If you visit Camp Miriam on a typical day you might see three 9-year old boys get the day started by leading 140 groggy campers in a raucous mifkad (flag raising) ceremony. First knock-knock jokes, then some exercises, chants by various anafim (work groups), campers called to raise the flags – and then everyone is off to breakfast. The three boys, who were elected to lead mifkad by all the campers on the second day of camp, are smiling and satisfied as they make their way to breakfast. They have just successfully facilitated the first activity of the day at Camp Miriam, and mostly in Hebrew.

That, in a nutshell, is what Camp Miriam is about. Camp Miriam has been empowering youth for more than 70 years.  As one of six Habonim Dror camps in North America, Miriam’s program reflects the values and spirit of the youth movement, focusing on social justice and building an informed Jewish youth community that has a deep connection to Israel and an understanding of its complexities. Since before it was fashionable, we have been championing inclusion and equality through creative educational activities. At Miriam each camper, regardless of their age, is encouraged to take responsibility for the well being of the community and the world around them.

How does that translate into “youth leading youth”? Staff members, including senior staff – all between the ages of 18 and 23 – create an atmosphere where every camper is part of the running of camp, be it through their work group every morning, the all-camper weekly meeting on Shabbat afternoon, leading Shabbat singing, planning the Shabbat Oneg, running a program for the whole camp, or by expressing their thoughts during a discussion in an educational activity. Every camper has the opportunity to vote for the campers who will lead the morning flag raising, as well as for those who will lead the weekly camper meeting and those who will manage the money in the kupa (collective fund).

Running day-to-day camp activities fosters confidence, belonging and leadership skills. Most of all, it leads to the creation of a youth community, where each camper feels heard, validated and respected. That’s the magic of youth leading youth.