"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! 

Seeking Justice and Reenacting History

As per usual, today was a great day here at Camp Galil! Throughout most of the day we followed a normal schedule, which is rare during second session. The chanichim began their day by splitting into shkavot for separate morning activities.

The amelim did a group bonding activity, where they used paint to make t-shirts and reflect on their summers.

The chotrim participated in a peula about the geography and people of Israel and the sayarim discussed the concept of kupa and took a walk along the creek.

The sayarim walk through the creek

The tzophim had a conversation about kvutza and concluded it by designing their very own tzophim flag!

The bonim talked about the transition from middle school to high school and the importance of identity in such a significant stage of their lives.

Finally, the bogrim split up, with half of them heading to ropes course, and half of them partaking in a discussion about the negative effects of competition and alternatives we can create to reduce these effects.

The bogrim take on the high ropes course

For tochnit erev, or evening activity, the chanichim attended Kangaroo Court. Over the past few days, madrachim have been pranking chanichim, and tonight these chanichim had the chance to bring them to "court" in a mock trial. Madrachim found guilty received punishments ranging anywhere from being duct taped to a chair to having leftovers poured on their heads. At Kangaroo Court tonight, justice was served!

One of our madrichim receives punishment during Kangaroo Court

Just when it seemed the day was over, chanichim were woken up in the middle of the night for aliyah bet, a reenactment of the wave of immigrants coming to Palestine from Eastern Europe, led by the bonim. Chanichim were taken through the woods, stopping at a series of checkpoints along the way. When they finally "arrived in Palestine" they were welcomed with cheers and treats.

Topsy Turvy Bus Takes Galil

       Today we had a visit from the Topsy Turvy Bus--- a Jewish, environmental bus that travels around the country teaching camps about sustainability and environmentally friendly living. The program began with a short play about how the earth came to be and the impact the environment has on our lives. Following the skit, the chanichim were sent to 4 different stations where they learned how fun being environmentally friendly can be! 

At the first station, chanichim got the chance to tour the Topsy Turvy Bus. During their summer tour, the 5 program leaders live on the bus together as they travel across the US to different summer camps. The bus contained everything needed to live comfortably including beds, storage space, and kitchen appliances.

The second station focused on solar power, and through interactive demonstrations, the chanichim learned how important the sun is in providing energy in their everyday lives. They even got a chance to watch cookies bake in a solar oven!

At the third station, the chanichim used their own energy to power a blender, which was attached to a stationary bike. The amelim, chotrim and sayarim made fruit smoothies, while the tzophim, bonim and bogrim made their very own pesto!

At the final station, the chanichim learned how some vehicles, like the Topsy Turvy Bus, turn vegetable oil from restaurants into useable fuel for cars. The chanichim also brainstormed things they could do in their own lives to make the world a better place.

After the program, the chanichim split into shkavot to discuss environmental problems relevant in their lives. They began by watching a segment of Gasland, a documentary about fracking in Pennsylvania, then spent some time talking about the availability of nutritional food in different communities around them and the connection between Judaism and agriculture. The day wrapped up with a discussion considering how all of this relates to us, not only as a camp, but as a movement as well!

To learn more about the Topsy Turvy bus tour, you can visit hazon.org/teva/topsy-turvy-bus! 

Shabbat Shalom!

              Shabbat Shalom from Camp Galil! We follow a special schedule on Fridays so the chanichim are always very excited for this time of the week! After an extended avodah this morning, the madatz ran "Madatz Peula" for the chanichim, where through fun activities they lead discussions about issues and subjects they feel are important. During this week's madatz peula, the amelim learned about kupa, the chotrim played games about individuality, the sayarim put themselves in the shoes of those with disabilities, the tzofim went over the idea of collective responsibility and the bonim examined their own group dynamic. The bogrim headed down to the creek for some cake to celebrate one of their madrichim's birthday!

The chotrim had some fun with face paint during Madatz Peula

The bonim participated in a peula about their shikva's role at camp

After some thought-provoking conversations, the chanichim put on their most spirited attire and headed to "Shabbat Shira", where chanichim learn new songs and compete to see who has the most spirit. The winner of shabbat shira gets pizza first! Following lunch, the chanichim participated in Galil's version of "Hyde Park", where they are given the chance to share suggestions of ways to improve camp, or share things they enjoyed about the week! Following Hyde Park, some chanichim came out to play a game of our "sport of the week", which was basketball!

Chanichim enjoyed the first shabbat shira of second session 

60 trays of pizza were prepared for lunch this week!

To welcome Shabbat tonight, our sayarim will lead kabbalat shabbat, where they will perform an english song, hebrew song and Israeli dance for the machaneh. After dinner, the chotrim will present this week's oneg, which is a humorous skit put on for the camp! The night will end with rikud, where we'll join together for some watermelon and Israeli dancing!

