Philadelphia photographer Rachel Wisniewski has released a new book titled L’dor Vador, which documents the formative experiences of girls at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah in the Poconos. Over three summers, Wisniewski followed 13 girls between the ages of 10 and 13 to capture their time at the 102-year-old Jewish summer camp. The project offers a look at a world defined by swimming, bunk life, and close-knit friendships, largely free from the presence of adults or boys.
For Wisniewski, this project was a way to return to an environment she had a difficult relationship with as a child. After struggling with separation anxiety during her own brief experience at a similar camp, she felt a personal pull to document how these girls navigate independence and community. The book captures a specific kind of childhood freedom, far removed from the pressures of digital life and social media.
One of the most notable aspects of the camp environment at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah is the total absence of cellphones. The absence of digital devices allows the campers to fully immerse themselves in their daily activities and personal connections. This focus on the present moment stands in contrast to the heavily curated nature of online life. In the book, campers share letters home, demonstrating a form of communication that prioritizes slow, tangible connection over instant digital feedback.
Wisniewski took her role as a documentarian further by inviting the girls to participate in the process. She provided them with art supplies and prints of her photographs to create their own collages, which appear alongside her images. This approach allowed the girls to tell their own stories and frame their experiences as they saw fit. By letting the subjects contribute to the final product, the project provides an honest look at life in a space where young people can explore their identity outside the view of their parents or the wider world.