Shabbat Shalom!

Shabbat is just around the corner and the week is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the energy has died! The chanichim woke up this morning to the smell of our traditional Friday morning breakfast: muffins! On Friday after breakfast we still have work (avoda) but it is slightly longer so we can bring in Shabbat with an extra clean camp (machaneh). 

During avoda on Friday’s we mop the dining hall (chadar ochel) floor before Shabbat dinner to give it that extra sparkle. Mopping the floor is always fun because the CITs (Madatz) make fun games with the chanichim while they mop and squeegee the floor together. 

The Madatz also braid the challah during avoda that we eat on Friday nights. This is something that every camper (chanich) looks forward to and the Madatz have so much fun braiding the challah together. 

Something special about Friday afternoon is our picnic pizza lunch!  In order to be called up for pizza first, each age group (shichva) must sing the loudest and have the most spirit (ruach) when we teach songs (shira). At Shabbat shira we teach special songs that we typically sing on Friday nights or Saturday nights. 

We have many Shabbat songs that are unique to Galil as well as Shabbat songs that many chanichim grew up singing with their families. Shabbat shira is a great opportunity for the new chanichim to learn these songs so they can sing along later that night. The shichva that sings the loudest is able to go to the pizza buffet first, so everyone seems to have slightly more energy during shabbat shira. The newest trend is for the chanichim to dress up in crazy costumes to grab the attention of the madrichim choosing who will go to lunch first. 

Shabbat at Galil has an entirely different schedule from a normal day. Saturdays are very relaxing and we take the time to reflect on the past week as well as think about anything we would like to do in the upcoming week. On Shabbat, counselors (madrichim) and madatzim run special interest groups (chugim) which focus on discussions, reflections, and nature. Each chanich is able to choose which interest group (chug) they would like to go to based on what interests to them! 

We are looking forward to the first Shabbat! And just a friendly reminder that because tomorrow is Shabbat there will be no blog post or pictures uploaded, so check back again on Sunday! 

Shabbat shalom!

The fun never stops: Evening Activities!

Every night after dinner we have the evening activity (tochnit erev). Each night is different in the type of activity we have and can either be a tochnit erev with the entire camp (machaneh) or a tochnit erev with just your age group (shichva). When the tochnit erev is for the entire machaneh it usually involves the staff (tzevet) and the CITs (Madatzim) putting on ridiculous costumes and playing characters from the theme of the activity. Although last night’s tochnit erev didn’t involve tzevet dressing up, it was one of the favorite nights of the week for the chanichim... movie night! The entire machaneh gathers in the Moadon once a week for movie night and all of the chanichim race back to their cabins (tzrifim) to gather their sleeping bags, pillows and blankets to make themselves comfortable.  

After tochnit erev it’s bedtime 

Candle lighting ceremony

for the chanichim. Except last night the tzophim had an activity after tochnit erev which we call an “ep-ep” (erev peula after erev peula). An ep-ep happens about once or twice a session and is very exciting for the chanichim because they have an extra activity that is always so much fun after everyone else goes to sleep. The tzophim tzevet planned a “B’nai Mitzvah” party for the tzophim! In the morning all of the tzophim received invitations to their B'nai Mitzvah which also told them to dress for the occasion. Their B'nai Mitzvah included dancing, the limbo, the game Coke and Pepsi, a candle lighting ceremony and of course cake! The candle lighting ceremony was about the tzophim now being part of the older age groups (shkavot), and the responsibilities that entails. The ceremony also talked about the importance of the tzophim coming together as a supportive and encouraging group (kvutza) and the meaning behind kvutza. 

Today we have 3 birthdays! Because we had so many birthdays today, it meant making 3 cakes! But...these were not your typical cakes. At Galil we have a tradition of making a birthday cake on the birthday chanich/a’s head! The kitchen staff (tzevet mitbach) prepared bowls of ingredients needed to make a cake and after lunch today we made 3 birthday cakes on 3 different heads! 

Happy Birthday Jess Sonino (Bogrot), Alex Levy (Bonim) and Dan Magid (Bogrim Madrich)! 

It’s been a great first week and we are all looking forward to Shabbat! 

"We're Habonim Dror, we don't stress competition!"

One of the best things about Galil is that we come together as a camp (Machaneh) for many of our activities. This allows campers (chanichim) of all ages to mingle and form friendships that otherwise may not have happened. 

Everyday in the early afternoon the entire Machaneh gathers together for Sports Time (zman sports). Every summer zman sports faces slight adjustments by our sports specialists to improve the sports program from the previous summer. This summer, our sports program includes sports that stay constant, meaning everyday the same camper (chanich) will go to the same sport, as well as sports that the chanich can chose from each day. Our constant sports are typically the more “team-oriented” sports such as soccer, basketball and ultimate frisbee. 

