Have you met Hila?

We are very happy to introduce the newest member of the Galil Family, Hila Huber!  Hila is our new shlicha and will be working with the Eizor (our year-round programming)! We interviewed Hila to learn a little more about her. If you have the time, click here to check out the video version of this interview!

*Where in Israel are you from?

-Gan Ner, which is a small settlement in the north of Israel on Mount Gilboa. 

*How old are you? 

-I am 23 years old.

*Have you ever traveled to the United States?

-No, this is my first trip!

*Tell us a little bit abut yourself and your family? 

-I was born in Nez Ziona to a Brazilian mom and a 'Zabar' (born in Israel) dad. I have 3 younger sisters and young brother, a dog and a cat. I was both a Chanicha and a Madricha at the youth movement Bnei Hamoshavim in Israel. I did a gap year through Bnei Hamoshavim when I finished high school and before I joined the IDF. I studied History and Arabic in high school and served in the Intelligence Forces in the IDF.

*Why did you want to work for Habonim Dror Camp Galil? 

I loved being a part of a youth movement. I'm still amazed by the incredible people I had the chance to work with. I wanted to continue doing what I love, but in a different environment. I felt that Habonim Dror and Camp Galil seemed like a good combination of the job that I love and the opportunity to experience a new place and movement.

*What would you like to accomplish as this year as our shlicha?
-I want to build strong, personal relationships with the ma'apilim and chanichim, I want to play an active role in the Galil community, as well as the entire Philadelphia Jewish community, and I want to bring Israel "as I see it" to the Galil community. 

*What is your favorite holiday?

-Shavout (שבועות), because we have a HUGE dinner of just dairy food and everyone is wears white and dresses themselves with flowers. 

*What is your favorite kind of music?

-Old Israeli music such as Arik Ainstein, Kaveret, Hava Alberstein.

*Do you have any hobbies? 

-I enjoy taking Cuban Salsa dance classes.

*If you were stuck on an island and could only bring 3 things with you, what would they be? -A Good book, a notebook, and a pencil.

*What's your favorite candy?

-Anything that combines peanut butter and chocolate!

And That's a Wrap!

The dreaded day finally came this morning where we had to say goodbye to 110 amazing chanichim as Camp Galil 2014 came to a close. After a day filled with emotional goodbyes and long awaited reunions, chanichim left camp with memories of a summer they will never forget! We couldn't be happier with how the summer turned out, and we owe it all to the chanichim and their families for making this summer the best it could possibly be. We hope everyone enjoyed their time at Camp Galil and look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year at ken events, events run by counselors at nearby locations all throughout the year! We wish everyone a safe and happy rest of their summer and can't wait to see you all soon!

                              LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN UNTIL SUMMER 2015!!!!!

Last Shabbat of the Summer!

Contrary to last week, the sun was shining brightly today as we enjoyed our last Friday of the summer! After enjoying muffins for breakfast and cleaning the tzrifim, or cabins, until they were spotless, the Madatz picked up where they last left off with Madatz Peula.

This week, for Madatz Peula the Amelim headed to the creek for a pirate day, where they dressed up like pirates and made pirate maps, the Chotrim played games and wrote nice messages to each other and the Sayarim played “silent football” and other games which enforced leadership and understanding.

Chanichim enjoy the last Shabbat of the summer

The Tzophim practiced for their Kaballat Shabbat, the Bonim participated in a bonding activity-turned- pool party and the Bogrim rehearsed their oneg! 

After singing songs, eating pizza and sharing our thoughts and suggestions at Hyde Park, Galil invited one of our neighboring camps, Camp Onas, to join us in the first ever Camp Galil - Camp Onas ultimate Frisbee game! The counselors of Onas came at around 4:00 pm to compete against our tzevet, but before the game could begin, Team Galil needed a bit of a warm up with a madrachim vs. chanichim game. Not surprisingly, the chanichim dominated.

The Amelim boys sang loud and proud at Shabbat Shira

The game between Galil and Onas lasted about an hour and a half, filled with cheering, dancing and some professional-level Frisbee playing. The game was nothing short of a great time, and as for the score? All we can say is it was a Habo-tie!!!

Team Galil and Team Onas join together for a group photo!

Bocoup Paranoia

Today's Blog is written by guest authors Ari Haven and Emily Kastenberg.

The authors give a big shout out to their parents!

