An Absolutely Gorgeous Day at Machaneh!

*Apologies for the delayed posting!

Good evening!

Today was absolutely beautiful with clear blue skies, and a high of 85 degrees. We started the day off with a lovely breakfast of scrambled eggs, fruit, and cereal. After breakfast chanichimot (campers) went to their avodah (work groups) and helped to make machaneh a better functioning place. Also after breakfast, half of the Bogrimot went on the high ropes course for the day (the other half went earlier this session).

Bogrimot doing the Giant's Ladder

Today during Pish Aleph (the first age group activity), the Amelimot had some zman kvutza (time with their age group) before heading down to the pool for instructional swim, the Chotrimot went to the Chadar Ochel (dining hall) and made sandwiches for one another while blindfolded as an exercise in trust and communication, and the Sayarimot had instructional swim, and then used shaving cream to turn themselves into early Zionist thinkers (they made beards). The Tzophimot went to Dreamland (a circle of benches built by Madatz 2014 for their Madatz project) and reflected on the topics we talked about yesterday during Yom Tzedek (Justice Day), the Bonimot had a peula (activity) about Ethiopian Jews in Israel, and began planning Aliyah Bet (a special nighttime activity where chanichimot are woken up and make “aliyah” to Israel that’s planned by the Bonimot), and the Bogrimot (who weren’t on ropes) worked on making decorations for Bozman (a time when the Bogrimot take over camp for the evening activity).

The Sayarimot 

The weather was perfect for sports today, as it wasn’t too hot. After sports, chanichimot (campers) had some time to shower before heading to a fantastic lunch of cous cous, hummus, pita, and sweet potatoes. After lunch, we had some Menucha (rest time) before Pish Bet (the second age group activity). During Pish Bet the Amelimot were in the moadon (clubhouse) doing kvutza (group) bonding activities, the Chotrimot had instructional swim, and the Sayarimot visited the Gan (garden) where they learned about all the plants that we grow, and got to spend some time with the sheep. The Tzophimot had a peula (activity) about gender and talked about the societal ideals for different genders, the Bonimot continued planning for Aliyah Bet (see above for explanation), and the Bogrimot also continued planning Bozman.

Chanichimot goofing off after lunch

During Zman Meyuchad (specialist time) chanichimot (campers) continued working on the projects they’ve been working on throughout the session. Then came Schiya Chofshit (free swim) today was the perfect day for a nice swim followed by Kibud (snack time) which today was apples. After kibud (snack time) we had Chugim (interest groups). Following Chugim everyone gathered in front of the toren (flag pole) for Shira (singing time) before Hitkansut Erev (flag lowering). Dinner was a delicious chicken nuggets, curly fries, and broccoli.

Tonight’s Tochnit Erev (evening activity) is Erev Gender (gender night). Chanichimot (campers) will split up by age groups and talk about different aspects of gender depending on age. The younger chanichimot (campers) discussed gendered spaces around machaneh (camp), while the older chanichimot listened to monologues written by members of tzevet (counselors) and madatz (CITs) about their experiences with gender.

See you tomorrow!

-Abby