Good-Bye Tiyul, Hello Tel-Aviv

Shalom parents! We’re back with the blog and today we started off with a damp Sunday morning. Everyone woke up well rested after we concluded Shabbat this weekend and we made our way to the toren (flagpole) to raise our flags and sing songs to kick off the day right. With that out of the way Ivrit Shimushit (Useful Hebrew skit) taught us all the word Balagan  which means ‘mess’. Afterwards the Madatzimot (CITs) from Camp Moshava hopped onto their bus and headed back to Maryland, a very sad sight to see. Breakfast this morning was our usual Sunday bagels, but this time we had a nice surprise of lox.

Surprisingly cheerful Madatzimot as they say good-bye to their Mifgash friends

Avodah(work/job) was not all that exciting for us due to the rain last night, especially for me and the chanichimot(campers) that were doing anaf Brecha(pool duty). Walking down to the pool only to see wet leaves and cloudy skies didn’t necessarily brighten our moods this morning, but nonetheless we cleaned up the pool area as we do every day with a smile on our faces (At least we tried with smiles on our faces). After a quick session of nikayon(cleaning) the chanichimot headed off to pish (age group activities). The Amelimot & Anakimot had their usual instructional swim. The Tzophimot learned about the other machanot(camps) in Habonim Dror and the Bogrimot began planning “Bocoup” which is when the Bogrimot take over machaneh from lunch until bedtime and they run many incredible activities and it is one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

Bogrimot planning Bocoup

The Bonimot left this morning to go on tiyul(hike) and they began by going to Linvilla Farms, where they will pick fruits and vegetables to use in making their dinner for the night. Afterwards they will take a bus down to Delaware and hike through a trail in Brandywine Creek and afterwards they will pitch their tents at the campsite. They will come back to machaneh tomorrow at around lunch time.  Our sports selection for today is Swimming, Gaga, Yoga, and Ultimate Frisbee.

A chaniach playing basketball with his madriach

For lunch today we had a lovely pasta bar with ravioli! Our mitbach(kitchen) crew was kind enough to include a small bowl of pesto to join the array of sauces on the buffet table (Mmm, my favorite). Afterwards, kids will have a short rest break to let the food settle in their stomachs before we kick off activities again with zman meyuchad(specialists time), a time where the specialists of Galil get to showcase some of their tricks and techniques with the chanichimot in different ways. I’ll be running a journalism themed group every day during this time and the kids will be doing different activities surrounding journalism and writing, and perhaps we may see some of their work on the blog in the future!

Chinichot playing gaga

For dinner we had grilled chicken breasts and couscous. Tonight’s Tochnit erev(night activity) was replicating the famous bus station in Tel Aviv and all its incredible and unique people that it attracts daily. There were street vendors and people teaching shesh-besh(backgammon) along with shady looking individuals roaming the area.

That’s all for tonight, we’ll be back at it again tomorrow evening!

                -Guy

First Shabbat of Second Session!

Shabbat Shalom!

Since Guy, our communications specialist, is on chofesh, (day off) I’m here to follow in his footsteps.  My name is Adam and I’m a madatz (CIT) for the Bonimot and I’ll be writing the blog today with the help of last session communication specialist Abby Kastenberg

We woke up this morning to a beautiful day. After raising the flags at Hitkansut Boker (the morning flag raising) we had a delicious breakfast of waffles, fruit, and cereal. Then, everyone worked hard to beautify machaneh (camp) and their tzrifim (cabins) as the first Golden Broom competition winners of Second Session will be announced this evening. Today, the Tzophimot went on the high ropes course, a series of challenges including a Zip Line, a Giant’s Ladder (which chanichimot climb in pairs), as well as the Three Elements: the incline log, the cat walk, and the heebie jeebies (where a chanichol (camper) walks across a wire holding onto ropes of different lengths). In addition, today the Madatz (CITs) from Machaneh Moshava (Camp Moshava, one of Galil’s sister camps) came up all the way from Maryland to visit for the weekend!