Today was Bocoup!!! It was super fun! Bocoup is when the Bogrim (the oldest age group) take over the camp for half of the day. The theme was Bocoup Paranoia, themed after a familiar cheer that we sometimes say after meals. This special day started when the Rosh, Sara called everyone to the moadon. She told us that one of the sheep had gotten out of their pen. The Bogrim challenged Sara, which then led to the chanichim kicking out the madrichim and madatzim. From there, the day consisted of the Bogrim being paranoid about a series of events, including thinking that Sara was plotting against us, that the food was poisined and that the US government was after us. 

After a great lunch, we had a water fight with sponges, water balloons and a slip n' slide which led into a pool party. Then, we had a carnival with stations that were geared towards preparing us to fight against the paranoia. Some of the stations were twister to practice agility, sword fighting with foam swords and target practice. Next, we went to the moadon, for a "plane ride" to escape from the US government. On the plane, we watched episodes of Tom and Jerry and enjoyed some icecream as a snack! After our flight, we went through an obstacle course to get to dinner. 

At dinner, we enjoyed live music and quessuritos (a quessadilla-burrito combination)--- they were delicious! After dinner, paranoia that the world was ending took over, so we all dressed crazy and went to a party and danced like it was the last night of our lives! We ended the night with vanilla and chocolate marble cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries. We wish every day was Bocoup!

Welcome to Dreamland

Hello from Erica of Madatz!

Today was an adventure for all of Machaneh Galil.  We had Revo, a day in which the Madatz took over camp and transported all the campers to Dreamland.  The morning started off fairly normal, until Toby came and spit water at Sara Zebovitz at the end of hitkansut (flag raising) and then ran off.  Sara had everybody follow Toby down to the pool, for crime and punishment.  The madrichim were thrown into the pool, one by one, each for a different humorous reason.  Once all the madrichim had been thoroughly punished we all went to breakfast for a whimsical meal of create your own pizza, with topping like strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and other fruit, but not to forget the chocolate chips, fudge, marshmallows, and whipped cream.

Madrachim get thrown into the pool

After eating breakfast, the day continued on the basketball court, with a costume session, complete with many different articles of clothing to wear and paint to decorate your face and body with.  Since we were in this crazy Dreamland, we all had to look like we were in this crazy dream.  After assimilating into the dream world, we decided to explore with a carnival around Dreamland.  Toby and his friends, Batman, Bob the Builder, and Fungi, were being lead by Sandman.  We went all over Dreamland, finding places to do sword fighting, tight rope walking, soap wrestling, go on a slip and slide, have a dance party, and even get some hydration.  Everyone came back together for a water fight leading to a pool party, where all of Dreamland chilled out.

The Madatz lead camp for the day

Soon after, some of the madrichim broke into Dreamland and Toby led the campers into a chase after them and to the chadar (dining hall) for a lunch of mini sliders and french fries.  At the end of lunch, the mood turned a little darker, as the Posh the Dinosaur scared off Batman and Fungi, and the Sandman showed herself as an evil being and took over the Dreamland.  The campers had some chofesh (free time) until we all went to the moadoan where the Sandman ran in and locked us all inside to watch propaganda (actually Alice in Wonderland).  For a mid movie treat, Toby brought us brownies that had oreos and cookie dough mixed in.  At the end of the movie, we realized we were trapped inside of a nose and got out by having a slime fight on the basketball court.  We threw sponges soaked in green water and mud at each other.

Chanichim enjoy a day of delicious food, mud fights and dressing up!

We got out of the nose and all the campers cycled through different activities to help us defeat Sandman.  The last activity was a real success and after a dinner of grilled cheese mozzarella sticks sandwiches and ice cream sundaes, we escaped Sandman's grip by slipping away on benches that led to a messibah (party) in the moadoan, where we could enjoy the last bit of time we had in Dreamland.  We had won Dreamland for ourselves and showed that no evil Sandman could stop machaneh.  The whole day was a dream come true!

Tisha B'av

Today, we observed Tisha B'av, the day in Judaism where we remember the destruction of the first and second temples. Tzophim, Bonim and Bogrim had the option to fast, where they spent meals in our moadon doing alternate programming.

The day began with a peula where the chanichim discussed the idea of baseless hatred, a theme that became prominent throughout the day. After sharing instances where they have seen or experienced baseless hatred in their own lives, the conversation shifted to the idea of baseless hatred on a more societal level. From there, we brainstormed ideas of how we can stop this hatred in our own lives, and create a world thriving off the concept of baseless love.

After the peula, the chanichim split up to watch a movie––– Amelim, Chotrim and Sayarim watching "Remember the Titans", and the Tzophim, Bonim and Bogrim watching "Pay it Forward". Following the movies, we discussed how the messages from these movies related to the day as a whole. 

