“His Yeshivah Has No Idea Who He Is”

Q

My son is a consistently good boy who never ruffles feathers, has friends, and does well enough in school. Lately, I feel like unless he’s a standout in either direction —good or bad — his yeshivah has no idea who he is or what his considerable mailehs are. Should I be resigned to this? Or is there something I can do about it?

Rabbi Ari Schonfeld

WHILE CAMP IS A GREAT PLACE FOR KIDS TO SHINE, WE ARE DOING A DISSERVICE TO OUR CHILDREN IF WE DON’T HELP THEM MAXIMIZE THEIR TALENTS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR AS WELL.

AS a menahel who is also a camp director, I have seen this narrative play out up close. Throughout the summer, I will invariably speak to parents about their sons and attempt to describe their incredible talents and mailehs. I am so excited to share what we see in camp. However, the response I get too often is a bittersweet one.

“In camp, my son is so happy when he gets recognized for his artistic abilities, but then the school year starts, and he’s back to going unnoticed.”

“The camp choir has done more for my son’s self-esteem than ten months of struggling through Mishnayos.”