Shabbat is Sababa

Shabbat Shalom to friends and family of Camp (machaneh) Galil! The sun was high up in the sky on the morning of this fine Shabbas. At breakfast, we listened to music  and sang joyfully, a great start to the day. During chore (avoda) time, we cleaned up machaneh to perfection in order to welcome Shabbat.

Two Sayarot after avoda.

After avoda, all of the age groups (schavot) spent some time cleaning their cabins (tzrifim) competing to be cleaner than anyone else at machaneh, in order to win the golden broom after Israeli dancing (rikud) finishes tonight. Once all of the tzrifim were cleaned, it was time for age group discussions run by the Madatzim (counselors in training) (Madatz peula). Today, during Madatz peula, the Amelim (post-third and fourth graders) put on silly skits for each other. The Chotrim (post-fifth graders) talked about bullying and how it can be prevented. They also spoke about correct and incorrect ways of speaking to one another. The Sayarim (post-sixth graders) learned about the other six North American Habonim Dror machanot by learning about some defining activities that they do at those machanot. For example, at Miriam, the Canadian Habonim Dror on the west side of the country, there is a limited supply of water because camp is located on an island. In order to have enough water so that everybody at machaneh can shower, they have created a special system for showering called the "Miriam Shuffle." The Miriam Shuffle involves a rotation of campers moving in and out of the showers at a certain pace so that showers are kept short and water use is kept to a minimum. The Tzophim (post-seventh graders) played a series of challenge games in smaller groups.

Amelot during Madatz peula.

The Bonim (post-eighth graders) played a game of Jeopardy in which all of the questions were about their Madatzim, in order for the chanichim to get to know them better. The Bogrim (post-ninth graders) ran a peula for themselves again this week. This time, they split into pairs and spoke about what personality traits they wish that they had more of. They also split into pairs and told their partner about which personality traits of theirs that they liked the most, and then compared the two topics of discussion. After peulot ended, it was time for Shabbat singing (shira). This week at Shabbat shira, the Tzophim sang the loudest and were allowed to go to lunch first, quickly followed by the Chotrim. After lunch, came Hyde Park and then rest-time (menucha). During menucha, there were many activities going on for chanichim to get involved in. For instance, the sport of the week today was basketball, so many staff (tzevet) members and chanichim met on the court to challenge each other. We also offered rikud during menucha, for chanichim who would like to learn more rikud dances as well as chanichim who just love rikud and want to do more of it. Towards the end of menucha, everyone will clean themselves off and dress up for Shabbat. After menucha ends, family time (mishpachot) will begin.

A madrich helps up a Madatz during sports.

Mishpachot offer a great space for everyone at machaneh to relieve any tension that had been building up during the week, as well as speak about what they are looking forward to in the next few days (I am sure that Visiting Day will definitely be on top of that list, since it is on Sunday!). When mishpachot ends, everyone will gather at the flag pole (toren) to hug each other and welcome in Shabbat together. Then, we will watch the Chotrim preform the Israeli dance and songs that they've been preparing over the week. Finally, we will walk down to the dining hall (chadar ochel) for our Shabbat prayers and dinner. After dinner, the Tzophim will preform the play (oneg) that they created in front of machaneh. The night will end in the clubhouse (moadon) where everyone will be doing rikud. Tomorrow will be a relaxing day, and I'll be back to the blog on Sunday, after seeing many of you here at machaneh!