A Beautiful Day at Machaneh!

Good evening everyone!

We all woke up this morning to a gorgeous sunny day. We raised the flag and learned today’s Ivrit Shimushit (Useful Hebrew) word of the day, which was ochel (food). After a breakfast of oatmeal, cereal, fruit, and yogurt, everyone headed out to their day. The Bogrim left this morning for tiyul (camping trip) where they’ll be learning to canoe. They’ll come back tonight to sleep over in a small campsite in the woods, but they’ll officially be back to machaneh (camp) activities tomorrow to tell everyone about their awesome trip!

Two Chotrimot during their peula this morning

During Pish Aleph (Peulat Shichva, age group activity) the rest of machaneh went their separate ways. The Amelimot headed to the gazebo before instructional swim, the Chotrimot headed to the chadar to talk about respecting each other through making pudding bowls for their friends, and the Sayarimot headed to instructional swim before playing some games with each other. The Tzophimot had an egg drop in Hyde Park, and the Bonimot headed to the Refet. The Chotrimot will have instructional swim during Pish Bet, while the Tzophimot plan to go on the Borokov Trail, a hiking path that runs through the woods around machaneh (camp).

The Amelimot on their way to instructional swim this afternoon

After zman sports (sports time), everyone washed up in time for a delicious Aruchat Tzohorayim (lunch) of mac and cheese and broccoli. Many campers and counselors, like Abby, have told me it’s their favorite meal at machaneh! During menucha (free time), I hung out with some of the Amelimot who were writing letters home to their parents. Other chanichimot (campers) were having fun playing frisbee on the kikar (field), reading, or making crafts in the Beit Omanut (arts and crafts building).

During Zman Meyuchad (specialists time), everyone kept working their specialists to learn about something new. For example, the Hebrew/Zionism group meets with Hila, our Shlicha (Israeli Emissary) and today they learned some Hebrew words and talked about the differences between Israeli and American society.

 Tzophimot building contraptions for their egg drop

Then, everyone headed off to swim in the pool or relax in their cabins before snack time and chugim (clubs/special interest groups). My chug, Snow Day, played “ice hockey” in the Moadon while the Hydration group made straps to carry around their water bottles!

Everyone was very excited to learn some new songs in Shira before lowering the flag and heading to dinner of chili with homemade cornbread, veggies, and fresh salad bar. It’s sure to be delicious!

Tonight, everyone is going to split by shichva (age group) for Tochnit Erev (evening activity). The Chotrimot are going to make s’mores and the Amelimot and Bogrimot are going to be matched with their AmBo buddies! AmBo buddies are pairings between the oldest and the youngest campers at machaneh, and they often sit with each other at mealtimes, shira (singing time), or hang out during free times.

Before I forget, for last night’s activity, the chanichimot all headed to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) in the Moadon (Club House) where they completed a series of fun tasks like musical chairs to help a madrichol (counselor) earn his “driver’s license” before having a celebratory party.

See you tomorrow!

-Carli