April always feels like a deep breath. At JCC Brooklyn, I see firsthand how much our families and children give of themselves throughout the year: early mornings, full schedules, constant movement. And as a mom of three kids (all proud JCC Brooklyn Summer Day Camp campers), I feel that same rhythm at home. By the time spring break arrives, we’re all ready for a pause. Like, an “I can’t find any clean socks” pause.
This moment in the calendar isn’t just about taking a break, it’s about resetting. It’s about noticing the light lasting a little longer each evening, the energy shifting, and the opportunity to slow down just enough to reflect on how far our kids have come this year. It’s aboput finding, or washing the socks! I find myself watching my children a little more closely during this time. I notice how they’ve grown, what they’re curious about now, who they’re becoming. And, of course, in our house, spring break also means one big thing: summer is coming.
The conversations start casually, “Which counselor do you think I’ll have?” “Will I try something new this year?” but underneath them is something deeper. There’s anticipation, excitement, and a sense of possibility. As both a parent and someone who works closely with our camp community, I know how meaningful those summer experiences are. I also really loved camp as a kid myself, and I was privileged to have that experience. It’s something I am so happy I can give my own kids.
Camp is where our children stretch, take risks, build friendships, and discover new parts of themselves. Lately, I’ve been thinking about exploration in a broader sense, too. With the Artemis II mission preparing to journey around the dark side of the moon, it’s hard not to feel inspired. What a powerful reminder of human curiosity and courage to venture into the unknown, to trust the journey, to keep reaching. In many ways, that’s exactly what our children are doing every day.
Whether it’s trying something new at camp, navigating friendships, or simply growing into themselves, they are on their own incredible journeys. And our role as parents, as educators, as a community is to support them, to encourage their sense of wonder, and to remind them that it’s okay not to have all the answers. This April, I’m trying to be more intentional about letting the light in, both literally and figuratively. Slowing down when I can. Being present in these in-between moments. Holding space for both rest and anticipation. Because summer will be here before we know it. And when it arrives, it won’t just be another season, it will be another chapter in our children’s stories, filled with growth, connection, and discovery. Here’s to embracing this moment, and all the light it brings. Here’s to more clean socks, but messy, fun days ahead.
With Deep Care and Community- in partnership always, your mom on the run;
Anna Castañeda Rojas Keller
Director of Family Engagement and Partnerships