Scenic Views and Mini Golf

             Today began like any other day here at Camp Galil. But just after sports, the chanichim got a change of scenery as we loaded onto busses to Lake Nockamixon for second session kupa trip! At the scenic spot not too far from camp, we spent the afternoon barbecuing, playing in the lake and relaxing in the sun. After enjoying the delicious barbecue prepared for us on grills at the site, some chose to embrace nature with walks along the lake, while others took advantage of the open grassy fields, playing games like ultimate frisbee and soccer with friends.

The bonot enjoy the beautiful lakeside view of Lake Nockamixon

Some chanichim even chose to get their feet wet while exploring the lake! 

But the fun didn't end there! After a morning in the sun, we retreated into the darkness as we headed to play some 'Monster Mini Golf'! At the indoor, glow in the dark mini golf course and arcade, chanichim not only got the chance to show off their mini golf skills but also won some awesome prizes playing arcade games! The chanichim, who all wore white and glowed in the dark themselves, conquered the 18-hole mini golf course with flying colors while dancing to music and earning tickets through contests and games. It was a blast!

The madatz have some glow in the dark fun!

The chanichim loved the arcade which featured games like air hockey,
claw machines and even a "Deal or No Deal" machine

The chotrim take the mini golf course by storm

After a jam packed day of excitement, the chanichim shared a relaxing night back at camp, eating dinner and watching a movie. Tomorrow marks the first shabbat of the session and we can't wait to see what it brings! 

Strong Start to Second Session!

           The official start of second session began this morning as a new series of Ivrit Shimushit, a skit put on every morning to teach the chanichim new hebrew words, was introduced. These skits are put on every morning before breakfast and not only aid in teaching the hebrew language, but also never fail to get the kids laughing!

The madrichim leading Ivrit Shimushit taught the chanichim an original song to the tune of Kesha's "Timber".

After breakfast, chanichim participated in avodah, or "work", where they helped complete jobs around camp like sweeping, gardening and collecting the trash. Avodah not only gives chanichim the chance to help keep Galil a beautiful place, but is also a great opportunity for them to socialize with members of other shkavot while helping to empower a sense of community!

A new session of sports began today as well, with chanichim choosing between a wide variety of sports to play including soccer, basketball, yoga, running, ultimate frisbee and swimming. Judging by the high intensity and impressive athletic performance given by the chanichim, I think it's safe to say we have some future athletes here at Camp Galil!

After some hard work during sports, the chanichim headed to free swim, giving them a chance to cool off and hang out with some friends. We also spent some time perfecting the "jumping into the pool" action shot.

During peulot, or "age group activities", the amelim, chotrim and sayarim attended instructional swim while the tzofim took on ropes course, the bonim learned the history of the second aliyah, the bogrim watched and discussed "The Matrix" and the madatz talked about what the movement meant to them.

Tonight after dinner, the chanichim will participate in a mock veida, where they are able to give and discuss proposals they have for changes they feel would benefit Galil and Habonim Dror!

Welcome Second Sessioners!!

           Today was an exciting day at Machaneh Galil as we welcomed over 50 new chanichim (campers), signaling the start of second session! The chanichim spent the morning prepping for their arrival, and when the first car finally rolled up around 4:00 pm, spirits were high! We welcomed new faces and old, and once everyone was settled in we split into shkavot (age groups) to get to know one another with some fun games and activities! These games and activities, or "icebreakers", are a great way for the chanichim to learn new things about each other, helping to build new relationships, as well as rekindle old ones!

The amelim (ages 9-10), our youngest chanichim played some icebreakers to learn each other's names and get to know each other better!

The chotrim (ages 10-11) learned their way around camp by working together to create a map of Galil!

After introducing themselves, the sayarim (ages 11-12) were all laughs as they played some fun interactive games!







The older shkavot couldn't wait to reconnect with old friends as well as welcome new ones! They spent an exciting afternoon catching up and building new friendships!

The night concluded as the madrachim (counselors) put on skits inviting chanichim to join their chugim (clubs). There was a wide array to choose from, ranging from chugim teaching life skills to chugim recognizing Beyonce!

After such a great day, we couldn't be more excited to see what second session has in store for us!!!

Another Day of Fun!

Day 2 of intersession brought fun and adventure! We began the day with a surprise water fight, followed by a pool party! We sang along, danced, made whirlpools, and did group jumps off the side of the pool. No summer day is complete without a perfect pool party.

After lunch, we continued the tradition of an Intersession movie and went to see How to Train Your Dragon 2. We laughed, teared up, and ate lots of popcorn!

When we returned from the movies, we moved into our new tzrifim! Many of us switched cabins for second session. We helped each other clean and move and can't wait to continue the process tomorrow in order to welcome our new friends for a new session!

First Session Ends and Intersession Begins

Today was the last day of first session. It was sad to see so many amazing people leave! We closed out the summer with an incredible messiba (party) last night and a lively breakfast this morning. This summer was the first summer for many, but for all of us, this session was one to remember. Everyone left with new friends and an excitement for the ken, our year-round activities.

Between the two sessions, we have a relaxing few days at machaneh. Today, we played Capture the Flag, began a euchre tournament, and began the annual intersession mystery game! Each chanich is assigned one person to eliminate from the game. One can eliminate someone from the game by saying a designated phrase, unheard by anyone else. The victor of this mystery game each year is remembered for years to come.