Today's Ivrit Shimushit (Useful Hebrew) skit

During Madatz Pish (age group activity led by the CITs), the Amelimot played fun games to get to know each other and their madatz (CITs), the Anakimot got a chance to learn more about their madatz through interactive activities,, the Bonimot participated in The Amazing Galil Race which culminated in a pool party, while the Bogrimot had some Zman Kvutza (group time).  At the end of Madatz Pish, the chanichimot put on some crazy costumes for Shabbat Shira (Friday singing time). On Fridays, the age group that sings the loudest and has the most energy while learning new songs is rewarded by being called to lunch first! Traditionally, Friday lunch is homemade pizza with lots of delicious toppings from veggies to hot sauce, as well as fresh grapes and salad bar. Chanichimot eat outside, picnic-style, in Hyde Park before gathering around the benches to state their feedback about how the week went and suggestions about how to improve machaneh.

A few of the Amelot all dressed up for Shabbat!

After lunch, the chanichimot relax with a block of free time to make crafts in the Beit Omanut (arts and crafts building), compete against madrichimot (counselors) in the Mischak Hashavua (Sport of the Week), and dress up for Shabbat. This week the Mischak Hashavua is Ultimate Frisbee, a crowd favorite! Optional t’filot (prayers) will be held in the gan (garden).

Before the start of Shabbat, the chanichimot (campers) will be split into their Mishpachot (families) with groups of their actual family members and individuals from different age groups at machaneh. In these groups, they’ll reflect on the busy week by discussing the best and worst thing that happened to each person, as well as what they’re most looking forward to in the week ahead. The Mishpachot will also talk about this week’s Torah portion and pose some questions as food for thought. Then, the Mishpachot will each join in for a Procession around machaneh singing songs and ending at the toren (flag pole) where everyone will greet each other for Shabbat before lowering the flag.

Machaneh (camp) watches the Anakimot lead Kabbalat Shabbat

Before dinner, the Anakimot will lead this week’s Kabbalat Shabbat, which includes singing songs in Hebrew and English, and performing a rikud (Israeli dance). Lia, our Rosh Machaneh (Head of Camp) will tell a story before everyone sings prayers to welcome Shabbat while facing the setting sun. Then we’ll head to a dinner of chicken, vegetables, and delicious challah bread baked by the Madatz. After dinner, there will be more shira (singing time) before the week’s silly oneg (skit), which the Bonimot will perform before leading the whole machaneh in rikud.

Since tomorrow there will be no blog post because it's Shabbat, chanichimot can look forward to a leisurely Shabbat including a sleep-in, a sweet surprise for breakfast, and lots of chofesh (free time). After the Madatz run an activity for all of machaneh, the Bogrimot and Madrichimot (counselors) will each run chugim (electives). Lunch will be sandwiches in a picnic held for each shichva (age group) around machaneh (camp). In the evening, there will be a Musicale where chanichimot will sing songs for each other before heading into Havdalah when everyone will sit in a spiral and watch the stars before singing prayers. As a chanicha (camper), this was always my favorite part of the week. Afterwards, everyone will head over to medurah, a bonfire where chanichimot perform silly acts, and then get ice cream before going to bed.

Shabbat Shalom!

-Adam  and Abby

Meet The 2nd Session Tzevet!

                Good morning parents! I would like to introduce myself as the new Communication Specialist for Camp Galil’s 2^nd Session of 2016. My name is Guy Shimoni-Livny and I will be in charge of writing the majority of Camp Galil’s blog posts for these next 3 weeks (There may be a few guest appearances). Along with writing the blog I will be in charge of maintaining our clean and clear pool for the rest of the summer in partnership with my good friend Mitch.

Communication Specialist / Pool Specialist : Guy

                A little more info about myself: I just finished my first year at Montgomery County Community College, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. This is my 2^nd year on tzevet (staff) and this past session I was a madriach (counselor) for the Bogrimot (Oldest kids, going into 10^th grade), which was a lot of fun. One of my favorite times of the day during machaneh (camp) is Chugim (interest groups) and just about every single meal we have here. Enough about me, let’s get on with meeting the rest of tzevet!

Tzevet Amelimot (Left to Right): Taylor, Rafi, Dan M., Becca

Tzevet Anakimot (Left to Right): Adam, Miranda, Eve, Dan W.

Tzophimot Tzevet(Left to Right): Ben, Brianna, Matt, Gabi

Bonimot Tzevet(Left to Right): Amit, Nina, Natalie [Mike not pictured]

Bogrimot Tzevet(Left to Right): Jenna A., Tom, Berman, Shir

Arts and Crafts Specialists: Abby & Jenna S.G.

