7 Reasons Trees Rule at Surpise Lake Camp

Trees! They are certainly all around us at Surprise Lake Camp and we never take them for granted: Tomorrow we celebrate our trees on the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of trees - which is similar to Arbor Day. Tu B’Shevat, celebrated on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat, honors the time of year when almond trees typically bloom in Israel. Here are 7 reasons trees rule at SLC:

1. Trees are like people: Trees breathe, eat, grow, age, live, and die. And like children. young trees need nourishment and care to grow into strong , healthy trees. At SLC, we think of our campers as saplings and have created a nurturing environment in which they learn essential life skills by being  immersed in nature, developing relationship, and  exploring Jewish values.

2. Trees are fragile: Like people, trees can get sick. Each winter, we give our trees an annual checkup. We remove trees that have reached the end of their lifespan and have become unsafe. We also take down weak branches. This critical maintenance keeps our campers, staff, and structures safe. Pruning also maintains the health of the trees. 

3. Trees provide shelter: Whether it's wood to build structures or leafy branches to provide shade, we could not get by without trees. Trees provide "natural air conditioning" for our bunks that are nestled among them. Trees provide homes for the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds that live with us at camp. 

4. Trees feed us : Trees provide food for humans and wild animals. Think about a world without apple cider, peach pie, nuts, figs, and pomegranates. Chances are that a day doesn't go by that you don't eat something that comes from a tree. Did you know SLC has its own orchard with a variety of fruits trees? You are supposed to eat spices and fruits to celebrate this holiday, so enjoy! 

5.Trees are critical to the environment: Trees absorb carbon dioxide (Co2). They store the single day, one large tree can pull up to 100 gallons of water (about half the volume of a large refrigerator) out of the ground and discharge it into the air. 

6. Trees are part of the SLC ecosystem: SLC campers explore the natural world each summer through our Teva/Nature and Hiking programs and through helping at SLC’s organic farm. As part of our Environment Goals. we teach campers how to recycle or "upcycle" what they might otherwise throw away. They learn about SLC's environmentally friendly practices, and its forest setting, including the animals that make SLC their home.

7. Trees have branches: One strong trunk leads to an endless number of branches which beget more branches and even smaller as one strong commitment in 1902 has branches out into thousands of  multigenerational relationships growing out of SLC bonds. 

Here are some suggestions for celebrating Tu B-Shevat with your kids. Wishing you a happy and fruitful holiday! Chag Sameach!