured what we hope for with our first living wall at Blue Star.

Living walls can be built inside or outside on a wall of a building or as a freestanding screen like the one here at camp.  This particular living wall is made up of 54 Woolly Pockets, which are modular, breathable garden planters that are light enough to hang on a wall but durable enough to hold soil and plants and keep them watered.  Planted with species that are tough enough to grow sideways, these vertical gardens help to purify the air we breathe and can be used to improve water quality when they are set up to capture rainwater from roofs.  They are also linked to lower stress levels in people who work near green walls and they can serve as a palette for public art.  Living walls are often used in urban areas without a lot of trees because they can make a big green impact in relatively small, leftover spaces.

But we’re not in a city, so why do we have one here? Almost more important than the positive environmental effects of green walls is the way that they can capture our imagination.  As public art, a green wall tells a story about a place and serves as a symbol of positive change.  Our green wall is made up of six interconnected panels that symbolize the six camps of Blue Star.  The swooshing pattern of plants that flows along the length of the wall symbolizes the way that these six camps are tied together as one.  Perhaps even more importantly, our green wall signals a hope for the future, a wish that we not only continue to introduce more and more sustainability efforts around camp, but also that the campers who see our green wall every day start to imagine new ways to build buildings and cities and dream of a greener world for the future.



From Generation to Generation – Conservation Generation

Posted on by Lauren Popkin
Guest Blogger – Avi Djanogly
Avi Djanogly is a long time staff member and camp alumnus. In 2009 Avi co-founded and created the award–winning interactive Gabi H2O Measurable Water Conservation Education program. He is an informal educator through and through after spending over 20 summers at Blue Star. Avi also founded “Conservation Generation”, an organization that seeks to empower children to change the world by changing both their own practices regarding sustainability as well as being role models for their parent’s generation. The concept is simple; children can influence their parents’ behavior regarding water usage and other practices that help to create a more sustainable world. He is married to Sylvie; they have three kids and an exceptionally smart Collie Cross dog.

From Lauren and Seth:

As “Conservation Generation’s” pilot camp, Blue Star campers will gain awareness of best practices regarding water conservation and other sustainable practices. Our goal is to raise awareness, share knowledge and change behavior this summer at camp! Jenna Mehler, a representative from Conservation Generation, spoke with Blue Star campers at Shabbat services about ways to conserve water and other natural resources. Our campers’ progress in these water saving endeavors will be documented throughout the summer using the Gabi H20 measurability standards. Campers will also participate in art projects that highlight water conservation, which will be showcased at the American Camp Association National Convention in February. Keep a look out for awesome rain barrels, rain chains, and “public service announcement” videos, all created by our Blue Star campers! Tomorrow, all campers and staff  (whether running or just “cheering on”) will participate in our camp-wide “Conservation Generation Color Run”, which will raise funds for non-profits that focus on water conservation and water quality across the globe.

L’ Dor V’Dor From Generation to Generation to Conservation Generation

Guest Blog by Avi Djanogly

“The world we build tomorrow is born in the experiences we give our children today.”

Last Friday night I had the pleasure of sitting in the Blue Star Chapel once again. It was the first service of summer. The gathering of the entire staff. For 6 days they had lived together, trained together, bonded with each other all in anticipation of the arrival of the campers. Now here we all were at the Elmore Solomon Chapel…as the strains of Hine Ma Tov Uma Nayim slowly washed over me, I couldn’t help but go on a journey down memory lane.

At the beginning of the summer it appears endless, that the summer will last forever. But that’s an illusion. The summer flies by. Over all too soon. Yet the experiences we and our children have are far more impactful at camp because Blue Star is so unique.

The outside world stops at camp’s gates. Each and every summer at camp our children get the chance to re-create their universe. Camp is kid-centric in a way that the outside world can never be. The opportunities for our children to discover their talents, to nurture their skills, to develop friendships and to see the world from a different perspective are endless. Camp is life changing. Camp is a gift. Camp is also an opportunity to learn to heal the world.

