By Greg Kellner, Founding Director of 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy and Member of the Camp Council
Thirteen years ago, URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy was just a blueprint fueled by Diet Coke and determination. Returning from the annual Covenant Foundation project directors’ retreat—where I was asked to reflect on my Jewish path—caused me to think deeply about camp as a vital stop on my own journey. Starting from 2012, 2 years before the camp opened, to 2014 and beyond, we built this community from the ground up. As we reach our B’Mitzvah summer, looking back feels like a high-speed time-lapse of innovation, growth, and Jewish joy.
First session 2014 and first Shabbat in the outdoor sanctuary
Choosing just a few memories is nearly impossible, but certain moments define our DNA. I still remember our very first staff song session. Our songleader, Leo, and I carefully curated the playlist, but those iconic “Sun Song” hand motions were actually a collaborative creation between our first campers and our fantastic Assistant Director, Robbie Berg.
Our physical space evolved alongside our social consciousness. Our first dorms were Ramon—named for Israel’s first astronaut—and Rosie. When campers learned “Rosie” was a nickname used to belittle Rosalind Franklin, the scientist who actually discovered the helical shape of DNA, they successfully advocated to rename the dorm, Franklin.
Even our core values were a work in progress. We started with four: Sakranut (Curiosity), Kavod (Respect), Kesher (Connection), and Taglit (Discovery). When Devon introduced a challenging Rube Goldberg project that required extra grit, Rabbi David Levy suggested Savlanut (Patience). Soon, we realized a “6 Points” camp needed a sixth value, deciding the final point is the unique value each individual brings.
Founding staff of URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech, summer 2014
In subsequent years, we truly hit our stride. What began as a modest digital film (DFP) workshop for a single camper, pioneered by Lillian, blossomed into a cornerstone of our curriculum. Simultaneously, Boker Big Bang evolved from a simple morning ritual into an explosive, high-energy tradition synchronizing science and camp spirit.
Michelle Shapiro Abraham’s brilliance earned her the Covenant Award in 2015 for making camp authentically Jewish, and I was later honored with the Pomegranate Prize for innovation. This 13th summer is bittersweet. As we celebrate our milestone and honor our director, Jayme, we also prepare to hold two truths at once, moving from The Governor’s Academy to the Westtown School in Pennsylvania.
Whether you were there in 2014 or joined later, your unique spark made SciTech what it is today. We look forward to more Boker Big Bangs, more camp firsts, and welcoming more sparks into our Kehillah Kedosha as we embark on our fusion and transformation as URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech & Arts Academy in 2027! See you in Byfield!
Our first session of campers and staff, summer 2014