And D, and E, and First days at Camp Daisy doubled as an introduction to the language of the less verbal linguists on our Earth.

And G, and H, and I relate to her nuances, making me feel related and closer, rather than any breed of superior.

And J, and K, and Love is unconditional, effortless, nonverbal.

And M, and N, and Oh So Many Phrases stored away, things some will never get past and understand.

And P, and Q, and Ridiculous children's songs never seemed so meaningful.

And S, and T, and U may not realize your impact, as it may never be shown back to you.

And V, and W, and X! RE-lax is triggered, and back to A and B and C.

Who knows where Y and Z slip off to each time? It's all part of the puzzle of her brain, 

some things are constant, some triggered, some distant and elusive.

I would like to think that her retelling the story of her Alphabet is her way of saying anything 

she could ever want to communicate. The letters are scrambled, and out of order, perhaps missing y and z; 

but they are all there. It's just the matter of solving the puzzle, learning the language, bridging the gap, loving without bounds.

-Haley P.

The wine, spices and candle symbolize marking the difference between the Shabbat and the rest of the week. For us, this ceremony symbolized the difference between when we first gathered as individuals and our coming together as a kehillah kedosha, a holy community. As the students shared their special memories, we all reflected on the powerful transformation which occurred within the past two weeks and all the wonderful recollections we will take home with us.

We shared Mitzvah-gram messages of positive wishes with each other and anonymously praised those whose special qualities touched our lives. Staff members entertained with a rousing version of our NFTY Mitzvah Corps theme song to the music of Katy Perry’s California Girls (see lyrics below).

We topped off the evening with a make your own sundae spread replete with a large assortment of toppings. Our final Laila Tov was punctuated with a poignant version of the uttering the Shema.

Heartfelt thanks to all; Mission Accomplished. Signing out for the MCS 2010

Ellyn, Dean, Daniel and Jessica

MCS Theme Song

I know some teens

Who were looking for adventure

Came to New Orleans

‘Cause there was something under water

Tikun olam

We like to follow the commandments

We get it done

Because we’ve got the right connections

You can repair the world

But nothing comes close to the Gulf Coast

Once you party with us

You’ll be fallin’ in love

Oh, Ooh

NFTY Mitzvah Corps it’s unforgettable

Jewish teens

We’ve got it on lock

NFTY mitzvah Corps it’s undeniable

N O (New Orleans) , N O

NFTY Mitzvah Corps we’re so responsible

Lower 9^th with work gloves on hands

Kingsley House

Those kids are so adorable

N O NO

Tunes in the cars

We’re really blowin’ out the speakers

Hot summer days

Can we go to the Creole Creamery

You can repair the world

But nothing comes close to the Gulf Coast

Once you party with us

You’ll be fallin’ in love

Oh, Ooh

NFTY Mitzvah Corps it’s unforgettable

Jewish teens

We’ve got it on lock

NFTY mitzvah Corps it’s undeniable

N O , N O

NFTY Mitzvah Corps we’re so responsible

Lower 9^th with work gloves on hands

Kingsley House

Those kids are so adorable

N O NO

Jazz in the air

Street musicians down on Bourbon

Friends from everywhere

We’re makin’ memories forever.

You can repair the world

But nothing comes close to the Gulf Coast

Once you party with us

You’ll be fallin’ in love

Oh, Ooh

NFTY Mitzvah Corps it’s unforgettable

Jewish teens

We’ve got it on lock

NFTY mitzvah Corps it’s undeniable

N O , N O

NFTY Mitzvah Corps we’re so responsible

Lower 9^th with work gloves on hands

Kingsley House

Those kids are so adorable

N O NO

We really loved when the band – a saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and two drummers – played Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” because we could all sing along. We also enjoyed how the musicians interacted with the audience – doing call and response, cracking jokes, and helping us clap along – because it created a fun and humorous environment.

We’ve been in the French Quarter before and have seen brass bands play in the street, but seeing a full authentic concert by a superb band showed us the true spirit of New Orleans.

- Chase and Margot