Camp Kaylie, a beloved summer camp located in Wurtsboro, New York, warmly welcomed the State Police Department on Wednesday, July 13, to express the camp’s deep appreciation for the officers’ dedicated service. The camp organized a special lunch event, inviting the police officers to join the campers and staff for a memorable occasion filled with gratitude and camaraderie.

The event began with a heartfelt speech from one of the campers, teenager Moshe Cohen. He told the officers, “Every day you provide important services that help keep us safe. You are appreciated more than you know! Thank you for serving, for doing a job that puts others first, and for being heroes in the community.”

Rabbi Shalom Rosner, Camp Rabbi, utilized the opportunity to share an idea drawing inspiration from our daily t’filah (prayer service). He highlighted a specific prayer that should be said individually and not fulfilled through someone else’s recitation – the prayer of gratitude. Rabbi Rosner explained that expressing personal gratitude is a deeply personal and meaningful act, one that should not be delegated to others. By thanking the officers in person, the camp community aimed to fulfill this principle of expressing thanks directly. It was a really special moment for both the campers and their special guests!