Part of the Yitzhak Rabin exhibit

In the afternoon, the chanichim spent half their time at an exhibit set up to honor Yitzhak Rabin, and the other half of their time visiting the creek to partake in mikvot. At the Rabin exhibit, the chanichim learned about the former prime minister of Israel and the history of peace and violence in Israeli society. At the creek, chanichim discussed what a mikva is and then participated in their own, by sharing a way they wanted to better themselves and then submerging themselves in the water.

Chanichim participating in reflective writing

Before dinner, we had zman ruchani, or spiritual time, where chanichim had the option to spend their time doing yoga, writing poetry, or going on meditation walks (just to name a few)! 

The Bogrim Mikva

We ended the night breaking into shchavot to learn about different Jewish heroes who exhibited the values of baseless love. Then, we joined together on the basketball court to share what we'd learned and partake in a ceremony to commemorate the day. 

Pool Parties, Pirates and Peulot

Camp got a whole lot smaller today as the Tzophim and Bonim headed to Tobyhanna State Park for tiyul! During the trip they hiked around a lake, ate lunch on the beach, and ended with a swim. It was a beautiful day for the Tzophim and Bonim!

Even with two shchavot missing, the fun didn't die down at Galil. The Bogrim and the Amelim joined together for a pool party, the Chotrim had pirate day, and the Sayarim learned about the other machanot of Habonim Dror and how to stay involved during the year!

For tochnit erev tonight, we will be introducing Tisha B'av by splitting into shchavot for a peula about the roots and implications of baseless hatred. Tomorrow, we will be leading special programming around Tisha B'av, a day which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The theme of the day revolves around questions of Jewish divisiveness within the community, and the ramifications of in-fighting and hatred between Jewish people. Tomorrow the chanichim will explore both these dilemmas, as well as create meaningful alternatives to empower cohesive Jewish communities.

A Not-So-Regular Regular Day

After an exciting Saturday filled with singing, relaxing and ice cream, it was time to return to our normal schedule today. During peula shichvah, the amelim practiced trust and communication by visiting our low ropes course, the chotrim discussed the necessary components of respect, and the sayarim visited the gan, or garden, where they talked about locally grown and organic food.

The tzophim took a walk along the creek ending in s’mores. The bonim played human paint twister and the bogrim participated in a bonding activity where they wrote letters to each other and their whole kvutza.

The madatz, recently returned from Camp Na'aleh in New York, had a yom kvutza and followed their own schedule for the day! Their day consisted of time to work on their madatz project, team building activities, and talking about plans after high school by meeting with a panel of older madrichim, who each took different paths after high school including Habonim Dror’s workshop program, going straight to college, or participating in other gap year programs.

Tonight, for tochnit erev is wish night, where madrichim “grant chanichim’s wishes.” At the start of the session, chanichim wrote down three of their greatest wishes, and tonight madrichim will go through whatever means possible to make one of those wishes come true, even if it gives the wish a twist. For a chanich who requested a time machine, the madrichim gave him a machine that releases thyme. Some of the wishes this year included being rosh for a day, going on a date with Ringo Starr, and taking a bubble bath! We can’t wait to see how they make these wishes come true.

Shabbat Fun in Any Weather

It may have rained, but that didn't stop us from starting Shabbat off right at Camp Galil! Since the Madatz are at Camp Na'aleh for mifgash, a time when the Madatz from 3 of our sister camps gather together for a weekend of programming, the time usually allotted for "Madatz Peula" became open time for tzevet to plan fun and meaningful activities for the chanichim.

After making some challah with the Chotrim, the Nitzanim joined the Bogrim in making and decorating their own "shab-bags", which they filled with challah covers, kiddish cups and candles.

Bogrim and Nitzanim join forces to prepare for Shabbat

The Amelim continued to practice for their Kaballat Shabbat tonight where they will be singing the Hebrew song, "At Ahla", dancing a traditional Israeli dance and singing the English song "All I Want Is You" by Barry Louis Polisar. The Chotrim explored their Judaism and the Sayarim practiced divergent thinking through games like Scattegories and Charades. One of the chanichim in Tzophim ran a peula for his kvutza about gender roles and the Bonim discussed the topic of Zionism by relating dreams they have for their futures with Theodor Hertzl's dream of a land for the Jewish people.

Amelim preparing for Kabbalat Shabbat

The Sayarim had a fun morning of games sparking creativity

Due to the weather, Shabbat Shira had to be relocated indoors, but luckily for us, we got to see a rainbow before the downpour began when the Bogrim arrived dressed in all colors of the rainbow! Even though we had to move our activities inside, we still got to eat pizza and participate in Hyde Park–– Friday traditions here at Galil!