At our camp, the Jewish concept of Tikun Olam “Healing The World” runs through the Blue Star experience. Herman and his brothers embodied this principle. This has taken many forms throughout the years but knowing the value and wisdom of nature, we have always stressed the importance of conservation and sustainability. (The Chapel itself is a living example of re-using and recycling. From the stain glass windows discarded by an Atlanta synagogue, to the Torah we use which came from a congregation which was closing in Clarksdale Mississippi). Inherent in this is that we must pay attention to the resources we use and how we use them.

As the generation of climate change, melting glaciers, rising seas, drought and flood, we need to both acknowledge and commit ourselves to saving the planet. Camp is a springboard to building the world of tomorrow. A world where natural resources are valued, where Tikun Olam is at the forefront of our thinking and actions and where Jewish identity is taken on by our children.

That’s why Conservation Generation is launching our award-winning program in the USA starting at Blue Star this summer and why we are looking forward to sharing our program with ACA camps across the country in Summer 2015! Camp (especially Blue Star) is a place where our children learn that their actions can make a difference and the true importance of “L’ Dor V’dor, From Generation to Generation”.

Horseback Skills Camps…a really exciting addition to our summer program offerings

Posted on by Lauren Popkin

Our second and third generation families may recall our week-long “Skill Sessions” which were offered in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Our “Skill Session” camps allowed campers the opportunity to participate in concentrated skill development programs in several key activity areas offered at camp.

This summer, under the direction of Louise Hardman, our year-round Equestrian Director, we are re-introducing a one-week skills camp at Blue Star! An Equestrian Skills Camp will be offered Sunday, June 8th through Saturday, June 14th.

A truly unique camp experience, our Horseback Skills Camp will provide campers the opportunity to become stronger riders along side other campers that are motivated to further develop Equestrian skills and knowledge. ​Dedicated time spent at the barn during Horseback Skills Camp will create opportunities for advancement in riding skills well beyond what is possible in a normal camp session. Blue Star Horseback Skills Camp will be all about developing friendships and embracing adventures in the ring and on the trail!​

We are proud to be providing our campers with this unique opportunity to “concentrate” on horseback skill development this summer AND are considering adding additional “skill development” sessions in other Blue Star activity areas for future summers!

Let us know what “skill sessions” you would like to see introduced in future summers by email, tweet, instagram or our facebook page!

And be sure to check out our Horseback Skills Camp E-brochure to learn more about this wonderful new camp program!

Looking forward to Summer 2014

Posted on by Lauren Popkin

Blue Star is now ready to announce a long-term program of facility enhancements and upgrades starting with (drum roll please)…

We are super excited to share that we are embarking on this process of renewal that will be commencing this summer! Campers and staff will notice that camp and many areas of our “campus” will feel refreshed this summer. These changes to the look and feel of camp will go a long way to make our beautiful summer home even more spectacular.

Our biggest project for this summer is one that will be experienced and enjoyed by our entire camp family. We have enlisted the help of architecture firm, Padgett & Freeman, to guide our dining hall improvements. The character and integrity of these interior spaces will be preserved but enhanced by the aesthetic upgrades they will be receiving, which will add some “comforts” and a higher degree of functionality to the camper and staff experience during meal times.

Here’s what’s happening!

All of our Dining Halls (Girls, Boys and Staff) will be getting the following:
• New flooring in a beautiful “aged oak” color
• New lighting
• Fresh paint in a light, bright hue

The Girls and Boys Dining Halls will also be getting:
• New cabinetry with lovely counter tops to be used to serve items from our yummy newly  revised camp menu
• Corrugated metal paneling to serve as “wainscoting”
• The Girls’ Dining Hall will feature a new “Wall of Murals” which will be a compilation of decades  of camp art work, serving as a focal point of the room
• The Boys’ Dining Hall will have our historic camp mural artworks framed and hung throughout

Additionally, we will be featuring a “Living Wall” on the exterior of the Dining Hall this summer in the spirit of honoring the natural world at Blue Star and as a symbol of our renewed commitment to ecological practices at camp.

We are thrilled to share this exciting news with you and can’t wait to sing the blessings and “break bread” with our camp family in 2014 in these new, beautiful dining halls.

And this is only the beginning…
Stay tuned for emails and post to our facebook page as the summer approaches!

