Galil's Crazy Underwater Adventure

Last night the pipes were left on and the ocean came flooding into Galil! When the ocean came in it brought with it various sea creatures for whom the chanichim performed tasks in exchange for information. These tasks included making up songs, running races and forming human pyramids. With the help of the chanichim we were able to push the ocean back and restore machaneh. Afterwards we all went to the pool to celebrate this momentous accomplishment.  

The Bogrim with their Am-Bo-buddies holding their breath underwater

Dina and Brooke as sea creatures

In the morning, the Bonim did a peula (group activity) where they watched clips from the movie "Mean Girls" and talked about dynamics around cliques and bullying. They were broken into small discussion groups which made it easier for them to express how they really felt about these issues.

The Bonim during their peula

During Pish Bet (the second group activity of the day) the Tzophim did an activity that focused on the importance of communication between one another. First they had to try and make cocoa balls (cocoa powder, sugar, graham crackers, milk) without speaking. Then they had to make a poster which they all talked about beforehand. The Tzophim then compared the two experiences and discussed the importance of communication when trying to accomplish tasks.

The Tzophim before making coco balls

The Chotrim were all about building trust today. They were all blindfolded, and connected to each other by holding hands while relying on the person in front of them to guide them. In this way, they circled the camp completely dependent on one another. 

The Chotrim being led by their madrichim

The Sayarim before instructional swim

The Bogrim left for tiyul (overnight hiking/camping trip) today and tomorrow they will be back with loads of stories about their trip including kayaking lessons! 

Climbing, Swimming and Empowering

Today was the perfect temperature at 82 degrees, just in time for the younger chanichims' (Sayarim, Chotrim, and Amelim) first instructional swim lesson. During this time they went over pool rules, and discussed what underwater animal they would want to be. Afterwards they played sharks and minnows (pool tag) until it was time for sports. They will be having lessons almost every day as a way of helping them swim confidently on their own. 

Chanichim gathered for Ivrit Shimushit (Hebrew learning skit)

The Madatz were on the high ropes course for the majority of the day. Our high ropes course is only for Tzophim and older, and includes a zip-line, catwalk, and giants' ladder. There is also a less intense low ropes course for younger chanichim. The ropes course works with a system of pulleys supporting the climber with trained specialists spotting from the ground, and a series of safety calls and responses.  

Madatz on the giants' ladder

This week's educational theme is youth empowerment. Today the Sayarim used that concept to decide how they want to be portrayed at machaneh this summer. They began by making up original cheers for their kvutzah, and then collectively made a Sayarim flag. 

 Sayarim designing their shikvah's flag

Sayarim's flag

Today our youngest shikvah, Amelim, and oldest shikvah, Bogrim, were paired together for our annual tradition of Am-Bo-buddies. The buddy in Bogrim has usually been at Galil before and is able to be another source of support for their younger buddy who might not be used to overnight camp yet. Over the course of their time together this summer they will be doing joint activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and the Bogrim will be putting them to bed every Friday night.

 Am-Bo-buddies Elad and Kai  

Tomorrow the Bogrim will be going on tiyul (camping), stay tuned for more information!

Hurray for Opening Day

Galil is now open for another summer of wild adventures, crazy fun, and kibbutz style living! Tzevet (the staff) woke up at 7:30 this morning to move cars, tables, beds, and make sure everything was ready for opening day to run smoothly. Around 9:30 chanechim (campers) started arriving with heavy suitcases and enthusiastic smiles. 

The Rubin-Wish Family moving their kids up

A sense of familiarity swept over the camp as more families drove up Red Hill Road. Many families also brought some fun additions including a play castle for the Bogrim (post 9th graders). We would like to thank all of the families who brought donations today, we can't wait to put them to use.

After lunch all of the shkavot (age groups) played ice-breaker games to get to know their shikvah (age group) better. Even for the shkavot with no new campers, ice-breakers are a light-hearted way to have fun.

Assistant Director Jenn Reiss (left) and Camp Director Sara Zebovitz (right) 

 Amelot trying to spray the photographer with water

Bogrim gathered for ice breakers

Today will end with tzevet performing a variety of skits for the chanechim to determine what chug (club) they want to join for first session. The skits are taken rather seriously because chuggim are often some of the chanechim's favorite part of the day. In past years, chuggim have ranged from teaching life skills, arts and crafts, carving soap stones (older chanechim only), to exploring Doctor Who themes, and many more.

Don't forget to check CampInTouch for daily photos!

Shabbat is Here and Opening Day is Near

The summer preparations are wrapping up and everyone is excited for the first Shabbat at camp. This Shabbat is a special tradition when Camp Galil board members pass the leadership torch to this year’s tzevet. Many of our board members are Galil alumni and together we shared Shabbat dinner and talked about our different experiences in past summers at camp. Some of the camp committee members were able to share camp stories from over forty years ago. 

 (Madatz, Tzevet and Camp Committee Members sit down for Shabbat) 

Yesterday the Madatzim (counselors in training) arrived just in time for Shabbat. This summer the Madatzim will be participating in extensive leadership and community building activities which will help to prepare them for being a member of tzevet next year. Their duties will include working alongside the madrichim (counselors) and their chanichim (campers) building relationships, leadership and experience.

Back: Jenna, Ariel, Matt, Abby, Dan M, Taylor, Brooke, Alex, Eve, Harry, Mike, Dori, Mitch, Guy  

Front: Erica, Danni, Gil, Ari, Blake

(Missing Nina, Ilana, Sarah)

Galil's two favorite sheep, Builder and Dreamer, also made their first appearances of the summer. They probably would have been confused about why the campers aren't here yet, but they were too busy exploring their new playpen. 

