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!
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