Song Leading With My Dad By Shayna Bilsky

The second I found out Camp was suspended for the summer of 2020, tears started rushing down my face. I was heartbroken. I was going to be a K’farnick, but that got taken away from me by Covid-19. Even though Camp was suspended, the amazing programming did not stop. I got to Zoom with my friends and counselors, open the Shabbat Box with my family, celebrate Shabbat with the camp community over zoom, watch song sessions, and even lead camp song sessions on Facebook with my dad.

Although I could not physically be at Camp, I still felt extremely connected. When I was first given the opportunity to song lead, I was hesitant and nervous, but I took the opportunity – and I am so glad that I did. Playing with my dad is always so special, but it was even more special that I got to teach him, and he got to teach me. For me, the most special part was being able to play songs from Camp with him. When I am a counselor at Camp, I want to be a song leader just like he was.

During our time song leading, we received comments about how special it was to watch a father and daughter – a former song leader and future song leader – playing together for the entire camp community. L’dor V’dor, from generation to generation. Playing guitar with my dad for the camp community made me feel connected even when I couldn’t be at my favorite place.

Overall, I am so grateful for the opportunity to song lead with my dad. It helped me feel connected, involved, and more prepared for the day I get to be a “real” song leader.

– Shayna & Adam Bilsky