At these sports the chanichim playing are divided into two teams and play at a fast paced level while still having fun! The other sports that the chanichim can choose from each day are running, kickball, Israeli dancing (rikud), yoga, and GaGa. When any chanich signs up for one of these sports, they are not committed to that sport and are able to chose a new one everyday. Although each sport is different, they all start the same way...with a group stretch and drinking water! 

After zman sport is over, we have time to wash up (rachatza). We shower or wash hands, change clothes and get ready for lunch! Lunch today was really exciting! Instead of having lunch inside the dining hall (chadar ochel) we were greeted by an outdoor buffet lunch, picnic style! There were 4 buffets set up around the chadar ochel.  After everyone had their food the entire Machaneh sat outside on benches, in the tree house, and in the gazebo to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch! 

Today we are also celebrating two birthdays! Happy birthday Peja (Chotrim) and Nora (Merakezet Chinuch)! After dinner tonight the Chotrim will be celebrating Peja’s birthday with a pudding party! 

Check back tomorrow to read about all the fun we are having!

Growing our Community!

Every morning after breakfast (aruchat boker) the campers (chanichim) are split into work groups (anafim) and are assigned various tasks depending on which job (avodah) they signed up for. At Galil we all work together to keep the Machaneh beautiful which helps us to build a small community here. Every work group (anaf) has a mixture of campers (chanichim) from all of the different age groups (schavot). This is a great way for the younger and older chanichim to interact with each other. 

One of the most popular avodot is working in the garden (gan) with our Gan Specialist, Rachael. At this anaf the chanichim are responsible for picking the vegetables that we eat during lunch and dinner at our salad bar. Some of the vegetables that we eat from the gan are lettuce, basil and mint with squash and other vegetables on the way! The chanichim and staff (tzevet) really enjoy eating foods that we actually grow ourselves at Machaneh. Additionally, the chanichim are responsible for weeding the gan and watering the plants every morning. 

Another popular avodah is what we refer to as “Mo-ref-marp-pavillion-kef.” During this avodah the chanichim clean the main public buildings (multi-purpose building (moadon), smaller multi-purpose building (mini-mo), barn (refet), infirmary (mirpa'ah), pavillion) and spaces that we use for various activities. Usually cleaning these buildings involves sweeping and putting away anything that has been left out from the day before. This avodah's name ends with the hebrew word kef (fun) because it’s so much fun!

Today, the Tzophim were very eager to finish avodah because they were able to go on the high ropes course for the first time! Because there are so many Tzophim this summer, they were split into two groups for the high ropes course. Today, the first group headed into the woods and the second group will be going on Thursday. The high ropes course is used only by our older schavot so today was very exciting for the Tzophim since they are now the older half of Machaneh. 

Also, today the Bogrim left for a 2 day hiking/camping trip (tiyul) and will return tomorrow late afternoon with many stories and pictures of what they did! We can’t wait to hear all about it!

More to come tomorrow!

Shickvah lovin'...for the first time!

What was supposed to be a rainy day, turned into a day filled with lots of sunshine! This of course means that the pool was the place to be for our younger age groups (shickvot) which include the Amelim, Chotrim and Sayarim during age group activities (peulot). Our younger campers (chanichim) have instructional swim (schiya limudit) everyday during a part of the time designated for peulot. Since today was the first day of schiya limudit, our lifeguards (matzilim) split each age group (shickvah) into smaller groups to see their swimming abilities. Schiya limudit is a really fun time for the chanichim to learn new swimming skills and practice strokes they already know. 

Chotrim at Instructional Swim (schiyah limudit)

The older chanichim are able to use the pool during free swim (schiya chofshit) in the afternoon. During peulot the older age groups (shickvot) which include the Tzophim, Bonim and Bogrim participate in discussions, team building activities, and games which of course are filled with lots of fun (kef)! 

Today the Sayarim during the first age group activity (Peula Shickvah Aleph) had a scavenger hunt all across camp (Machaneh)! The purpose of the scavenger hunt was to teach all of the chanichim about the various places around Machaneh. Each clue led them to a new place and taught them what we use that place for. 

Sayarim on their scavenger hunt! 

The Bonim during peula shickvah aleph spent their time doing team building activities. They started with a human knot and had to work together to untangle themselves. After they were free they each were given a puzzle piece and they had to work together in order to complete the puzzle. 

Bonim working on their puzzle

Every “normal schedule” day each shickvah will have two age group activities (peulot) planned by their counselors (madrichim) or specialists (mumchim). Each peula is unique, creative and planned in great detail by the staff (tzevet). 

More Galil fun to come tomorrow! 

Opening Day!

Today was the day we’ve all been waiting for, opening day! Machaneh Galil 2012 has officially began and our campers (chanichim) are newly settled into their cabins (tzrifim) and already hitting the soccer field (kikar) with their new friends. As our chanichim said their goodbyes, they excitedly headed towards the dining hall (chadar ochel) for our traditional grilled cheese and tomato soup opening day lunch! 