Our third core outcome: A spirit of Tikkun Olam

Posted on by Lauren Popkin

In an earlier blog Seth introduced you to two major elements that are cornerstones of the Blue Star experience. Part of our camp’s mission has always been to awaken and maintain a spirit of “tikkun olam” or “repairing the world” in the hearts of our campers and staff. Once we discover the best part of ourselves in a setting that allows us to connect to each other as friends and part of our intentional community, the next step is: How do we share this positive, wholesome and happy experience with others? We believe that what our campers learn and experience at Blue Star will empower them to do “good work” that will help transform our planet, creating a kinder and gentler world.

Today, I am announcing our connection to a truly incredible non-profit organization that provides FREE support services to adults and children with cancer and their families. The Cancer Support Community Greater Miami (CSCGM) is one of 51 Cancer Support Community affiliates worldwide. Each affiliate is a separate non-profit within this global network whose mission is “to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.”

We are pleased to tell you that they have selected Rodger and Candy to be the recipients of their 2014 Champions of the Human Spirit Award. It is an honor for Candy and Rodger (and our family) to have this opportunity to help raise awareness and resources to support the important mission of this organization. Rodger and Candy will receive this award in April at their annual Heart & Star Award Dinner.

Sadly, most people have a “story to tell” about cancer’s impact on their lives. Almost everyone has personal experience with this disease. Our loved ones, family, friends, and neighbors have faced and battled this illness. My dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma ten days after our son, Eli, was born. It was a bitter sweet moment for our family; we were humbled by the magic of the new life taking form in our sweet little boy while at the same time feeling intensely vulnerable and frightened. Our personal experience with cancer affirms that the work of Cancer Support Community Greater Miami and its affiliates is a life affirming endeavor; one that helps patients to see their experience with cancer the same way British journalist and broadcaster, John Diamond, did when he said, “Cancer is a word, not a sentence.”

We, and the Blue Star Family, are proud to be partnering with Cancer Support Community Greater Miami and are excited to share with you that our camp has donated a campership for a session of “summer magic” which was included in their annual Golf & Tennis Tournament silent auction.

We encourage you to join with the many Blue Star families who already believe in the value of this worthy organization. Please know that your support will fund FREE cancer programs and services. CSCGM has been providing these programs locally for more than 12 years – having helped more than 23,000 people – all in conjunction with the leading oncology professionals in South Florida. Anything you can do to support this endeavor is so appreciated and will go a long way to assist the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami continue their valuable work.

To read about the award being given to Rodger and Candy, click the link below…
http://cancersupportcommunitymiami.org/heart&star.htm

To do a tribute message recognizing Rodger and Candy, click the link below….http://cancersupportcommunitymiami.org/heart&star_entry.htm

Find Magic * Do Good * Live Humbly

Posted on by Lauren Popkin

Announcing our Summer Theme…

Carved into the Elmore Solomon Chapel is one of “Uncle Herman’s” favorite Biblical proverbs from the Prophet Micah.
“What does the Lord Require of Thee? Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with God.”

As we honor our past and look to the future, we have adapted that expression to guide our campers’ summer experience at Blue Star in 2013…

FIND MAGIC * DO GOOD * LIVE HUMBLY

Magic has always been at the core of the Blue Star experience. Something beyond explanation happens when campers connect with one another, our beautiful natural setting and their own spirituality. For every person at camp this summer the “spirit” that we call Blue Star magic will be discovered and expressed in unique ways.

Doing good provides an active balance to the part of camp that is all about pure fun. We encourage all of our campers and staff to look at their planet with new and understanding eyes. We challenge our campers to develop into what Uncle Herman called “good people” that are committed to making the world a better place.

Living humbly requires us to see the big picture, how we fit into the whole. As our belief in ourselves and our abilities is affirmed by forming new friendships and developing new skills, we must be mindful of how we use that power. Finding that balance between feeling good about ourselves and helping others to do the same is an important part of the shared camp experience. Living humbly also gives us a venue for which to feel and experience gratitude. Every day spent at Blue Star should be appreciated to the fullest!

These three messages come together to represent a more complete ideal but all together, really speak to what Blue Star strives to be about each and every summer. We can’t wait to welcome our campers and staff to Find the Magic, Do Good and Live Humbly together in 2013!