We can't wait to see what intersession tomorrow brings!

Shabbat Shalom to You at Home

Another week has come and gone, and now it is the last shabbat of first session. At Galil we make a point to separate Shabbat from the rest of the week through resting as we take a break from our regular schedule.

Shabbat Shira

On Friday mornings we spend our time getting everything ready for Shabbat. We begin with a muffin breakfast, followed by extended Avodah (work time) and Nikayon Tzrif (cleaning cabin) blocks. The deep cleaning is our way of completely preparing Shabbat, during which we'll take a short break from these activities. Our chanichim experience a ritual connection to cleaning machaneh, when they find holiness in preparing for the day ahead.

Lunch in Hyde Park

After Nikayon Tzrif is Madatz Peula, which is usually a treat for chanichim because of the new and fresh programming that our Madatzim bring. Today the peulot with the Madatz involved closing out the session in a fun, messy way!

The Amelim spent their last peula of first session pouring water on each other through classic games like Duck, Duck, Goose with the special effects that only a hose could add.

The Madatz for the Chotrim decided to make their last peula more reflective. Together they looked back on their summers by having the Madatz say a statement like "I really liked meeting new people this summer," and those who agreed would jump in the pool.

The Sayarim had a peula about facing their fears involving shaving cream. The point of the peula was to help the Sayarim combat the way societal norms shape their perceptions and fears. The peula combined the fun of shaving cream with the seriousness of exploring their personalities together.

Since the Bogrim do not have Madatz, they plan their own peulot on Friday mornings. This Friday they followed suit with the messy theme and had a shaving cream fight on the basketball court.

I went around and asked chanichim from different shchavot what Shabbat at Galil means to them. For the most part I got similar answers about relaxing and hanging out with friends, but one answer really stood out to me. A girl in Bonim had trouble articulating how she felt about Shabbat, but the one word she could vocalize was, "togetherness." Seeing everyone standing in a circle in the Kikar, dressed up and singing shabbat songs is such an essential moment. It is in this moment that the sense of positivity is palpable, as madrichim and chanichim start to envision Camp Galil as their community and truly understand what it means for a group of people to find happiness out of being simply, together.

Amelot during lunch

Making Memories and Molding People

Yesterday was Revo, a day when the Madatzim took over for the day. Following this, tonight is Bo-Zman, a tochnit erev where the Bogrim (with assistance from the Bonim) will "kick out" the madrichim and Madatzim for the evening. 

It may not be apparent but Bo-Zman, Bo-Coup, and Revo exemplify what Camp Galil is all about. Chanichim go to Galil from a relatively young age, and grow up experiencing programming with the idea that one day, they will be a part of the planning themselves.

Brother and sister before a meal

I first came to Galil when I was eight. I saw the older chanichim take over for the day, and in later years become madrichim. I thought they were so old and thought that would never be me. Then my time came, last year. We were 18 Madatzim who planned and ran two Revos. Now I see chanichim who I remember as small children growing up and leading their own special days.

The peulot we do are more than just basic activities and conversations. Peulot are intentionally built to grow strong characters and future leaders. The Sayarim had a peula today about patience, kindness and honesty. The Sayarim drew and wrote about the characteristics of an ideal member of their kvutzah. They then discussed those ideal characteristics, and how they could try to embody them in the future. 

Cousins (madrich and chanich) hanging out during chofesh

The Chotrim had a similar peula where they drew personal timelines from first session. They wrote down big events from their summer, how they felt at the time, and how they have grown. They then came together as a kvutzah and collectively made another timeline detailing important milestones for everyone. The goals of this peula were for the chanichim to reflect and grow, and for the madrichim to see how the Chotrim have evolved in just four short weeks.

This afternoon, I spoke to a boy in Bonim. He told me how excited he is to be on the other side of running programming at machaneh. He had a lot of questions about how it will feel to be in charge. I told him how I have noticed (especially at Galil) that there are chanichim who might not feel capable of being in charge, but when it is time to take responsibility, they really step up to the plate.

Bonot waiting to enter the chdar ohel

The theme for Bo-Zman tonight was "Scooby-Doo Masquerade." It started with the Bogrim dressed as Scooby-Doo characters announcing after dinner that all their kupa is missing, and that the madrichim have taken it! The Bogrim and all of machaneh kicked out tzevet while they investigated. Through their interrogation of suspects (Bogrim disguised as various characters), they discovered that the madrichim had help stealing the kupa and wanted to catch the culprit! They all sneaked into a masquerade ball where they knew the villain was hiding. At the masquerade, there were a variety of stations with challenges to complete in order to help find the perpetrator. These tasks included shaving balloons with popsicle sticks, face painting, mummy wrapping, and throwing sponges at suspicious characters. 

While this night may seem like pure fun, it is also a major milestone for the Bogrim who planned and ran everything, and are on their way to becoming future machdrim with their own chanichim.

Bogrim after planning Bo-Zman