                                    

And of course we ended the meal the Galil way with loud, enthusiastic and energetic singing (shira) that our last family leaving could hear from the road! After lunches and dinners the entire camp (Machaneh) rises on the benches and cheers for their age group (shickvah), sing songs that have been around for years, and sing new songs that have been written by our chanichim and counselors (madrichim) throughout the summer. 

Bogrot participating in shira after lunch!

During the afternoon the chanichim became more acquainted with their age groups (shickvah) by playing name games and ice breakers led by their counselors (madrichim). These games allowed new chanichim to meet their shickvah and returning chanichim to reconnect with their friends. 

Sayarim playing the infamous "chicken game"

The Sayarim played in Hyde Park on the wooden swing which has claimed the name "chicken game." The purpose of the game is to balance for as long as you can on the moving wooden platform without touching the railings. The game always ends with the chanichim laughing because no one can stay on! 


We are looking forward to Day 2 and to begin our normal day schedule! More to come tomorrow!

Meet Tzevet Galil 2012!

For the past 10 days the staff (tzevet) has been preparing for our campers (chanichim) to arrive! They have been spending their days in training sessions, planning sessions, team building sessions and of course helping to make Galil look beautiful for opening day! As much as tzevet loves spending time together, we are all so excited and ready for the chanichim to arrive tomorrow and to put all of our hard work into action!

Meet Tzevet Galil 2012!

Kvutzat Workshop 62
Left to Right, Top: Andrew Winston (Madrich), Ivan Levingston (Madrich), David Zager (Madrich), Joel Rice (Madrich), Eli Organic Ayres (Madrich), Rachel Sacks (Madricha), Danny Weinman (Tzevet Mitbach), Eliana Yankelev (Madricha), Jacob Fagliano ( Tzevet Mitbach), Dan Weiss (Madrich) Bottom: Doron Shore (Madrich), Javin Weitzman (Tzevet Mitbach)

Kvutzat Workshop 61
Left to Right, Top: Jake Schur (Tzevet Mitbach), Dan Magid (Madrich), Pauline Bogad (Madricha) Bottom: Diana Goodman (Madricha), Jon Shahar (Madrich)

Kvutzat Workshop 60

Left to Right From Top: Howie Stanger (Madrich), Alex Myers (Matzil), Eli Silverman (Madrich), Jodi Crossan (Tzevet Mitbach), Shira Pik-Nathan (Madricha), Talia Gottesman (Melavah), Jordan Cooper (Madricha), Pele Irgang-Laden (Madrich), Danielle Gross (Madricha), Rachael Bowen (Gan Specialist), Shira Scott (Communications Specialist), Jillian Lipman (Madricha), Allie Amado (Madricha), Yuval Yarden (Madricha), Shula Smith (Madricha)

Kvutzat Workshop 59Left to Right: Mikey Silbermann (Merekez Techni), Max Weisman (Madrich), Jonah Adams (Madrich), Nuri Weitzman (Arts and Crafts (Beit Omanut) Specialist), Leora Paradise (Madricha), Elijah Stone (Madatz Madrich), Dan Barkon (Madrich), Ari Feinberg (Madrich)

Kvutzat Workshop 58Left to Right: Gabby Malissa (Madricha), Levi Natkins (Madrich), Karmi Oxman (Rope/Tiyul Specialist),  Anna Yankelev (Madatz Madricha)



Kvutzat Workshop 57Left to Right: Aliyah Zlotkin (Madricha), David "H-Pot" Rosenberg (Madatz Madrich), Kali Silverman (Rosh Machaneh Galil), Nora Chong (Merakezet Chinuch)



Kvutzat Workshop 55Naomi Rosen (Rosh Mitbach), Not Pictured: Josh Waimberg (Mirpa'ah Manager)



Mishlachat (Israeli Staff)Left to Right Top: Reut  (Madricha), Mor (Madricha), Yael (Madricha), Aviel (Madrich) Bottom: Aya (Arts and Crafts (Beit Omanut) Specialist), Oded (Shaliach)

Welcome to the Galil 2012 Blog!

Shalom from Camp Galil!

With 4 days left until the start of Galil 2012, it’s time to kick off the blog for the summer! 

My name is Shira Scott and I will be keeping you updated daily on all of the activities and fun we will be having in Ottsville this summer. My job responsibilities (tafkid) this summer also include taking all of the pictures that will be uploaded on Bunk1 daily as well. This is my ninth summer at Galil and my third summer working on staff (tzevet). I could not be more excited to include you all in the fun we will be having this summer and to make you feel like you are right here with us at Camp Galil.

See you all soon!

Shira

Welcome to Galil 2012!

Dear parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends,

We can’t wait to update you about what we’re up to this summer!  Check back daily to see what our campers are doing.  

We can’t wait to see you on June 24th!
The Galil Team