The Bogrim rainbow

The sport of the week this week was gaga and tonight our oneg will be performed by the Bonim!

"Galilstock" 2014

Camp Galil transformed into "Galilstock" today for a special evening filled with live music, delicious food and loads of fun! After lunch, the chanichim gathered in front of the mini-mo for a live performance from our very own tzevet band. Together we danced, sang along to familiar tunes and enjoyed each others company.

Our tzevet band rocks out at Galilstock 2014

We enjoyed perfect weather for an outdoor music event

Following the performance, we indulged in some smoothies and popcorn for kibbud! Stations were then set up all over camp where chanichim could relax, get in touch with their artistic sides or play some music. Some of the stations included hula hooping, face painting, tye dying shirts, making bracelets and a slip and slide. Chanichim also had the chance to play their instruments or sing on the stage for the camp!

Chanichim made shirts with the "Galilstock" logo on them

Some of our older chanichim joined the band!

Dinner was set up "food truck" style, with multiple options including grilled cheese, nachos, kebobs and corn on the cob!

After dinner, the chanichim changed into all white and headed to the pavilion for a dance party. We hit the lights, handed out glow sticks and danced the night away! For those who weren't in the mood to dance, we had stations set up around the dance floor including "anything for candy", a "VIP chill lounge" and an ice cream float station! Midway through the party, things got messy as we covered the chanichim in colored holi powder. Although they were covered head to toe in red, blue and yellow, the chanichim never stopped having a good time! We ended the night joining together in a circle for our night time tradition of singing "rad hayom",  a Hebrew song about the end of the day and welcoming of the night.

Welcome Nitzanim!

         Today we welcomed the nitzanim for "Taste of Galil", a program where 7-8 year olds come to Galil to experience 4 fun-filled days of camp! The theme of this year's program is time travel, so after settling in and touring the camp, they jumped in their time machine and traveled back to the pre-historic era. They explored the creek, made fossils and "discovered fire" with s'mores! Next, they headed to the wild west, where they attended a rodeo, had horse races and played with "farm animals". They ended the night in the middle ages, watching the movie 'How to Train Your Dragon'!

Nitzanim 2014!!!

The kids loved "riding the cow" during their time in the wild west

'Taste of Galil' time machine

In addition to working on their diving and strokes in instructional swim, the amelim practiced for their upcoming kaballat shabbat, the chotrim baked a birthday cake and the sayarim explored their family histories! The tzophim discussed leadership and played a game of soccer, while the bonim visited the ropes course. 

The amelim head to instructional swim

The bogrim enjoyed a "Yom Kvutza", where they followed their own schedule for the day. They engaged in some peulot about approval and demand and the partnerships necessary to build a strong kvutza. They ended the day by dressing up as 87 year olds and having a dance party!

Bogrim were all smiles during "yom kvutza"

Yom Israel!

             Today was Yom Israel, a special day at camp dedicated to anything and everything Israel-related! After being woken up by the sounds of beeping horns, the chanichim headed to breakfast where we indulged in some delicious shakshouka! Following the meal, chanichim split up into shkavot to create different aspects of “the new land of Israel”. The amelim created a national symbol for Israel, the chotrim made a big Israeli flag, the sayarim recreated Israeli currency, the tzophim helped establish a language for Israel, the bonim created an Israeli constitution and the bogrim arranged a national anthem.

The chanichim dressed their best in blue and white attire

After raising the Israeli flag created by the chanichim, we ran carnival-style stations about different themes relating to Israel. Some of these stations included “the shuk life”, where chanichim bargained for candy, and “passport control”, where they made their own passports!

After the carnival, we became a bit more serious as we split up to discuss subjects like Ethiopian Jews, the IDF and asylum seekers and refugees.

For lunch, we set up shuk-like falafel stands and had a relaxing meal in Hyde Park. From there, we set out to learn more about the different cities of Israel through a round-robin. Groups attended 6 stations, highlighting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, the Negev, Tzvat and Kibbutzim.

The falafel lunch was a hit!

For kibbud, or snack, the chanichim enjoyed some fresh rugelach, which was followed by a Maccabi vs. Hapoal soccer game! Regardless of whether the chanichim played in the game or watched and cheered, everyone had a really great time!

Team Hapoal shows their spirit

The game ended in a 3-3 tie!

We ended the day with each shikvah choreographing and performing a dance to an Israeli song!