Chanichim (campers) had a busy night last night! The Bonim
(post 8th graders) planned and organized an annual activity called Aliyah Bet,
which simulates immigration to Israel. This year the theme of the tochnit
(activity) was the Ethiopian Aliyah. After many days of learning and grasping
the idea, intent, and result of the Ethiopian Aliyah, they were able to teach
the rest of the chanichim a little bit about it. The Bonim and Bogrim (post 9th
graders) woke up the kids at 11:45pm and told them that they had to put on
closed-toed shoes, a hat, and long pants in preparation for an asepha (meeting)
and long journey to Israel! They encountered “aggressive soldiers”, training
stations, and lots of mud through the hike, but finally got picked up by the
Israelis. Warm brownies and root beer floats awaited them in the Promise Land!
Aliyah Bet is designed to introduce some leadership skills to the Bonim
chanichim. They elected, amongst themselves, a rosh (head) of the event and had
to come to decisions as a kvutsa (group). With each year of growth, the trust
invested into our chanichim increase.
There was a camp-wide sleep-in until 9:30 today so that
everyone could fully recover from last night’s rewarding events! Breakfast
featured our usual yet beloved homemade granola, and delicious fruits including
cantaloupe, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas. After breakfast, chanichim
got back to their Yom Ragil (normal day) schedule. Since 2nd Session is so full
of various special days, the chanichim have grown to really appreciate the few
normal days that they have. Today and tomorrow will be the last ‘normal’ days
of summer 2015- we have some exciting days at the end of this week.
For Pish Alef (age group activity #1), the Amelim (post 3rd
and 4th graders) had instructional swim. The Chotrim (post 5th graders) learned
about different jobs in society and why it is important to value all different
types of occupations. The Sayarim (post 6th graders) talked about methods of
social change. They’ve spent a lot of time brainstorming potential differences
they’d like to see in the world, and today it was time to learn how to
actualize their ideas! The Tzofim (post 7th graders) talked about feedback and
how to give constructive criticism. Their activity included some skits to show
examples of positive and intentional feedback to their kvutsa-mates. The bonim had
an extra relaxing morning to kickstart Yom Bonim (bonim day)!
Their madrichim (counselors) brought breakfast to their
tzrifim (cabins) and they had feedback time to reflect on Aliyah Bet.
Reflection time opens their eyes to the dynamic of their kvutza during big
collaborations as well as prepare them for the bigger activities that they’ll
get to plan next year! Speaking of bigger activities- the Bogrim spent pish
alef finishing up Bocoup planning. Bocoup is when the oldest chanichim
(campers) “kick out” the Madatzim and Tzevet and run camp for a few hours. They
have to plan everything- including; themes, meals, activities, and the mesibah
(party). Stay tuned for another blog update about Bocoup in a few days.
During sports, the chanichim had the option to help out at
the Gan (garden), which, with the help of our gan specialist, Hanna Vaughn, is
expanding! The chanichim grabbed a one of our very own and pesticide-free
veggies as a reward for their hard work!
For lunch we had some delicious chili and freshly baked
bread, which is a machaneh favorite! The rest of the day will include the usual
chugim (interest groups), zman meyuchad (time with specialists), shira
(singing), avodah (work), and aruchat erev (dinner). Tonight, the Madatz are
going on their nofesh (night off), and there is a very special tochnit erev
(night activity). Check back tomorrow for more details on how everything turns
out tonight!
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