Ninja Warriors!

 Ninja Warriors. 

Thanks to scorching record-breaking heat in Petaluma, we changed the camp trip from outdoors to an air-conditioned haven - Rebounderz. In addition to rooms of wall to wall trampolines, and colorful play structures, there was one area that seemed to attract the kids like a magnet; the Ninja Warrior Course.

One word can accurately describe the experience: challenge. Every obstacle of the 3 progressive difficulty levels challenge even the most accomplished athletes. Hanging from floating boards, running up a 10' tall warped wall, balance, strength, and endurance are all put to the test.

Now the colorful presentation definitely helps, but the very idea of overcoming, beating and dominating the course, brings out the very best in the young ninja. In fact, it elicits such inner energy that they discover new skills and capabilities that they didn't know they had. And then, they improve on that and conquer the next level, which perhaps was truly out of reach at the beginning of their athletic journey.

The Rebbe, who's passing we commemorate this week on the 3rd of Tammuz, inspired us to think of the world as an elaborate G-d built Ninja Warrior Course. Yes, obstacles are thrown in our way. Yes, it may be easier to walk up the stairs (or take an elevator) then to scale a wall. And yes, at times we feel like we are hanging (and swinging) from a string. And the Course of Life is not always as colorful and visually appealing as it is in Rebounderz. 

Yet this, (the unwavering effort, the endurance, and the commitment) is what builds us up and turns us into champions. It allows us to accomplish ever greater feats, and climb the highest of metaphorical mountains. It motivates us to dig deep and tap into our innermost, previously dormant powers.

In addition, as we navigate the Course of Life, it often comes in shades of black and gray. But as we succeed and overcome each challenge, I imagine a Nintendo-like transformation with the obstacle exploding into a vibrant array of colors.

And as we progress through our personal and communal lives, we release the hidden capsules of positivity, light, and color, changing ourselves, our families and communities into a stunning kaleidoscope of natural beauty.

So take on that challenge, do a Mitzvah to brighten the world, unlock another level, and let your course explode in color.

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Camp Aleph had an amazing first week - enjoy the photos below and get into the camp spirit! ;-)
Plus, read the Camp newsletter over here.