Eloquently Put

Words are cheap. As a result of other people's words I've soared for days and been depressed for months. My words have encouraged, challenged, hurt & wounded. I still haven't overcome the "I was forced to read things I didn't care about in college" and still don't fancy my days around reading books for higher education much besides things specifically addressed to me, magazines in close proximity to where I do "business" and the great Santa Biblia. Yet there are times I just admire the way people are able to express themselves and communicate things in life. Here is one such example which depicts the random and crazy fun that is part of my life by a summer staffer... couldn't have said it better [in a million years] myself.


POLAR BEAR SWIM 2009!!!

Date: Sun, Dec 28 2008 9:12 pm
From: samuel levy


Deep within all of us, there is a longing for adventure. As Camp
Hebron staff, we especially feel a tug on our hearts for the extreme,
the uncertain, and the untamed. What exploits have you recently
encountered? What journeys have you undergone of late? If you are
like me, the swift exit of summer has left you salivating for more—for
something truly thrilling.

In less than a week, my sisters and brothers, we will commune together
one last time. And there will be a chance to quench our thirst—at
least for now. Some of you have taken part before. Some of you have
opted out. Some of you are now facing your first opportunity. Will
you step forward and join? Will you take part in

POLAR BEAR SWIM 2009?!!!!!!!!!!

Those of you who plan to partake, please read ahead in order to
properly prepare yourselves for what you will face. If you, however,
are on the fence, or (gasp!) think you're not going to do this, you
too must read on, good friends. Read on.

It is the renowned Jordan Kauffman who holds responsibility for this
tradition being etched into Camp Hebron history each year. He is a
viable source (remember, he somehow made it onto nearly every scene in
the staff video this summer, despite only volunteering for two weeks),
so take seriously what he has to say:

"The beauty of the Polar Bear Swim is the symbolism of cleansing. The
water is cold, but you feel so alive afterwards. A new year starts
out on a bang. It will be a new year and nothing wakes you up to the
world around you than the Polar Bear Swim."

The nature of this kind of activity merits some precautions. Rest
assured that those precautions have been taken and the Polar Bear Swim
has been approved by the Waterfront Department. Our beloved Wufda and
soon-to-be Spaniard, Amy Skittles, has given this poetic message to us
all as we look ahead to the upcoming event:

"In comparison to the scattered hot and cold spots and the usual slim
layer of slime Floating on top of the lake during the summer time,
The beauty of winter is just as grand
As summer here at Camp Hebron.

The ever favorite King of the Kayaks off the dock lunge
Can't compete with this icy cold polar bear plunge.

Choose wisely dear summer staff of 2008,
Picture yourself running into the glistening lake.
Hopefully there will be golden rays of bright sunshine
To guide you charging into the water participating in this united
experience of the
Polar Bear Swim 2009!!!"

Our Rec Directors are well-versed in the art of adventure. They
studied it all summer, and they will certainly be available after this
glorious but challenging activity for a debriefing session for anyone
who will need to talk it out. But do not let the challenge turn you
away. There is a deeper lesson to be learned here. Listen to the
wise words of Rec Director and current graduate student Christopher
Schulze:

"James 1:2 says, 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face
trials of many kinds.' Although cold, the polar bear swim will melt
away the superficial reliance on comfort, allowing us to go deeper
into our hearts (much like we will go deeper into the pond) and find
our true selves. We must step out of the everyday comforts of life to
truly discover what is at the core of our being."

Now, after all this, do you really need more convincing? If yes, take
it from the "D" in SPD, whose excitement is just as big as the "Beast"
of a vehicle she drives, the one and only Alecia Groff. She's got a
constant I'll-do-anything attitude, and here's why:

"You will not regret this exhilarating fight for life. You will take a
new breath of fresh air like you never experienced before. You will
race out of the pond after you take the plunge, but that is the same
way in which we are to race to what the Lord has for us. Afterward you
get to share in this experience with everyone who participated in the
warm van while thawing. :)"

Our last contributor is a man who has more experience at Camp Hebron
than ANYONE but the Millettes and the Sheelers. Do not let his smooth
and soothing guitar strumming fool you, for this fine fellow is an
honest-to-goodness swashbuckler at heart. Please give it up for Caleb
Jablonski!

"A great man once said, "What lies behind us and what lies before us
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." This Polar Bear
Swim is an occasion that tests our mettle. Now is the time to truly
find out what lies within."

So do you have it in you, Camp Hebron Summer Staff 2008? Are you,
sisters and brothers, ready for the challenge ahead? This Friday
morning, don't take time to think about it, for there's really nothing
to think about. Don't stand around weighing the options, for there is
only one option that stands alone in the face of cop-outs, party
poopers, and the invalids (you'll need to head over to the FAC
Shack). That's right...

POLAR BEAR SWIM 2009!!!!!!!!


...and if you would like the Readers Digest version of this email,
here is an exciting and effective summarization from a man who
accidentally swore while reading a Bible verse to Discipleship
campers! (We don't judge Jason Stauffer; we just laugh—with him, of
course, not at him.)

(dramatic drums in the background)
In a world of heat, one event stands alone as...POLAR!

This winter come experience what the experts are calling:
"...an occasion that tests our mettle."
- Caleb Jablonski
The Camp Hebron Herald lifetime achievement award winner

"...a new breath of fresh air..."
Alecia Groff
VP, The Sam Levy Review

"...superficial reliance on comfort..."
Chris Shulze
Founder, Disc Quarterly

"...responsible..."
Jordan Kauffman
Senior Editor, Pregnancy Magazine

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