Chatzran/Grounds Keeper Assistant : Alex

Gan/Garden Specialist: Colan

Rosh Mitbach( Kitchen): Leora

Ropes and Tiyul(Hiking) Specialists: Joel and Erica

We're also pleased to finally introduce our new chefs! Troy and Kareem are in the mitbach(kitchen)  and are two spectacularly skilled individuals. Not only are they our very special chefs, but they also run a vegetarian food truck in Philadelphia!

Troy & Kareem accompanied by Baked Ziti

First Full Day of Second Session!

           Good evening parents! Today we end the first full day of machaneh(Camp) after having an exciting schedule loaded with fun and engaging activities. The day started out just like every other day begins at machaneh, all the chanichimot(campers) woke up at eight o'clock and gathered outside around our toren(flagpole) so that we could begin hitkansut boker(morning flag raising). After the flags were raised and songs were sang, the chanichimot gathered together and sat down to watch one of my personal favorite things of machaneh, and that would be Ivrit Shimushit(useful Hebrew words)! The word of the day on this fine morning was stam meaning 'just kidding'.

A chaniach sitting by the pool

         Once that concluded, everyone walked down the road towards our lovely chadar ochel(dining hall) to dig into scrambled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruits, and cereal for breakfast. Once everyone was finished eating, we divided up into different Avodah (work/chore) groups such as gan (gardening), mitbach/bishul (cooking, chopping vegetables), or medurah (gathering wood for Saturday’s bonfire).

Once that concluded, everyone headed back to their tzrifim(cabin) for nikayon(cleaning) to make sure that their beds and floors were neat and tidy.

Stretching before a run 

          Peula Shikvah(age group activity) started immediately afterwards and each shikvah(age group) went to do their own activity. The Amelimot went to instructional swim lessons for the first half to receive swimming instructions from Mitch, our swim instructor for the day. The Anakimot also did instructional swim, but for the second half of Peula Shikvah. Meanwhile the Tzophimot, Bonimot, and Bogrimot all started off the session with kvutsah(group) bonding activities.

Chanichimot doing instructional swim

      With the end of Peula Shikvah comes sports! After the activities concluded each kid was given the option to join a sport of their choice from a list of including Swimming, Frisbee, Just Dance, Running, and Basketball. The chanichimoti ran around and got their daily dose of exercise for close to an hour while at the same time they drank water so as to not get dehydrated.

Green hands after making 'ooblek'

          For lunch today we had baked ziti, and what a great way to kick off the summer with such a spectacular meal! Our mitbach(kitchen) staff never fails to amaze me with each and every meal that they make for us. Later, the chanichimot will have free swim, kibud (snack), chugim (clubs/special interest groups), and shira (singing time) before dinner.

An extatic chanicha with a bored Rosh

          Dinner tonight was a barbeque cook out underneath the Pavilion and tochnit erev(evening activity) is l’fi shikvah meaning each shikvah will be doing their own activity to conclude the day. That’s all for this evening, stay tuned for tomorrow because it will be the first Shabbat of 2^nd Session!

          -Guy

Opening Day of 2nd Session!

This afternoon our chanichimot (campers) and their parents arrived for another fun session at Machaneh (Camp) Galil. The chanichimot were once again reunited with old friends and also introduced to their new friends-to-be.

A Madatz(C.I.T.) greeting a new chaniach(camper)

As everyone settled into their tzrifim (cabins), all of the chanichimot (campers) started to get to know each other. Soon after the chanichimot were introduced to their tzevet and played a few ice-breaker games to get to know each other better.

chanichim doing ice-breakers

For dinner, the whole of machaneh, including madrichimot (counselors), madatzimot (CITs), and chanichimot, had a plentiful serving of pasta with bolognese sauce, accompanied by a salad which could be made at our famous salad bar. After everyone had their fill of pasta and leafy greens, some of the bonimot(campers entering high school) started one of the machaneh(camp) cheers which prompted everyone else to get on the benches and join them in songs and chants. When we were done singing, Lia, our Rosh Machaneh (head of camp) stood in the front of the room and announced what the afternoon schedule would look like both in Hebrew and English.

Some chanichim (campers) with madatzimot(C.I.T.'s)

After dinner, the chanichimot(campers) were given a bit of chofesh(free time) before they all gathered at the basketball court and sat down to view a lovely array of skits that the madrichimot(counselors) put on for them to show off the many chugim(interest groups & clubs) that they can choose to participate in this session. There was one that involved taking part in spa-like activities whilst learning about our very own Habonim Dror movement. Another one involved using Wikipedia to learn about something random and new every day! And there was also my own chug which will involve having chanichimot take part in a role-playing game that takes part in an alternate universe! After the skit ended, the chanichimot got ready for bed and shortly after, they settled into their beds to get ready for the exciting day ahead of them.

