Lessons in the Dish Room

Let me set the scene…

It is a beautiful, sunny, and warm February day out at Camp Akiva. 49 teens joined us for our Onward & Upward retreat, and we are all just finishing lunch. That means that some teens are hanging with their counselors at their tables, having fun conversations and getting to know each other better. Some teens are playing Carpetball, and most teens are outside on the patio, playing basketball or gaga ball. But then, you see something unexpected.

Two teens are waiting outside the dish retrieval window, taking others’ plates, scraping off food, putting silverware where it goes, and stacking plates and cups for the Akiva staff. Wait, what? Teenagers willingly helping with… dishes?

Yes, you read that right dear friend. Two energetic teens helping with dishes instead of taking some free time to play outside or with new friends.

The story doesn’t end here though. Soon, an Akiva staffer offered to show these boys how to wash the dishes inside the dish room. That meant running the hose and using the big dishwasher– these boys were thrilled! They worked through all the lunchtime silverware, plates, and cups. They donned aprons and are grinning so wide. They are proud of their work, and we are all proud of their willingness to serve others. Then, they beg to do it again at dinner!

We were all certainly blessed to see this display of selflessness, and we pray these boys never lose their desire to serve others. What a great example they set for all their peers, and all the adults too!