Now that all of the Tzevet and the Madatzim are here, we can’t wait for all the campers to arrive and begin yet another unforgettable experience! 

Meet the Tzevet!

It’s been two weeks of preparation and now the Tzevet (staff) is excited and ready to start Camp Galil 2014! For the past two weeks we have been working hard cleaning, building, fixing and planning an amazing summer. With camp starting this Sunday, it's time to meet the people behind the curtain; here is your tzevet Galil 2014!

Workshop 59
Left to right: Sara Z, Dan B, Shuli

Workshop 60
Back: Howie
Middle: Jordan, Shula, Pele, Shaun, Collin
Front: Kari, Diana, Rachael B, Jill

Workshop 61
Nadav

Workshop 62
Left to right: Joel, Lia, Doron, David, Anya, Rachel Y, Brendan, Sophia, Leora, Rachael S, Abbey, Dina, Dan W, Zak, Alaysha

Workshop 63
Back: Toviah, Heather, Rebecca, Aliyah, Noami, Sarah K
Front: Dan S, Eva, Segev, Ari W, Teddy

Workshop 64
Back: Sophie, Marc, Danny C, Gabi, Ari W, Eli K, Natalie, Ashira, Ali, Cliel
Front: Dan Z, Ross
(Missing Eli S, Ben L, Tom)

Shlichim (Israeli Staff)
Left to right: Nadav, Talia, Shira, Or, Noa

We can't wait to see all of our first session campers on Sunday! 

A message from the new Assistant Director:

Hello, my name is Jenn Reiss and I am the new Assistant Director for Camp Galil. I am very excited to join such a wonderful community! I am looking forward to working with all the prospective and current families in order to make their children's summer the best it could possible be. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions and/or concerns you may have. I can't wait to get to know each and every one of you!
Here's a little about me:

Current Location: Yardley, Pennsylvania

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I received my Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Temple University. I completed my internship through Jewish Family and Children's Service in Princeton, NJ focusing on community involvement as an Assistant Case Manager and an Advisor for two teen programs. Throughout my college years I had the wonderful opportunity to substitute teach at Abrams Hebrew Academy, my alma mater.  While in high school I was an active member of NCSY and held the title of Vice President of Communications my senior year. I am very excited to be continuing my efforts in the Jewish community with this position.

Tell us about your family: I grew up in a very large family consisting of 5 children. I am the youngest and also the only girl... It was a very loud and fun house to grow up in! Since my family owns their own businesses, I spent much of my teenage years working in my father's clothing stores. 

Why did you want to become the Assistant Director: From the moment I saw the job posting, I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me. I love working with parents and families and providing people with positive experiences. Also, I have always been an active member of the Jewish community, so what better way to continue my efforts than working within the community. Sending your children to camp is an important decision that many parents struggle with. I want to be able to work with these parents so that they feel very confident and excited about sending their children to Camp Galil. 

What's your favorite...

Book: To Kill a Mockingbird
Holiday: Passover
Music: I am a big fan of the band Passion Pit, but truly enjoy all music.
Food: I love falafel and shawarma.
Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip, YUM!

Fun Fact: As a child, I was a dancer and figure skater.
Are you going to jump off the zip line this summer: Absolutely! I am looking forward to it!
If you could meet anyone alive or dead, who would you choose: Larry David
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: While I've already been there twice, I'd love to make my way back to Israel!

Introducing...Noa Swisa!

This month the Galil community is thrilled to welcome in the newest addition to our professional staff: Noa Swisa!  Noa is Galil's Israeli Emissary (shlicha).  She will spend the next year working for Galil, planning and running our year-round activities and bringing Israeli culture and history to the greater Jewish community.  Get to know Noa below...then send her a message at shaliach@campgalil.org to introduce yourself and welcome her into the Galil family!

Name: Noa Swisa
Hometown: Jerusalem
Current Location: Philadelphia
Have you ever been to the United States before: This is my first time.  I'm so excited to be here!  I really want to go to Disney World and the Grand Canyon.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I have a B.A. in Business Management and International Relations at the Hebrew University.  My focus was foreign policy, including a lot of coursework on the United States.  It's exciting to now be here in the place that I studied for so long!  In the army, I was in an air traffic control unit.  I love to cook and to read.  I spent one year studying in a culinary institute in Israel.  My specialty is grilling and, of course, Middle Eastern food.

Tell us about your family: My parents are the most amazing people on earth.  They're from Morocco.  I have a sister who is two years younger than me.  The last member of my family is my dog, Marley.

Why did you want to become a shlicha: I wanted to be a shlicha because it's an opportunity to meet a lot of people and work directly with the campers.  This is the most important thing for me.  I love Israel very much.  It makes me feel very good to be able to share that with others.

What are you most excited about for living in Philly: The people and to have the chance to really know the city in a way that a tourist can't.

What's your favorite...

Book: Harry Potter.
Holiday: Shavuot because of all the dairy food.
Camp tradition: I love the fact that everyone gathers together in the morning and the evening.  It reminds me of the good old days of the traditional kibbutz.
Music: Classic jazz like Ray Charles and Billie Holliday.
Sports: I love to swim and I root for Maccabi Tel Aviv!
Food: I love the cous cous my mom makes.  She puts in vegetables, meat, and the most important ingredient: love.
Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate, without a doubt.

Fun Fact: I can't whistle.  I don't play any instruments, but I hope to learn guitar at Galil this summer.
Secret Skill: I know Spanish.  One of my good friends is from Argentina so she taught me.
Are you going to jump off the zip line this summer: I have a fear of heights, but I'll do it anyway!

If you could meet anyone alive or dead, who would you choose: Elvis.  

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Argentina.  The food is amazing - lots of chocolate!  Also, it's beautiful there.