Madrichimot putting on a skit to represent their chug

Stay tuned for tomorrow, which will be the first full day of 2nd Session and will include all of our regularly scheduled activities!

-Guy

End of First Session/Intersession

Good afternoon!

On Sunday, our First Session campers went home. While we were very sad to see them go home, we had a great time on Saturday night ending First Session. After Medurah and Havdallah, we had our Final Messiba. The theme was 'Corn' and the stations included bobbing for apples, hay rides, and a moon bounce (popcorn machine-style)! We had cake and ice cream and we danced the night away! Afterwards, the younger chanichimot went to bed while the older chanichimot stayed up a little while longer.  On Sunday morning, we had breakfast (bagels), cleaned camp and went through the Lost & Found before the parents arrived.

We have a whole bunch of chanichimot who are here through Intersession because they're doing both sessions of camp for a Full Summer. After the First Session campers went home, we had Mac 'n Cheese, some much-needed napping, and a water party! Yesterday, we had a pool party in the morning and then we went to the movie theater in Doylestown to see 'The Secret Life of Pets'! We munched on popcorn and followed the antics of Max and Duke. Afterwards, we had hamburgers and hotdogs back at camp, followed by a massive cake decorating party (Iron Chef-style).

This morning, the chanichimot are participating in Madatz chugim, and later this afternoon, we'll be playing Whiffle Ball. In the meantime, the tzevet are busy polishing up puelot and plans for 2nd Session and preparing for even more fun and exciting things!

We can't wait to welcome 2nd Session campers tomorrow!

Shabbat Shalom from Ottsville!

Shabbat Shalom!

We woke up this morning to a beautiful day. After raising the flags at Hitkansut Boker (the morning flag raising) we had a delicious breakfast of muffins, fruit, and cereal. Then, everyone worked hard to beatify machaneh (camp) and their tzrifim (cabins) as the final Golden Broom competition winners of First Session will be announced this evening.

During Madatz Peula (age group activity led by the CITs), the Amelimot had Galil Food Olympics before reflecting on their summers, the Chotrimot had a pool party, and the Sayarimot wrote each other Warm&Fuzzies (kind notes to open when they return home) before participating in a guided meditation. The Tzophimot went to the creek, the Bonimot made chocolate chip cookies and wrote each other notes about their summers, while the Bogrimot had some Zman Kvutza (group time).

Later, everyone cheered with all of their ruach (spirit) during Shira (singing time) to be called first to the traditional Friday lunch of pizza eaten outdoors in Hyde Park. As usual, there were a variety of toppings including mushrooms, hot sauce, and even basil picked fresh from our very own gan (garden). This week, the chanichimot (campers) had plenty of great feedback during their Hyde Park session, where campers are provided to forum to voice their opinions and suggestions about the week. After all, we did have a majorly fun-filled past couple of days including Revolution, Operation Solomon, and Yom Israel! To top it all off, tomorrow night we will be having a Final Mesibah (Party) for one last memory before all the First Session chanichimot (campers) go home on Sunday.

During chofesh (free time), the Mischak HaShavua (sport of the week) will be baseball! Other chanichimot will go to Schiya Chofshit (free swim), and get themselves ready for the last Shabbat of the session. Then they’ll head to mishpachot (family time) to reflect on their week. For dinner, we’ll be having chicken, vegetables, and matzo ball soup! Tonight, the Mazkirut will be leading Kabbalat Shabbat (the prayers before dinner as well as a performance involving an Israeli dance, a Hebrew song, and an English song). The Tzophimot (campers entering 8th grade) will be performing the Oneg (funny skit about the week) before leading the machaneh (camp) in rikud (Israeli dancing) before the Madatz put chanichimot (campers) to bed.

Tomorrow, the Shabbat schedule will be a little different to provide chanichimot with packing time before they leave. But the important parts, including sweets for breakfast, plenty of chofesh (free time), and Musicale/Medurah (concert and bonfire) will all stay the same!

Since there will be no blog on Shabbat, check back on Sunday to hear all about Shabbat and Final Mesibah!

-Carli