Hello from Ottsville

Hello from Ottsville!

Today at machaneh (camp), we had a much needed rain, which helped cool everyone down after a particularly hot few days. For me, the day started off bright and early with some chanichimot (campers) coming to the Beit Omanut (Arts and Crafts building) before kima (wake up) was called. At 8:30, everyone gathered at the toren (flagpole) to raise the flags before heading to a wonderful breakfast of bagels, cereal, fruit, and yogurt. After breakfast, the chanichimot headed to their avodot (work groups), and spent some time working together to make machaneh (camp) a nicer space for everyone.

Some chanichimot get hydrated after running.

During Pish Aleph (peula shichva or age group activity) this morning, the Amelimot played a bunch of games in the Moadon in order to get more comfortable with one another, the Chotrimot went to the Beit Omanut (arts and crafts building) to make animal masks, and the Sayarimot went to the refet (barn) to build forts and to talk about kupa (which is the sharing/communal concept that includes books, games and candy).

By sports time the rain had stopped, so everyone went to their sport as normal. Everyone made sure to take water breaks in order to stay hydrated. I walked around during sports in order to take pictures, and it looked like everyone was having a blast. I was fortunate enough to be walking by the soccer field just as a younger chanichol (camper) scored a goal!

Some Tzophim with their madrichol. 

Today for lunch we had one of my all time favorite meals of pierogies and asparagus! As usual, there was also a salad bar for anyone who wanted. After we ate, everyone stood up on tables and sang camp songs. After some well-earned menucha (rest time), the chanichimot (campers) split back up into schavot (age groups) for Pish Bet (age group activities). The Sayarimot continued their conversation from this morning about kupa. The Chotrimot had a team-building scavenger hunt around machaneh that emphasized the importance of working as a group. The Bogrimot did an activity around land acknowledgement (and the history of machane (camp)) and some low-ropes team-building activities. The Bogrimot actually have a very special day planned for tomorrow!

Some Sayarimot show off their mattress fort.

After Pish Bet, it was time for Zman Meyuchad (specialist time). The gan (garden) group worked on making signs for the different herbs and vegetables that are currently growing there, including mint, lettuce, tomatoes, pumpkins, and more! After Zman Meyuchad, it was time for Schiya Chofshit (free swim)! The sun came out and chanichimot flocked to the pool to splash around in the water. Then the entire machaneh (camp) split up into Chugim (clubs and interest groups) like Snow Day, Doc(umentary) and Talk, among others. After Chugim, it was time for Shira (singing time), where the entire camp finished learning the songs we sing for the flag raisings. I asked tzevet mitbach (the kitchen staff) what we’re going to be having for dinner, and they told me that tonight we’re having vegetable stir fry! I am on the va’ad (committee) to plan tonight’s tochnit erev (evening activity), so I’m really excited to get to run it for the chanichimot! The theme is a surprise, but it will be in a carnival structure that will end in a dance party!

See you tomorrow!

-Abby